Fight With Me

Chapter 29

The first light of morning filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Hope lay on her back, eyes fluttering open, and turned slightly to see Josie curled up beside her. Her sister's face was peaceful in sleep, but faint tears streaked her cheeks and her body remained tense. Memories of last night—the fight with Lizzie, the words exchanged, the storm of emotions—came rushing back.

Hope gently brushed a strand of hair from Josie's face, letting her fingers linger. Josie stirred, sensing the touch, and slowly opened her dark eyes.

"Morning," Hope whispered softly, careful not to startle her.

Josie blinked, gathering herself. "I... I don't know how to face her," she said, voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to right now," Hope replied, reassuringly. "We'll figure it out together. You're not alone."

Josie sighed, eyes dropping to the blanket. "But sometimes it feels like I am. No matter what I do, it's never enough for her."

Hope shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her. "You are enough, Josie. Lizzie's been dealing with her own chaos, but that doesn't excuse her. You deserve better—and we'll make sure you get it."

Josie leaned into her embrace, tension slowly easing. "Thank you, Hope. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You won't have to find out," Hope murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Josie's head. "I'm here for you."

The sound of movement downstairs caught their attention. Hope smiled. "Sounds like Freya and Keelin are up. Let's see what's going on."

Josie hesitated but nodded, and together they got out of bed and made their way downstairs.

⸻

The kitchen smelled of fresh pancakes. Freya flipped another onto a growing stack, while Keelin set the table. Rebekah leaned against the counter, coffee in hand, smiling as she saw them.

"Well, look who finally decided to join us," Rebekah teased lightly. "Thought you two might sleep the whole day away."

"We thought a nice breakfast could help after... everything," Freya said warmly. "And maybe a little distraction. How about a shopping trip later? You girls could use a break."

Josie hesitated, glancing at Hope. "I don't know... I'm not really in the mood."

Hope's eyes twinkled. "Exactly why we should go. Trust me—it'll be fun."

Josie sighed. "Fine. But I'm not buying anything."

The day became a whirlwind of laughter and playful protests as Hope led Josie from store to store, slipping things into her arms despite her objections. Each time Josie tried to argue, Hope would smirk, waving her off.

"Hope, seriously, you don't have to do this," Josie groaned as they left yet another boutique.

"But I want to," Hope replied. "You deserve it. Stop arguing and let me spoil you."

Josie rolled her eyes but couldn't resist a small smile. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," Hope teased, tugging Josie toward the next store.

⸻

Later, after dropping their bags at the compound, they decided to take a walk in the woods. The air was crisp, the sky painted in deep oranges and purples as the sun sank.

"It's peaceful out here," Josie murmured.

Hope nodded, though a knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach. "Yeah. It's one of the few places I can just... breathe."

As they walked, Hope glanced at Josie, still weighed down by what had happened with Lizzie. She wanted to protect her, but there were so many unknowns now.

"Hey... you okay?" Josie asked, noticing Hope's distraction.

"Just thinking," Hope said, forcing a smile. "Don't worry about Lizzie right now. We'll figure it out together."

Then, a familiar energy rippled through Hope, pulling at her instincts. Without warning, her body shifted, bones reshaping until a sleek black wolf stood where she had been. She looked back at Josie, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Josie stared, awe-struck. "Hope... I'll never get over your wolf form."

Before she could say more, Josie felt a surge of energy racing through her veins, like electricity sparking every nerve. She staggered, panic rising.

"Hope... I—"

Her voice cut off as her body convulsed, bones cracking painfully. "What's happening?!" she thought frantically.

Focus, Josie! It's okay! You're shifting! Hope's voice echoed in her mind, urgent and calming.

"I—I've never transformed before!" Josie whimpered, clutching her stomach as agony flared.

You can do this! Just breathe! Hope urged.

Pain coursed through her muscles, overwhelming, but Josie willed herself through it. With a final, agonizing crack, a stunning white wolf stood in her place, eyes wide and bewildered. Confusion flooded her senses.

Josie? Can you hear me? Hope's voice carried through the bond they shared.

"I... I don't know! What if I can't change back?" Josie thought, trembling.

You can! Focus on who you are! You're still you!

Gradually, Josie felt the energy shift again, pain giving way to determination. Her bones reshaped, muscles realigned, and with a rush of relief, she collapsed to the forest floor, human once more.

"That was... intense," she gasped.

Hope immediately returned to her human form, eyes wide with concern. "Are you okay? Did it hurt?"

Josie nodded, catching her breath. "I didn't expect it. I've never transformed before!"

Together, they raced back to the compound, shouting Freya's name as they entered.

Freya's expression softened at the sight of them, concern mixing with curiosity. "What happened?"

"Josie... she shifted," Hope explained, her voice tense.

Freya knelt beside Josie, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know this is overwhelming, but it's part of who you are now. It will take time to learn control."

"How? I didn't even know I could do this!" Josie's voice shook, fear creeping back.

"We'll figure it out," Freya said softly. "You're not alone. We're family, and we'll help you through this."

Hope nodded, her determination unwavering. "We'll learn together, Josie. I promise."

As they sat together, a bond strengthened—a promise to face the unknown, together.