Changed Fate

Chapter Twenty-Four

Thank you Little_Missxx for the picture!

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It was starting to get dark. I was terrified for the moon to shine. I knew that new wolves could be compelled to change by the full moon. I didn't want to lose control, but I knew I would. The full moon was when the wolf was the strongest. I had only been a wolf for a week and a half.

I followed Mikko outside as the sun ducked behind the mountains in the distance. I was in only a robe, at Mikko's request. He said it would be easier to take off the robe than a bunch of clothes. Plus, the soft robe wouldn't irritate my new sensitive skin.

Mikko was already outside, but he was alone. I hadn't expected him to be alone. "Where is everyone else?"

He shrugged. "I don't need a crowd watching over you. I can do that just fine by myself."

I crossed my arms over my chest to try to get a handle on my nerves. "So, where is this happening?"

"A couple miles away, we should get going."

I followed Mikko quietly until we got to where he wanted. "This is a good spot."

"So what happens now?"

"We wait for you to change."

I looked up at the darkening sky for the first time that night. I was terrified. I knew the werewolf reputation for viciousness was earned, but I didn't want to be like that. I couldn't raise children and be a cold hearted killer.

When my eyes found the full moon, I couldn't look away. I could feel the pull, I could feel the power. I turned to face the moon completely.

"You need to fully accept what you are. The change comes with what you are now." Mikko's voice said gently right behind me. "You can't fight it. Let it happen at the pace that feels comfortable to you."

I huffed at the word comfortable. This process would always be anything but comfortable.

The change in my vision told me the wolf was ascending. The tingling started. Mikko stood behind me, untying the belt of the robe. I sunk back into him as the wolf came closer and closer to the surface.

"The wolf is a part of you now," he said gently. "You have to accept each other for this to become something that will work."

I didn't take my eyes off of the moon as I started to feel the change beginning. When my knees buckled, Mikko gently put me on the ground before taking the robe away from me. If I changed with it on, I'd rip it to shreds.

I was hardly aware of Mikko stripping down to begin his change. Mikko wasn't compelled by the moon like I was. I couldn't stay focused this time. I gave in to the change and blacked out when my ribs collapsed down on my lungs.

***

I felt different when I woke up. We were in his room. My vision was still different; the wolf was still ascended. I looked over at the warm body next to me. I was cuddled up against Mikko, using his chest as a pillow. The cold bite of the morning air coming through the open windows didn't matter.