The Completely and Totally Average Life of Ryder Stark

Panic

A/N: Picture on the side is of Sonya.

I'm in total shock.

I can't breathe.

So many thoughts are running through my head.

I had never heard of a werewolf/human child before. All wolves were to be extremely careful when cahoodling with humans in such manners.

The only thing I can think to do is to ask the pack doctor back home. Surely she would know what to do.

But... I can't possibly raise a child! What about college? Pack life? Misty couldn't live with us. I don't want to leave! I'm starting to regret spending those nights in Misty's bed rather than filling out college applications.

Suddenly, I'm panicking... and then ... nothing.

---

"Ryder? Ryder, sweetie, wake up."

My eyelids feel like they weigh a thousand pounds each.

I finally struggle to open my eyes and light foods in. I groan loudly and slap the hand away that continues to insistently poke me awake.

"Go away. Don't wanna, Mommy."

I heard amused snickers and I shot up, immediately bringing my hand to my woozy, aching head.

I was lying in my bed at home surrounded by my mother, the pack doctor Sonya, and a few of my friends including Abel, Sebastian, and Frankie.

Sonya laid a cold hand on my neck, feeling my heart beat. Although she could hear it with her sensitive wolf hearing, the touch soothed me. It was a part of the power she received when being granted the title of Pack Doctor. The feeling was better than morphine, and soon, a goofy grin stretched upon my face.

"Hello, Mr. Stark. It seems you had quite a scare there."

"Oh, he had a scare? You're telling me," my mother grumbled. She was clearly irritated that I had worried her, but relieved as well that I was breathing fine.

"Oh you don't know the half of it..." I mumbled low enough so no one could hear me.

Sonya checked my vitals, eyes, nose, and mouth before announcing that I was fine, but had just had a bad scare. My mother sighed in relief, but not before smashing her petite frame into my arms. Again, the pack boys snickered.

I remembered at once why I needed Sonya's assistance and remembered the questions I had for her. However, when I opened my mouth to ask if we could talk in private, I was interrupted.

A device on Sonya's hip began insistently beeping. She looked down and her eyebrows shot up. "Mrs. Morrison is going into labor. Whatever you wanted to talk about will have to wait, Ryder. Remember, take it easy. Whatever happened scared your body into panic mode. You're lucky your wolf didn't take over to protect you while you were surrounded by humans! Take care now."

I pulled out my pocket watch. 9:53. Nearly time for the nightly patrol through to assure that our borders were clear and everything was safe before we settled in.

"Sweetheart, you really shouldn't exert more energy than necessary right now."

I shook my head in protest. "I could use the run. I need to clear my mind."

She didn't look happy, but didn't complain either. "We're going to talk about this later." Getting off my bed, my mother planted a kiss on my forehead and wished me goodnight.

I breathed evenly to assure that I didn't have another panic attack. Sebastian, the last wolf in the room, raised his eyebrows at me. "We'll talk about it later. I'm good, man. Let's go."

We stepped outside and approached the edge of the ravine and quickly stripped. After folding our clothes and setting them by a recognizable tree, we shifted.

The feeling was like no other. Exhilarating, frightening, and tucking awesome.

Sebastian nosed my side with his large grey head. I nodded and we began the patrol.

If Misty truly is bringing my child into this world, then I don't know where my life will take me.

All at once my completely and totally average life has been flipped upside down.