The Healing Heart

Starting over part 2

I wake up in a place unfamiliar to me, but I can smell something familiar, Alex. I can't see so I feel around. "What is going on get this off me!" Alex makes quick work of the wrap around my eyes. The light makes my eyes hurt. Sitting up I put my back to the window. "Where are we?"

"We are at the camp. I told Randy what happened, he will handle Rye." She runs her fingers through my hair. "You do not remember anything do you?

Standing up makes me realize how sore I am. "I want to go home."

Alex looks at me sadly. "Tonight is the change. We need to prepare you and being alone your first time is asking for trouble even if your animal was a rabbit." She says jokingly. Taking my hand she leads me outside. "You have been asleep for about 26 hours give or take. I... I found Rye on you. She is the Alpha's daughter and successor to the clan here, more powerful than myself. I was lucky that a few pups ran to get help."

"What does all of this mean?! Changing?! Alpha? You sound like Sarah's old books on mythology!" My body is trembling, I already know the answers because my body was speaking to me in ways that told me the truth. "Was Sarah?"

"Yes, she was the alpha of the region here, she was sick and did not want you to deal with her death as a were. She believed you would die from the experience and to be honest I would have to agree, considering how you have lived since she has been gone." We end up in a mass hall sitting at a long table with food on our plates.

I spend the day with Alex telling me minor details about the camp, like everyone here has lost a mate. Sarah gave this land to Randy so he could continue his work and he would look after me. I will be given a title once I turn and that is Luna. It is so much to take in, but about 3 hours before the sun goes down I feel so much energy build in my chest. "I feel overwhelmed."

"You always get the jitters before the moon pulls you into your form. Stronger Weres can keep from the moon's grasp and change at will." Alex rubs my back while talking, it is rather soothing. "The first change hurts the most, but in time you will gain a grasp on your animal."

"So you are not all werewolves? " I ask shocked a bit.

"No, no. Everyone harbors a spirit animal like mine is a panther. We have 3 forms, half, full, and human." She looks at her watch. "We need to get outside people will be gathering soon and I'm sure Randy will want to talk with you."

We walk to the middle of the camp where Randy is already waiting. "Good to see you, Dart, I'm sorry it was not under better circumstances."

"Likewise," I reply. "So about your daughter..?" We stand in a bit of a triangle as others start to come around.

Randy looks at me. "You will be her mate." He puts a hand up before I can say anything. " I know it sounds unfair, but the bite bonds you to her as such. Unless you are a rabbit that is just the way it is. She is not a bad woman, a fine mate for the one who has lost an alpha."

He is talking to me with authority that I'm not used to. I feel a rage building up in me and I want to snap, but then I hear Alex. "I can't believe she took you away and I can't do anything about it."

"Two minutes!" One of the campers calls out.

I look up at the sky watching the moon creep up the dark blue canvas. She is beautiful, howls from some carry loudly before I feel my bones pop. At first, it feels good like going to a chiropractor, but then my legs break turning inward and my fingers one by one break. I fall to the ground and I start to twist and cry out. I open my eyes seeing Alex, Randy, and Rye staring down on me. My face feels like shards of bone snapping and growing out of my skin and then it goes numb tingling a moment. After what feels like hours I sit up hearing gasps from some and amusement from others. I'm in half form and can tell that Alex is happily bouncing.