Born Wild

New Year new life

The pack was so large now. Every now and then they would all get together. It was usually in Kita's barn. 

During full moons, they wouldn't always stay together in a group. They split up into different groups to run in the forest and would bump into each other. During full moons, wolves desire to be in a group, so none of the couples went off by themselves. They only wanted to split up when going on runs during other nights.

Ben and Oliver would plan hanging out when the pack went into the forest. They either went to the bar or did manly things the others weren't into. 

One night, Kita invited everyone over for a New Year's celebration. The New York countdown and celebration was put on the tv and everyone brought food and drinks.

 Tala looked around at everyone she knew. She thought about all of the changes that took place this year.

She looked at Ben. He turned from a grizzly distant father to a loving husband and father. He was so happy as he kissed Kita's cheek. His actions had caused her to grow independent and brave enough to go out on her own. If he had treated her differently for the years before, she may have never left for Washington. If she hadn't moved here, she wouldn't have met everyone in the room. She might not have reunited with her mother. His change after her leaving helped Tala realize that people are never stuck in their ways. There's always room for growth.

She looked at Kita, so glowing and loving. She took care of everyone around her and she was never short of love. She forgave those who wronged her and showed them kindness. The "death" of her mother had caused Tala to become independent and strong. The reuniting brought wholeness and hope.

She looked at Daisy, with her curly dark hair and glowing skin swinging around to the music. Daisy bubbled and moved around to different people. She sang and made people laugh. Daisy was sweet and kind, even to Heath who had mistreated everyone around him. Even when things were hard and people were hurting, she spread positivity and love. She taught Tala to be kind always.

She looked at Pike, standing quietly with a smile near Ben and Kita. Pike did what he thought was best for Koda. It caused pain but pushed Koda to become dependent and strong. Koda didn't need anyone to take care of him. If Koda were to have stayed at home with Pike, he wouldn't have met Tala the way they did and they wouldn't have lived together.

She looked at Blue. Blue was laughing and putting stickers on Hugo's back while he was talking to Cambria. Blue was brave and tough. She was independent and fought for what she believed. Blue stood up to the other pack to protect the town. She was social and made Tala feel included. She had a golden heart. 

 

She looked at Hugo. Hugo was close to Cambria and smiling charmingly. Hugo grew aggressive when Cambria was attacked, but he quickly reverted back to his laid back self. When Cambria was recovering and dealing with everything he was patient with her and gave her the space she needed. He also made sure to be a good brother to Blue. He made sure she made smart choices and took care of her. Hugo was a good friend to Tala and made her feel at ease.

She looked at Cambria. Cambria was standing there fairly quiet next to Hugo and smiling. She was all put together for the celebration with her hair curled and her nails done. Cambria didn't deal well with becoming a werewolf at first but soon learned to cope and let friends back into her life. She was a key factor in helping Astrid get information from Heath, even though Astrid made sure she was pulled out of the situation. She was strong and reliable. Cambria was always inclusive, welcoming, and warm to Tala. 

She looked at Darcy. She was standing dignified with her smooth black hair. She was the first werewolf Tala met besides Koda. She was once just a mysterious woman of the forest. Darcy, being wise, helped Tala and Koda learn about who they were. She helped them to transform and use herbs. She introduced them to the pack. She became a mentor and friend. Darcy had dealt with a lot of pain in her life, but she used her experience to help Tala and Koda in need, even though they were strangers.

She looked at Oliver, standing tall next to Darcy with his glasses and smooth face. Oliver was always a great husband to Shadow and supportive of the pack. 

She looked at Astrid, kicking her converse in the air as she sat at the counter. She was snickering at Chase for spilling some of his drink on himself. Astrid was always so much fun to talk to. She was witty and snarky but loved her friends. She inspired Tala to be confident and true to herself.

She looked at Chase. He brushed his long hair back with his fingers and making a face to pretend he was so hurt she laughed at him. Then he proceeded to hug her and spread the liquid on his shirt to hers. Chase has simply been in the wrong situation. Sometimes loneliness and desperation can cause people to do the wrong thing. He had transformed innocent humans but was on the right path now. 

She looked at Heath, standing close to Daisy. Tala noticed his black tribal tattoo sticking out from his shirt and his long scar on his arm. He stood fairly quiet with his arms crossed and couldn't help but smile when Daisy tried putting fake flowers in his short dark hair.

 Heath had been through a lot and he took it out on everyone else in the worst ways. The pack used to hate him. It's just odd how things can change so much. Heath had been a jerk to her pack. He left a bite on Tala that could have killed her without treatment. Now he stood as an ally in the same house. Enemies may not always end up being your enemy.

Tala intertwined her arm with Koda's and looked up at his sweet, tan face. Koda was the first person she grew close to in Washington. He took her into his home without hesitation. He fed her and became her friend. They clicked so soon after meeting. They just worked well with each other. She put him through so much. 

She slept walked into the forest, she ran away for a week, and she abandoned him before his first transformation. Yet Koda still cared for her. He still hung around even when life got crazy. They both became werewolves, they were hunted down, Tala was stabbed and bitten, they lived apart for two weeks, and Koda got shot. He was still there by her side. He stood up for her against the hunter, even though she could have herself.

She was content with the fact that she never needed Koda. She thrived on her own. She was a survivor and would be fine without him.

She did, however, absolutely love Koda. She realized being with him that she didn't need anyone, but she still wanted him by her side.

This year they could live freely. They wouldn't be on the run anymore. She could live peacefully with the man she loved. Together they could go on a road trip, roam the forest, go to coffee shops, or simply stay at home. 

The countdown began and as the clock struck 12, Tala reached up to eagerly kiss her love. 

Whatever this year would throw their way, she was ready to face head-on.