Finding Course

1

Katherine

I never pictured myself taking a one way road trip to the middle of nowhere. Yet, there I was adventuring off on my own into the unknown. I was headed for a fresh start, and had to remind myself of that multiple times. In fact, I'd said it so many times in my head that I began to feel like I was chanting some sort of spell, willing myself to believe my own words. Bettam, Alaska was the epitome of a small town, and each mile closer to it brought me further from the comforts of civilization. As I drove past the never ending pine trees and lush landscape, I immediately stopped trying to compare the area to my previous home. It didn't take long for me to realize I would have some serious adjusting to do after moving from Utah to live with my uncle. The landscape was so different from the suburban city I was used to, and it was far more desolate than home.

I was what was commonly known, at least in the supernatural world, as a shifter. Not nearly as creepy as some of the other creatures that went bump in the night, but still dangerous. Raised in the shifter community, sometimes I found myself disconnected from the real world. Driving towards the middle of nowhere only emphasized and solidified that reality. I was completely and utterly leaving any comfort of the human world, that much was clear. And, although traveling to start a new life in Alaska may sound like some catchy "finding myself" adventure, that was not the case. Moving was not by choice. It was a necessity. Forced to leave my home after a new Alpha had taken over my old pack, I had no other option but to seek shelter with family. Unfortunately, I didn't have much family left. My parents were long gone from a conflict with a neighboring pack over ten years ago. Past aside, I was starting new. My uncle Daniel was from my mothers side, and going to be my new roommate for the time being. As grateful as I was for a place to stay, I was definitely nervous about joining his pack, the Havette pack.

Daniel had already made the necessary arrangements for me to join the Havettes, but I was still anxious about being accepted. Shifters were very territorial by nature, and frequently struggled with accepting new members. Knowing that their Alpha was relatively young and only a few years older than myself, I hoped that would work to my advantage. My uncle informed me that their Alpha, Zane, had taken his father's place just a few years ago. He also explained that the beta was fairly easygoing and welcoming. I didn't know my uncle well enough to tell the difference between sincerity and just telling me what I wanted to hear, but I hoped his words were genuine. Other than that, I didn't know very much about my new home.

Pulling into the driveway of the address Daniel had given me, I winced. The words "rustic cabin" came to mind. Actually, that was an understatement. I saw his old pickup truck sitting in the open driveway, looking like it had seen better days. The flaking paint and rust were evidence of the years of abuse the Alaskan weather had bestowed on it. The house was sided with worn wood and red chipping paint. A small porch was attached to the front of the house, which at least appeared welcoming. The faded white chair situated near the stairs looked like it was frequently occupied. It was homey. Turning off my car, I gathered my black duffel bag and approached the front door. I knocked and waited. At first, nobody came to the door. I began to wonder if he was even home. He knew I was coming, and should have been expecting me, so I quickly squashed that thought. A few minutes passed and I knocked again. Still no answer. "Uncle Daniel?" I called, looking in one of the windows. He had supernatural hearing, just like her, so I started to think he wasn't home. The house appeared vacant, but there was clear evidence that someone lived there. Perhaps he went for a run? Just as I was reaching for my cell phone to call him, I heard shout from around the house.

"Back here," his gravelly voice called. I smiled, recognizing the familiar tone. Uncle Daniel had been a smoker for many years, but supposedly quit. It was pretty easy to tell by the sound of his voice. The occasional lingering smokers cough tended to give it away too.