Wolf Woes

Chapter 2: Friends (pt 2)

For the second time in a week, Hope woke stark naked, in an unfamiliar area. Unlike the last time however, she had no clue how she got there. The last thing she remembered was going to bed after letting Dr. Saltzman know that Landon was in trouble.

She looked around trying to get a sense of where she was and what time it was. Judging by the position of the sun, it was a little after dawn. She had no idea of where she was though. If the other night was anything to go by, she guessed she was somewhere east of Mystic Falls, but she couldn't be sure of that.

Hope didn't want to risk ending up further away by changing, choosing instead to remain in human form. She found which way was west and began walking that way, hoping that she wouldn't run into anyone along the way.

She had been walking for a while when suddenly out of nowhere her Aunt Freya was standing in front of her, with her hand on her hip, and one eyebrow raised. "I thought we agreed you wouldn't go out for a run?"

"So, did I," Hope snarked. "I don't know how I got here. When I went to sleep last night, I was fully clothed and in my bed. When I woke up this morning, I was butt ass naked in the middle of nowhere."

Freya's hand dropped from her hip, and a worried look cross her features. "Clearly, whatever is happening is progressing fast."

"Ya think?"

"Look. Walk that way," she said point to the right of her. "There's a small dirt road about a mile. Alaric's on his way. He should be there in about half an hour. Do not shift. Keelin and I are on our way too. We're leaving as soon as I'm done here. We should be there around nightfall. We'll figure out what is going on."

"Do you promise," Hope asked, suddenly sounding much younger.

"Yes, Hope. I promise we will figure out what is going on," Freya assured her. "Now go, before he gets there and starts worrying when you're not. He's was already ranting about locking you in the transition spaces because you keep disappearing."

"Knowing him, he'll do it. Those cells have been used more for vampires than werewolves as of "Then let's not give him a reason to lock you up the second you get back to school. Though that might have to be an option if you keep disappearing into the night."

Hope rolled her eyes at her aunt and turned the way Freya had pointed. "Bye Aunt Freya," she said as she walked away. Unfortunately, Alaric was already there when she neared the road. He was standing next to the truck, looking frantically back and forth for her. His phone was already placed up to his ear.

"Close your eyes," she yelled from the cover of the woods. His hand automatically flew to cover his eyes, while the other turn the phone off and slide it into his pocket.

"There's clothing for you in the front seat," he said. Relief was clear in his voice. She dressed quickly, then told him he could look. He did so hesitantly, and then pulled Hope into a big hug. "You have to stop doing this. I don't know if I can handle anymore this week."

"You're not mad at me anymore for disobeying you?"

"Oh no. I'm still furious, and we will be talking punishment later. Right now, I am just relieved that you are safe."

He let Hope go. "Freya said you went to bed a human and woke up a wolf. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. A little annoyed and in desperate need of a shower, but fine," she answered.

"Good, cause you're sleeping in a transition space tonight," He said seriously.

Hope rolled her eyes at him. "I think we'll be okay with Aunt Freya there tonight. She won't let me wonder off in my sleep."