AN: I have revised this chapter, I hope you enjoy it XD

*Knock Knock Knock* "Atticus wake up you will be late for work."

My eyelids spring open as I groan, "Yeah I'm up," Rolling over I grab my phone 7:40 beams out at me, "Ah FUCK."

"Language mister," My mom scolds.

"Sorry, I'm gonna be late." Frantically I look around my scarlet red painted room in search of something to wear. I smile as I find clothes draped on the computer chair in my room, a quick sniff test tells me it's good enough. Once dressed I look in the mirror at myself, I let out a sigh, "Twenty-one years old and I already want to retire... maybe I can win the lottery" I see my blue eyes staring back at me I tilted my head side to side examining my pale face, I take note that I need to shave as I scratch the stubble under my chin, "Screw it I'll shave another day." I mumbled as I styled my short jet black hair. I quickly examine my clothes plain faded blue jeans and red and white splattered long sleeve motorbiking shirt.

"Good enough," I sigh as I pick up my leather jacket, tracing my fingers along the gouged leather on the left sleeve, I stretched out my left arm and left leg feeling them stiffen up from the memories of the bones I broke years ago, I shake my head letting the memory fade.

As I walked downstairs and enter the kitchen my mom turns around from the sink with a cup and a dishcloth in hand, her long golden curls trailing behind, she smiles and raises an eyebrow, "No Shower? How do you expect to get a girlfriend smelling like that?"

"Haha, good one I smell fine." I sneer as I load my backpack with food.

"Hey, I want grandchildren before I'm 40. Your sister already left for work with your dad," She pauses spotting the black enduro helmet in my hand, "You be careful riding that thing, you hear me?"

Strapping my backpack on I lean over and kiss my mom on the cheek, "I hear you, don't worry I will be careful," I knew how much she hated me riding but it was a part of me. We lived about 25 kilometers out of town 15 of which were all dirt roads so I grew up riding dirt bikes, hunting, camping and shooting guns it was a normal childhood.

I was now 21 years old and working for my dad at his feed supply store. opening the door of the shed I see my old 2001 Yamaha 300 four stroke waiting for me, smiling I get on and give it a kick it roars to life and I speed away.

The ride takes about 45 minutes but I don't mind, nothing really compares to the feeling of freedom a bike brings.

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Arriving at work I kill the engine as pull in the clutch letting the bike coast to a parking spot, Taking off my helmet I look at the big red tinned building my dad and grandfather had built together, I smiled feeling prideful as I get off my bike and make my way in. I look around the store as I enter seeing the old rustic style of the store always made me feel at home I spy the clock 8:45 am, "Good afternoon Atticus," My dad's voice booms from the office, I turn my head and see him sitting in an office chair looking at me with his blue eyes, the same sky blue as mine.

"I'm sorry I'm late but hey technically I'm 15 minutes early that's when everyone else starts," I tell him as I put my backpack, jacket, and helmet away.

"Yea but that's not when you start," He sighs, "try using an alarm clock."

The day felt like it was crawling by my younger sister that normally ran the till had to go to soccer, so I got stuck running the front till. I hear the bell above the door ring shaking my head a little I see a strange guy wander in wearing gray sweatpants, a black hoodie covering his head, aviator sunglasses hiding his eyes, brown hiking boots, and what skin I can see was white instantly I get a strange feeling about him, Clearing my throat I ask, "Can I help you."

The stranger looks at me then my name tag, "Atticus is it?" I nod the stranger smiles, "Just looking thanks."

I watch the customer wander around the store, unable to shake the uneasy feeling about the shady character I kept a close eye on him.

Finally, he leaves I feel my body relax as I check the time 5:25 PM, closing time, grin as I began closing up.

Sighing I lock the door and look out at the setting sun, all I see of it is the faintest orange glow. By the time I get to my bike and all geared up, it's already dark. Pulling my helmet on I feel the hair on my neck stand up turning around I see a strange outline of a person in the shadows even with the full moon illuminating the night sky I couldn't make out who it was, suddenly the crow lets out a shriek I turn around nearly having a heart attack, I shake my head before turning around to see that the strange figure was gone, "Fuck this I ain't staying here to get mugged." I kick start my bike and fishtail it out of there.

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I stop my bike on the shoulder of the dirt road about 7 kilometers from home I cut the engine while taking off my helmet hanging it on my handlebars before I go and enjoy a good piss. Once satisfied I turn my attention back to my bike, when I get that feeling of being watched again a shiver runs down my spine as I make eye contact with a massive black wolf as he steps between me and my bike, "Shit," the wolf begins growling at me as it stalks towards me eyes locked on me, slowly I slide my backpack off my shoulders and let it hit the ground, reaching into it I grab my short hunting knife and unsheath it, "Don't make me kill you one hunter to other lets just go our separate ways."

The wolf was about six feet away from me now and still blocking me from getting to my bike, suddenly the growling stopped and my shoulders dropped in relief it was over, that's when the wolf lunged making me stumble backwards over a rock sending my knife flying in the process and hitting my head hard on the ground looking up the wolf was now towering over me looking me right in the eyes I blinked dazed as I stared into his silver eyes for what seemed like hours until I lost consciousness.

I woke up with a massive headache and my right leg was in splitting pain, I slowly sat up but began to sway feeling dizzy, one thing was apparent I wasn't at home, looking around I was in a cave. I fished in my pocket for my phone and turned on the flashlight to get a better look at my leg, my right leg was torn to shreds and bleeding profusely just above the ankle multiple bite marks from a wolves teeth I couldn't move it, 'the wolf must have dragged me here,' shining the light around the cave I finally spotted him in the corner sitting there watching me his silver eyes fixed on me, "Did you drag me here to eat me you sick fuck," I yell at him making my headache worse I cup the side of my head with my hand. Slowly I start trying to get up causing the dark wolf to growl as he rises to his feet. With my eyes still fixed on the wolf, I slump back down. I watch as he stops growling, quickly I start dialing my home phone number... "No service of course not because I'm in the middle of nowhere in a cave with a fucking wolf!" I yell, looking around the cave more I notice my backpack only a foot away confused I grab it and begin looking for something to bind my wound. 'Nothing great.'

I lay down and watch the wolf as he stares back at me this must have lasted for an hour or so at least my headache went away, "If you're not going to eat me, then what? If I stay here I will bleed to death." Slowly the wolf rose to all fours and sauntered over to me this wasn't like the first time he didn't seem hostile towards me. I watched confused as he stared at my leg, slowly he touched it with his wet nose, I wince expecting pain but instead, it tickled, quickly I grab my phone and shined its light at my leg... My leg was all healed my pants and sock were a little ripped as well as blood-soaked but other than that there was no wound, not even a scab, or a scar. I stared at the wolf confused, "What the fuck did you do to me?" I got my answer as I felt my body writhe with pain causing me to spasm slowly it faded, for a moment or two then it happened again my heart began racing I thought it was going to explode as I screamed out in pain this time, slowly it subsides, "Oh fuck I really am going to die you gave me rabies. I'll Fucking kill." I spasm in pain and my words turn into a cry of pain as it kept getting worse and more began to happen more frequently, breathing heavily I attempted to crawl away, this time the spasm doesn't stop and I feel my right arm bend back on its self at the elbow and hear it snap causing me to scream louder slowly my left does the same and I begin to fade once again unconscious...

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When I finally regain consciousness I open my eyes slowly, "You have to be shitting me," I was lying in a small opening in the middle of the woods with the sun beaming down on me, "I am so late for work."

"Work? That's what you're worried about" a strange voice spoke. I turned around to see a man, he looked no older than me, I watched dumbstruck as he casually sauntered towards me, he was more muscular than me but about my height 6'2" ish black hair and white complexion he was wearing shorts, hiking boots, a plain blue muscle shirt, and had my backpack, "Here," he said throwing my backpack at me, "Get dressed."

I looked down at myself panicked, "Why the fuck am I naked and who the hell are you?"

A smile crept across his face, "You don't remember me from the store or last night at the cave?" I stared into his silver eyes shocked, "First times always the roughest."

Luckily I had spare clothes in my backpack as I slid on my pants I asked, "So you were the wolf then? And who are you wait does that mean..." I froze feeling my breath get caught in my throat.

"Yes and yes it does you are a werewolf now, and you can call me Azoth, and you are Atticus?" He beamed.

I struggle to find air as I continue getting dressed, "Yeah and what the hell are you so proud of you attacked me, and turned me into a monster, what am I going to tell my family? They are probably worried sick about me." I could feel my anger begin to build up rapidly as my heart started to pound rapidly as my vision started to blur. I began to feel like I was going to pass out.

Azoth calmly spoke, "Easy kid we will figure this out."

Something about his words seemed to calm me, "What just happened?"

Azoth scratched the back of his head,"Well you were going to transform it takes time to control it, you're a wolf now, and part of your instincts are to follow your Alpha... so when I told you to calm down, you, er, well did."

I stared at him dumbfounded, "So I have to do everything you say?"

Azoth laughed, "Well yes and no," He scratched his chin, "it's best to think of it as you being two people at the moment each fighting for control," He held out his left hand, "On one hand you are human you do as you wish and are who you are, But," He held out his right hand, "On the other hand you are now a wolf, there is anger and rage but also loyalty, bravery, and yes loyalty to your Alpha but," he meshed his two hands together interlocking his fingers, "With practice you become one, when you are one you can choose to listen to an alpha or even challenge an alpha but more important you can transform at will."

"Whoa whoa whoa, why would I ever want to go through that pain again."

"There is only pain when you and the wolf are two separate beings watch," Azoth cracked his neck and shook his hands readying himself. In the blink of an eye, the black wolf from last night now stood in front of me. I could feel my body tense up as I watched him, a moment later he was back in his human form, "You see did it look like I was in pain?"

"Well no but... Wait what the hell happened to your clothes you shift they disappear and you shift back and you are magically wearing them."

Azoth paused pondering it, "You know I don't really know what happens to them I mean after transforming into a wolf the whole clothes thing was the least freaky thing."

"Okay well, why did I lose my clothes... on second thought I'm sure the answer is the first time is the worst, Right?" I watched him nod, "Okay so what happened last night and what else do I need to know."

Slowly he inhaled a deep breath, "Well last night after you transformed we hunted deer and feasted, OH! You probably are aware of your hunger new wolves need to eat often, so that means hunting. In the past werewolves hunted humans but now we hunt animals, best not to draw attention to ourselves, but none the less when your hunger rises so does your craving for human flesh, its best to hunt deer often you should hunt every three days then once you gain control you can make it about two weeks between hunts. Just make sure to hunt before a full moon because on full moons our instincts are strongest."

"Okay, well, this has been great thanks for fucking up my life, oh and speaking of life I'm going home..." I scanned my surroundings not recognizing anything, "Um what way is home? And where is my bike?"

Azoth shook his head, "Come on I'll walk you to your bike but you know you should be able to backtrack following our scent to the cave then back to your bike, I moved it off the road into the bushes by the way."

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On the way, I finally asked him the biggest question on my mind, "Why me?"

I watched the usual smug grin fall from his face, "The truth?... A fortune teller told me to."

"Bull shit there is no way, tell me the truth why."

Azoth stopped and turned to me, "That is the truth, all she told me was how to find you, I asked her the same question why but no answer... I have a gut feeling that something is coming and it's going to be bad. Like it or not we are involved"

I ran my hands through my hair, "Oh this is so messed up... so what now we sit here and wait to die from this terrible thing coming or if we are lucky to die from old age?"

"No," He chuckled, "We can't die from old age, we don't age, but as for what we do... I will teach you how to be a wolf."

I still was hoping to wake up in my bed with my mom telling me to wake up and that I would be late for work... mom, "Hey what do I tell my family." I don't know why but I couldn't ignore my instincts to trust him.

Azoth sighed, "Well, you can't tell them the truth, trust me they will lock you up thinking your insane or try to kill you if you become a wolf... tell them that you were out and things happened, if they keep pestering you, tell them you got a number from a cute girl had a couple of drinks and one thing led to another."

I open my mouth to respond but I had nothing.

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Once we retrieved my bike Azoth stopped me before I started my bike, "Practice in a safe place away from your family it's not good losing control now take a deep breath in through your nose," the smells were overwhelming I could smell the blood back on the road where he dragged me away the night before, I could smell his wolf form and human form scent, "Focus you have my scent right?" I nod, "Good now if you need me come here and follow your nose to the cave you should come back within the next few days and we will hunt." Nodding I started my bike and took off for home.

Once home I parked my bike in the shed out back, I could hear my heart pounding but that wasn't the only thing I heard my mom's voice, "He's home." I look around and see her pass by a window in the house, slowly I took a deep breath scared that I would wolf out and kill them. Once my heart slowed down I entered the house immediately I was bomb barded with the stench of my mom's perfume and hairspray it made me gag.

"Where the hell were you? You had me and your mother worried sick all night." My dad's voice beamed stern with a hint of anger.

"I'm sorry I should have called, but I'm okay."

"What were you doing you missed work," My mom asked.

"Well funny you ask I got a number from this cute girl so we went out for drinks and one thing led to another," God this will never work.

"Oh," My mom ponders what to say a moment, "Well did you use a condom?"

My dad and I both say in unison, "Oh my god."

"What," my mom asks, "I know I tell you I want grandchildren before if 40 but you still need to be safe, lord knows what that skank could have been carrying."

"MOM, not the conversation I want to be having with you, I'm sorry, I won't make a habit out of it."

I feel the weight of everything start to become unbearable, "I need a shower, once again sorry, next time I'll call."

I hurry to my room shutting and locking the door behind me. As I lean up against the door and drop my bag on the floor I feel my heart almost ready to explode, my lungs begin to feel deprived of air like I'm having an asthma attack, I focus all my attention on making my short shallow breaths longer and longer, after about 20 minutes I finally regained control of my breathing and my heart rate began to slow, 'Not good' I think to myself.

Once I gathered up clean clothes I made my way to the bathroom down the hall, putting my clothes on the dry counter by the sink I catch my reflection in the mirror I stare stunned as my sky blue eyes stare back at me, all my acne was gone the bags under my eyes disappeared, taking off my shirt I notice a six pack of firm abs and solid pec's 'damn well that's new I never worked out a day in my life.'

The shower was refreshing and made me feel human again once dressed in black shorts and a pale blue t-shirt I grabbed my backpack and some spare clothes from my room before heading out I yell, "I'm going for a hike!"

"Okay try to be back for supper."My mom yells from somewhere in the house.

I walk for about a few hundred meters north into the woods until I was out of sight, I decide to up the pace and begin running flat out it was apparent rather quickly I was faster and stronger than any human, It took me no time to get 3 to 4 kilometers deeper in the forest. Figuring I was a safe distance away from anyone I took off my running shoes socks and shirt, I figured it best to leave my shorts on but just in case I brought extras. As I sat down in a meditating position it struck me, I don't know how to shift forms... I figure it can't hurt trying anyways with my eyes closed I begin searching my mind. It takes me about one hour and thirty minutes of struggling to finally trigger the shift, there weren't any bones breaking this time but the shift took about five minutes and it felt like someone poured acid all over me and lit me on fire.

Once changed I sat there panting, everything was so intense I couldn't make sense of any of it. As if all the strange smells weren't enough, everything was brighter and louder the colours seemed more vibrant than ever, 'Focus' I told myself, slowly I got up on all fours struggling to keep my balance, I stood there swaying until it subsides, suddenly I felt my stomach growl and the hunger hit me like a freight train, I closed my eyes trying to concentrate but all the input from everything was too much I inhaled deeply through my nose to calm myself, 'mhmm moms making pork chops they smell so good,' I feel drool falling from my muzzle and open my eyes, it scared me that I could smell what was being cooked at home from so far away, I feel my ears flicker and fix the sound of the running water.

I was able to make it to the water only stumbling a few times, I catch my reflection in the water... I'm black all black no markings just like Azoth, even though I'm a wolf and look so different I still have the same blue eyes, dipping my head down I start lapping up the cold water. I remember drinking out of this creek a month ago when I went hiking with my little sis and it tasted gross but now it tasted amazing words could not do it justice.

With my thirst satisfied, I begin getting familiar with my new body the gentle sway of my tail the way my ears can pivot towards sound, the stifling heat from all this fur, with my ears perking up I gradually waded in the creek just about up to my belly, feeling the cool refreshing water I close my eyes and enjoy this new sensation.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Panicked I turn around slipping and soaking myself, after clawing my way back to dry land I fixed my eyes on Azoth who is laughing, I growl as I walk up to him, I begin to shake soaking him as well.

"...Well played, you seem to be doing good, can you shift back?" Azoth asks.

I sit down and close my eyes giving it my all... nothing I shake my head no and open my eyes.

"It's not easy I'm rather impressed you were able to shift out here while you were calm and collected normally pups just shift out of anger, but when the anger subsides they revert... you will have to use your mind and trigger a change. Close your eyes and focus on my voice," I do as I'm told, "Now for you to shift you found the wolf in you but beyond that you had to find the ability to shift you had to find what it was to be a wolf, now to get back to being a human, ask yourself what is it to be human what does it feel like?"

His words fade out and my skin slowly starts to tingle, slowly it gets more intense, this goes on for five minutes or so until it stops, opening my eyes I see that I'm crouched down and once again a human.

"Hey look I still have my shorts on fuck yeah."

"Good but you still have a long ways to go, you need to be able to shift at a moments notice we will work on that," Azoth bables

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

Azoth chuckled, "Did you honestly think I would send you home and just hope you didn't turn and kill everyone, you are part of my pack you are my responsibility."

I laugh too, "Yeah I suppose so..." I run my hand through my wet hair, "Hey, you said I was part of your pack, how many are in it?"

Azoth looks off into the distance, "Including you and me... two, I'm more of a lone wolf."

"How long have you been a wolf?" I blurted out

"Hmmmmmm... about 120 years or so." He exclaims.

"You've been alive for 120 years! What was it like?" I blurt out without thinking.

I can see pain cross his face as he clears his throat, "It's a long story but you should head home it smells like pork chops."

I sniff the air and smell nothing, "How can you smell that from here in human form."

"It's like I told you earlier you are two different people trapped in one body but me I'm one being with two forms that's all."

"Oh I think I get it... hey, I have tomorrow off we can practice," I exclaim as I retrieve my backpack putting on my shoes and shirt before heading home.

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Once home I drop my backpack off in my room before I go and start washing up for dinner. As I turn the faucet off I hear my dad's truck coming up the road, I wander into the kitchen sitting down in my chair, "Dads home." I exclaim as I here the truck finally pull up to the house.

"Oh," My mom chirps, "I forgot that he drove your sister into work this morning, good thing he remembered to go pick her up, so how was your hike?"

"It was," I chuckle to myself, "Refreshing."

My mom wanders behind me setting food on the table, "I think you need to shower again you stink like wet dog."

I smile thinking to myself, 'If you think I wreak try smelling yourself.'

Finally, my father and sister make their way into the house, "Hey," I casually say.

My sister glares at me, "Where were you today?" I look at my 14-year-old sister her, she had the same blue eyes as me and dad but she had our mom's golden hair.

I laugh, "I will tell you when you're older."

It didn't take long for everyone to settle down for dinner I was doing my best not to drool all over the place as the heavenly aromas hit my nose full force, smiling I take a bite of my pork chop, my eyes widen as I stop chewing, it tasted as though my mom was trying to kill me, the pork chop seemed like it was burnt and drowning in pepper. I swallowed coughing a little I washed it down with some water. As the water hits my taste buds all I can taste is dish soap, 'She really is trying to kill me,' I look up from my food relieved to see everyone is too busy with their own meals to notice me. I feel my stomach growl, 'Go figure... I feel like I'm starving to death and have food in front of me that tastes like shit.' Sighing in defeat I continue eating this rotten feast. With every bite, I feel my heart rate increase.

After dinner, I headed straight up to my room locking myself in. Walking over to my window I threw it open, feeling a cool breeze flow in soothing me, I flop down on my bed closing my eyes trying to regain control. Once I felt in control again I stripped down to my boxers and crawled into bed under the sheets. I lay there flinching at every creak and crack in the house tossing and turning the general feeling of being uncomfortable I look at the clock that now reads, 11:15 pm "...this is going to be a long night," I groan.

After another half an hour of no sleep I sit up kicking off my covers and closed my eyes breathing, He did say I have to become one with the wolf, this time it only takes me 15 minutes to trigger the transformation and the burning sensation was more bearable. Now standing on my bed I stretch before I begin spinning around on my bed in slow small circles finally satisfied I laid down feeling comfortable I lay my head on my paws and close my eyes.

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I wake up sunlight hitting me in the face, I let out a big yawn, and go to get up, stumbling I fall and hit my nose on the floor letting out a yip I frantically look down... Paws fuck.

"Atticus are you okay?" my mom yells.

... 'Just fucking peachy' I listen to her footsteps come up the stairs approaching my room, 'Fuck fuck fuck fuck,' my heart is racing looking around I begin looking for a way out ... open window... *KNOCK KNOCK* "Atticus?"

'Fuck it no time like the present' running as quickly and quietly as I can I jump out the window hearing the doorknob turn behind me, now air born I look down at the ground coming up fast as my two story decent comes to an end I land buckling my front right leg and smashing my shoulder into the ground causing me to roll ungracefully onto my back staring up at my open window I groan, the thought now crossing my mind the door was locked, 'fuck,' staggering to all fours I stretch out my sore leg and shoulder, 'Well shit' exhaling I started contemplating what to do, 'Maybe in human form I could climb up... in my boxers... fuck it might as well go see Azoth.'

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The trip went by quick once I somewhat got used to running on all fours only faceplanting twice, the scent was rather easy to follow and all the input seemed lessened and more bearable, wandering into the cave I found Azoth sleeping in human form sitting up against the wall of the cave, I sat down exhaling gently.

"Rough night?" Azoth says keeping his eyes closed.

After a long silence, he opens his eyes and turns to me, "Well aren't you going to shift back?"

Closing my eyes I concentrated shifting back takes me around 5 minutes, "Asshole."

Azoth starts laughing, "One hell of a rough night by looks of it why the hell are you only wearing boxers."

Still crouched down I tense up, "Um I had to jump out a window..."

Azoth shook his head, "What did I tell you about transforming at home?"

"Yeah yeah, the door was locked but in the morning that was the last thing on my mind with my mom on the other side of the door trying to come in," I stood up feeling stupid, "Don't suppose you have some clothes you could lend me."

"Yeah, I got you covered," he wandered to the back of the cave and tossed me some clothes brown hiking boots, white socks, gray cargo shorts, and a plain black t-shirt, "So what the hell were you doing in wolf form?"

"Well," I said slipping on the shorts, "I couldn't sleep in human form so I switched and when I woke up I was still a wolf."

"It takes some getting used to but you will get there," He said.

"Yea no help from you," I glare at him as I finish getting dressed, "Thanks for the heads up, I almost died eating my mom's cooking last night."

Azoth laughed, "What do you want a werewolf for dummies 101 book, you have to learn this stuff on your own."

"Is that how you learned it?" I asked.

"Mhmmm all on my own."

"Hey, you never told me what it was like 120 years ago," I exclaim.

"Mhmmmm," I watch as Azoth's eyes go out of focus, "It was shit."

"What the hell kind of response is that?" I ask.

Azoth snaps, "What the hell do you want me to tell you that over 120 years ago I was tossed out of my house. was unfortunate enough to be bitten by a werewolf later I became the omega of the pack, an actual punching bag. Once I got away from the pack I had to watch from a distance as my family died from old age while I remain young, it was shit is that what you wanted to hear? That because of this curse I have lost everyone I ever cared about."

I stand there dumbstruck, "I'm sorry I didn't know."

Azoth shakes his head, "Don't be my curse is now yours, yeah being a wolf is great the things you can do, smell, hear, and experience, but is it worth the price?"

I felt my heart sink finally coming to terms that I would have to leave my family and never see them again, never see my sister graduate from high school or get married. "Damn," I croaked.

Azoth ran a hand through his hair, "I'm sorry, it wasn't easy my life, I went through a lot of hard times but good times too. I guess you probably have some questions."

My mind was racing with questions, "Can I still live a normal life, with my family?"

Azoth sighed, "Yes and no, you don't age so you can't live with them forever without your secret coming out, as for a normal life not really in 50 years your driver's license will say you are 71 but you will look 21, it just creates problems."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense, how come you never started a pack of your own?" I asked.

Azoth fidgeted with his hands, "Well I have thought about it... but think we have a connection. Surely you can feel it we are both wolves from the same pack, sometimes two packs fight, most of the time to the death, could you watch those you've turned, trained, cared for, and protect, could you watch them die, die for you?"

"No, I couldn't," I stared down at the ground ashamed.

Azoth sighed, "I know it sounds bad a lot of it is but it's just my point of view I am a lone wolf, you don't have to be, once you are ready you can leave and start your own pack, find a pack and join, or be a lone wolf,"

"You mean you won't let me stay in your pack?" I asked feeling disheartened.

"No, that's not what I meant, I will always help you if you need it. but, I have no ambition of being in a pack or having a pack," Azoth replied I could see the pain plastered across his face.

Walking over I punched him in the arm, "So two lone wolves against the world it is then."

Smiling Azoth looked at me, "Sounds good to me, I think we have wasted enough time talking, you must be hungry. I will let you lead the hunt and help out where I can. But I ate before the full moon so I am good. Just trust your instincts, whenever you're ready."

Closing my eyes I focused on shifting, it still took me 5-10 minutes but the sensation was only a slight tingle. Opening my eyes I watched as Azoth pushed off from the wall he was leaning on and transform before he had to take another step. Slowly we walked out of the cave, he followed just behind me watching my every move. Once out in the open, I sat down and lifted my nose high in the air inhaling deeply through it sorting through all the nearly overwhelming smells. It was difficult to focus on just one I could smell my own scent, the shampoo I used the day before, shaking my head I inhaled again, pine sap, gasoline, oil, Azoth, humans, something unfamiliar it smells good though. I turned my head searching for that scent again finding it I opened my eyes and took off running in its direction.

The smell was getting stronger so I slowed my pace. Standing in a little opening I began sniffing the air, I stopped it was easily the strongest scent. I looked to Azoth for help, gesturing with my nose for him to sniff. He simply sat down and tossed his head in the direction of it, 'Damn, this would be easier if we could speak. Fuck it I'm hungry, hopefully, it's edible,' Walking slowly towards the aroma I began drooling as I crouched down and began stalking my prey. The scent was so strong I looked around, we were in a small clearing the trees were tight on all sides. 'It must be just over that little bluff.' I thought as I readied myself to pounce. Pushing off hard I cleared the bluff and stuck the landing looking around about 10 rabbits shot off in every direction, my head was swiveling so fast trying to see where they were going I began feeling dizzy, 'focusing on one' I ran after it in pursuit.

The rabbit b-lined it for the trees I was hot on its heels dodging trees, noticing a big tree in front of me I veered to the left and the rabbit darted off to the right. The rabbit was now right beside me about 12 feet away. I kept my eyes focused on the rabbit until I ran smack dab into the middle of a tree, shaking my head still in a daze from hitting the tree I began looking around for my prey, "Yeah that rabbit is long gone but that dent in the tree you left, it will be there forever," Finally I found the source of the voice Azoth walking towards me laughing, "Here," He said throwing two dead bunnies at me, "Enjoy the fruit of your labour, I got them while you stood there watching them run away in a panic." I nodded my head at him before turning to the rabbits, so that's what a bunny smells like... Drooling at the smell of them I gingerly took a small bite, their still warm blood gushing into my mouth making me drool even more. I began eating more savagely ripping the bunnies apart, they tasted so good the feeling was unexplainable my whole body felt warm and at peace as their blood still dripped from my maw. Licking my lips clean I looked at the clean-picked bones I left behind. I sat down closing my eyes focusing on shifting back, once again, 5-10 minutes later I was crouched down in human form.

I turned to Azoth, "Thanks, that was the best-tasting thing I ever ate."

He laughed, "No problem how's your hunger?"

I thought a moment, "It's still there but not nearly as bad as it was I think I will be good for a day or two."

"Good, but don't push it there are stories of werewolves changing out of hunger, it snaps something inside them and they become someone else someone stone cold."

I stare at him, "And you wait till now to tell me that, what the hell else are you not telling me?"

Azoth shook his head, "Hey I'm trying, this is the first time I have had to teach anyone this stuff, I had to do this the hard way, besides they are just stories... I think."

I shake my head, "How long did it take you to learn to shift like that?"

Azoth scratched his head, "Well when I started practicing it took me about five years of trial and error."

"FIVE YEARS! It's going to take me that long?" I stare at him shocked.

He laughs, "No with my help we can shorten it, but you should be happy you learned to shift on your own some can only shift out of anger and most never shift quicker than two or three minutes."

I feel my pride swell at the praise, "So what's your secret then?"

"Well," He begins, "It's different for everyone, we are not all the same for me my mind has been trained to stay on the brink of transforming, all I have to do is let it happen if that makes sense, but you need to find what works for you, I recommend meditation get to know your new self, as stupid as it sounds it will help."

I nod, "Thanks, I will," looking up at the blue sky and the sun slowly falling, "I should head home soon my mom probably busted through my locked door and is wondering where I am."

Azoth laughed, "Sounds good come back next time you wanna hunt or have questions."

I smile and begin sniffing for my way home, nothing, sighing I begin my transforming taking 6 minutes this time, I inhale deeply through my nose, catching a faint whiff of my own scent from earlier I run after it following it home.

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.

It didn't take me long to get home, standing at the door in my human form having previously changed back in the woods, I take a final deep breath and stepped inside. "Atticus is that you?"

"Yeah mom just was out for a hike," I said.

"Twice in one week are you sick," My mom said from somewhere in the house.

"Hahaha good one," I say sarcastically as I make my way to my room. Grabbing the doorknob and turning it... nothing happens... 'right its still locked... shit,' looking at the doorknob I see that all I need to unlock it is to stick a pin in the lock release hole. Within minutes of finding a pin, I'm in my room. Letting out a sigh I stick the pin in the wooden door frame on the outside, in case I need to use it again. Shutting my door and window I retrieved my phone, a couple of texts from my mom and one from my best bud Marshal *Hey there is a party tonight you in?*Sighing I just turn off my phone not bothering to respond and flop down on my bed.

Staring at the ceiling I begin thinking, 'Five years it took him to master it,' I tell myself. Shutting my eyes I begin searching for whatever it is I'm looking for, after an hour or so my mind forms a concept, I have lived my life as a human so transforming back to a human is naturally easy. But a wolf is still foreign to me... opening my eyes I look at the clock 3:01 PM focusing I change forms to a wolf and look at the clock 3:08, 'seven minutes shit,' readjusting my position to laying down with my head on my paws I try meditating in my wolf form, I can notice the change in my hunger, emotions, I'm concerned about Azoth, my senses are heightened, but more important was the way I felt, it was as though I was free.

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The week went by quick, the worst part was being cooped up at work. longing for being out in the forest on a hunt or even just a good run. I slowly became aware of my deep connection with the forest it felt like home, I could never get lost out there be it finding my way home through my own scent or using the sun as a compass. Finally, it was the weekend and Azoth and I were going hunting for deer.

"Are you ready?" Azoth asks.

Smugly I challenged him, "Yeah I bet you the first couple bites I take down the deer before you."

"Oh, you're on pup." He says as he transforms to wolf form.

I close my eyes and concentrate still taking around 8 minutes to transform. Once on all fours, I follow Azoth, we run at a good pace through the woods weaving in and out of trees I can feel my heart race in excitement, my mouth water in anticipation as we close into where the deer are.

We made good time, as we approach a clearing in the trees we stop and watch one deer grazing on the grass. We watch as his head snaps up and ears swivel, he heard something, the buck warily goes back to eating. I look at Azoth who is simply sitting there watching he turns to me and I nod my head at the deer, signaling for him to move in, he nods and begins stalking in closer, I hurry through the trees to the right to flank the deer as Azoth continues his approach from behind. Once in position about 30 feet off to the right and 30 feet in front of the deer, I give a yip signaling Azoth to move in. The deer taken by surprise begins running away from Azoth in a straight line. I begin my sprint aiming ahead of the deer. I can see the deer approach the intersect point so I jump hitting the deer right where I want to, planting my two front paws on his shoulder I dig my teeth into his neck ripping out his jugular. As I send him toppling over I land in the grass and roll a little, but recover quickly and close back in on the struggling deer. This time I stop at the deer and grab hold of the back of the buck's neck and break it. I stand there panting as Azoth wanders over and nods, I nod back and take the first bite savoring my victory, Azoth lets me take a few more bites before he joins in.

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The month went by in a blur when I wasn't at work I was out hunting or training to shift with Azoth. I was now consistently shifting into a wolf in five minutes and into a human in one minute.

I could hardly contain myself as I paced around the cave causing Azoth to laugh, "Excited for the full moon?"

I stare at him shaking my head, "Just a little... Okay, maybe a lot, how come it's not affecting you?"

Azoth grins, "It is but I've had about millions of full moons in my time. And I'm not a pup."

I glare at him for calling me a pup, it has to be his favorite nickname for me, "Whatever you old mangy mutt," It's still hard to believe that he is 120 years older than me.

He shakes his head chuckling, "This old mangy mutt can still kick your ass."

I laugh, finally taking a seat at the mouth of the cave looking out I watch the sun give one last shimmer of light, coloring the sky a breathtaking orange, I watch captivated as it slowly fades and reveals that once the blue sky is now black. I turn to Azoth grinning excitedly, "How much longer?"

He laughs shaking his head, "For my sake, I hope not long," calmly he wanders to the mouth of the cave looking up at the sky he tells me, "about an hour," I groan having waited all week and felt the build-up to the full moon. I don't even think I slept the last couple nights, "Now remember we won't be able to turn back until morning and our senses will be magnified, same with our emotions, don't try to shift just let the moon do the work. How's your hunger pup?"

I glare at him, "We hunted yesterday, I'm fine," I say coldly, "And when are you going to stop calling me a pup?"

Azoth chuckled to himself and reached down ruffling my hair with his hand, "When you finally stop acting like one."

I swat his hand away, "Hey it's not my fault, this is all still new to me."

"Exactly pup," He turns his attention to the night sky for a moment, "Come on its almost time."

Getting up to my feet I begin following Azoth out of the cave and down to the opening in the trees. I watch him curiously as he stops in the middle of the clearing and flops down on his back, hands behind his head he simply smiles and stares at the moon emerging from behind the mountain. Grinning like a fool I join him laying on the grass staring at the moon.

Azoth began talking to himself, "In the light of the full moon may the darkness in me fade, as I embrace my true form in your pure light, may you guide me from sin and keep me from harm so that I may one day run with my fallen brothers in your light, may those you have taken hear my voice and know I have not forgotten, for we will be reunited one day soon."

I felt the hair all over my body stand up as a shiver ran down my spine from his words, turning to him, his eyes were closed and face at peace.

Before I could ask him what it meant I felt my entire body become enveloped in warmth, looking up I saw it was the warmth of the moon's light, my whole body felt weightless and time seemed to slow, there was just the moment, the welcome embrace of the moon, the calm whisper of the wind blowing through the pine trees, I closed my eyes feeling at peace. No sooner did I close my eyes, my whole body shuddered as though electricity surged through me I could feel my heart race, excited I opened my eyes and rolled over. I saw Azoth who was sitting up in wolf form I joined him surged with energy I did my best to sit patiently watching. Slowly he lifted his head skyward closing his eyes, he let out a long drawn out howl, my whole body shook with excitement and I had to stand up on all fours, Shaking my head I let out a sharp bark. He began howling for a second time, I was unable to contain myself throwing my head skyward, closing my eyes I joined in the feeling was amazing it felt like everything that had me stressed out, work, this curse, and my life it just fell off my shoulders nothing mattered there was just pure bliss.

Having expelled all the air out of my lungs, I now stood there panting, Azoth still sitting there slowly opened his eyes and looked at me, my tail began swaying in long arcs, I watched as he got up slowly and turned to face me only about six feet away without warning he jumped forward knocking me down. Rolling over and recovering I let out a bark, jumping forward I tried the same thing hitting nothing but air as he jumped to the side and began running. Feeling my heart race with excitement, I began chasing after him, dodging and weaving we ran through the forest in a strange game of tag. I spent the majority of the time chasing him only catching him a handful of times. Finally exhausted we stopped I lay down by the creek painting, while Azoth stood in the water drinking out of it. I never wanted it to end it was amazing but every good thing must come to an end.

It was as though the sky began screaming with all the engine of jets flying up above, worried I got up and looked to Azoth, he stared back at me with the same concern and confusion. Suddenly there was a loud bang and the world began to shake, my ears started ringing looking around I saw bright light followed by smoke, 'That was a bomb... my family.' I took off at a dead run towards home not caring whether I was in this form or the other, only one thing mattered, my family. Suddenly I was pinned on my back by Azoth he was shaking his head. Growling I bared my fangs at him, he only shook his head. Not able to think straight I kicked him off as hard as I could hearing him yelp out in pain where ever he landed. I quickly got up and raced homeward once again.

I could feel my body begin to burn exhausted, as I neared my home the sounds and shakes of more bombs still rocking the earth and lighting the sky. I stepped out of the forest into the clearing where my house was, or what was left of home, I stood at the edge of a small crater where my home once was, small parts of rubble and wood littered around. I felt my heart sink, it felt like it fell right out of me leaving an empty void, tears ran down my face. There's nothing left this can't be happening, closing my eyes I tried to wake up but nothing. I heard someone approach flinging myself around shocked by what I saw. A man in a green uniform holding a rifle aimed right at me, I stared right into his eyes and sat down accepting my fate. *bang* My eyes shot open the soldier was on the ground with his throat ripped out, Azoth was standing over him panting looking to my right I saw where the bullet hit the ground barely missing its mark, me.

Azoth turned his attention to me and shook his head, I felt a pang of guilt and sorrow for making him kill for me, getting up I slowly began walking towards the cave Azoth in tow.

I woke up in human form tears still falling from my eyes, as I lay on the hard ground of the cave my leather jacket draped over me like a blanket. My heart still shredded from last night, "I'm sorry Atticus, I really am, I know how it feels to lose everything, everyone you loved." I rolled over to see Azoth standing at the mouth of the cave looking out.

I coldly responded, "Why did you stop him from killing me, they already took everything from me."

Azoth took a deep breath, "Because you are all I have, you are like my brother, for you to die is for me to die."

I froze the weight of his words hit me, realizing just how close we were, I wanted to hate him but I couldn't, "You're all I have left too now." Slowly I got up and put my jacket on, "What were you saying before we changed last night?"

Azoth sighed as he turned to face me, I froze seeing the pain plastered across his face, "We werewolves believe that when we die our wolf spirit goes to paradise where we hunt every day and every night is a full moon not only that, but we are reunited with those we lost."

"What do we do now?" I ask weakly.

Azoth looked down at the ground, "I don't know... everything changed."

"What do you mean everything changed?" I stare at him confused.

"The bombs it mutated the animals, the animals have banded together, and what people survived are no longer fighting amongst themselves, it's now humans vs animals and we are stuck right in the middle."

I hope you have enjoyed so leave a review. XD