A few hours later, I woke up in a hospital ward that we'd all trooped to. It was a blissful sleep without the constant feeling like my skin was trying to dislodge insects. I looked around and saw that Nate, Harper, and Monroe were still sleeping off the tranq. I also saw about five other people sleeping as well. Apparently, while I had been out, Monty and Raven had gotten the scanners up and running. The door opened and another kid walked in with Clarke and Jasper right behind her.

"Hey, you're up," Clarke said as she came over to me. "How're you feeling?"

"Better," I replied, "I'm trying not to jinx it. So we now have ten werewolves?"

"So, far," Clarke replied as Jasper helped the girl lay down before he tranq'd her.

"Any more mages?"

"Four. We've taken them aside and shown them their brain scans. We've also explained the importance of keeping it to themselves, death vs life importance. When they wake up, it'll be your turn to explain why they're here and what's going to happen soon."

I flopped back onto my pillow, "Why couldn't Bellamy have been a werewolf, too. Then I could pass the buck."

She laughed, "I don't think it works that way, O. You're just gonna have to put on your big girl panties and get it done."

"You've been watching those old tv shows again, haven't you?"

"Maybe…"

I laughed, "Maybe, my ass. That's the only time those weird ass sayings come out of your mouth."

She stuck her tongue out at me and I threw my pillow at her. She caught it then refused to give it back. She played keep away from me for a bit and it was nice to let the stress of everything go for a bit, but then the antsy feeling was back and I groaned in displeasure, she handed it back and I crawled back onto the bed feeling absolutely miserable.

"You are so lucky, you don't have to go through this, Clarke," I mumbled through the pillow. "How the hell do these people deal with this four times a year."

"Probably because it's only four times a year," Clarke said as she sat on the bed across from me. "But I also think they have other ways to keep their minds off of it."

"Like what?"

"Don't know. Nyx didn't get into that."

"Speaking of Nyx," I said as I sat back up, "She couldn't take her eyes off of you."

Clarke blushed, "I couldn't either. There's just something about her that defies explanation. Honestly, I was surprised that she remembered me. The way the staff at the hotel made it seem that she took girls to that room a lot and never the same one."

"Wow, she's a real horn dog. You must have made some impression on her if she kept looking at you like that."

Clarke laughed, "Like I'll ever know."

I shrugged, "You never know."

"Whatever, O. Don't try to play matchmaker."

"I'm not, I swear," I said laughing. "I'm just telling you what I saw. She's got the hots for you."

She made a face and then the communicator on her waist beeped. She looked at and said, "Make that five mages. I've got to run. I'll check on you later."

"Okay, don't forget to feed us," I said as another shudder went through my body.

"I won't," she replied and closed the door behind her.

In the end, we had 13 werewolves and 9 mages total. Somehow, we'd been able to cycle through the entire unaffected people in camp in a matter of hours. It was decided that us werewolves would stay in the room, until it was time to head out to join the prisoners and shift for the first time.

"Octavia," a small red head asked, "what's going on? Why are we all here?"

A chorus of yeahs went around and I sighed at the idea that I was going to have to explain. Surprisingly, Nate came over and joined me on the bed and Harper and Monroe sat on the beds next to us. The rest gathered around the four of us and waited.

"Alright. This is going to sound crazy, insane, ridiculous and out of this world," I started. "But what I'm about to tell you is the honest truth. A couple of nights ago, did any of you feel like you were gently pulled into the ground and then hear a voice?"

Everyone nodded.

"What happened was real. It wasn't imagined. We weren't part of a mass hysterical moment. So, you can relax in regards to that. Now, how you ended up in this room with the four of us is slightly more complicated, but I'll try to explain it as clearly as possible. When the apocalypse happened 83 years ago, humans mutated, in two very different ways. Nearly everyone became a mage, having control of different elements like fire, water, earth, and air."

I turned to Nate and asked, "You've been practicing more than I have, can you show them."

He nodded and held out his hand, palm up. As he stared at it a small ball of flame began to grow in his palm. Everyone gasped and leaned away. He then shrunk the fire until there was nothing left.

"That's what I mean by mage. All of us here have similar powers. After our stint in this room is over, we'll do another brain scan and figure out what power you have."

"Do you all have powers, too," another kid asked.

"Yes. I'm a water mage, Harper is a wind/air mage, and Monroe is an earth mage."

"So, are those the only type of mages?"

"No, so far the only other power that we've discovered are techno mages. Those are the ones that can manipulate technology. Raven and Monty are both techno mages."

"So, what makes us different from other mages," a third asked.

"We also have telepathy. Meaning we can speak mind to mind. It's how we heard that voice. Because we have both powers and telepathy that is what makes us really different. We're werewolves. For those that don't know the stories or the myths, they are people that can shift into wolves."

"Awesome," someone in the back said loudly.

I cracked a smile, "You say that now, but it may not be so when the full moon gets here."

"Why is the full moon important," the small redhead asked.

"It's not so much that it's a full moon. From what was explained, this full moon is special. It's called the Harvest Moon and it's called that because it happens near the Fall Equinox."

"What's so special about it?"

"It's one of four times a year a werewolf is forced to shift. All of us here will be shifting for the first time and we don't know what to expect. Before it's time to shift we'll join the prisoners. Hopefully, they will help us through it. After we shift, we'll run around the perimeter of the camp for four hours."

"That's a long time," someone said.

"I think it's necessary," I said thinking. "From the way I'm feeling right now, it feels like I have too much energy and that thousands of ants crawling over us is our bodies way of trying to get rid of the excess until we can fully shift and get it out of our system."

"That makes sense," one of the older kids said. "I know that when I seem to have a lot of energy to burn, my body keeps wanting to move to get rid of it, but this is like a hundred times worse. And you say we have to deal with it four times a year?"

"Yeah. Summer and Winter Solstice, Spring and Fall Equinox. Apparently, the solstices aren't as bad and we can fight the shift."

The door opened up and Clarke, Raven, Monty, and Jasper entered pushing trays in front of them, laden with food. My mouth began to water as the aromas filled the air.

"Dinner is served," Clarke said with a smile.

"Thanks," I said and I addressed everyone, "Go ahead and eat."

"Um, we think you and Nate should get first dibs," the redhead said.

"Why is that?"

"Aren't you our pack leader and Nate is like your second in command or something?"

I looked at Nate and he was as surprised as I was. I turned back to her and asked, "What do you mean?"

"She means," the older kid said, "Is that you're both giving off that dominant vibe. His is less then yours. And none of us get that kind of vibe from anyone else, just you two. I can tell you, we won't eat until you get the first pickings. You do want us to eat, don't you?"

"Alright, then. No sense in arguing with the masses," I replied and got up.

Nate and I grabbed plates and loaded up on food. We seemed more partial to the meats, but grabbed fruits, vegetables and bread to even it out. When we sat back down, the rest filed along the carts and got their own food.

I started eating the steak and I made a face and asked, "Does anyone else feel like the meat is over cooked?"

"Yeah, I do," Nate commented, "But I think we're going to have to suck it up this time. We need to eat."

I made a face at him and forced myself to finish the meats on my plate. When we were all done and the questions were all answered, Clarke and Jasper all tranq'd us so that we could sleep through the night.

The morning of the Harvest Moon, we all woke up feeling as if we wanted to rip the skin off of ourselves. It was absolutely pure torture. None of us really wanted to move, because if we moved, it would make it worse.

"God, can't this be over and done with," Harper complained from her bed. "My skin feels like it's being eaten alive.

One of the youngest girls whimpered in pain, so I got up slowly and with many deep breaths and groans of my own went to her. I pulled her into my arms and we both lay on her bed. She calmed down immediately, even her shivering lessened. Mine did, too. Almost as if being in contact with someone lessened the sensations.

"Hey guys," I called out. "Find someone and cuddle with them, I think it helps ease the whole skin sensation crap. I know it's weird and a little off putting, but give it a go."

The room came alive as they searched for someone to cuddle with.

"Ooh, you're right," Monroe said, "It does help. Maybe now some of us can get a little bit more rest."

"Amen to that, sister," someone called out.

When Clarke came into the room awhile later, she stopped short as she took us in. I waved my arm and her face brightened and walked quickly over to me.

"What's all this," she asked.

"We have, um, discovered that cuddling helps control the shivering sensation. We all woke up feeling ten times worse this morning. How are the prisoners doing?"

"I had to take the shock collars off of them last night. They were starting to dig around their necks to get them off. They're locked in their barracks for the day, even have the wolves in there with them."

"That's a smart move, Clarke," I said and then looked at the girl in my arms and said, "Hey, sweetheart, I need to get up for a bit and talk to Clarke privately. I know it'll kick back up again, but I'll be feeling it too. I promise, I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?"

She nodded and closed her eyes tight as I got up. I took Clarke to just outside the door, shutting it.

"I don't think I can do this, Clarke. I'm not a leader," I said, suddenly fearful.

She laid a hand on my shoulder, making me squirm, and replied, "Octavia, you've got this. If you hadn't notice, everyone in that room has been listening to you. You're not demanding. You're not being cruel. You're not acting like they're beneath you. They are responding to that."

"Yeah, but we all grew up together. They know me. But, how do I know that the prisoners will treat me the same way?"

"They already do, O. They've been listening to you. They also look at you when you're walking around, like they're waiting for you to say or do something. I know you'll do fine tonight."

"I wish I had your faith, but I'm scared."

"It's alright to be scared. Hell, I'm scared too. All of us are. We're doing things that we never imagined ourselves doing. I never imagined becoming the de facto leader and yet, here I am stumbling through the whole mess. I'm just glad our people haven't been seriously injured or killed on my watch."

I grinned, "I guess we both have a lot to learn about ourselves."

"Yes, now you better get back inside, you're practically vibrating," Clarke said and gave me a quick hug. "You've got this, O."

I nodded and hurried over to my cuddle partner. We both sighed in relief when the sensation eased.

It was probably an hour before it would start that we headed out to the gate. The prisoners were already there, milling about, waiting.

Walking up to them I said, "It's clear. There are no humans outside of the bunker. If you want to shift, you can."

They all nodded and some of them shifted immediately. It was weird seeing them shift, but I wasn't put off seeing it. It was oddly comforting to watch, knowing that I'd be doing that soon too. We stayed separate for the time being as we all waited for the appointed hour to arrive.

A scream tore through the air and I looked to see who had screamed. It was one of the youngest ones. She was curled up on herself and as I watched horrified, I was witnessing what a first shift looked like and it looked so painful, I had to swallow the fear bubbling up in my chest. Some of the prisoners went over to her and started to comfort her through the change. Then another scream and another filled the air until that was all that was heard. The prisoners all crowded around us, giving us comfort. Nate and I were the last to start the shift and when it hit, we screamed just as loudly.

The pain was something I could have never imagined. My bones felt like they were breaking into a million pieces, my organs screamed as something was happening to them. I could start feeling my body contort and things started to recede as other things came out. I must have blacked out at some point, because I came to when I felt several snouts nudging me awake. They helped me stand on shaky legs and when I was standing on my own, they left. I opened my eyes and the world seemed sharper, more intense. I shook my body and it was such a weird feeling. I looked around me and it looked like there were wolves every where even though there were only 32 of us. There was such a myriad of colors, but I could quickly see the difference between my pack and the prisoners.

One of the prisoners walked up to me and inclined his head.

Pakstoka, I am Charlie. You tried to save my sister Jessamine. May I ask how you are feeling?

Pakstoka?

It is the title that is given to pack leaders.

Oh. I'm feeling odd, Charlie. Is this normal?

For first time shifters, yes. The first shift is always the most painful. The next time you shift, you will hardly feel any pain at all.

I nodded my head and he grinned at me.

Pakstoka, it is nearly time for the run. May the Forest Pack join yours?

Absolutely.

Then we are yours to command this night.

Everyone started to surround me and I felt the urge to cower, but I fought it off. Taking a deep breath, I looked everyone in the eyes.

I guess I should lay out some ground rules. When we begin the run, we will be running along the perimeter of the camp only. No one and I mean no one is allowed to enter the camp proper. I don't think the humans would take too kindly to seeing things destroyed, even if it was on accident. Don't be afraid to let loose a little, but keep in mind that we're here to enjoy a run, not beat each other up or hurt one another. Be respectful of those around you. If one of you sees someone fall, stop and help them back up. This is a four hour run. After that we shift back and head back to our rooms for the night. Am I understood?

The prisoners responded with 'yes, Pakstoka,' while my pack responded in the affirmative. I looked up at the moon and could somehow tell that we were mere minutes from the beginning of the run. With an unspoken command, everyone began shaking themselves loose and lining up along the perimeter. I automatically headed towards the front, Nate and Charlie not far behind me. When it was time, we started off slow as the first shifters got used to how our bodies now moved in wolf form. Then we started running faster.

When the urge was great, I hollered back to them, Alright, let's have some fun!

There was a cacophony of yips and howls and I felt a grin on my face as I let loose and enjoy what it felt like to be a wolf. The wind through my fur felt exquisite. The pounding of my paws hitting the ground, the smells in the air, and the pure joy from the packs were all music to my ears. I looked around me and saw that besides running, they were leaping over one another, chasing each other, and just playing around. I joined in the fun and soon time seemed to lose all meaning. Once the run had gone on for a while, I noticed that wolves would pair off and move just off of the path we were creating. I looked around for Charlie and saw him a dozen or so feet ahead of me. I put on a burst of speed and came out alongside him. He looked over at me with a grin.

Enjoying yourself, Pakstoka?

I am, thank you. I have a question though, why are some of you pairing off and leaving the run?

Ah, yes. They are shedding the energy in a different way. There is something you must understand about the Forest Pack. We all have a healthy appetite for sex. Until we mate for life, we have many partners because it is a need that has to be constantly filled. I believe the longest anyone has gone without sex has been two months. We can abstain for a couple of weeks before the urges require us to find a partner for the night.

Realization hit me and I wanted to facepalm.

So, that's why Nyx has her own hotel room in Old Towne. She really is a horn dog. Damn, I didn't know that there was a reason behind it. I just thought she enjoyed it too much.

Wait. Are you speaking about Nyx Allistar?

Yes. Clarke, our leader, met and spent a night with her. Why do you ask?

Eight years ago there was an incident that cost many lives, including de Pakstoka's siblings. They blamed her for betraying the pack and she was banished and a kill order was placed on her for it.

Huh? Well, she's back now. Clarke informed me that Nyx was hired to help bring you all home. She was just here the other day to warn us about tonight.

I am glad. She was/is very well liked among most of the pack. She is legendary.

Why is that?

She is called Stokripa, the demon wolf. She is very powerful and before you ask it is because she carries five powers, excluding the telepathy.

Five powers?

Yes, but no one knows exactly what they are. It's a closely guarded secret. Not even the Coalition knows the true extent of what she is or they would imprison her for the rest of her life.

That must make her very dangerous.

It does. She was de Pakstoka's Second, but the incident happened and she is who she is now.

Sounds like she got the raw end of the deal if it wasn't her fault.

It is, but come. You are supposed to be having fun, not discussing the past.

Very well, Charlie. Enjoy your fun.

He took off again and lost myself in thoughts about what Charlie had told me. I was brought back when someone bit my neck aggressively and I growled and snapped my teeth at them. He tried again and I bit him at the shoulder. He yelped, but he had a look of determination that I just did not like. I ran at him and pinned him against the wall, growling and snarling at him. I felt some of the wolves stop and surround us as the others continued to run.

What's going on, Nate asked.

This one seems to think that it's okay to bite me even after I told him no.

He tried to take advantage of you?

Yes.

One of the Forest Pack came and stood beside me and looking down at the wolf said, William, you do realize that this is their Pakstoka.

William looked at both of us and replied, So? Should she not enjoy this night to it's fullest extent?

She rebuffed you, William and you tried again and again. I saw you. You have broken the law. She turned to look at me at me and said, Pakstoka, he has broken two of our cardinal laws. One, he tried to lay claim to you, the pack leader. Two, when you rebuffed him, he tried again several times. The most severe of these crimes is his attack on you.

How are these crimes punished under Forest Pack laws, I asked.

It is up to the Pakstoka to decide. Though the most common is castration because he tried to lay claim to you personally. But this is your pack and you make the laws; you and your Second.

Hold him a moment.

We traded places and neared Nate and whispered, I have no clue on how to handle this.

Neither do I. The punishment has to be severe enough that no one else will try that again with you. Castration seems a little heavy handed, but then again the message would be loud and clear. We can't kill him, which I think would be our right to do so. We could shock him, but we can't do that until after the run and we have no place we can hold him until then.

I sighed, That only leaves us with the one alternative, because I can't think of anything else. I walked back over to William and said to the other wolf, What's your name?

I am Cassandra, Cass. Have you decided?

Yes. Castration it is.

Very well, she said and called out, Phillip, come over here. I have a job for you.

Soon a sleek gray and brown wolf joined us.

You called, Cass.

William here has broken the cardinal laws. He tried to lay claim to Pakstoka and on her rebuff tried again several times. She has decided his punishment shall be Castration. Will you do it?

Of course. With your permission, Pakstoka?

Do it, I said and watched as Phillip bit off Williams balls and then cauterized them with his fire power.

He deposited them at my feet and said, It is done, Pakstoka. These are yours.

Um, ew. I don't want them. Just, just get rid of them for me, please.

With pleasure, he replied with a wolf grin and then proceeded to eat them making me gag. When he was done, he and Cassandra took off.

I took one last look at William who lay there moaning in pain, then turned my back to him and took off to finish the run. Nate stayed with me for the rest of the night, watching my back.

A little later, howls came from the other side of the wall and the Forest Pack returned the howls.

What is it, Charlie? Who's on the other side?

He looked at me and said, It is the Priestess and Stokripa and two other members of Forest Pack. They wish to join us in our final hour by running alongside us on the other side of the wall. May they?

Sure. The more the merrier. How do we tell them?

With this: he howled another tone and soon the other prisoners joined in.

There was an answering howl and then everyone took off to race for the last hour. When the hour came to a close, we slowed down and gathered in front of the gate once more. With the easing of the Moon's pull, I felt the urge to shift and let my body do it's own thing. There were flashes of pain, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the first one had been. Charlie was right.

Harper, Monroe, Nate and a few others went and gathered the shock collars.

I walked up to Charlie and said, "I'm sorry, but we have to put these back on you."

He spoke for the first time and said, "We understand. I must tell you that some of us are trading places. The ones who have been stuck as wolves will spend some time in their human forms and some will become wolves. We will keep the same numbers so that your humans are none the wiser."

"Why are you trading places?"

"This is an unfortunate side effect of being a werewolf. If we spend too much time as a wolf, we begin to lose our humanity until there is only the wolf. We don't want to risk that happening, so we are trading places. Since you and I have a closer connection, I will stay human and help you if I can. I'm afraid after tonight though, I will no longer speak to you as such, but we may communicate telepathically if you need to."

"Thank you, Charlie. I really appreciate all the help you've given me tonight."

He bowed his head, "It was an honor, Pakstoka. Your pack did very well for the first time. But, please make sure that they understand that they cannot shift around the humans."

"I will and thank you again."

I gathered up my pack and we all headed back down into the bunker where'd been staying the last few days. I waited until everyone was settled before I started talking to them.

"Well, we all survived our first shift and our first Run. You all did a good job and should be proud of yourselves. There is something I must stress to you before we turn in for the night. We cannot under any circumstances shift in front of a human. If that happens, you may very well end up getting killed. I don't mean to frighten you, but that's the gravity of the situation we are living in. There are too many of them and not enough of us or the mages. We can't even use our powers. The good news is that we have set up a training area to practice our powers and that would probably be the best place to shift if you have the sudden urge to. In the morning, we can all go back to our own homes. If any issues or problems come up or even if you just want to talk, you can always come to either me or Nate and we will try to help you. Now enough of me talking, I'm exhausted as I'm sure you all are. Let's finally get some good rest."

Yawns greeted me and I turned off the lights before I joined them in slumber.