Ch 13

AN: So, I'm getting super busy this summer with work and other stuff. I'll still update once a week, but probably not twice, sorry.

Bella

It's my fifteenth birthday today and even more strange stuff has been happening. My powers have slowly grown the older I get, but today I changed. Not changed as in age, but in form. Today I transformed into a bird, a crow to be specific. It was amazing to fly, but very disorienting at first. I flew over the desert, our current home, just riding the air currents. When I came back to the house Mom had closed my window so I landed in the garden. Luckily no one lived near us so I was able to change back without anyone seeing me. When I change, my clothes stay with me; a fact I was most grateful for. How awkward would that be if my clothes didn't stay with me? Even with no one around I don't think I would want to be naked when I changed.

I guess I should say how I found out I could change into a crow. You see, mom and I had been fighting again and the overwhelming urge to flee washed over me. I stormed up to my room, slamming my door on the way. I paced my room trying to calm down and opened the window to let some fresh air in. I stuck my head out the window, closing my eyes just enjoying the hot wind. When I reopened them I was perched on the window seal hoping on two claws. I tried to yell in surprise but it only came out as a squawk. I flapped my wings in irritation, but in the process caught the wind and started to take off. I flapped my wings hard in order to stay air bound and not come crashing to the ground in a heap of feathers.

When I had changed back and was heading inside I heard a short howl from behind me. I slowly turned around, knowing that there were coyotes in the area. Instead, I found myself facing a giant, horse-sized, black wolf.

"Wow," I put my hands in the air and slowly began backing up. The wolf chuffed and lowered himself to the ground. Even lying down his head reached my shoulder.

"Are you trying to make friends," I asked playfully. I wasn't expecting and answer, but the wolf nodded his head.

"Holy shit, you can understand me!" I got another head nod.

"Did you see my change? Is that why you showed yourself?"

Two head nods, "You have to be able to change too to hide yourself?"

"You can understand me, so you change into a human?"
Nod, "Can you change back so we can actually talk to each other?"

Shake head no. "Why not? Well, I guess you can't really answer that with head movements. Do you keep your clothes when you change?"

Shakes head no, "I can get you clothes if that would make it easier."

Shakes head no but sticks out a back leg; clothes attached with a cord.

"If I turn around will you change?"

Shakes head no. "Is it supposed to be a secret?"

Nod yes. "So why did you show yourself to me? Wait, you can't answer that one either. Were you the howl I heard when I was eight years old?"

Nods head yes, then a shake no. "Yes and no? You were there but aren't the only one?'

Wolfy smile and a nod yes. "So there are more of you. Can you shake your head the number of times there are of you?"

Three nods yes. "Three of you?"

Shake yes. "Did ya'll take care of that…man?"

Slow nod yes. "He wasn't human was he?"

Slow shake no. "He meant to hurt me, didn't he?"

Nod yes. "Then I'm glad ya'll took care of them. Ya'll have been following me for a while now, haven't you?"

Nod yes. "I'm glad to have protectors then. Since ya'll know my secret can I know yours?"

Shake head no, pause, and then nod yes. "So I can't know yet, but I will later."

Nod yes.