Hi everyone!

I decided to try something completely different! If you love Ana and Christian, werewolves, action and romance... this is a story for you! Let me know whether you like the sound of this kind of story!

Enjoy! xx

APOV

I didn't want it to happen. I wanted to stop it from happening. But I had absolutely no control over it. It was a few minutes past midnight on a cold winter's night. It was also my birthday. I was turning eighteen whether I liked it or not.

My heart started racing. That's the first stage of the transformation. My mother's voice was echoing inside my head. I was beginning to feel scared and not the adrenaline type of scared. I was terrified. My inner wolf has been lying dormant within me for the first eighteen years of my life and now it was clawing its way out to the surface. It wanted out. It was the other half of me. That's what I was telling myself on repeat. But with that other half came a lot of responsibilities and expectations that I was just not ready for. I wanted to enjoy life and not have rules left right and centre but that was just never going to happen.

You cannot do that.

You need to sit up straight, you cannot slouch

You need to wear this

You need to do better

My head was feeling like it was going to explode. But my mother's voice was crashing into my mind through the mental barriers I always had intact. You are the daughter of the alpha you need to start acting like one. Yes. I was the daughter of Raymond Steele. The alpha of the Seattle pack. The list of responsibilities that came with that was never ending and it didn't matter how hard I tried I was always falling behind. I didn't feel good enough.

And the day that I was dreading for many years has come. My wolf was coming.

Hello Gorgeous.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard that small whisper inside my head. At least I think it was inside my head. I had to look behind me and around my room just to make sure. But no one was there, it was just me. That voice giggled.

Don't be scared. It's just me. Your inner wolf, Malia. I am so happy I can finally talk to you.

Oh god no. No. No. No. It can't happen just yet. I'm not ready. Please I need more time.

Another laugh filled my head. My dear, you've had eighteen years to prepare for this. We are going to have so much fun together. That voice purred.

I started shaking my head when I could feel my palms starting to sweat. That will be the second stage of the transformation.

That's it just let it happen beautiful. The more you resist the harder it will be. You do know that don't you? She spoke again. Oh, I knew that alright my mother would constantly repeat to me that I had to embrace the inner wolf and let the transformation take hold so that I didn't feel any pain. But I wanted to hold onto the old me for just a little longer, as long as I could, before it took hold.

Why are you so scared? Her voice sounded so much gentler now.

I had to sit on my bed before my legs gave way. Why did I feel so weak? That wasn't the part of the transformation was it?

''Because I am meant to find my mate now,'' I said out loud as a way of answering her question. It was the truth but there was so much more to it than that. That was just the part I was most scared of. It was meant to be the strongest bond that two wolves can have. You would do anything for your mate, even die for them. I winced then remembering how my uncle jumped right in front of danger and died for his mate. The memory was still so vivid in my mind even though it happened five years ago. Flora, his mate was never the same after the tragedy. The scream that came past her lips when my uncle died sometimes still vibrated through me. Apparently, the pain was the same as if someone was to crush your heart inside of your chest. Not like I have experienced that before and I for sure didn't want to. I couldn't image being that close to someone, to have that bond. It felt too intense for me. I was only young, and I was only just trying to figure myself out.

Mate… She caressed my cheek and I instinctively moved back. Shhh… It's okay.

''Shut up!'' I screamed but quickly covered my mouth remembering that my parents slept down the hall from my room.

She jumped back slightly. Clearly shocked by the sudden outburst of mine but recovered quickly. It's normal to feel scared. But I am not here to harm you.

''Well you're sure as hell not here to make any of this better,'' I spat at her.

I instantly regretted it. After all none of this was her fault. She didn't choose for this to happen either and I wasn't making this any better for either of us. I had to at least try to get on with her and to understand her.

We are the same person you know. She laughed and rolled her eyes.

''I'm not that stupid,'' I crossed my arms over my chest, protectively.

Malia frowned. You sure?

''Yes!'' I said through gritted teeth.

Says the one that has an undeniable attraction to a beta from another pack and doesn't do anything about it.

What!

Again, you are forgetting that I have been a part of you since you were born. I know everything about you. She smirked.

''I am not stupid. I am sensible,'' I narrow my eyes.

Oh please, since when do you follow the rules.

''With this I do!''

Hmm I could convince you otherwise.

''Stop! Get out of my head!'' I shook my head again.

She laughed again. We are the same person, my angel. Clearly me distracting you has helped with the transformation process.

What on earth does she mean?

I brushed my hair out of my face and hissed as I scratched myself. What the hell?

I looked at my hand and jumped up onto my feet.

I saw claws instead of fingernails. They were black in colour. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It didn't feel real, yet it was. I didn't feel any of it! The claws were meant to be the most painful bit! As I have been told by my best friend Kate who already went through her transformation.

Because you weren't thinking about it, you let it happen. Just like your mother told you to do. See? You aren't so hopeless after all. We'll figure out this wolf thing together. She winked at me.

The problem was I didn't want to embrace my inner wolf. Not just yet. So, I began to fight back and push on that wall. The pain that radiated through me was almost unbearable. I fell to the ground my new claws digging into the cream carpet, shredding it. I fought harder and pushed at that wall again. This time it felt like every bone inside of my body was being broken, one bone at a time. A loud whimper made its way past my lips. I was good at handling pain, but this was nothing compared to what I was used to.

I had to move away from my parent's room before they heard me. I barely made it back on my feet, but I forced myself to. I sneaked past my parent's room and I made it down to the basement. They will never hear me from here, the room was soundproof. As soon as I closed the door, I leaned against it and slid down it with my hands on my knees.

The claws were gone!

I can't believe I did it!

The pain was also gone.

Don't be so happy about it. You can't slow it down for ever. She blew me a kiss.

I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. I still felt like me. I let out a controlled breath, trying to control the erratic breathing I could feel starting.

You can do this. You can do this! Think of that happy place. I tried to picture the garden in my childhood. I tried to picture my dad picking me up and throwing me in the air and catching me. I tried to picture the laughter that followed. But my mind just wouldn't focus. It was all a blur.

I opened my eyes, and everything became sharper and clearer. I was in a pitch-dark room there was no way I could see anything, but I did.

Wolf eyes.

''No!''

There isn't any point in fighting it my angel. It will happen whether you like it or not.

I put my head in my hands which is when I felt the dampness of my cheeks. I wasn't even aware I was crying. I never cry.

It's okay my girl. Malia stroked my hair as if I was an injured and broken child. I didn't want it to sooth me, but it did. You are just confused.

You could say that again. I mentally rolled my eyes.

I just wanted to feel human. I didn't want the wolf side. I pushed on the wall but with less effort then last time. I was rewarded with the most painful throb inside of my jaw. It felt like someone was splitting my face in half. I rubbed and scratched at my face trying anything to stop that pain pulsating in my jaw.

I felt the tears run down faster.

''Malia make it stop! Please!'' I begged my wolf.

You need to stop resisting me. She smiled.

I couldn't. Could I? I was at the point of giving in when the pain stopped. I sighed in relief.

''Thank you, Malia,'' I rolled my neck and leaned my head against the door.

Me? I didn't do anything. It was you! You let the wolf in a little bit more, so you were rewarded with having the pain taken away. You do realise the pain is hurting me just as much as it is you?

What?!

Hmm I thought you wouldn't.

''I didn't let the wolf in!''

You did when you were about to give in.

I let the guard down an inch, and it flew right in. Settled, already making itself at home.

My jaw was still throbbing, the pain still fresh in my mind. I touched my cheek, rubbing away the tears. I clenched down on my teeth trying to distract myself.

Ouch!

What the hell?

I felt something strange in my mouth. It felt like my teeth didn't fit together. They felt out of place. I rolled my tongue over them and stopped as soon as I felt a sharp edge.

The wolf bite.

Hmm that's better. I could hear Malia's voice louder this time. It was no longer a quiet whisper.

''Why can I hear your voice clearer?'' I asked the question I already knew the answer to.

You already know… The transformation is happening.

I started fidgeting. ''What do I do now?''

Her eyes widened. You're asking me for advice?

''Get over yourself, isn't that what you're here for?'' I murmured.

You could ask for my help nicely. She turned her back to me.

Hmm. She has a point. ''I need your help Malia,''

She turned back and beamed at me. You know what you have to do, your mother told you enough times. Just say the words.

I had to say them out loud. I had to say I was accepting the wolf. But was I? I for sure didn't feel ready. I looked at my phone for the time. It was one in the morning. My mother said the transformation took thirty minutes if I willingly let the wolf in. If you resist it, it could take hours. I needed those hours. We spoke about reject-

Don't! Don't you even think about it! Malia's outburst petrified me further. It will kill you! It will kill us!

In my dark times I thought about rejecting the wolf. It would make it so much easier if I just wasn't here to face all the responsibilities. I could feel the wolf screaming inside of me to stop me thinking about rejecting it. I was just too broken. I couldn't do it. It would just be easier.

ANA! NO! Don't you dare! Malia was howling inside of my head. Clawing and growling at me.

A wave of pain came then. That was the punishment for thinking about rejecting the wolf. I tumbled forwards on my hands and knees. I couldn't hold out the scream that followed. I was in agony. It felt like I was dying. My skin felt like it was on fire. The claws started forming again as I tried but failed to stand. I can't do this. I can't do this.

''Malia!'' I shouted my wolf, but the pain didn't stop. I was punished for good this time.

You have to ride this one out…

''Ahhhhhhhh…. Make it stop!'' I shouted.

I heard a loud crash. I was able to turn my head towards the source of the loud bang. I saw my dad. Oh no! not now! He can't see me like this! No! no! no! The pain increased filling every pore in my body. I tried to stand again… I needed to stand I couldn't let my father see me like this. My vision was blurry, but I could see him walking towards me.

I am in so much trouble.

''Anastasia Steele,'' He had that alpha voice. Why is he using that?

My wolf's ears pricked up in attention. Oh no! Realisation hit me then. He was going to force me to accept the wolf here and now! No! He can't do that can he? But then why wouldn't he? He is the alpha… if he makes an order you follow… he was a good leader. Never abused his power. He would only use it if and when necessary.

''Look at me,'' He commanded.

Even though I didn't want to I did it anyway. I knew what was coming. No!

''I Raymond Steele, the alpha of the Seattle pack, command you Anastasia Steele, my daughter, to accept your wolf,''

No! I am not ready! I just need an hour! Please!

Too late… Malia was howling loudly inside of my head.

I need to push on the wall! And just as I was about to do just that I found there was no wall to push on!

NO!

My breathing became completely out of controlling. My heart rate sped up. I was exhausted but it felt like I was just waking up. I bid my claws to disappear, but they didn't, they got longer instead. My vision got even clearer.

''That's it… just let it in,'' the alpha voice was gone. My dad's voice softened.

The next came the sense of smell. I was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar and familiar smells around the house. I could smell the remains of the dinner we had earlier that night… as well as the deer that was walking past our house. Wait? Did I just hear the deer? It was almost outside of our door. It was sniffing at the snow-covered grass in the search of food. The snow crunched beneath its hooves as it made its way past further into the woods surrounding our home.

The floor creaked and my head instinctively snapped up and my wolf was preparing to pounce at any signs of danger. My eyes focused in a millisecond and I was met with my dad's glowing red alpha eyes. I jumped back and lost my balance as I fell onto my hands and knees again. In the moment of silence I could hear the wind, it was still powering through our forest, distracting me from the here and now.

''Anastasia,'' A growl made me look at those red arises. I have never seen them glow before. Only true mature wolves could see that. Realisation set then. My transformation was complete. ''Good, my job here is done,''

I felt a powerful surge of anger battle its way to the surface. ''How dare you!'' I screamed and jumped to my feet. ''How dare you do this to me!'' Did I just say that? To my own father?!

His hands turned into fists. ''You better take that back, young lady. Just because you're a true wolf now doesn't give you the right to speak to me in such way. I saved you.'' I could almost feel the power and authority radiating from him. I never understood what the other wolves meant when they said they could always almost taste his dominance. I could see it as bright and clear as day now.

Hmm… feeling brave are we angel? I like this feisty side to you. Malia interrupted.

''How! How did you save me?! I don't want this!'' I don't know what's taken over me. I was being a brat and I liked it. My claws sliced through my palms as my fingers curled up, I was still not used to having claws. I looked down at my injured hands and saw blood trailing down both my arms, completely covering them. I rubbed my hands together and smeared the blood further but the cuts that I created were already healing.

My father stepped closer to me, closing the gap between us. ''You know the rules darling. Just because you're my daughter doesn't mean I won't do the same to you.''

I swallowed and tried to rein in my anger. I knew far too well what he was referring to. New wolves that had trouble controlling their emotions were shackled in the cave not far from the pack's den. It was to keep the pack and them safe from harm. Anger was the first emotion that was always the first one in line. I needed to keep it intact… well at least try to if I was to avoid the cave of control as the others called it. I was better than that. I had to at least try to get used to this new… reality.

''I'm sorry,'' I looked down at my knotted fingers. Feeling ashamed. Ashamed that I couldn't be better. Ashamed that I was so weak.

''Anastasia, I know how hard being a new wolf feels like. You just need to accept this new you.'' he tilted my head back up with his hand, so I looked up at him. Bright hazel eyes met my blues this time, gone were those glowing red circles around his pupil. ''Don't forget you are perfect to me,''

I manged a weak smile. ''I am sorry,''

His face softened, his eyes creasing at the corners as he smiled, making his wrinkles more prominent, ''You look beautiful even when you cry,'' he wiped away the tear that escaped my left eye. ''Try to get some sleep, celebrations begin in a few hours.''

''I really don't feel like celebrating,'' I pulled away and looked outside the window. The branches on the trees were pulled in all directions by the powerful wind. It started to snow again but this time heavier.

''We need to welcome a new true wolf into our pack, especially when that true wolf is my extraordinary daughter. ''

I looked at him again and only saw pride in his eyes. He always thought so highly of me. It made all of this a little bit easier. I loved him so much.

''I guess I'll make it,'' I smirked at him earning myself a big grin in return.

He kissed my forehead gently. ''Goodnight baby,''

''Good night dad,'' I kissed his cheek and turned to leave the basement but not before I frowned as I saw the door hanging on by one set of hinges.

''What can I say, my baby needed my help.'' He said as a way of justifying his cavemen style rescue.

I smiled further and headed to my room.

As soon as I shut the door I headed for the bed and curled up under the duvet. I wanted to shut it all out. I could act brave and invincible in front of my dad and the entire pack but when the curtains fell, I was a crumbled mess. I didn't even know where to begin. All I knew was, at the celebrations, I'll have to hold my head high and smile. I had to be strong. There wasn't another option.

I was awakened by bright sunlight creeping its way into my room through the break in the blinds. I groaned and pulled the covers over my head. I wasn't a morning person which is what made me different to my family who I knew for a fact were already downstairs preparing everything for the celebrations today. I didn't want to get up… I don't think I was ready to face the world just yet. I knew that I could just let the guard down if only for a second when I was in my room. It was my safe place. It seemed to me that I needed that safe place even more now.

Run.

Huh?

Go run.

What the hell? Run?

I suddenly felt restless which only amplified by every passing moment. My wolf was pacing back and forth in my head. What is going on? The only way I would find out is if I asked her. I was too proud to ask her, I didn't need her, I could figure this out myself. I swung the covers off of me and got out of bed which is when I heard her voice.

Are you just going to ignore me? She clicked her tongue.

''You didn't say anything.'' I say and resume walking to my en-suite bathroom. I needed to rinse off the events from last night or shall I say earlier this morning. I felt sticky.

I grabbed my fluffy pink towel of my chair as well as my robe. Every step I made felt stiff and sore. I could still almost feel the pain that I was in last night. I let out a controlled breath and ordered myself to stop thinking about it. Today was meant to be my celebration and I wasn't going to ruin it for my family.

I still felt restless and it became almost impossible to ignore it by the time I exited the shower. I felt my wolf clawing inside my head, and it felt painful every time she did it. It felt like a constant headache that was only getting stronger.

''Right, what the hell is your problem, Malia?'' I looked around my room as if looking for a person to speak to. I still couldn't get used to the fact that I had this feral creature inside of my head.

Well if you could actually stop and think for a second you would be able to figure this out yourself.

''Well I'm sorry, I didn't realise I was a psychic.'' I frowned and headed for the wardrobe to find something to wear.

Less of the attitude my dear… your wolf needs to run.

''I haven't got time to run and besides I'm not much of a runner anyway. So, she'll just have to adjust.'' I start flicking through the hangers. Where is that dress mum gave me?

Malia laughed which made me stop for a second. You do realise that this isn't how it works.

''How does it work then?'' I ask but focus on finding that red dress. There it is! All satisfied with myself I take it out and place it on a hook on my wardrobe door. It truly was a beautiful dress. My mum did have good taste for sure. I carefully ran my fingers through the silky satin and paused briefly when my fingers touched the bow on the side of the dress. Hmm maybe I should have the bow right at the back of the dress.

I was lost in thought when Malia spoke again. Your wolf won't just give up. If she wants to run, you do it.

I gasp in disbelief. ''She doesn't rule me. I thought she's meant to be a part of me.''

I promise you this feeling you are having…being all restless… the sudden burst of adrenaline that you'll feel soon… it's all to push you into submitting and taking care of the wolf's needs. Just like you have needs and you make sure you fulfil yours; you need to do the same to her… well me… She smirked.

''I honestly don't have time.''

And that's when I felt that adrenaline pushing its way through. That stiff feeling I felt this morning was disappearing and I felt my limbs relaxing as if preparing to run at any second. My wolf was growling… curling its lip and showing me its teeth. It was daring me to deny it.

Go run.

''I don't have time.'' I was just as stubborn as the wolf apparently.

You will regret that, angel.

I rolled my eyes.

''Ana? Are you up sweetheart?'' My mother's voice allowed me to ignore my wolf even if it's for just a second.

''Yes mum.'' I answered and picked up a comb to brush the mess of chocolate waves on top of my head. I was a mess I needed to make myself look presentable before I went downstairs.

''Good! You are putting that red dress on?'' I could tell she was smiling which only made me smile in return.

''Yes.''

''I'll leave you to it then. You won't be too long will you?''

''Don't worry I won't.'' I was already putting my dress on. All I had left was to put my make up on and that wouldn't take me long.

Thirty minutes later I was standing in front of my floor to ceiling long mirror looking at my reflection to see whether I needed to make any final adjustments. My blue eyes were glowing today, I felt excited. I had to look perfect or at least close to it. My hair was tumbling down my back in soft waves, it seemed to have tamed a bit. I was pleased with what I was able to achieve. The dress was a vibrant red, flowy, strapless, and finished just above the knee. I decided to tie the bow at the back around my waist and was happy with how it showed off my small waist. I kept my make up to a minimum and just applied some mascara, blusher and lip gloss. All I had left was to put my black Christian Louboutin stilettos with a red sole on and I was all done.

My neckless! How could I forget!

I picked up the small box on top of my dresser and opened it. The silver chained neckless with a heart shaped charm was inside. I carefully took it out and after struggling for a few minutes with the clasp I managed to put it on.

I smoothed down my dress and tucked my hair behind my ears. I was fidgeting now, stepping from foot to foot. I have been arguing with my wolf for over an hour and I still didn't give in. No one ever told me that the wolf was so persistent. I was feeling overwhelmed with energy, my skin was beginning to sting as if I walked through a pile of nettles.

By the time I made it downstairs I could barely stand it. My wolf has not stopped growling at me or pushing me into giving in. I tried bargaining with her and told her that we would go for a run after the celebrations, but she barked at me in return.

''How does it feel to be a proper wolf?'' My older brother, Alec, practically runs into the living room.

''Good,'' A quick short reply. I had to stick with as little words as possible if I wanted to not show anyone that I was fighting with her now.

''Did you go for a run?'' He snatched a pancake from the side that mum made for our breakfast. Typical, Alec, he was always hungry.

''That's meant to be for our breakfast when the whole pack arrives, you know that don't you?'' I raised an eyebrow. ''Are you going to put on a shirt?'' I asked as I glanced down at his bare muscled torso.

''Yeah I know but I'm hungry and to answer your second question, nope it's too hot in here,'' he said mid chew. ''So how was the run?'' he barely swallowed before attacking another pancake.

''I didn't go,'' The growling got stronger.

He stopped eating. ''What do you mean you didn't go?''

''Just that… I didn't go.'' I let out an exasperated sigh.

He smirked at me. ''My stubborn sister thinks she can ignore the wolf.''

My forehead creased. ''You don't know anything.'' I walked straight past him to sit down at the dining table but didn't fail to see his aqua blue eyes sparkling with amusement. My mouth was already watering at the sight of the feast in front of me. My mother has truly out done herself. Eggs, bacon, stacks of pancakes, toast, beans, salads and jugs of orange juice decorated the huge dark oak dining table. My nostrils filled with a gorgeous scent of blue roses that were placed almost too perfectly in the middle of the table. I couldn't help but smile… they were my favourite flowers.

Alec clearly had no intention of letting this go as he sat right next to me and flung his arm over my shoulders. ''So, tell me… how do you ignore it?''

''Get off me.'' I shrug my shoulders which caused his arm to slip down.

''You know since we are in the same pack, I can tell that your wolf isn't settled. She's practically ready to jump out of you.'' He ran his fingers through his almost jet-black hair and smirked at me.

I slapped his arm which only made him laugh.

''Again, you don't know anything.'' I try to ignore him as I pick up the jug of orange juice and pour myself a glass. I tried to stop my hands from shaking but I failed and nearly spilled most of the juice all over myself and my brother.

''Your skin is probably feeling like it's on fire… your head is pounding… and just think soon this room will be filled with the whole pack.'' I looked around the open plan living and dining room where I could already picture my family laughing, chatting and joking around. ''The noise will only make the headache stronger.''

I practically growled at him. ''Your point being?'' I turned towards him and he just looked more smug than ever.

''Well…sis… I am just getting some pay back.'' He grinned and it all made sense. After he went through his transformation, I gave him a really hard time. I made him loose his temper more than once and I didn't care I kept pushing. I thought it was hilarious when he finally managed to overcome his anger but then his sexual desires rose to the surface and I would ask Kate, Ariana and Joana to tease him. I almost allowed myself to laugh then when I remembered how hard he had to try to keep his wolf intact and not allow him to pounce on any of them. But he didn't break, not even once, he had a huge amount of control over his wolf and so he didn't end up in the cave of control. I didn't feel guilty, after all it was my duty as a little sister to tease and give my brother a hard time. However, now I was starting to regret everything that I did. I didn't have much control over my temper, and he knew that and now that I was a true wolf it was a recipe for a disaster. His grin got even bigger when my eyes widened.

''You better move your stuff to the cave now.'' He winked at me and grabbed another pancake.

''I hope you kids are behaving yourselves.'' My mother's voice made both of us turn out heads towards her.

Carla Steele's smile could lighten up a room. She looked absolutely beautiful in her figure fitting light blue dress. She walked over to us; her nude stilettoes were clicking loudly on the oak parquet flooring. She looked radiant and full of life like she always did. Her brunette hair was expertly pinned up into a bun at the top of her head, not a single strand out of place.

''Yes mum.'' We both said in union.

''Good,'' she said simply and took a seat in front of us at the dining table. Looking at us she smiled again. I still sometimes forgot how her eyes were the same shade of ocean blue as mine and Alec's. ''Alec, I told you yesterday that you were to wait for the others before you start eating.'' She frowned at my brother.

''You know I can't resist your cooking.'' He shot his winning smile at her. Mummy's boy like always.

My mother rolled her eyes and laughed. ''Your charm doesn't work on me young man… next time do as I say.''

''No one can resist me, mum.'' He winked at her.

''Enough about you, Alec.'' She looked over at me. ''How are you sweetheart?'' her voice full of concern.

I could feel a bead of sweat rolling down my forehead, but I managed to say ''All good, mum''

Liar.

I ignored, Malia. I was not going to ruin the celebrations.

The next hour I spent smiling, laughing and nodding where appropriate. The entire living and dining area in our house was filled with the entire pack and even guests that I barely knew or recognised. After seeing my confused face my mother explained that she invited some of the pack's close friends. I was being introduced and passed around everybody. There was no way I was going to remember what everyone looked like, let alone their names.

''Congratulations!'' I sigh in relief when I hear Kate's jolly voice from across the room. Her dress demanded attention. It was navy blue and stuck to her body as if it was her second skin showing off her curvy figure. Delicate lace wrapped around both of her arms but what really caught your eye was the four-inch red stilettoes that decorated her slim feet. They were her 'fuck me' shoes. It almost made me laugh. Almost.

She started to make her way over to me, her strawberry blonde hair was swinging gently from side to side. It was curled in soft waves which made her look effortless. But her red lipstick made her look all dolled up. She balanced it all so well. Something that I sadly could never master. Her green eyes sparkled seductively like they always did. When she eventually reached me, she embraced me into a big hug. ''You okay?'' She whispered to me before pulling away.

I managed to shake my head. I was visibly trembling, and it wasn't because of the cold. I was feeling drunk my vision was getting slightly blurry. I was exhausted. It was the sudden energy drop that I knew would happen and it would only return to normal if I gave into the wolf. It began to feel like I was not going to have much choice but to leave the celebrations.

''Ana? What's wrong?'' I saw the concern creeping in on Kate's face, but she quickly shook it off. She didn't want to show that she was worried about me just in case it would raise an alarm and cause a scene in the pack. I loved her even more just for that.

''I need to… get… out of here.'' I swallowed loudly in-between words.

She only nodded and put her arm around me as she weaved in between everyone at the party. She was determined to get us out without anyone realising I was leaving. I was grateful for having a friend like Kate.

We didn't speak until we were out of sight and out of supernatural ear shot. She took me deep into the forest, I didn't register much of our walk. I couldn't focus. I couldn't think. It felt like my wolf was taking over and it felt like I couldn't grab hold of the reins anymore as more time went by. Pain was seeping through ever vein in my body causing me to lose even more control. My claws lashed out.

God damn it!

''Nearly there Ana,'' She panted. ''Just need to get passed this hill. I don't want to chance anyone seeing us,'' Her worried eyes met mine.

I squinted, trying to sharpen my vision. It didn't work. All I could do at this point was nod.

Seconds. Minutes. Hours. I couldn't distinguish time anymore when we eventually stopped walking. I could barely hear Kate's voice, it sounded muffled. I lifted my head which is when I felt an almost snap inside my head. It was a sharp stinging sensation.

''Ahhhhhhhhh!'' I screamed, my voice hoarse. I grabbed hold of my head and stumbled forwards, landing on all fours, my elbows digging into the snow beneath our feet. ''It hurts, Kate!''

''Ana… focus on my voice.'' I looked up at Kate. Squinting again, just about making out her silhouette. ''You need to submit to the wolf. I don't know what she is asking but you need to do as she is telling you. Otherwise she's going to climb out and you'll transform. It's too soon Ana, me and you both know that. It's time for you to put aside your pride and just fucking give in!'' I knew she was shouting but all I could hear was a whisper.

I choked on a sob as the stinging started to spread all over me. I squeezed my eyes together and bit into my lip. The metallic taste of blood flooding into my mouth but I ignored it. I knew what I had to do. I slowly got up on my shaking limbs, kicked off my shoes and I started running. At first, I couldn't feel any change, my legs felt numb and trembled with every pounce. I was barefoot, my feet sinking into the snow-covered ground, crunching loudly. The perks of being a wolf was that you never felt the cold which I greatly appreciated at this very moment. Its then that I realised my hearing was returning as the crunching beneath my feet each time I took a stride forwards got louder. I took a sharp left to avoid colliding with a tree, I widened my eyes, my vision becoming clearer and sharper.

Finally! Malia? What does she want now?

''So, you only now decide… to… make an appearance.'' I exhaled and pushed on. My pace only quickening. The adrenaline rush was more than welcome. I felt stronger than ever before, I didn't know I could run so fast. I always watched with fascination whenever someone from my pack went running, through my human eyes, it always looked like a blur. But now… I was running so fast everything around me slowed. I blinked once and then twice. I inhaled the fresh and cold air around me. It was like I was seeing the world for the first time; everything was the same yet different in every way possible.

Well you were ignoring me anyway. If you waited… say… another ten minutes you would have transformed. You know that cannot happen right now. Malia looked at me, her features hardening.

I knew. My mother always said to me that new wolves should not allow themselves to go into their wolf form until at least a month after their transformation. She said something, if I remember correctly, that it would be a lot harder to keep our wolf selves under control if that was to happen. I couldn't believe how stupid I was and nearly let that happen to me. Just below the surface my anger was simmering, and it would only take one switch inside of me to lose control of that. I couldn't imagine what it would be like if I let my wolf form take hold and that anger would ignite stronger than ever inside of me. It would have been a one-way ticket to the cave of control. Thank god my father doesn't know of this. He would have been so disappointed in me. Hell, I was disappointed in myself. I nearly became a disappointment to my pack but most importantly myself.

I was lost deep in self-misery when it happened.

I came into contact with something hard, knocking me to the ground. The ground was slippery, and I skidded across it with ease. My head hit a hard object.

I hissed as pain vibrated inside of my head. I was glad I eventually stopped sliding all over the place, but I defiantly was not appreciative of the pain. I hissed again as I slowly straighten myself and lifted my battered body of the ground, my back leaning against the hard object that I collided with not even two minutes ago. I still didn't look at what it was.

''Do you even look at where you are going?!'' A shout entered my heighten hearing. I instinctively covered my ears, as a new wolf out hearing was hypersensitive. ''Hello?! Are you deaf?'' That voice even though laced with anger was probably the most smooth and masculine voice I've ever heard.

Let me see! Malia was purring inside my head. She wanted me to see who this angry stranger was. I didn't have much choice but to look up, I was a slave to Malia apparently.

I gasped.

Grey eyes narrowed and looked down at my limp form.

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