Disclaimer: Unfortunately I don't own this series. :cries silently: Sci-Fi does.

All I own is my imagination sad I know.

A/N: Sign the petition. Also when editing this chapter, I realized how long it was so I split it into 2 parts.

Episode 14: There's Always Denial Part 2

Previously on Wolf Lake:

"So… Care to answer my questions? Who's going? And What time?" Sophia asked

"I was wondering when you'd bring that up" Sarah said smiling at her best friend. "It's obviously tomorrow, so you're sleeping over. I need you to come over around 3 to help and as for who's going…" she said with a raised eyebrow in Sophia's direction causing Kit to screech loudly "Everyone, duh! it's one of the only parties that includes both us normal lowly people and the Hill Kids" Sarah laughed looking at Scott's bewildered expression and Sophia's terrified puppy look. "Ok it's starting around 8 and as Kit so graciously put it, everyone it going so yes the Hill Kids will attend along with their effervescent king, but you Sophia Donner are stilling going and still sleeping over" Sarah said sternly noticing the look on Sophia's face

"OK, OK don't attack I surrender" Sophia replied throwing her hands up in defense "But um Sarah, I need you to walk with me for second" her only reply was Sarah's nod. When they were far enough from prying wolf ear Sarah voiced her concerns. "So Soph what's on your mind?"

"I need a date… a 'wolfy' date" Sophia answered using air quotes "I need to send Luke a strong message and since Scott doesn't, you know, fit that description… I need someone else. Plus I kinda don't wanna hear Luke spewing off his 'but he's a human' bullshit."

"Soph chill, I get it." Sarah replied with a laugh "I'd recommend Sean but you know how I feel about that so he's off limits" Sarah said with a slight smirk "so my next guess would be Randy but he's kind of a pig…"

"Hmmm a pig wolf or is it wolf pig" Sophia mocked as the bell rang "A pig is still better than nothing eh?

"So Randy it is!" the girls laughed as the reached their lockers

School passed quickly and Sophia couldn't help but feel relieved that nothing out of the ordinary, which was rare considering. She found herself completely happy as she got into Sarah's car smirking at her good luck. Not only was the day relatively calm but Rusty had given her 3 days off, stating that although she was his best employee, working herself ragged wouldn't do either of them good. So she manage to get whole weekend off and she planned to take full advantage.

2 Days and Counting

2 days earlier/later

Party Time!

When she woke up that morning she was a bundle of nerves she dressed as comfortable as she could in a tight teal spaghetti strap shirt and a pair of black jean cut off booty shorts equipped with a pair of matching teal sandals, she grabbed her bag and cell and headed for the door calling Sarah on the phone.

"Hey you home?" she asked

"Just getting in, why?" Sarah answered "Oh I'm just about to leave. My dad lent me his truck for the weekend, he said Molly would drive him home"

"Cool" Sarah responded "Hey Soph, Can you pick up a pizza on your way here please? I'm starved"

"Sure, want soda with that?" Sophia asked in her best waitress voice

"Please, Please, Please I'm sooo- Wait you said yes?" Sarah asked in disbelief, happy that her best friend couldn't see her gawking at the phone.

"Sounds that way huh?" Sophia replied with a laugh "Someone is in a good mood" she responded "Not that I'm complaining" she amended

"Actually, I am" Sophia replied "So do you want on it?"

"Did I ever mention how much you rock or that I love you" Sarah gushed making her friend laugh more and reply with a vague "Everyday".

"Make it a large Meat Lovers Pizza, a bottle of Sprite, and slice of chocolate cake unless you want one too, then that's 2 slices, chips any kind don't care as long as you bring dip and umm a bag of popcorn"

"Okay. Will that be all your royal fatness" Sophia giggled hearing Sarah gasp in shock

"Hey I resent that comment 'fatness' hmmpphh I am fat free"

"Whatever you say your Royal Fat Ass" Sophia replied turning into the parking lot.

"Ha ha very funny Soph… no hurry up and get your ass over here."

"Kay See you soon"

They hung up just as Sophia noticed the crowd of teens walking away for the beautiful GTO fresh out the shop. 'So much for my good mood' she thought in dismay when their eyes met. Shaking her head breaking eye contact, she walked back her father's truck, hoping to gather some courage. After a tiny pep talk she walked into the pizza joint self-consciously tugging her shirt, which had chosen that moment to ride up exposing her mid drift.

Presley & gang seated at two of the booths, immediately she noticed Luke's absence leaving the seat next to Presley empty and as after thought she noticed that Sean was missing as well. She could only assume they were in the rest room, hoping that she could have as minimal contact with him as possible. It was then that she noticed Brianna presence, the blonde was about to say something to her and she could feel her thoughts seeping through her mind just as Presley shot Brianna a look that clearly stated 'keep your mouth shut' and smirked at Sophia who quickly turned towards the counter to order just as Luke and Sean exited the bathroom laughing.

"I'll have a large Meat Lovers with extra ham. A bottle of Sprite and 2 slices of chocolate cake" she said smiling at the guy behind the counter 'I guess Sarah will have to wait for the popcorn and chips' she was pulled out of her thoughts just as the guy behind the counter told her it would be ready in 20 minutes. Nodding at the man, she turned to leave and wait in her father's truck instead of waiting here with them watching her every move.

When she got outside she noticed a small pharmacy at the edge of the plaza, and quickly walked over to it. Taking her time, she walked through the isles grabbing things here and there. When she spotted the row of chips she grabbed a bad of Tostitos and a bottle of Mild Salsa. She found a box of popcorn 2 isles down and made her way to the register, grabbing a water bottle and snickers when she reached the checkout counter. She glanced at her phone and noticed that about 15 minutes had passed which gave her enough time to pay the guy and grab her pizza, with no spare time for Luke or his friends to harass her.

When she heard the bell over the jingle she knew all eyes were on her, she couldn't for the life of her remember why she hadn't put the stuff in the truck but there she was holding a water bottle and 2 large brown paper bags. She could feel them burning a hole in her back and casually glanced back to check on the truck, sure enough the entire 2 tables of Hill Kids were looking at her, it was so distracting she hadn't even noticed the blonde walking towards her and almost missed the guy behind the counter yelling "Order Up". She made to grab the pizza box placing the brown bags on top of the box when she realized there were 2 other bags and there was no way she could carry it all by herself. She found herself momentarily wishing Luke would try to talk to her again so she could take advantage and ask for help but that thought was cut short by a male voice.

"Bit hungry are we?" Randy asked, eyebrow arched at the blush staining her cheeks.

"Nope, not at all, this is all Sarah's" she motioned to the bags and pizza box, shaking her head she let out a nervous laugh "Well maybe not all of it is Sarah's, but the majority is" she said emphasizing the word all. Randy laughed and took the box and brown bags from her, waiting by to the door.

XXX

To say that he was angry was an understatement; he was seeing red; a whole lot of red, a dark blood red to be exact. She was flirting with Randy! Actually flirting and he should know he was the master of flirting. He watched helplessly as Randy walked her towards a truck which he could only guess she's borrowed from her dad. 'She kissed Randy's cheek!' he thought frantically'They're flirting and how could she flirt with Randy, how could she kiss his cheek. They're flirting as in, Randy is flirting with her and she's flirting back. And why exactly is she laughing with her hand on his arm?' As the anger mounted, he listened carefully to what was being said. He heard a mention of Sarah's party, staying over and see you there but just as he went to get up Presley laid a reaffirming hand on his arm. So it wasn't his imagination Presley was protecting Sophia. 'If only she knew what Sophia could do… she would realize Sophia could protect herself'

XXX

She had her on ulterior motive as to why she was protecting the zoo bait, she didn't really hate her, just the treat she posed for her position in the pack as alpha female at Luke's side. So what if she didn't particularly like her. Sophia was just a distraction to Luke and she had to make sure he didn't stray too far. She only cared about power and Luke offered her just that. She decided that maybe along the way she gained a touch of feelings for him, she rationalized every emotion and labeled it, putting them in a file in her mind labeled over exposure. The boy was sexy, powerful, and currently hers. Was it so bad that she intended to keep it that way?

Yet the fact remained, Vivian had approached her and Sarah, she had given them both particular orders. While she was sure Hollander was meant to protect Sophia, she was meant to keep Luke distracted. Sure, she was taken aback by the request but she couldn't deny that Luke had been straying away from her, her 'best friends' Brianna and Chloe were proof in themselves of his infidelities. "Presley I need you to keep Luke occupied, and I need you keep the other females at bay till Sophia's change (if the mutt could survive it), she must be protected at all costs"She replayed the order in her head continuously, with her own adjustment of course, but she had her own reasons for protecting Sophia. She decided on the best way to distract Luke and decided a conveniently placed hand on his thigh and a seductive smirk would do the trick.

Doing just that, she noticed him visibly calm just before his body reacted to her ministrations and his hormones began to rage out of control. She leaned in and whispered "Let's go down to the lake" and waited for him to nod his head in confirmation.

XXX

Setting up for the party was a lot simpler than either girl expected. Sure it was time consuming, but simple non the less. Pizza for the Non-Hill Kids was being delivered as was lots and lots of chicken, burgers, and ribs for the Hill Kids. Before they knew it, Kit was calling to tell them she was 15 minutes away and the clocks in the house were flashing 6pm.

In a maddening blur the girls rushed up the stairs to shower and begin the process of getting ready. It was about 20 minutes later when Kit walked into the room and found herself, on the wrong side of a pair of jeans. The music was blasting throughout the house, and most of the contents of Sarah's closet and dresser drawers were flying to opposite ends of the room as the 2 brunettes attempted to find an outfit worthy of the night, so it was no surprise that they hadn't heard Kit knocking on the door. Within an hour the room was littered with tops, skirts, jeans, shorts, and multiple other garments of clothing. Kit chose to keep it simple in a pair of black leggings and simple yellow empire waist shirt with black strappy sandals. Sophia on the other hand had decided, or rather was forced into a pair of dark blue skinny jeans paired with a black lacey halter top and black ankle boots while Sarah wore a black mini skirt, black boots similar to Sophia's and a white tub top with a thick black belt under her breasts. Both brunettes were sporting silver jewelry, black eyeliner, and pink lip-gloss, leaving Kit as the odd on out wearing gold hoop earrings and a long gold and yellow beaded necklace. Sophia was currently using moose to keep her curls intact while Sarah straightened the last of her hair and Kit pulled the last of her hair back into a high runway model pony tail. They looked amazing and all that was left to do was wait for the last of the food and the guest, a tasked proved harder than most imagine it to be.

XXX

When he arrived at Sarah's house he parked his car next to Randy's truck and got out. On his way inside he noticed Sean and Sarah talking really close, he could smell the sex in the air but above all that he could smell her intoxicating sent laced with jasmine, wherever she was hiding and he reveled in it as long as he could before his nostrils were ambushed by cheap perfume. 'What am I doing, what do I want, what am I after?' he asked himself the same questions he'd been asking himself since he first started to befriend Sophia, even more so since the day she had almost flipped. Did he want freedom, Sophia, to be the next alpha…All he knew for sure was that he wanted her to no needed her to survive the flip. Nodding absentmindedly at Presley who was no doubt suggesting a midnight tryst or warning him to steer clear of trouble; regardless the message, he couldn't bring himself to care at because at that very moment his eyes were scanning the room for the elusive Sophia Donner, who's sent was everywhere and nowhere all at once. Just then he noticed Sarah sprint up the stairs 'how can girls move let alone run in those things' he mused to himself hoping beyond hope that Sophia would descend those exact stairs very soon.

XXX

Of course as the guests had begun to arrive she'd retreated to Sarah's room. Sitting there with nothing to do except listen was getting quite never wrecking. After about 20 minutes she heard the familiar rumble of his engine. Lucas Cates was here and there was no turning back now. She was nervous but that could be construed as an understatement since her heart was racing as if she'd just finished running a mile. Flirting with Randy could prove extremely dangerous for both her and the blonde male. No matter what the pack thought or how much they watched her she wasn't one of them… 'At least not currently' she thought bitterly. So why should she live with them always watching, waiting, their golden eyes taunting her in the night invading her dreams. 'Damn it, who am I kidding? It's not the wolves that bother me, it's HIM. That damned Luke and his gorgeous green eyes especially when they flash gold, his infuriating smirk and perfect body. He haunts me every night in my dreams.' She could sense Sarah coming upstairs for her just as the packs' thoughts boomed louder and louder.

She knew that no matter how much she wished it weren't true, the change was close, she could feel the call of nature. Her first flip was coming whether she was ready or not. The wolf within didn't want to be held back anymore, she could feel her gnawing at the ropes that were restraining her. She'd been challenged and she wasn't going to back down she was going to force herself out of her cage. Sophia just had to accept the inevitable, she had nothing left but denial.

"Soph let's go, he's here" Sarah exclaimed rushing through the door.

"Yeah I know, give me a second" she told her, just as she turned towards the mirror missing the smirk her friend gave her back

"Humph I think you've have more than enough seconds & minutes missy. Now get your hot ass out of my room and down those stairs before I have to get violent with you!"

What could she do after all this was her ingenious plan right? It didn't matter how stupid it seemed now. She just wasn't ready, she didn't know if it would work or better yet if she wanted it to work. Sensing her doubt Sarah spoke up, this time using a her rare serious voice "Sophia are you chickening out now? You look amazing. Whatever happens, happens. Carpe Diem right… what is it you always say?" she asked snapping her fingers "La Dolce Vie" Sophia responded morosely. "Look Sophia you only have 1 life, live it. Make it what you want while you can!" she smiled a small smile at Sophia and continued "Soph you can do this."

"Alright, Alright; I get it yoda no need for anymore pep talks. I'm up and walking towards the door see" as if to prove her point she reached for the door turned to look at Sarah and tapped her foot "let's go"

XXX

Walking down the hall towards the party proved to be the longest 3 minutes of her life, she felt like Cinderella as she descended the stairs, noticing a retreating Presley she glanced at where the blonde had just been stationed and her eyes connected with those beautiful green eyes that belong to Luke just before they flashed that fascinating gold she knew all too well. It still amazed her how drawn in she would become at the slightest eye contact with him, how something so something so simple could cause her to become so mesmerized. He really was beautiful, and sexy, and an ass. Infuriating was not the word she would under normal circumstances, but he had this way about him, he drove her insane. She broke their eye contact and quickly walked down the last few steps.

XXX

Making a beeline for the end of the stairs he realized she had disappeared before he had managed to take more than 3 steps. "Hey Luke" Brianna said as he turned towards the food table, she seemed to be the only female not acting weird. "Hey Brianna" he responded with less enthusiasm then he had meant, hoping she wouldn't notice. She did.

"Baby are you alright?" she asked searching his face for any clues.

"Yeah I was just going to get some food." Was the short reply

"Well dance with me first" she purred, and who was he to deny a beautiful girl a dance.

XXX

She wasn't a stupid blonde, far from it actually, she knew what Sophia was doing and it was brave but extremely stupid. But she knew she had to give her credit when credit was due and Sophia definitely had some guts playing such a dangerous of cat and mouse with a big bad wolf. And though she played stupid when it came to Luke's extracurricular activities and all the other girls he slept with (though she slept with probably the same amount of males) she wasn't gonna sit back and let Sophia be one of them. She wouldn't let the little zoo bait have Luke in any way or she'd risk losing him entirely and her hopes would be up in smoke. Although the outfit she had chosen was very flattering, a far cry from the shy timid girl in a pink dress so many nights ago… this game would be fun to watch and maybe play in a later round but she wouldn't lose, because she never lost a game she played, not when it mattered.

XXX

She didn't have to look too far to spot Luke on the dance floor with a tall beautiful blonde 'Brianna…. It figures' she thought bitterly.

"Soph, seriously you should have seen it from an outsider's point of view" Sarah said for the umpteen time bringing Sophia back to reality. Chuckling softly Sophia answered the brunette in front of her "Yeah I get it. 'All hot & bothered and completely wolf eyed' you're stuck on repeat Sarah. Heads up, Sean is heading your way" she said with a conspiratorial wink to Kit across the room.

"Looks like he and Randy are on the same page. Don't, don't turn around" she replied nervously "are you ready?"

Her breathing had started coming in short pants and her palms were suddenly sweaty. Was this gonna work, would Luke finally get the message? Did she even remember what message she was trying to convey?

"Sophia?" she heard him ask

"Hmmm?" she replied, nervously glancing his way; her sight lingering on Sarah, a nostalgic smile gracing her features "You look amazing tonight. Dance with me?" He asked taking her hand and leading her to the edge of the dance floor and for a split second she saw green eyes instead of brown and light brown hair instead of blonde. Her mouth moved on its own accord "Assertive, I like that" the words shocking her more than anything; tugging on his hand when he stilled she laughed a throaty laugh. Glancing back she noticed the predatory look in his eyes and the slightly seductive smirk, somehow Randy had positioned them in Luke's line of sight, only he was preoccupied at the moment, his hands disappearing up and under Brianna's shirt.

Another song started and she and Randy kept dancing, her hips grinding into his, their bodies in time to the beat. 'If only he would just look up long enough to see me dancing like this with Randy' she found herself thinking. And imagine her surprise when those gorgeous green orbs of Luke caught sight of her and momentarily flashed with anger, then calming slightly before being replaced by a smug smirk. So to further prove her point she turned away and pulled Randy closer to her, his breath on her neck and exposed shoulder as they gyrated to the beat and in the spur of the moment her hands found his hair. Their breath mingling for a second before he closed the space between them, crushing his lips to hers in a scorching kiss, making sure they never stopped the movement of their bodies. There may not have been sparks but he was one hell of a kisser. It lasted all of 8 seconds when his lips were torn from hers. Fluttering her eyes open and accidentally letting a whimper of protest escape her lips, not loud enough for most to hear, but just loud enough for those in the room with hyper sensitive hearing. Her eyes connected with his, regaining her senses and composure she realized she was staring at Randy sprawled out on the floor clutching his jaw.

XXX

What was she doing? He could smell her, sense her more than before. He knew she was near. Then he heard it in snippets 'Look Up' and 'dancing with Randy'. He turned his head in the general direction of her. At first he felt nothing but white hot anger flooding his veins and impairing his senses, but then he caught a glimmer of something in her eyes, something he couldn't quite name but tied together with her slight smile, his wolf was calmed as if she was telling him that he'd always win. So he smiled back and watched in horror as the playfulness leave her face and her eyes go cold just before she turned her face away. He watched for a few more minutes & just as he intended to look away they kissed. He felt his world go cold and slip out from under his as he watched 'Randy & Sophia kissing' the thought to much too bare. He watched as her hips kept in time with the beat and her nails raked over Randy's back, he watched as Randy's hands firmly grabbed her waist, he could feel her nails running down Randy's back as if it were his own.

He heard her thoughts then 'Not this time Luke, this time I win'.

A part of him knew she hadn't meant to think that let alone broadcast it, but the challenge was made, his wolf responding to the white hot anger tugging at his heart. Before he could register any movement, he was across the room, his fist making contact with the side of Randy's face. Time stopped when he heard it, a whimper slightly muffled but the source and its cause were completely obvious, the roaring in his ears so deafening now. He chanced a look at her but she was staring wide-eyed at Randy, who was staring at him.

He almost couldn't feel the gentle tugging (actually yanking but his wolf was so close to the surface they couldn't hold him) of Sarah & Presley. He almost couldn't hear Brianna's words of encouragement, the snarl from Presley directed at the blonde and an extra set of arms on his shoulders (Sean). When his hand came in contact with Sophia's arm her eyes wasted no time flashing and he knew it was too late. His cheek stung and instinctively he raised his hand to his cheek. As he smeared the blood, he noticed that the all hands except Sean's had now left his body. He briefly got a glimpse of the thick red liquid on his fingers before he felt delicate hands on his chest, nails digging in and then a force send him reeling back landing on his ass where Brianna's body had landed a few moments prior, all the while his eyes never breaking from hers. Only when she turned abruptly, bent down and helped Randy up who looked like a deer in headlights, did he take in his current surroundings. He started to come to his senses when he noticed a snarling Presley flanking Sophia and Sarah tending to Sean. He could only guess that Presley had sent Brianna flying when she attempted to go near Sophia after the first or second blow. But his wolf was still in control; bordering an accidental flip, he noted all the emotions welling up inside him… anger, hunger, excitement, awe and in the far corner of his mind love. Her power and strength turned him on.

XXX

"The party is OVER, get out!" The whispers of spectators and the open mouthed Hill Kids pissed Sarah off even more. Never had she imagined that Presley would protect Sophia to that extent, let alone the actual strength Sophia displayed. "I said LEAVE NOW!" she wasn't sure how she had managed to get her voice to exhibit such strength and intimidation but was glad she did.

The sight of Sophia slapping Luke, Brianna moving to attack Sophia and Presley throwing her off followed by a spectacular shove by Sophia, was amazing, exhilarating and frankly, it was frightening. Sarah had no doubt in her mind that Sophia could take on anyone if she was strong enough to dent Luke's car with Luke himself and shove him clear across the room. She exhibited a strength not many flipped wolves could manage.

XXX

Luke felt himself being hoisted to his feet and dragged towards the door where Presley was ushering people out. He had just reached the steps leading off the porch when he heard Sarah's frantic voice "Oh No! Sophia". He turned back towards the door and saw a flash of curly blonde hair head inside right before the door shut in his face. "Sarah what happened, what's wrong?" Presley's voice was unmistakable and under its curiosity was fear. Then a heart wrenching scream broke the air "Presley go to Vivian tell her when have an emergency, I have to call Mr. Blackstone" another scream "Where's your back door" the screaming got louder "That way, Sophia? Sophia where's your phone I have to call your dad… Sophia!" Sarah was close to hysterics and Presley was ordering Randy to get towels and a bowl of ice water when they heard another Scream ripping through the air.

XXX

The pain was unbearable, her back felt like it was ripping, her skin felt like it was ripping, stretching and melting all at once. It was impossible to focus on one particular pain, she saw Presley flip and momentarily thought she was dead until she saw Presley running for Sarah's backdoor sending her a mental command of 'keep breathing' right before blackness overtook her.

XXX

The screaming in her head had stopped and the pain in her belly had lessened so she ran faster a feeling of dread overtaking her. She didn't know why she was compelled to go back to Wolf Lake but she knew that she had to. Ruby Cates-Creed would risk it because she needed to be there even if she was signing her own death warrant.

XXX

Vivian Cates stood staring out the window of her office. 'Her office' the words sounded wrong, strange, foreign to her ears and yet they were true. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she almost didn't notice or sense the presence behind her. But that scent was all too familiar and all too unforgettable.

"Hello Matt"she said not bothering to turn around

"V" he responded as he entered the office fully, closing the door behind him

"How can I help you?" she asked cutting straight to the chase, noticing that her voice had taken on a sharp skeptical edge.

"Can't a friend visit another friend" He asked completely calm causing her to wince as she finally turned to look at him. "Since when do you willingly come visit me at 2 in the morning, let alone consider us 'friends'? How did you get in?"

There was a moment of tense silence when Matt finally spoke up, looking her straight in the eyes "Fair enough V, but you should know I didn't come here to play a game of 21 questions. I only need 2 answered."

"Alright" she replied apprehensively

"How long have you been sleeping with Tyler Creed and when did you plan on telling me?

"What?" she blinked at him not expecting that question at all.

"You heard me correctly I believe I asked you 'how long —" he was cut off by a mental shout of 'Mrs. Cates!' followed by a howl right outside the window. Vivian gazed out for a moment identifying the wolf before nodding and heading for the door with Matt on her heels. She opened the front door for the wolf that wasted no time in changing to her human form.

"Presley?" Vivian asked waiting for the tired girl to speak. It only took a minute for her to regain her breath and began talking only to stop and turn frighteningly pale when Matt handed her a blanket.

"We have an emergency" she stated, worried about the sheriff's reaction.

"What Kind?" Matt asked going into Sheriff Mode momentarily forgetting his dislike for the girl sitting in front of him.

"The wolf kind" Vivian answered "Presley call Sherman and Matt follow me"

"Why? Since when am I included in pack business—"

"Matt" she said sternly "It's Sophia" And at that moment his world shattered.

"How, what's wrong?"

"Mr. Donner, Mrs. Cates had Sarah and I watch Luke and the females in the younger pack and keep them distracted from your daughter. I'm not sure what happened but she doubled over in pain" Presley answered Matt then turned to Vivian and continued "Your son was there, as well as a large group of humans. When she collapsed Sarah sent me to tell you, while she had Randy called Mr. Blackstone. He should be there by now."

"Not again" Matt said holding his head in his hands

"Thank you Presley" Vivian said turning to the girl "Please go back and help Sarah tell her and Sherman we are on our way, Matt let's go" she said sternly watching Presley flip and run out the door.

XXX

When she got there, she noticed Luke sitting on the hood of his car talking to Sean. Not a moment later the door opened and Sherman came walking out.

"Sean go home" he said, all playfulness gone from his face, when he was serious there was no arguing with him. She briefly wondered how he would get home when she noticed Randy come bounding out and nod at Sean who got in his truck as they sped off. She then noticed a beige wolf emerge from the bushes and nod at Sherman who seemed to be looking right at her. It was now or never. She left the safety of the bushes and made her way towards the others as Sherman moved out of her way and let her in, her eyes immediately fell on Sophia crumpled on the floor with Sarah wiping her brow as the girl writhe and groaned in pain.

"Luke please take Presley home, your mother and Sheriff Donner will be here soon and your presence will not help Sophia" she turned back towards the door and when it was apparent that he was going to object she and Presley snarled at Luke. A look of defeat marred his features and Sherman handed Presley who had just flipped back to her human form her clothing. Both teens got into the car just as Vivian's car pulled up. This was going to be a long night. Ruby had a bad feeling about this night and knew that her time of hiding out and running away was up. She could only hope that her being here would help Sophia and maybe herself in the end. Hopefully she could be happy with John once again.

XXX

He really didn't want to leave. There was no denying that this was his fault once again, but her body was fighting the change completely. Her mind was refusing to allow the wolf inside her to break out. He knew she might not survive this, all because of his possessive nature. He knew he cared about her, there was no denying it, but he was at war with his inner wolf. It had marked Sophia as its equal, even before she had shown signs that her flip was about to surface. He needed to help her through this. If she didn't make it, he did not know what he would do. She was his friend, the only person who didn't take his Alpha dog shit, the only person not scared of him. To say he didn't care would be a blatant lie, one he wasn't willing to tell himself anymore.

Her screams echoed in his head long after she had fallen silent. They were like the screams of no other and would probably haunt him for the end of time. It was at that moment that he decided he needed to go running in the. But what seemed to scare him the most about the situation, was that Ruby had risked life and limb coming back to the town she hated for something important and he had a really bad feeling, that something was Sophia and if that was the case then there was more to Sophia then he could have ever imagined.

XXX

'Blurry everything's blurry... why is everything blurry?' she didn't even realize that her lips weren't moving, only that her world was blurry then clear then blurry an endless cycle that was exhausting her. To those watching her, it was obvious she was battling the change and it reflected in her eyes that flashed and dulled continuously. But to Sophia her world was going crazy. Then the pain seared and she screeched with all her might making those around her with sensitive hearing flinch at the pitch and intensity of it. Suddenly it all made sense and the memories came flooding back. 'No matter what happens only one person can drive me crazy enough to reach this breaking point… If I live through this I will personally kill Luke, Alpha or not!' Of course she was once again unaware that she was broadcasting and that everyone in the room felt both uncomfortable and humorous. 'Finally I can see, Daddy what's going on?' and that when it hit her she was changing whether she was ready or not 'dad I'm not ready OMG Daddy it hurts'

"Honey you have to relax, I can't lose my little girl. You have to relax and let the change take you, Sherman there has to be something you can do" the panic could be heard in his voice even though he was trying to help calm Sophia down "Matt all I can do is watch, she's stronger than she looks, how else could she have held it back this long. Have faith"

"FAITH!" his laugh was humorless "What has faith ever done for me? I had faith this would never happen, I had faith Marie would make it! No-"

"Matt, enough! You are not helping the situation. She's your daughter, she strong" Vivian interjected hoping to placate him.

"Will everyone stop talking about her like she's not here."

Sarah was fed up with them ignoring the girl, her best friend writhing on the floor in pain as if her screams meant nothing. "Sarah —" Vivian started "No I'm serious. You're my Alpha, but she's my best friend and instead of all this bickering about her strength which she, strong I mean, she dented Luke's car with Luke, threw him straight across the room with one hand. You should be helping her through this. I almost didn't make it but she saved me. She believed in me and somehow her words made it through the fog. I owe her my life. So please, help her like she helped me"

"Why didn't you tell us that she helped you –"

"Because it wasn't important, V. Sophia helping Sarah only proves her strength and I think that's why I'm here. I heard her screams in my head felt her pain" Ruby turned to Sherman "Is there any way I'm connected to her or she to me?"

"Finally someone has been paying attention" and with a nod Sherman bent down to pick up Sophia and had Ruby and Sarah follow him leaving the other adults alone.

XXX

'What going on?'

'Sophia its Ruby, I'm going to help you but I need you to relax as much as you can. Clear your mind I know it sounds hard but you have to. Try to steady your breathing or you'll hyperventilate on top of everything, can you do that'

'I'll try, but why are you helping me. You never helped any of the others'

'Call it a gut feeling, maybe it has to do with Luke. I'm not sure, but I've always like you. You were always nice no matter how mean they treated you. Luke would come home and tell me all these things and how you just ignored them and then later how you responded with just as much ferocity as I would when pushed to the limit. So maybe it's that you remind me of me, or what I always dreamed Amanda would be, or that your dad has always been there for me but I know I have to do this. But honestly Sophia, if I have to feel your pain anymore I'll die, I went through the flip once already and I don't want to experience it again.'

'Thank you Ruby'

"Are you 2 done?"

"Yes Sherman"

And with that Sherman left the 3 girls alone with only a vague idea as to how Ruby could help Sophia. "Sarah did you bring the towels and water?" when the other girl nodded she continued "Good can you keep wiping down her face and arms, if we don't her skin might tear"

"What did you mean you could feel her pain?" Sarah asked, dipping the first towel into the warm water

"Just what I said, I could feel it like it was my first flip. I'd forgotten the pain involved until tonight"

"How are you going to help her?"

"I think I'm supposed to guide her through it mentally. No matter what happens keep wiping her down" she instructed waiting for the girl's nod.

XXX

It had been over an hour and the screams had lessened about 30 minutes after Sherman had left them alone in the room and they still hadn't gotten any answers. Vivian needed answers "Sherman I understand as keeper of this pack, it's your duty to tell us things in due time but I need to know how Ruby can help her flip?"

"V just like Sophia helped Sarah, Ruby has the ability to help Sophia. Those 2 are connected"

"I understand that but how are they connected?"

"Only time will tell. Besides it's not your concern"

"She's my daughter" Matt replied curtly "And Ruby's my family, my step daughter. How is this not our business" Vivian continued, giving Sherman and incredulous look.

"I think I go check on the cubs" Sherman responded vaguely turning away from the 2 furious adults.

"Damn it Sherman" Matt snarled, completely fed up Sherman's game of run around "We need answers" he snapped feeling his eyes flash with the uncontained emotions.

"Matt" Sherman replied as he reached the stairs "Relax"

XXX

Meanwhile in the room Ruby seemed to be in a trance like state with her hand in Sophia's as the younger girls continued to whimper as she reached a point of growing claws and wolf legs but the fur was still absent. Sarah continued to wipe Sophia down when Sherman entered and took her place telling her it was time. Sarah knew better than to try and decipher anything Sherman said even if he was straight forward it was never what it sounded like.

Sophia felt like her back was breaking excruciatingly slow. She'd reached a point where she was about to give up and let herself die when Ruby echoed in her head 'not yet Sophia your almost there come on follow me' so she followed the 2 white wolves one with blue eyes and the other with gold and soon she was in a very familiar clearing. A clearing that yelled one name to her… Luke. This didn't go unnoticed by Ruby who was after all in Sophia's mind.

This was harder than she expected, seeing Sophia's memories upon entering her mind and diving into her subconscious scared her. But what scared her more was that she now understood why Sophia and herself where so connected. When they had reached the clearing she heard the place call to the 3 of them. The trees seemed to separate, the wind calling to them, standing in front of them now was a familiar wolf who beckoned to the one beside her.

Before she could ask anything, not that she could think of anything, the 2 wolves both gray and white were off playing and frolicking. It was then that she understood, Luke's wolf and Sophia's wolf were one. They had chosen each other before their human counterparts knew what hit them. Glancing back at Sophia she noticed the look of awe on her face before she was thrown out of the clearing as if someone had pressed an eject button. Opening her eyes she saw Sherman petting a white coat and felt him pat her head before she passed out.

XXX

All he could do now was howl, he couldn't sense her or hear her screams. He didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing but it had stopped none the less.