Hey guys! So, good news, I'm out of school so I will probably be able to update quicker But, if you guys have any ideas on the story, feel free to PM me or say it in your review, I'd be happy to see what your ideas are. I might use them. Who knows? :P Oh, and big thanks to otaco for your review! You're awesome!

Chapter 6

Tori's POV

The full moon shone brightly in the clear midnight sky. Its light pooled around Tori like a spotlight as she sat in a clearing. The night was chilly but not unpleasantly so. A cricket chirped its lonely song, then was joined by others, singing the chorus to the trees. Tori sat in the grass, picking at the blades and splitting them into tiny strands. Her dark hair was draped over one shoulder, partially shielding her face. The stars twinkled like tiny gems in the sky. There was something beautiful about them, shedding their small radiance to the dark cloak of the night. Tori raised her gaze towards the forest around her. She knew somewhere out there was Kiba and Toboe. Shortly after she had returned to Kiba and Toboe at the Cabin that morning, the white wolf had asked her to join them on their quest. She still wasn't sure though.

The thought of leaving this place was…..tempting, to say the least. But, she would miss her friends and Kathy. However, Tori also knew that it wasn't safe to learn her abilities here. It would be better to do it far, far away, where no one could see them. No matter my answer, Tori thought, He and Toboe will probably leave. The girl sighed and plucked another blade of grass from the ground. Letting the strips fall to the ground, she lied down on her back, gazing up at the sky. The moon was tinged red and stood out like a crimson disk to the night sky. Tori closed her eyes, letting the soft breeze caress her skin. Somewhere in the forest, two howls pierced the night, beautiful and haunting. The song rose and fell on the wind, drifting through the forest. Tori allowed the melody to lull her to sleep.

A soft, wet nose gently nudged Tori's cheek, followed by a soft whine. The girl's eyes fluttered open and starred into the eyes of Toboe. The brown wolfs' tail wagged briefly before shifting into a boy.

"You've been asleep most of the day," He said, crossing his legs and leaning forward on his hands. Tori sat up and looked around, realizing that she was still deep in the forest. Great, I fell asleep in the woods, She thought irritably, my parents are gonna freak. She glanced up at the sky, hoping to gauge the time, but the sun was covered by clouds. A quick sweep of the clearing showed that Kiba was nowhere in sight.

"Where's Kiba?" Tori asked; standing and stretching her arms above her head.

"He's in the woods somewhere," Toboe replied, "He'll be back though." Tori nodded and slipped her hands in her pocket.

"I should get back; my parents don't like me hanging out with wolves, let alone spend the night in the forest."

"Ok," The boy replied, "I'll tell Kiba." The brown wolf dashed off, disappearing into the forest. Tori watched him go then ran into the forest. Slowly, her muscles tightened and pure power flowed through her. She grinned and flew through the forest, jumping fallen trees and ditches effortlessly. Leaves fluttered into the air as she ran past, hair streaming behind her. A deep and wide ditch loomed ahead and Tori jumped and grabbed an overhanging branch and swung through the air and landing lightly. Continuing through the trees, Tori whisked past the Cabin, silent as a wolf. No matter what my parents think, Tori said to herself, this is awesome.

A few minutes later and Tori arrived at her neighborhood and slowed to a steady jog. A little ways from her house, Tori spotted her Mother talking to Ben and Janette on the driveway. Narrowing her eyes, Tori slowly approached, mixed feelings running through her. What are they doing? Those old hags have never approached us before. As she neared, the elderly couple walked back to their house, casting accusing and uneasy glances at Tori. Flashing a fierce glare at the couple, Tori strode up the driveway towards her Mother.

"What'd the crazy old couple want?" Tori asked; a hint of irritation in her voice. Mrs. Bishop placed her hands on her hips and pursed her lips. "There not crazy Tori. Ben and Janette were just mentioning their concern after seeing that wolf of yours around our house." Tori snorted and walked past her Mother and towards the front door.

"His names Kiba not 'that wolf of yours,'" She cast over her shoulder, defensiveness making her voice harsh, "I'm going to get my stuff and go to school."

"Tori," Mrs. Bishop said, following her daughter into the house, "Where were you last night?" Tori sighed and turned around, arms crossed.

"I was in the forest, I went for a walk and accidently fell asleep." Mrs. Bishop sighed, shaking her head and walking into the kitchen.

"Tori, honey, you can't just decide to stay out all night in the woods. Those wolves, whether you call then friends or not, are still wild animals. They can hurt you. I don't want you staying for long periods of time out there. You have school to do." Tori groaned and leaned against the doorframe to the kitchen. "Mom, whatever you think about them, they're not going to hurt me. I know what they are and they know what I am. Besides, if I have wolf DNA mixed with mine, shouldn't I get to know what I am?" With that, Tori strode down the hall and into her room, shoving the door shut behind her. She rummaged through her backpack, making sure everything was in there then slung it over one shoulder. Grabbing her keys off the desk, she walked back down the hall and to the front door.

"I'm going to school," She said, a hint of agitation in her voice. Tori opened the door and slammed it shut behind her then hopped into her truck and pulled out of the drive way. The drive to town was relatively calm and boring. Water sprayed the sides of the truck whenever it drove through puddle. Tori thought she saw Kiba and Toboe's form flash briefly in the woods. But, it was too quick to be sure. By late noon, she reached her school and parked. Proceeding up the stairs, Tori pushed through the doors, her boots squeaking on the tile floor. The hallway's were relatively quiet and empty, save the occasional student walking to and from the restrooms. As Tori neared the cafeteria, the usual noise of talking grew louder. She walked into the cafeteria and scanned the tables for Chloe. She spotted her friend at a table with Carly. Tori sauntered over and dropped her backpack to the floor with a dull thud. Chloe smiled and wrapped her arm around her in a one-armed hug.

"Hey, I was wondering if you'd show up."

"Do you always arrive late?" Carly asked, looking at Tori, a fork stabbed into a piece of tomato and lettuce. Tori shook her head, swinging her legs over the bench and sitting down.

"No, not usually, I've just been really busy." Chloe cast her friend a concerned look.

"You want help with anything?"

"Oh no," Tori replied hastily, waving a hand dismissively, "I can handle it."

"Ok, well, call me if you do."

The two ate in silence, Tori refusing any offering of food, saying she wasn't hungry. Afterwards, they went to their separate classes. Tori mouthed the song lyrics in choir, having not learned the song and sat through Chemistry and English. The bell chimed loudly and everyone filled out of the classes. Tori hurried through the halls, waving occasionally at a friend. Once outside, a dull ache formed at the back of her head. Close behind, her senses heightened and her hearing increased. At least it's becoming less painful, she thought. A sickening crack sounded in Tori's ears, followed by a thud. Turning, she spotted three boys fighting by the school. Two were ganged up on the third, who was backed against the wall. Sighing agitatedly, Tori started towards them, her eyes flashing amber. When one of the boys moved in to attack the fallen one once more, Tori barred his way, grabbing his wrist firmly.

"What do you think you're doing?" She demanded, releasing his wrist with a shove. The boy before her glared angrily, his companion behind him clenching his fist. The one on the ground slowly rose to his feet, one hand on the wall for support. His nose, mouth and knuckles were bleeding along with various cuts and bruises on his arms and face. The two boys who had started the fight had similar injuries.

"Move it," The leader growled, "The little punk deserves it." Tori raised her eyebrows in mock interest. "Is that so? Seems like you're the punk, walking around and starting fights. But, who knows? I could be wrong." Tori could feel her muscles itching for a fight, tightening in her arms and legs. Her instincts were on over drive. She was aware of everything around her. The victim behind her stank of fear; it rolled off of him in waves. The other two were angry and….worried? Yes, they were worried that she would alert the principle of what they were doing. Tori smirked, enjoying herself.

"Oh, don't worry," She said sweetly, "I won't tell the principle. But—"Before she could finish, the boy behind the leader lunged forward, his fist drawn back. Tori grabbed it and, without thinking, brought her elbow up and smacked him in the face, making him stumble and fall. The second one was smarter, however, and grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back. With a feral growl, Tori elbowed his gut then whirled, kicking him in the chest. The boy hit the ground on his back with a grunt. Tori started towards him, suddenly having the urge to finish him off. The one who first attacked, however, stood and managed to land a punch on her. Eyes flashing amber, Tori snarled and punched him, satisfied with the crunch his nose made. She grabbed his shirt in her fists and pulled him closer and kneed his gut then released him with a shove. She resisted the urge to attack them further and turned to the victim of the two boys.

"You ok?" The boy nodded, starring wide eyed.

"Where did you learn that?" Tori shrugged, wiping the blood off of her knuckles.

"Karate," She lied. Truthfully, Tori had no clue where she learned to fight like that. Not to mention having the urge to kill them, She added to herself, what else is the wolf DNA going to do to me?

"Well, thanks," The boy said, somewhat shyly.

"No problem," Tori said, "But I gotta go. You should go see the nurse or something." With that, Tori half walked half ran to her truck, eager to get away from the scene before she did something she regretted. The smell of blood and fear, however, remained thick in her nose. By the time she reached Dolts, the urge faded along with her heightened senses.

After work, Tori headed home. Parking her truck, she walked into the house. Mrs. Bishop looked up from the couch and gasped at the dark, bloody bruise on her face.

"Tori, oh my God, what happened?" She exclaimed, hurrying over and lightly touching the bruise.

"Mom, I'm ok. I just got into a fight." Tori replied, moving her hand away.

"Alright, but you shouldn't be getting into fights. Here." Mrs. Bishop handed Tori an ice pack. Taking it, Tori walked to her room. She smiled when she found both Kiba and Toboe waiting. Toboe looked at her worriedly at the sight of the bloody bruise.

"What happened?" Tori dropped her back pack and sat on the bed.

"I just into a fight, nothing serious," She told him, then added when he gave her a look, "I'm fine." Toboe nodded, content with her answer. Kiba looked at Tori, anger and worry flashing in his blue eyes. "How'd it start?"

"These two guys were beating up some other guy. So, I intervened and they got mad and attacked me." Tori paused, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. Both wolves noticed her uncertainty and waited patiently for her to continue. Finally, Tori told them what had happened, suddenly knowing how to fight and the urge to kill the two boys.

"Was there a lot of blood?" Kiba asked once she had finished.

"Yeah, I guess," Tori replied after considering it.

"Then that was probably it."

"Can you make the claws appear yourself?" Toboe asked curiously. Tori shook her head.

"Not usually, but I can try." Tori laid her hand open palmed on her leg and concentrated on how she felt whenever it happened. After a few minutes, with a soft sssffft the claws slid out where her nails would be. Tori stared at them, surprised. She held her hand up to the light, watching how the light reflected on the ivory claws.

"So, you can control it," Kiba said, watching her.
"I guess, but it'll take more practice," Tori replied slowly, still shocked.

After talking, Tori changed in her closet then lied down on her bed. Tori glanced at the form of Toboe, lying on her floor curled into a ball, his tail by his side. Kiba lied a few feet away, his back to her, unmoving. The only evidence of life was the soft rise and fall of his sides. I wonder what's bothering him, Tori thought, worried. Her eyes lingered on him a moment longer then she rolled onto her sides and closed her eyes. She shivered slightly and pulled her covers farther up. Noticing this, Kiba quietly moved towards her and lied down next to her, careful not to wake her.