The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 1

In Kiani’s head: Meadow Lake. A village in the country. An hour away from the main city. A place known to inhabit more than just humans. A thing of myth and legend. But a very real reality. Meadow Lake is a wolf shifters playground. With an amount of deep forest. A space to run wild. Wolf shifters have lived here for generations. Humans live here, the rich ones. They never believe. They think they’re a cult. They don't wanna believe. Wolf shifters are private people. Their own community. Humans know they share their world with these mythical wild creatures. They still debate whether they’re real or not. Not many humans have seen the wolf shifters transform. The wolves try to keep their affairs private. Humans would never understand. Two wolf packs lived in Meadow Lake for years. The Bloodstone Pack and The Darkwood Pack. A long history of rivalry and battles of territory between the packs. Only one pack can take Meadow Lake. Not without brutal consequences which happened years ago. Deep in the forest, a light sandish wolf is on the move. Sierra calms her wolf as she shifts naturally. 

Sierra “Why isn’t Dawn here yet?!”

In Sierra's head: I must keep calm, but I shouldn't be here.

In Kiani’s head: The blue veins around her eyes. This shows that she’s close to shifting into her wolf form. It shows that she's tense or starting to get angry. Sierra’s wolf is very close to the surface. The wolf inside is protecting her. When the inner wolf takes control, her wolf will have full reins. Inner wolves can be very stubborn. It's about control. Sierra Darkwood mated with Hunter Darkwood. Hunter is the alpha of The Darkwood Pack. Sierra’s about to meet Dawn Stone. Dawn is mated to the alpha of the Bloodstone pack, Zion. Her wolf paces anxiously. They both know this is a massive risk to their lives. Her wolf inside wants to get out, feeling the danger but she has to calm down. Her wolf only wants to protect her human form, her weaker state. She soothes down. Sierra believes this needs to be done. Her alpha needs to be stopped. A mother can’t bear to see other pups killed just to take territory. The territory is big enough for both packs. Sierra always thought they could’ve made a strong alliance between the packs but Hunter would never allow that.

Sierra: “What if she doesn't believe me and ends up not coming? Or she sends her pack instead to kill me?”

In Kiani’s head: Dawn’s howl echoes loudly in the distance.

In Sierra’s head: Dawn’s here.

Sierra: “DAWN!”

In Kiani’s head: Wolf shifters don't turn into your standard size wolf. They’re much larger. You could ride them like horses, if they ever let you get that close. A light brown and white wolf stalks Sierra. Dark brown, almost black eyes stare at her. Close as if they're ready to pounce. Ready for anything. Dawn is still in her wolf form. Her wolf doesn't trust Sierra’s wolf. Why would she? Their rivals. Sierra has a strong mother's instinct. Her and the wolf inside can’t ignore.

Sierra: “Dawn, this isn't a trap. Let’s talk. We only have a little time.”

In Kiani’s head: Sierra bows, being submissive. Dawn’s a dominant wolf. Unlike Sierra’s. Her wolf has been forced to be submissive thanks to her overdominant alpha. Bones begin to break as Dawn’s transformation begins. When a wolf shifter changes for the first time the pain overwhelms them. Unfortunately, some wolves don't make it and reject the wolf, making their wolf dormant. They might as well be human. The transformation gets easier every time you do it.

In Sierra’s head: It's as easy as breathing for me now.

Sierra: “Dawn, you need to listen to me. You know my pack has grown stronger than yours. You need to get your pups out. Take them away tonight. Hunter is coming for your whole pack. He’ll kill your pup's.”

In Dawn’s head: My wolf growls at the threat to my pups. I nearly let out a growl.

Dawn: “How do I know what you say is true?”

Sierra: “Me and my wolf agree. I don't want your pups to die. I have my own. I know your pack would never harm the little ones. I'm giving you a chance, Dawn. I'm risking my life, and you know that. My alpha is more feral than ever. He will stop at nothing to see your whole pack dead.”

Dawn: “My pack is just as strong as yours. That's what Hunter is afraid of.”

In Dawn’s head: My wolf growls in agreement.

Sierra: “Do you want to take that chance? You know Hunter is on edge of insanity. His wolf is turning feral. Please, I'm begging you Dawn, think about it. My pack attacks tonight and I can’t stop it.”

In Dawn’s head: I must protect my pups at all cost.

In Kiani’s head: Her mother’s instinct to kick in. Dawn must think about her young pups. They’re the future of The BloodStone Pack. Zion and Dawn are not only mated…they’re soulmates. Soulmates are extremely rare. The bond is beyond words. You're together forever. Nothing can break that bond except death. If your soulmate dies, a part of you dies forever. Imagine feeling empty inside forever. Zion would be against this meeting in the woods, Dawn meeting Hunter’s mate. He would be enraged. Dawn has to keep her wolf calm or Zion’s wolf would feel her distress and come looking for her. Dawn knows the pack will have to fight. Her pups are weak and innocent to fight. Sierra’s right. Hunter will show Dawn’s pack no mercy if they win the future fight.

Dawn: “Thank you, for your warning. I’ll never forget what you did. Maybe my wolf will take it easy on you on the battlefield. My wolf is a feisty one. (Sierra laughs)”

Sierra: “Our packs would be stronger together.”

Dawn: “With Hunter as alpha? He's evil. He doesn't deserve to live. I just threatened your mate, not so much as a growl?”

Sierra: “Not everyone is as lucky as you and Zion.”

Dawn: “I must go.”

Sierra: “Save your pups, Dawn. Save the future of your pack. Save Kylo and Kiani. Kiani is just a baby. I would do the same for my pups. It's what mothers are for.”

In Kiani’s head: Sierra leaps in the air and lets her wolf burst free. As she sprints into the trees. (10 p.m that night)

Nia: “It's scary as hell out there.”

In Nia’s head: Where is she? Dawn may be a big ass scary wolf but I'm sure as hell not.

In Kiani’s head: A wolf comes pounding carrying a tiny pup in its mouth.

In Nia’s head: I haven't seen a wolf shifter in years. I forgot how damn big they are. My sister seems to have tripled in size.

Nia: “Do you have to shift in front of me?”

In Kiani’s head: Dawn begins to change.

In Nia’s head: I'm gonna be sick. Now she's naked.

Dawn: “Why are humans so shy with their bodies, huh, Kiani?”

Nia: “It's called common decency. I've missed you. I know I rejected my wolf and left the pack because I wanted to live a normal life.”

Dawn: “The past is the past, sister. I need you, sister. I need you to raise my pup.”

Nia: “That's why I came. She's my niece. I didn't wanna reject the pack again.”

In Kiani’s head: Nia was a wolf shifter. When her change came, she couldn't handle the pain and rejected her wolf making her wolf dormant. Basically turning her human. Nia says the pain was too much to bear but secretly, she wanted a human life.

In Nia’s head: Rejecting my inner wolf was just as painful as trying to shift. I rejected who I was and I think I regret it.

Nia: “But Dawn, what's going on? Isn’t Kiani safer with you?”

Dawn: “Not anymore. It's the Darkwood Pack. We must deal with them before Kiani can come back to the pack.”

Nia: “Does Zion know you're doing this?”

Dawn: “I’ve convinced Zion to send Kylo away too. Kylo is with one of our own.”

Nia: “Couldn’t Kiani go with him too?”

In Nia’s head: How am I meant to raise a baby? I can't even raise myself. Oh, this baby is a pup, soon-to-be wolf shifter.

Dawn: “Nia, the Darkwood Pack will kill my pups. Do you understand me?”

Nia: “What about you? Come with us. Please sister.”

Dawn: “I must fight with my mate and my pack. I fight for you, Kiani, for you to live. I'll always love you and I'll always be with you. I'm so sorry.”

Nia: “Kiani will be safe with me. I promise. Let me hold her. We need to go.”

Dawn: “Now you act like the older sister. (Nia laughs)”

Nia: “I am the older sister.”

In Nia’s head: Oh boy. OMG, she's adorable.

In Kiani’s head: Nia fell in love with me right away. My little eyes looked up at her so innocently. My tiny hand grabbed Nia’s finger. A heart stolen already.

Dawn: “Give her this when she's older. It’ll explain everything. I also put in a few tips for you. You're dealing with a wolf, after all. I know you know some things, but…”

Nia: “I'll do my best, sister.”

Dawn: “You must go now. I must go. I'll have to run back like this. I don't want them to trace my scent. Thank you, Nia. Thank you so much and I love you.”

Nia: “It's just you and me now, pup.”

Dawn: “We did the right thing, Zion. You know we did.”

Zion: “You're right, my love.”

Dawn: “Our pups are safe now, that's all that matters. We’ll win this fight.”

Zion: “We have to, Dawn. Hunter underestimates how strong our pack…”

Dawn: “Z-Zion…”

In Kiani’s head: Hunter's green eyes pierce the night sky as he stares at the fresh kill. Satisfied. Hunter lets out a loud howl. Alerting his pack to attack the rest. A sneak attack was against the wolf way. He broke all the rules. The rules that make them different from just being dangerous animals. His attack was cowardly. Attacking an alpha and his mate while still in human form. Hunter wanted them dead no matter what. They’re pups, too, as they are the future of the BloodStone pack. He never found them that night. (twenty one years later). Moving into a house in Meadow Lake.

Kiani: “THIS MUST BE THE MILLIONTH TIME WE’VE MOVED.”

Nia: “OH, PLEASE. STOP BEING DRAMATIC, KIANI.”

Kiani: “OH, SORRY, IT’S PROBABLY MORE. IS THAT TOO DRAMATIC FOR YOU?”

Nia: “ARE YOU BEING SMART WITH ME?!”

Kiani: “I’M SURPRISED I’M SMART KNOWING YOU HOMESCHOOLED ME!”

Nia: “I’M A BRILLIANT TEACHER.”

Kiani: “URGH!”

Nia: “TEMPER!!!”

Kiani: “WELL, I’M NOT FCKING MOVING AGAIN! SO, THIS BETTER BE IT!”

Nia: “LANGUAGE!”

Kiani: “YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY!!”

Nia: “I’LL DRIVE YOU CRAZY IN FUCKING IN A MINUTE!”

Kiani: “LANGUAGEEEEE!”

Nia: “SHUT UP, WE HAVE NEW NEIGHBORS!”

Kiani: “DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE NEIGHBORS! WE’LL PROBABLY BE GONE BY TOMORROW! (Kiani’s bedroom)”

In Kiani’s head: Urgh. My new room is pretty awesome, though. I feel like this time we're home. Oh yeah, the happy dance is in full motion.

Nia: “KIANI, I NEED YOU!”

Kiani: “GIVE ME A MINUTE!”

Nia: “A MINUTE? WHAT ARE YOU, THE DAMN QUEEN?!”

In Kiani’s head: I’m Kiani Stone. Though I'm not allowed to use my real last name. So, my last fake name right now is Green. Don't ask me why, I'm clueless. I live with my aunt Nia. It might be hard to tell, but we do love each other. I couldn't imagine my life without my aunt. I’m your Marvin Gaye to your Tammi Terrell. Aunt Nia would always tell me when I was little. Then we would sing high off key.

Kiani: “Cause baby there ain’t no mountain high enough. It ain't no valley low enough. Ain't no river wide enough. To keep me from getting to you babe.”

In Kiani’s head: Totally our song. Nia’s all I've got. She raised me since my parents died. I was too young to remember or even remember my parents. Nia showed me pictures and told me about them. It's really hard to miss someone you never knew. Somehow, I do miss them. Nia and I move around a lot. Change our last names a lot! Never stay at a place too long. Always on the road. Nia says we must keep moving. I know we're on the run but Nia never tells me why. We have fights about it. I'm well traveled. It's good for my artwork. I never went to school. My aunt homeschooled me. I’ve never had the chance to try and live in one place. Have long lasting friends. We have to keep living. But something changed. My aunt has bought this place. Hopefully, this is the place I can call home. She told me about a university I could attend. I'm behind, but she sent my application and everything. They have the best art program in Meadow Lake. I got in. I can finally pursue my dreams of being an artist. I do paintings and photographs. The university must’ve loved my portfolio. I love painting nature. Big nature girl. Driving through Meadow Lake is so picturesque. I love it here already, and my paintings will be so damn beautiful. Let alone my photos, and I'll probably end up painting. I can't wait to explore. I've been having issues with my personality. I'm usually such a carefree spirit. Happy girl, you know? Smell the daisies, run through the open fields with no shoes and dance in the rain kind of girl but recently, I've been getting extreme mood swings. I hate to admit that I have anger issues but I do. Anything and everything gets me wound up. I wanna scream. I wanna bite everyone's head off. Claw people's eyes out. I feel like I'm gonna burst. Like something is trying to get out. Weird huh? I'm blaming puberty.

Nia: “KIANI!”

In Kiani’s head: Okay, I blame my aunt. (in the living room)

In Nia’s head: This spot feels empty.

Kiani: “You yelled.”

In Kiani’s head: This better be good. I came all the way down from my room.

Nia: “This space is empty. What should I put here?”

In Kiani’s head: And breathe.

Kiani: “What about a plant? A flower or something will brighten the place up. It would go well with the decor.”

Nia: “I prefer it how it is.”

In Kiani’s head: I know she didn't just…

Kiani: “WHAT’S WRONG WITH A PLANT?”

In Kiani’s head: I felt a growl at the back of my throat.

Nia: “Did you just growl at me?(Nia laughs). All this moving business is exhausting?”

Kiani: “It is.”

Nia: “We can get that plant if you want?”

Kiani: “I'm sorry, my mood swings have been a bit extreme.”

Nia: “I haven't noticed a thing.”

Kiani: “Are you kidding me? I just growled at you like an animal over a plant.”

Nia: “It's good to express your emotions.”

Kiani: “By growling?”

Nia: “Uh-huh. Like when you got that tattoo without my permission.”

In Kiani’s head: Yikes.

Nia: “So, I'm gonna unpack more boxes.”

In Nia’s head: I haven’t told Kiani anything about her past. Who she is. What she is. I know the signs. Her wolf is awakening. How am I meant to tell her? I just wanted her safe. I need to replace Kylo, her brother. I owe it to Dawn. If he's even alive, I feel he'll be here at Meadow Lake. Especially with Hunter Darkwood dead, so I've heard. I need to tell Kiani, she deserves to know what's happening to her.