The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 15:

Outside Kiani’s home - River and Kiani talk across the street while Rocco and Nia talk

River: “Rocco clearly hasn't got time to be subtle.”

Kiani: “I wouldn't say subtle would be his thing.”

River: “I tried. It’s best that Nia’s in the loop. Now she has protection. Thanks to you.”

Kiani: “I haven't told her that I’m mated to him.”

River: “Oh bloody hell.”

Kiani: “I know.”

River: “One reveal at a time right? So, anything that you're dying to tell me?”

Kiani: “What's up with the face?”

River: “I deserve to know all the juicy details, thanks.”

Kiani: “Oh, you know it happened. (Kiani laughs)”

River: “How do you feel?”

Kiani: “Too damn good, it's unreal. (River laughs)”

River: “Are you hiding the bite marks?”

Kiani: “Bite marks? Ain’t that done with?! What?”

River: “You're telling me he was gentle with you?”

Kiani: “What's wrong with that? What's with the face?”

In River’s head: Oh boy. (Kiani rolls her eyes)

River: “I didn't know how sweet my brother could be. I have one over my brother. (in the living room everyone’s talking - kitchen River runs and takes Tao’s pizza)”

In Kiani’s head: Sheetz spreads through my body like an uncontrollable forest fire. Okay, I've been acting cool about losing it but reality check. I'm freaking out. I’d given Rocco an intimate part of me in that cave. But still, I don't know how to act around him. I mean, gentle still felt good but should I be worried? It was my first time.

Rocco: “River, there's a whole damn box of pizza. (Kiani laughs)”

Nova: “Five if we're counting.”

Tao: “It's not right.”

River: “But yours look tasty.”

Tao: “It's the same freaking pizza from the box.”

River: “Nah, I think yours had extra cheese.”

Tao: “They all have extra cheese.”

River: “Oh stop being such a pup.”

Tao: “You stole my damn food.”

River: “The truth is you made eating that slice so sensational, that I wanted a bite.”

Tao: “When you put it like that. (Tao and River kiss)”

In Kiani’s head: Okay. Rocco moved very close behind me. My heart is beating like a drum. No doubt he can hear it.

Rocco: “Your heart's racing. Are they turning you on or is it me?”

In Kiani’s head: Hot memories from the cave invade my brain. I have yet to speak about it. What is he thinking?

Rocco: “How are you feeling? Not too tired, I hope.”

In Rocco’s head: I feel my body awakened as I sensed hers awakened as well.

In Kiani’s head: Did he just ask me that? In front of the pack?! The big ass smart he's giving me confirms it. I feel my cheeks turn burgundy.

Nova: “Oh Kiani, girl, I've got something for that. So you're ready for round two!”

River: “She shouldn't be that tired. I heard Rocco was gentle. What a gentleman.”

Nova: “Aww Rocco, that's so sweet of you.”

Tao: “I don't know how I feel, jealous or extremely turned on right now.”

In Kiani’s head: I have no words.

Rocco: “You should see the state she left me in. I was gentle but Kiani couldn't control herself. Not that I blame her.”

Tao: “I knew it, Lord have mercy.”

River: “You kept it a secret, Kiani.”

Nova: “Get ya wolf girl.”

Rocco: “Wild and dominant.”

Kiani: “SHUT UP!”

Rocco: “What, you didn't enjoy last night?”

Tao: “It's okay, Kiani. If you don’t want Rocco, I know someone who wants you.”

Rocco: “Do you wanna die?”

Kiani: “Do you both wanna die?”

Rocco: “I'll tell you what I do want, my little wolf.”

Tao: “I think we should leave them to it. (they leave)”

Kiani: “Stop teasing- (Rocco bites Kiani’s neck). Rocco! (they kiss)”

Rocco: “I never tease. (in the living room)”

Kiani: “OH ROCCO!”

Maia: “Sounds like he sealed the deal.”

Aspen: “Sounds like it's official. You're not gonna challenge her, are you?”

Maia: “If you do, you'll kill her. Then Rocco will kill you. (Winter walks away)”

Aspen: “Oh sh-”

Maia: “I knew this would happen.”

In Maia’s head: This isn't gonna end well. (Aspen runs - back in the kitchen)

In Kiani’s head: I have no words. I try to catch my breath as I rest my hands on Rocco’s Heavy breathing chest.

Kiani: “Will I feel like this every time we make love?”

Rocco: “Is that what you call it? (Rocco laughs)”

In Kiani’s head: I can't believe I said that. I keep my head down on his chest. Not to mention, everyone in the pack heard us. Not be able to look anyone in the eye now. Great. All my so-called morals go out the window with Rocco.

In Rocco’s head: I would do anything for you. Even lose control of my Beast.

Kiani: “What is it?”

Rocco: “I've always been in control of myself and my wolf. I've had to because of what my dad was.”

In Kiani’s head: His dad. He's never mentioned him before.

Rocco: “I have to always stay in control of my wolf. I'm so out of control with you.”

Kiani: “Is that such a bad thing? I know I am too. When I'm with you.”

Rocco: “I have to control him, especially with my wolf. My late father never restrained his beastly urges.”

Kiani: “He died? I'm sorry. I never asked about your dad.”

Rocco: “No, you don't understand.”

Kiani: “What do you mean?”

In Kiani’s head: Did he say beastly urges? (Winter runs in and pushes Kiani). Winter pounces as she goes on the attack.

Rocco: “WINTER! (Rocco screams)”

Asher: “What the hell is going on?”

Rocco: “Winter is challenging my mate.”

Asher: “You can't interfere. Kiani has to win or she'll be too weak to be your Luna.”

In Rocco’s head: I feel Kiani’s pain and fear.

Rocco’s Wolf: “PROTECT MATE!”

Asher: “You know I'm right.”

Rocco: “KIANI HASN’T SHIFTED! Which means she has yet to gain her full strength.”

Asher: “Control your wolf. I won't be able to take you on.”

In Kiani’s head: Winter and I go through the window. Winter crushes my neck.

Kiani’s Wolf: “FIGHT!”

In Kiani’s head: I can't. I can't breathe.

Kiani’s Wolf: “Let me out.”

In Kiani’s head: But I don't know what I'll become. That's what I've been afraid of. Not being myself when the change comes. Becoming a wild beast. I’d lose a part of me. I didn't want the change to come even when life was being forced out of me but some things you can't control, not anymore. Winter’s voice comes out in a deep growl. A voice not her own but her rules.

Winter: “ROCCO CHOOSE YOU OVER ME?! BUT YOU’RE SO WORTHLESS!”

In Kiani’s head: The pack gathers. Tension runs high. Wolves tents from the inevitable battle between the two female shifters.

Winter: “You don't belong here. You're not worthy of being in this pack. You'll never be my Luna! (Kiani pushes Winter into the garden)”

In Kiani’s head: STOP!

Kiani’s Wolf: “I will be Luna. (Kiani’s eyes changes)”

In Kiani’s head: The rest of the pack shifts into their inner wolf. As they surround Winter and I fight for dominance. Some of the pack wolves growl, snarl and Winter and I tear into each other. Fighting with superhuman strength and partly transformed claw’s on Winter’s part. Rocco’s golden eyes never move from Winter’s throat. (in the woods - Maia checks Winter’s pulse - everyone bows at Kiani). My wolf finally felt respected. I felt horrified. The horror of what I did to Winter overcame me. Is she alive? This is what they respect? My train human brain tries to understand. I look at Rocco with desperation in my eyes. Hoping my mate has all the answers. All the comfort I can cling to.

Rocco: “Kiani, you won the fight!”

In Rocco’s head: How is that possible? Kiani could never have dominated over Winter, she isn't at full strength yet but she did. Which could only mean that she's about to-

Rocco: “Kiani!”

In Kiani’s head: How can I possibly understand this way of life?

Kiani’s Wolf: “I will make you understand my Kiani. It's time to let me out. Only then will you truly be me. For who I am, you.”

In Kiani’s head: Pain I could never imagine shakes through my core. I hear Rocco’s voice in the distance but his voice is far away. It's fading as all I can hear is my screams. (Kiani shifts). The whole pack shifts into the magical beasts. Welcoming me to their pack in light of the full moon.