The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 16:

In Kiani’s head: I've never felt so at peace. I feel calm. Pure raw power radiates from my new wolf body. Power oozes from me. It's an empowering experience. My wolf sleeps soundly. I feel alive. Stronger. Fierce. I need to be one with my wolf. That's where the true power lies. My wolf has opened my eyes. Eyes of a strong wolf. My beautiful beast is out forever, and I feel more powerful than ever. Why was I scared? I'm more of an animal in this body, I like it. My instincts thrive. All I had to do was become who I am. A wolf shifter. That's what she was trying to teach me all along. Our personalities have become entwined. I smelled Rocco nearby. I let him approach me as I recognized him as my mate. No threat here as I slowly wake from my slumber. Will you play with me? 

Rocco: “Hey you, such a big girl, huh? It’s rude to snarl. It was a compliment. Damn, your wolf is beautiful. It's nice to finally meet you. My wolf wants out to play with his mate. I can't wait for that day but, you have to let Kiani back out now. You've been up here for two days. It's time to come back to the pack. My feisty wolf, huh? Don't wanna listen to your alpha?”

In Kiani’s head: I tilt my head wondering why my mate hasn't shifted to join me. I wanna play. I can't play with him in his weaker state but if I let him stroke my fur it’ll feel good. (Rocco sits on a ledge by Kiani’s wolf)

Rocco: “Are you gonna shift for me? Fine, you can shift when you're ready. You better not tell anyone I'm stroking you. I have a reputation to keep.”

In Kiani’s head: He's not playing with me. At least he's giving me strokes. I'm at peace.

Kiani’s Wolf: “Rocco. (Kiani shifts back to her human form)”

Rocco: “Hey.”

In Rocco’s head: A jolt of awareness shocks my body. Lust shoots through my system. My beautiful Kiani is back.

Kiani: “Rocco. I feel so different. It's like I've just woken. I feel…amazing.”

Rocco: “I nearly missed you.”

Kiani: “You better be teasing me.”

Rocco: “Am I, little wolf?”

Kiani: “I sensed your presence. You gave me space, but I knew you were there. You missed me, Rocco. A hell of a lot.”

Rocco: “Oh, you can sense now? You learn something new everyday. What do you wish for? For me to let you go? That's not gonna happen.”

In Kiani’s head: My wolf growls for approval.

Kiani: “Then come get me, my alpha.”

Rocco: “Is this your wolf or you?”

Kiani: “How about both?”

Rocco: “You better run fast, Kiani. Two days is far too long. Time for holding back is over. When I'm done, my mark will be everywhere.”

In Kiani’s head: I tremble with anticipation. I see his heated determination. Rocco has an overwhelming impact on me. I'm not gonna make it easy for him. My wolf jumps to alert. My wolf is up for my little tease. (Kiani shifts into her wolf and runs - in the kitchen)

Winter: “I underestimated that damn girl.”

In Winter’s head: She let me live when she should’ve finished me off. No doubt her wolf wanted me dead but Kiani kept me alive. That takes restraint, especially when your wolf is in full kill mode. I should know, I was ready to kill. It's hard to hate her even though she stole the only man I wanted. Yep, the hate is still lingering.

Winter: “But respect for beating my ass, Kiani. (on the balcony)”

Maia: “Still alive, then?”

Winter: “Do you think I'm gonna be kicked out of the pack?”

Nova: “You attacked Rocco’s mate and lost.”

Winter: “Please, don't remind me. But I had a right to challenge her. You all know that I was gonna be Luna.”

River: “You could’ve killed my brother's mate. I don't care about your rights. Kiani didn’t even shift, so you already have the advantage.”

Aspen: “Yet again, Kiani proved herself. Also, shifting for the first time in the process. She could be a Luna. I don't know about you guys. But she keeps surprising me.”

Tao: “I always knew she was special.”

River: “A healer and a Luna. That's never been heard of before. Most healers are really submissive. We should be supporting her. Not trying to kill her.”

Winter: “I admit, I have a newfound respect for her. She didn't kill me, I owe her.”

Asher: “Kiani has proven herself to become a member of this pack. Alpha female, only time will tell. Won't it?”

In Kiani’s head: Speeding towards the Darkwood Manor with Rocco on my heels. We both claw our way up the side of the manor. (both in human form - Rocco’s room)

Kiani: “I need some clothes now.”

Rocco: “Really? (they kiss)”

In Kiani’s head: When River burst in the room and demanded my attention while Rocco and I were doing…stuff.

River: “What, I knocked.”

Kiani: “No one heard ‘the so-called knock’ RIVER!”

River: “Well obviously, you were busy.”

Kiani: “WELL DUH! (River laughs). Lack of privacy, woman. You just stood there.”

River: “I was letting you finish.”

Kiani: “You’re as bad as Tao!”

River: “Don't worry girl, nothing to be ashamed of.”

Kiani: “Whatever.”

River: “So how was it? I'm not that bad. I meant your first shift. Incredible right?”

Kiani: “Beyond anything I could ever imagine. I want to shift again, go hunting, run like the wind, but the pain…I thought I was going to die.”

River: “It gets easier, don't worry. The more you shift, the less pain.”

Kiani: “What is it?”

River: “So, you didn't exactly kill Winter.”

Kiani: “I know, even though she tried to kill me, take my mate.”

Kiani’s Wolf: “THREAT! (River’s nervous)”

In Kiani’s head: Dominant ways pulses off of me. Anger shakes me to the core. River can hardly look me in the eye.

Kiani: “Sorry, I felt threatened.”

River: “I don't blame you Kiani. Your wolf’s presence is even stronger now. My wolf retreated submissively.”

In Kiani’s head: I have that kind of power?

River: “Why didn't you kill Winter?”

Kiani: “I have my reasons.”

River: “You know she's in love with Rocco, don’t you?”

Kiani: “It's not her fault. I did come out of nowhere. I can tell that she loves this pack. I admire her for being protective of the pack. Don't get me wrong, my wolf hates her.”

River: “I'm angry that she attacked you. But I'm glad you didn't kill her. You're right, she's very protective. If anything, Winter is loyal. (Sierra walks in)”

In Sierra’s head: I knew Kiani would be strong, just like her mother.

Sierra: “I heard you shifted, I'm sorry I wasn't there but you also dominated Winter. That's very impressive.”

In River’s head: I've never seen my mom interested in anything. I wonder why?

Sierra: “You must invite your aunt here. Especially with the ceremony coming up.”

Kiani: “What ceremony?”

River: “Oh, you know your marriage.”

Kiani: “Excuse me, MY WHAT?! (River laughs)”

Sierra: “River! It's called the Moonlight ceremony to welcome you to our pack. We have another ceremony for True mates but I'm sure that’ll come later.”

Kiani: “So I've been accepted into this pack?”

River: “Yeah, How can you not ?”

Sierra: “You've proven yourself. The pack agrees. Most of all, Rocco.”

In Kiani’s head: My wolf seems content. Anything to do with Rocco, she's smitten. I wonder where he is now? (in the office)

Rocco: “Enter.”

In Winter’s head: As soon as I walk in, Rocco’s dominance hits me like a ton of bricks. Making my wolf submit. It's easier to submit to an alpha you highly respect. Your wolf naturally feels safe and secure. After all, Rocco saved the whole pack from our former alpha on the first shift. Even though it was his own blood. He did it for us because we were suffering and didn't have the power to remove him. If that's not power, I don't know what is? My love for him grew from there.

Rocco’s Wolf: “Threat to mate!”

Rocco: “So, you recovered. Are you still a threat to my mate? My wolf is furious. I’m holding him back from attacking. You know I would’ve killed you if you had killed my mate but you risked it anyway. Explain yourself, now!”

Winter: “I didn’t think Kiani had the right to be Luna. I felt my wolf being more vital than hers so I challenged her. I just wanted this pack to be protected. This pack is my family.”

Rocco: “Even though you knew Kiani never shifted, your wolf would naturally be more powerful. Despite the odds Kiani proved to be stronger than you anticipated. Therefore earning her a place with us. In MY pack. The Moonlight ceremony will take place.”

Winter: “I respect you, alpha, and I respect your decision. But I can't help my wolf being dominant. My wolf sensed weakness so I acted but I was wrong. I'm not afraid to admit I got my ass kicked. I mean, look at me. I'm still tryna heal. The fact is I'm impressed. Kiani is more formidable than I gave her credit for.”

Rocco: “What do you think, Asher?”

In Rocco’s head: His opinions matter to me, being as he's my beta, he’ll tell me straight. He's the only one I let tell it to me straight without biting his head off.

Asher: “Winter should’ve waited to challenge Kiani but by doing so she proved how powerful Kiani truly is. Kiani needed to be tested. The pack was questioning as you’re her mate. You’ll be biased if you don't mind me saying.”

In Rocco’s head: Hmph!

Asher: “Winter acted like any other dominant female but Kiani held her own.”

Winter: “I almost ripped her apart.”

Rocco: “I wouldn't say almost. Maia.”

Maia: “I agree with Asher. I was questioning Kiani. She keeps proving me wrong. The strength she possessed showed alpha female qualities. She deserves the Moonlight ceremony. I could still teach her a few moves. Winter, when she beat you down, your defense was all off.”

Rocco: “I'll be watching you, Winter, but you can stay. You show loyalty to the pack. But it's time you extend your loyalty. (Asher and Winter leave)”

Maia: “Rocco, there's something you need to know. I've just found out today. A new pack has joined the wolf shifter community.”

Rocco: “New packs join all the time for alliances.”

Maia: “They're called the Bloodstone pack.”

Rocco: “But their bloodline is dead. My father saw to that.”

Maia: “That's what we all thought.”

Rocco: “What's the name of the alpha?”

Maia: “Kylo Stone. Hunter told us he killed their entire bloodline. He lied.”

Rocco: “Is Kylo the last of his bloodline?”

Maia: “I'm not sure. It doesn't mention Kylo having a sibling. I asked Sierra too, and she said Kylo was the only sibling. She knew Dawn Stone, didn’t she? I mean, I nearly thought Kiani was- (Rocco’s shocked)”

In Rocco’s head: No, it can't be?! Nia’s secrets…(flashback to Kiani’s bedroom)

Rocco: “Her parents got murdered, didn't they? Probably by other shifters. Must be. But Kiani wouldn't know how dangerous our life is. You want to avoid traumatizing her wolf before the change.”

In Nia’s head: He's smart.

Nia: “So you do understand? I just need to know you're not anything like your father. For Kiani’s sake. (present time)”

Rocco: “FIND MY MOTHER NOW!! (on the balcony)”

Aspen: “Are you two attached to the hip?”

River: “Only when she's not with Rocco.”

Kiani: “Yeah, she won't leave me alone.”

Aspen: “Ever since you've been here, I've been fixing all your damn house damages. Can you stop throwing Winter around? The manor can't take much more man gees!”

Kiani: “D.I.Y guy, are you?”

Aspen: “Do you see Tao doing D.I.Y? (all laugh - Winter walks in)”

Winter: “Can I talk to you without you attacking me?”

River: “We’ll just go, shall we Aspen?”