The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 4:

Outside running a trail six a.m

In Kiani’s head: I love to run in the country. The smells, the sounds, and the fresh air does wonders for me. I can escape reality and get lost in the trees of green. Play my music, lost in my dream world. I have a, take me back to the countryside playlist. I love to run because I could never sleep. I'm so restless. Now I know why. I was born to run. To be free and wild. I still can't wrap my head around it. I avoided Nia this morning. I can't face the truth yet. They say I'm going to shift any day. It's gonna hurt. Bad. I'm scared. Should I ask the pack for help? Rocco.

Kiani’s Wolf: “Yes, Rocco will help us, I want him.”

In Kiani’s head: Yeah. That keeps happening. Inner wolf and all that. My wolf is loud and knows what she wants. Rocco Darkwood. Yeah, she wants him bad. Tramp. I hate to admit it but he's the hottest guy I've ever seen. Drool-worthy. I'm hot for River’s brother and alpha. That's the least of my problems. (back in Kiani’s room). Now I understand why I can run miles and never get tired. (Nia answers the door)

Nia: “Nice to meet you, River. Are you taking the same subject as Kiani?”

River: “Yeah, I thought I would walk with her this morning.”

Nia: “What was your last name? (Kiani runs in)”

Kiani: “RIVER! Shall we get going?”

In Kiani’s head: So I have excellent hearing now as well.

River: “Yeah, I was- (Kiani drags River out the door)”

Nia: “We still haven't talked, Kiani.”

Kiani: “LATER! (outside). How did you replace my address?”

River: “I'm a good tracker.”

Kiani: “Stalker much?”

River: “I'm looking out for you.”

Kiani: “Thanks.”

In River’s head: She needs my help. Even though Rocco said to keep my distance and keep an eye on her last night. I could be her friend and keep an eye on her.

River: “So, you haven't talked to your aunt, then?”

Kiani: “Quit judging me!”

River: “She might have more answers for you.”

Kiani: “Well I'm not ready yet.”

River: “You cut in when I was about to say my last name. What's up with that?”

Kiani: “I don't want Nia to know anything yet. But she might know the Darkwood name. She kept something from me, I just need time. She doesn't smell like a wolf.”

River: “Right. You look alike, so you’re related. It's in the eyes. She could’ve rejected her wolf, but they lose the scent after that but I get it. I couldn't imagine growing up not knowing who I was. So your sharp hearing has kicked in.”

Kiani: “So that's a thing?”

River: “Oh yeah.”

Kiani: “What else?”

River: “Even in human form, you'll still get stronger. Your physique will change which I see has already. You'll gain endurance, and speed. Rapid reflexes. Increase ability to heal. Your primary senses will heighten. If you have a pack you can speak to them through your mind, we’re all linked. If you replace a mate, you can as well.”

In Kiani’s head: Woah! But what stood out for me was…

Kiani: “A-A mate?”

River: “Yes, a mate. We're not like humans. Get married, then get a divorce if they feel like it. When you mate, all you want is them, that's all. No one can turn their head. You want to be around your mate all the way. We get possessive over our mates. All that is tripled if you end up being soulmates. But it's scarce…”

Kiani: “So if your wolf lets you know that she's into another wolf…”

River: “Yeah, they tend to let you know big time. What can I say? We're sexual beasts all the time. (both laugh)”

Kiani: “This is all so crazy, unreal for me.”

River: “It's life for me. When you shift into your inner wolf, it's magical. It's beyond words. Your inner wolf is with you always. She's a part of you. You're never alone.”

Kiani: “I wonder what that guy came from. (Meadow Lake campus). So this whole mate business…(River laughs)”

River: “You really caught up on that, huh?”

In Kiani’s head: Yeah, I think my wolf wants your brother. I mean, I'm a new wolf and all. My wolf wants a damn alpha. Talk about aiming high, girl.

Kiani’s Wolf: “Why haven't you marked him yet?”

In Kiani’s head: Tramp.

River: “Does this have anything to do with Rocco?”

Kiani: “Hell no! I'm just curious.”

River: “He did have an odd reaction.”

Kiani: “What's that supposed to mean?”

River: “You wouldn't have been able to tell him no. He must’ve been in a good mood.”

Kiani’s Wolf: “Of course he wants me. (in the classroom)”

Kiani: “Are wolf shifters even meant to go to the university?”

River: “It's called blending in. I'm the sorry ass that got chosen. (both laugh)”

Kiani: “Do you even like art?”

River: “Apparently, I do. (Kiani laughs). I can drive a stick, man. (both laugh)”

Teacher: “DARKWOOD! What have I told you about causing trouble, IN MY CLASS?!”

River: “I didn't know laughing was trouble. (everyone laughs)”

Teacher: “A word after class, Darkwood.”

In River’s head: URGH!!!

Kiani: “What's up with that?”

River: “We're not popular around here. People think we're a rich cult. (both laugh)”

Teacher: “GREEN! You'll be joining Miss Darkwood. (outside)”

Brooke: “The freaks unite. I wouldn't be friends with this one, Kiani. I'm sure you've heard the rumors by now.”

Kiani: “Not a fan of rumors.”

Brooke: “Clearly.”

Peyton: “Kiani must be another freeloader.”

Kiani: “WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?”

In River’s head: Oh, the mood swings of a new wolf.

Brooke: “Don't growl at me!”

River: “Don't you have cheer or something?”

Peyton: “We do actually.”

River: “I thought so.”

Kiani: “Great chat. Let's not do this again. (Kiani and River leave)”

Lucas: “Party in the woods tonight, girls. I hope you'll be there. (Lucas leaves)”

Kiani: “Okay, he's seriously hot.”

River: “Tell me about it. For a human.”

Kiani: “It's still really strange for you to say that.”

River: “You better get used to it, wolf girl. I don't wanna replace my mate yet. So cute human boys will have to do. Then there's always Tao.”

Kiani: “Who’s Tao?”

River: “One of the freeloaders. When you're a part of the pack, you don't have to be related. We all live together to tighten the bond. Tao’s a part of the pack. He's unmated as well so we're just messing around. No strings attached. You've seen wolf shifters males. He's the biggest you can get. We're animals in bed. Literally.”

In Kiani’s head: So I'm a virgin. Yep, I still have the v card.

Kiani’s Wolf: “Rocco.”

In Kiani’s head: I think my wolf got the memo.

Kiani: “Do you wanna go to the party?”

River: “Hell yeah. Isn't this what you wanted to experience, college life? This is it.”

Kiani: “You're right. Whose house are we getting ready at? Pretty drinks and all that.”

River: “It’ll have to be yours if that's okay? You're a stray wolf. I can't let you on home turf, you know? Not without Rocco’s permission.”

Kiani: “Right, yeah, of course.”

River: “I'll see you later tonight.”

In Kiani’s head: Why do I feel alone? My wolf whines as if it agrees. (in the kitchen)

Nia: “A party in the woods, huh?”

Kiani: “Yeah, it's safe, full of fairy lights and campfires.”

Nia: “It sounds like fun. We still need to have that talk. It's like you're avoiding me. We talked about everything, you and me.”

Kiani: “I just wanna focus on the university.”

Nia: “You don't even know what I wanna talk to you about.”

Kiani: “I don't want anything heavy right now, Nia. I can tell it's going to be heavy.”

Nia: “Then when, Kiani? What I have to tell you is crucial.”

Kiani: “I'm sure it can wait a few days. At least give me tonight.”

Nia: “Fair enough. So, are you going with that River girl?”

Kiani: “Yes, she'll be here any minute.”

Nia: “She seems cool.”

Kiani: “She is.”

Nia: “I bought you some drinks. I might’ve had some glasses. (Kiani laughs). What?”

Kiani: “I love you.”

In Kiani’s head: Then I remember she kept my life’s biggest secret from me.

Kiani: “I better go get ready. (the Darkwood Manor - in the living room)”

Sierra: “Where are you going dressed like that?”

River: “Does it matter?”

Sierra: “Rocco told me you met a stray wolf today.”

River: “I'm keeping an eye on her, okay? Just like I was told.”

Sierra: “It's extraordinary. How can she not know anything? You should be careful. She could be dangerous.”

River: “How can she be dangerous? She still needs to shift.”

Sierra: “She could be lying to us. Maybe to get information about our pack. Maybe even know our weakness.”

River: “Such doom and gloom.”

Sierra: “Are you ever serious, River?”

River: “Not as much as you.”

Sierra: “I don't have time for you. Just keep an eye on her. (Sierra walks away)”

In River’s head: Yeah, you never have time for your daughter anymore.

Nova: “Is mama wolf killing the mood again?”

Asher: “Nova.”

In Kiani’s head: Asher is a beta in the pack. Rocco’s right hand wolf. His inner wolf is a silverish grey with light grey eyes. Mated to Nova.

Nova: “What? You know it's the truth, baby.”

Asher: “Sierra has her reasons. She's been through hard times. We're not to judge.”

River: “We all have.”

Nova: “Where are you going looking all sexy?”

River: “Party in the woods.”

Nova: “Who are you going with?”

River: “Just a girl I met at the university.”

Nova: “That's all you're giving me?”

River: “Well that's it.”

Asher: “Rocco mentioned a stray wolf you met.”

Nova: “WHAT?! You never told me!”

Asher: “I never heard of a shifter not knowing who they were. What about her par-”

River: “Her parents are dead, okay? She lives with her aunt.”

Asher: “Then her aunt must know something.”

River: “Kiani’s not ready. She's taking all this one step at a time. I need to go.”

Nova: “Thanks for the invite.”

River: “Two wolves at a party is enough.”

Nova: “I'm still mad at you. Rocco confides in you but you confide in me.”

Asher: “Is that right, baby?”

Nova: “Yes, you Asher, are mine.”

Asher: “You can say that again.”

Nova: “I love you.”

Asher: “Show me. (Rocco’s bedroom)”

In Kiani’s head: Winter, member of the pack. Her wolf is blond-yellowish with light brown, pale eyes. Unmated. Wants to be chosen as the alpha's mate.

Winter: “Why are you still so tense, Rocco.”

Rocco’s Wolf: “This isn’t the wolf I want. Where's the other wolf I want? Go mark her, NOW!! (Rocco screams)”

Winter: “Rocco, what’s wrong?”

Rocco: “YOU DIDN’T SATISFY ME!”

In Kiani’s head: Rocco’s wolf lashes out at Winter. Feeling frustrated and angry. Rocco tries to regain his composure and his wolf. Winter’s wolf is dominant. She naturally tries to stand up for herself.

Winter: “YOU DON’T HAVE TO BITE MY HEAD OFF!”

In Rocco’s head: I've always had excellent control of my beast. He has a bad temper and if I give in to his every anger issue I'll become my dad. I’ll never let that happen. If my wolf ever went feral, everyone would be in danger. That's why I had to put my dad Hunter Darkwood down. He was feral and about to kill my mom. He was a danger to the pack. Now I met this stray wolf. Kiani. All that control I built on my wolf is gone. My wolf keeps demanding me to mark her. I know the signs of a future mate when I see one but Kiani is a young wolf. She doesn't know who she is. I can't have a weak mate. Kiani would also have to lead my pack. If Kiani is submissive my pack will walk all over her. She still needs to shift. Can she even take on Winter?! Because I know Winter wants to be an alpha female. So much on my mind. Me and my wolf usually are on the same wavelength. But not about this.

Rocco: “I'm going for a run. I need to let him out. (River’s room). RIVER. (living room)”

Tao: “What's got your beast?”

Rocco: “Where’s River?”

Tao: “She said something about a party in the woods.”

Rocco: “Who is she going with?”

Tao: “I don't know, some friend from the university. Need me to go get her?”

Rocco: “No, I'll go myself. (Rocco leaves - Tao laughs)”

Tao: “That loving, huh?”

Winter: “It was hot and heavy. A few bites and scratches here and there.”

Tao: “But…”

Winter: “He was distracted. He said I didn't satisfy his wolf. ME?! (Tao laughs)”

Tao: “He does seem more on edge lately.”

Winter: “Yeah, I don't like it.”

Tao: “Yeah, you could always mate with me. (Winter laughs)”

Winter: “Aren't you messing around with River?”

Tao: “It's not serious.”

Winter: “Well, I want to be the alpha female, Tao.”

Tao: “Well, enjoy cranky pants then. (both laugh - in the woods)”

In Kiani’s head: Well, this isn't creepy at all.

River: “Wait until we get there.”