The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 7:

In the living room Nia pacing back and forth

In Nia’s head: Is thirteen missed calls an overkill?

Nia: “Tell me what's wrong. I know that face.”

Kiani: “Just tell me the truth. Don't make me think that I'm crazy. I know that you know something. You have to. Are my parents dead?”

Nia: “I would never lie to you about your parents, Kiani. I'm sorry, baby girl.”

Kiani: “How did they die? You never told me. You always told me that it was too painful to tell but I need to know aunt Nia. Please, just tell me.”

Nia: “Oh, Kiani. You're not ready for the truth.”

Kiani: “I HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW!”

Nia: “Yes, I know but you're not ready for the answer. Please, you have to trust me.”

Kiani: “TRUST YOU?! YOU’VE BEEN LYING TO ME MY WHOLE LIFE!”

Nia: “Kiani, I don't know…”

Kiani: “I’M A WOLF SHIFTER!”

In Nia’s head: How the hell did she replace out before I told her?

Nia: “I can explain, Kiani.”

Kiani: “You're not gonna deny it?! You knew what I was and you never told me?”

Nia: “Kiani, please calm down and let me explain. Being a wolf shifter is a whole new way of life. You have to understand. It's dangerous to be-”

Kiani: “HOW COULD YOU LIE TO ME ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS?! A WOLF IS COMING OUT OF ME! I TOLD YOU I’VE BEEN FEELING OFF LATELY AND YOU STILL DECIDED NOT TO SAY ANYTHING MAKING ME FEEL LIKE I’M FUCKING CRAZY! I NEARLY SHIFTED AT THE UNIVERSITY!”

Nia: “I'm sorry. How am I meant to tell you that you're not even human?”

Kiani: “Oh, I don't know. Maybe by saying ‘KIANI, YOU’RE NOT HUMAN’!”

Nia: “You have no idea how hard it has been to keep you safe and-”

Kiani: “Were my parents wolf shifters?”

Nia: “Yes, they were. You're a pureblood wolf shifter. I'm a shifter too.”

Kiani: “You're a wolf shifter? But you don’t smell like a wolf shifter.”

Nia: “You can’t smell my wolf because I rejected my wolf a long time ago. I'm human. We moved around a lot and changed our last names because it's safer. In all honesty, I didn't want you involved in the wolf shifter community. It was dangerous for them to know you were alive.”

Kiani: “WHY?! I DON’T UNDERSTAND! I’M ONE OF THEM, AREN’T I?”

Nia: “No wolf shifter community knows YOU’RE ALIVE! We need to keep it that way. I'm investigating a pack with a territory in Meadow Lake. That’s why we’re here.”

Kiani: “You mean the Darkwoods?!”

Nia: “How do you know that name?”

In Kiani’s head: Should I tell her that I've met the pack? That Rocco, their alpha might be my mate? How can I even trust my aunt who's been lying to me all this time? River told me straight away what I was. My flesh and blood didn't. Which makes me wonder what else she's hiding. Who do I even trust anymore?

Kiani: “I heard some University students talking about them. They’re a popular topic. They’re a wolf pack.”

Nia: “Yes, Kiani. You need to stay away from them. They’re a dangerous pack. They don't take kindly to strange wolves and their territory.”

Kiani: “Then you shouldn't have brought me here.”

Nia: “We had to come here. I'll explain everything to you when the time is right. I know it's hard for you to trust me. But trust in the love I have for you. I would do anything to protect you. Just promise me you'll focus on the University and lay low.”

In Nia’s head: I can't give her her mother's letter. Not yet.

Nia: “We’ll get through your first shift together. I know it’ll be any day. Meadow Lake has woods to let your wolf roam free. I know this is so much to understand and believe but you're not alone.”

Kiani: “I need space. Before you ask, no. I'm not okay, I'm far from it. I love you, but I don't trust you. That feeling sucks because we tell each other everything. You're my only family. Families don't lie to each other. That's what made me believe you. How am I meant to feel not alone when you can't even tell me everything now?”

Nia: “You have to believe that I'm doing this for you. But you have to promise me. Stay away from the Darkwood Pack. You need more time to be ready to face a pack.”

Kiani: “You have no idea what I'm ready for. (Kiani storms off)”

Nia: “I know I'm doing the right thing.”

In Nia’s head: Kiani needs to learn to control her inner wolf's emotions. If I told her that she had a brother and the Darkwood Pack killed her parents. It would send her feral but now I've lost her trust. (two hours later in the woods Kiani taking pictures)

In Kiani’s head: I had to get out of the house. I needed to think. A distraction. I felt at home here. It's beautiful here. Nature is vibrant. I can take pictures and then get lost in my painting later. It's so peaceful here. I feel my wolf at peace. I was in my little world. All my senses are heightened. (by a river). Little did I know, I was being watched. I couldn't wait. I had to at least sketch this scene. I really didn't want to go home.

Rocco: “You should’ve sensed me. A wolf shifter is always alert. I shouldn't be able to creep up on you.”

Kiani: “You made me drop my sketchbook. You owe-”

Rocco: “Bad reflexes.”

Kiani: “Ow.”

Rocco: “You've broken your ankle. That’ll take at least ten minutes to heal.”

In Kiani’s head: Well, hello there.

Kiani’s Wolf: “Our mate is here, mark him.”

In Kiani’s head: Not now, wolfie. Rocco carrise me bridal style. Keep cool. I'm sweating and the heat is spreading all over my body. I feel a raw hunger for this sexy highlander. It creeps up on me every time he's near. I'm surprised I can get two words out. Does he ever smile? I think I’d drop dead if he smiled at me. My heart would fail me. Rude.

Rocco: “Oh, look. I found something you're good at.”

In Kiani’s head: Strike one.

Kiani: “I'll take that back thank you.”

Rocco: “How's your ankle?”

Kiani: “It feels like-”

Rocco: “I should’ve known you would be clumsy as well.”

In Kiani’s head: Strike two.

Kiani: “I'm in fucking pain and I can't move. What do you think, genius? A broken ankle tends to be agony. I'm sure I'll be alright because I'm a wolf shifter so I should heal in ten minutes, right? Damn, it hurts bad.”

Rocco: “If you use your reflexes, you wouldn't be in pain.”

Kiani: “Do you have any sympathy?”

Rocco: “Do you have any sense? What are you doing out here?”

Kiani: “Not trying to talk to you, that's for sure.”

Rocco: “It's a good thing I found you. You're a walking hazard.”

In Kiani’s head: Strike three!

Kiani: “CAN YOU BE A DECENT HIGHLANDER FOR MY TEN MINUTES OF HEAL!”

Rocco: “Highlander. You keep calling me that. Why?”

In Kiani’s head: You remind me of a sexy highlander for my book I read. Yeah, I'm totally not saying that.

Kiani: “Erm, b-because you’re…buff.”

In Kiani’s head: Shoot me.

Rocco’s Wolf: “She deserves a lick. (Rocco rolls his eyes)”

Rocco: “I saw your camera. Are you into photography as well?”

Kiani: “Is this an actual interest? Or are you gonna just insult me again?”

In Kiani’s head: Really? He's thinking about it?

Rocco: “An interest.”

In Kiani’s head: Wow, his frown is not so permanent.

Kiani: “Yeah, I like taking pictures of nature. Then painting them later. Meadow Lake is beautiful, I can't stand it. I've taken so many pictures already. There's so much I have yet to explore. I can't wait. I feel like I'm in a dream world here. You're so lucky to have this right on your doorstep. I could get lost out here, but I wouldn't care.”

In Rocco’s head: Hm. (Rocco staring at Kiani’s lips then chest)

Kiani: “Urgh, Rocco. Are you checking me out?”

Rocco: “When you talk about your passion. It's quite sexy.”

Kiani: “Do you think I'm sexy?”

Rocco: “Sexy for a weak wolf. Now that I think about it, sexy wasn't the word.”

Kiani’s Wolf: “Did he just call me weak? (Kiani claws Rocco - Rocco tackles Kiani)”

In Kiani’s head: Rocco tackles me to the ground. My inner wolf licks the wounds she caused. She's finished teaching him a lesson. Rocco, in return, starts licking his mark on my neck. As if saying sorry. My wolf loves its pleasure.

Rocco: “Kiani.”

Kiani: “Rocco?! You're bleeding! Oh gosh, I did that?!”

Rocco: “Lesson learned, sexy. At least you're starting to act like a wolf. I can't wait to meet your inner wolf. She's a feisty one.”

In Kiani’s head: I just licked his nose.What's with all the licking?

Rocco: “But you need to learn to control your wolf.”

Kiani: “Says the one that marked me. When you don't even want me. I clawed out your chest. Please tell me you'll heal up soon? Does it hurt?”

Rocco: “I deserved it.”

Kiani: “Well, I wasn't gonna say it, but…(Rocco rolls his eyes - Kiani laughs)”

Rocco: “I called your wolf weak. That's a big insult to wolf shifters. But your wolf isn’t weak. Far from it. Your problem is gonna be able to control her. I fight hard to control my wolf everyday but it’s only made me stronger. More powerful.”

In Kiani’s head: I could listen to his deep voice all day. How he said powerful mentally stroked my inner wolf. Let's not forget he called me sexy. Why am I so happy?

Kiani: “Let me look at your chest.”

Rocco: “I like personal space, and I'll heal anyway.”

Kiani: “Are you dumb?”

Rocco: “Excuse me?”

Kiani: “Don't be a wuss. Your inner wolf likes me? He sees me as a potential mate.”

Rocco: “Not for long, little wolf.”

In Rocco’s head: I feel a warm heat slowly spread over my chest.

Kiani: “You're warm.”

Rocco: “Are you trying to seduce me?”

Kiani: “I prefer when you're glaring.”

In Kiani’s head: That look is too much. (Rocco laughs)

In Rocco’s head: Did she just make me laugh? (Kiani heals Rocco)

Rocco: “You healed me! (Kiani grunts in pain and passes out - Rocco’s basement)”

Maia: “Sierra is making me do a background check on Kiani.”

River: “I knew she would.”

Maia: “We need to protect the pack, babe.”

River: “I know, but I trust Kiani.”

Maia: “You hardly know her.”

River: “Gut instinct.”

Maia: “Rocco wants to mate with her. We haven't even bonded with her like a pack. She came out of nowhere. I'd prefer Winter to be my alpha female at this point.”

River: “Kiani would fit right in. I don't know as a Luna, but a member of our pack.”

Aspen: “Aw dude, how could you miss that? Your aim was way off.”

Tao: “You know what I'm like, Aspen. I'm just warming up.”

Aspen: “Right, that's what you call ‘warming up’.”

Tao: “You have such little faith.”

Asher: “I have zero faith in you. The game is nearly done. With me winning like normal.”

Aspen: “Any warmer, do you just might let Asher win.”

River: “Tao, I wonder why you play pool.”

Maia: “You lose every damn time.”

River: “Come on, baby, play something you can win.”

Tao: “You guys are savage.”

Nova: “Leave my little Tao alone, he tries, and that counts.”

Winter: “Don't worry honey, you're the fastest wolf here.”

Nova: “I'm quite a fast wolf-”

Winter: “Give him something.”

Nova: “The fastest wolf here.”

Asher: “Why do women always stick up for you?”

Tao: “What can I say? So who’s really running?”

Aspen: “Legend, man.”

In Kiani’s head: Aspen, member of the Darkwood Pack. His inner wolf is brown and gray with dark brown eyes. Unmated. (Rocco walks in)

Rocco: “Kiani will be joining our pack. We finally have a healer.”