/// Trixie ///

I pulled onto the side of the road, as Mitzi had instructed. There was an alternate road on the opposite side of the road from where the woods were visible to the school.

Up ahead, I could see a white truck that was parked. I saw the door swing open, and Mitzi hopped out. Smiling, I climbed out of my car. The alpha gave me a toothy smile.

"Hello, Trixie. Thank you for coming so late at night," she thanked me. I noticed she was wearing not quite as fashionable clothes as usual. She had on a dirty tan t-shirt with Jean shorts that had clearly been ripped. All she wore for shoes were worn out Birkenstock's.

"It's no problem, Alpha," I replied, a tinge of excitement in my voice. Mitzi nodded. "Right. Follow me. I sent Harley ahead into the woods to scout ahead. Tonight, you will get to witness what a werewolf transformation looks like,"

My pupils grew. At least once I swore I heard a howl outside, but never had I properly seen what these things actually looked like.

Mitzi held out her hand. "Come with me. It can be dangerous out here if you walk alone,"

I placed my hand in hers, and her long fingers curled around mine. Mitzi flashed me another grin before leading me into the woods.

I tried to step lightly, as Mitzi was doing. It seemed impossible, with all of the crunching and cracking of leafs and twigs beneath our feet. I watched as my companion's eyes scanned her surrounding, as if she was scanning for obstacles on a road.

Mitzi seemed to notice that I was struggling to walk quietly, and stopped me. "Watch your surroundings," she instructed me. "We'll be heading to a grassy clearing up ahead, but we have to cross through some brush. Tread lightly, and try not to make too much noise,"

I nodded. "Okay," I replied softly, mimicking her movements as we trekked through the thick brush. I winced as I felt a couple branches scrape my legs. Sometimes, sacrifice is necessary in order to witness something not many people get to.

At last, we broke free from the brush. My eyes brightened as I took in these new surroundings. The grass in the clearing felt much softer then the crunchy leaves and pine needles. The trees were tall, and made a large semi-circle to mark the clearing. There was a enough area above the clearing to get a god view of the moon, which was for the most part full.

Harley was standing in the middle, and ran up to meet us. Her long brown hair rested on her shoulders, slightly messy. Like Mitzi, she wore old, slightly revealing clothes.

"It's good to see you, Alpha," she spoke to Mitzi. "I've scoured the area, and there are no packs in sight,"

"Good," Mitzi purred. "Are you ready?"

Harley nodded excitedly, and turned to me. "Trixie, our alpha has instructed me to show you the transformation, and give you an idea what to expect,"

Mitzi guided me to a nearby log, and sat me down. "Keep in mind that how everyone transforms is going to be a little different," she reminded me. "I feel that how Harley transforms is a good example of how most people experience it,"

I nodded. "Okay. Can I ask a question, before she starts?"

"Of course," Mitzi responded.

"What's with the clothes? Is there a specific reason for that?"

Mitzi grinned. "Well, for the most part we take off our clothes beforehand. But, since you are new to this, what we usually do for new wolves witnessing this kind of thing is put on old clothes we don't need and are comfortable with destroying,"

"Ohhh, okay, I understand," I replied, smiling. "That's all I wanted to know,"

Mitzi wrapped an arm around my waist. "Okay. We're going to start. I'm right here if you get uncomfortable, okay? If you need to walk away that's completely understandable,"

I nodded, leaning slightly into Mitzi as Harley walked into the center. For the first time since this school year started I felt a pant of doubt in my stomach. Was this really a good idea? Would I regret this decision?

No, I can't think like that. I've come to far to run away and retreat back home. Not after what I said to Lulu. God, if she figures out I'm out here I'm done for.

Harley stood still, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath. The moon's light bathed her skin, making it look as if she was in a spotlight. Then, it began.

A sudden snap could be heard. Harley's joints twitched, and she let out a groan. She teetered, her legs visibly shaking, and I felt conflicted about whether to try and help her.

Harley suddenly leaned forwards, the bones of her legs snapping into a new position. I grimaced. It looked quite painful.

From this new position Harley stood on all fours. I could see her spine changing as well, twisting to change into the shape of a canine's. From here, I could start to see her face contort, stretching outwards into a muzzle.

It was a that point I started to hug Mitzi. Harley's body grew more and more unrecognizable by the second. I cringed as hair sprouted all over her body, and as her old clothes stretched and ripped, falling  off her onto the ground in shreds.

Mitzi's arm held me tight. I glanced up at her, and her face was serious as she stared at Harley. How many times had she had to watch her pack mates shift? Was it always this... unsettling?

... is this what I'll have to go through?

I blinked rapidly, my stomach feeling sick as Harley seemed to have finished her transformation. Mitzi used her hand to stroke my head. "It's alright, Trix. She's all done," she spoke to me softly.

I turned to look at Harley. She was no longer a human, but now a werewolf. Her fur was long and a luscious brown, and she had reared up on her hind legs. She was twice the size of me.

And then, the wolf let out a loud, majestic howl. The sound echoed across the forest, and I swore I felt vibrations from it. Beside me, Mitzi held a big grin. I thought I saw fangs forming in her mouth. "Alpha?" I spoke up, my voice small.

Mitzi turned to me, looking very excited. Her eyes seemed to glow in the dark, shimmering golden-brown. "Yeah?" She responded, a slight rasp in her voice.

"... Are you alright? Can I go now?" I asked, taken aback by her demeanour's sudden shift.

Mitzi didn't seem to hear, and the werewolf stared at her. Harley had approached her leader, clearly trying to grab her attention by nudging her with her nose.

Out of nowhere, Mitzi lunged for me. I jumped away immediately, scratching my arm on a nearby branch. A low, growling sound erupted from Mitzi's throat. She seemed clearly intent on hunting me.

But then why hadn't she shifted.

I suddenly heard a loud bark. Mitzi and I whipped around to see Harley snarling at our alpha. A distraction? I wondered.

Mitzi took the bait. She lunged for Harley, her limbs beginning to change as well.

I didn't stay to see what would happen. I began running, not caring about getting scraped or hurt. I had to get back to my car.

A loud whine echoed through the trees, and fear pounded in my chest. Was Harley okay? What was wrong with Mitzi? Why did she try to attack me?

It felt like ages by the time I burst out of the woods, my corolla in sight. I fished out the keys in my pocket, unlocked the car, got in, and took in a deep breath.

Before long I drove home, my heart pounding. At the very least, I heard a howl in the distance, but no sign of being followed.

As I pulled into our family driveway and parked my car, I rested my head on the driving wheel, taking a moment to realize what had just happened. I was nearly attacked by my own alpha, an alpha I was supposed to serve for as long as I lived.

I checked my phone. It was almost Friday morning. And on Friday, I would be turned into a werewolf myself. Do I still even want this? It all looked so... horrifying.

... Have I made a mistake?