13. Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Embracing Reality

Lila

I wake slowly, my mind struggling to make sense of the overwhelming sensations assaulting my body. The smells are too strong, the sounds too loud, and even the soft fabric beneath me feels rough against my skin. I blink, trying to focus my bleary eyes on my surroundings.

Where am I? How did I get here?

Panic rises in my chest as I realize I'm in an unfamiliar room.

"What the hell?" The words slip out as I sit up, my hand gripping the bed frame. With a sickening crack, the wood splinters beneath my fingers. I stare in disbelief at the broken frame, my mind reeling. Did I just do that? How is that even possible?

The memories of the barn fire come rushing back—the smoldering wood, the scorching heat, and the crushing weight on my back.

How did I survive?

My heart races as confusion, fear, and a strange new sense of power coursing through my veins overwhelm me.

What's happening to me?

Suddenly, a new presence stirs within me, a voice that seems to come from my very core.

Safe. Pack nearby, it communicates, the words more felt than heard.

I freeze, my eyes widening in shock. My heart races as I try to comprehend what's happening. This voice, this presence, it's unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It's both foreign and familiar, separate from me yet intrinsically connected.

"What was that? Who's there?" I ask aloud, my voice trembling. I glance around the room, half-expecting to see someone else, but I'm alone. The realization that the voice is coming from within me sends a shiver down my spine.

Us. We. One now, the presence responds, its tone soothing yet firm.

I shake my head, trying to make sense of this internal dialogue. Is this really happening? Am I losing my mind? I've heard of people experiencing mental breakdowns, hearing voices in their heads, but I never thought it would happen to me.

Am I going crazy? I wonder, my hands trembling as I grip the soft material beneath me. The thought terrifies me, adding to the already overwhelming fear and confusion of my situation.

But even as I grapple with the possibility of insanity, there's a part of me that knows this is something else entirely. The voice doesn't feel malicious or unhinged. Instead, it's almost comforting, like a long-lost piece of myself that I never knew was missing.

As I try to wrap my mind around this new reality, the door to the room opens, and a familiar scent washes over me, both comforting and intriguing. My heart skips a beat as I look up, desperate for answers.

Axel.

The moment he steps into the room, a wave of emotions crashes over me, a confusing mix of relief, longing, and something I can't quite define. His presence seems to fill the space, and I find myself instinctively drawn to him, as if an invisible force is pulling me in his direction.

I open my mouth to speak, to ask him about the voice, to beg for an explanation, but the words die on my tongue. How do I even begin to explain what I'm experiencing? Will he think I'm crazy too?

As Axel approaches, his eyes filled with concern and something else I can't quite decipher, I realize that he might be the key to understanding this new reality. If anyone can help me make sense of what's happening, it's him.

But for now, I'm left with more questions than answers, my mind reeling as I try to reconcile the familiar world I once knew with the strange new one I've been thrust into. The voice in my head is just the beginning, and I can only hope that Axel will be there to guide me through whatever comes next.

Mate. He saved us, the voice within me rises again, its tone filled with certainty and reverence.

'Mate? What are you talking about?' I mentally respond, my bewilderment growing with each passing second.

His scent. Our mate. Safe with him, the voice insists, its conviction unwavering.

As Axel rushes to my side, I'm enveloped by his scent—a heady blend of pine, musk, and something else, nervousness. It's both comforting and electrifying, causing my heart to race and my skin to tingle with a newfound sensitivity. I feel simultaneously grounded and untethered, as if his presence is the only thing keeping me from floating away.

"Lila," Axel speaks, his voice soothing yet tinged with worry. "It's okay. You're safe now."

He reaches out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. The moment his skin touches mine, an electric spark ignites between us, sending a shiver down my spine. I gasp, my eyes widening at the intensity of the sensation. What is happening to me?

"Axel," I whisper, my voice trembling. "What's going on? I don't understand."

He takes a deep breath, his eyes searching mine as he begins to explain.

"Lila, when I found you in the barn, you were badly hurt. I had to... I had to turn you to save your life."

Turn me?

The words echo in my mind, their meaning both terrifying and strangely fascinating. A part of me wants to reject this new reality, to insist that it's all a dream, but another part—the part that seems to be connected to this new presence within me—accepts it with a startling instinctiveness.

As Axel opens his mouth to speak, an older woman places her hand on his shoulder and then steps forward, her presence exuding calm and wisdom.

"I'm Mabel, Axel's grandmother," the older woman says, her voice warm and soothing. "I know this must be overwhelming for you, Lila, but we're here to help you through this transition."

"Transition? Turning? I don't understand."

"Darling, Axel turned you into a wolf shifter. Some would call us werewolves, but we have control over our shifts, unlike a werewolf," she explains.

"So I'm not human anymore?"

"You are still human, but with a special gift, I would say."

"I feel like I am going crazy, Everything is so strong," I manage to say in a whisper.

"Oh, she is already awake then. The voice in your head is your wolf, all humans have a wolf but they are locked deep down, dormant until they are awakened," Mabel replies. "Your wolf can communicate with you in your mind. She also has heightened senses like a wolf and that is what you're experiencing now."

"How do you manage all of this? It's exhausting."

"Breathing is a start."

I nod, my throat tight with emotion. Mabel's presence is comforting, like a balm on my frayed nerves. She guides me through some simple breathing exercises, helping me focus on each sense individually.

"Concentrate on one scent at a time," Mabel instructs. "Let it wash over you, then move on to the next."

I close my eyes, following her guidance. Slowly, the barrage of sensations becomes more manageable, and I feel a sense of control returning.

Another woman enters the room, her movements graceful and assured. "Hey, Lila, it's Elena. Do you remember me?" she introduces herself, offering me a sympathetic smile. "I was born a shifter. At the age of sixteen, my dormant wolf consciousness came alive, and let me tell you, even if you're prepared for the day when it will begin speaking to you, it's still a jarring and challenging experience. So, I understand how disorienting all this can be."

Elena shares stories of her childhood, of learning to navigate the world with her enhanced senses and abilities. Her words paint a picture of a life both extraordinary and challenging, and I find myself hanging on to every detail.

Mabel takes my hand, her touch grounding me. "Being a shifter is a gift, Lila. It's a part of who you are now, but it doesn't define you. You'll learn to balance your wolf nature with your human life."

Listen to elder. She knows, the wolf within me urges, its presence a steady anchor in the storm of my thoughts.

"You mean that I will still have my humanity?"

"Yes," Axel says from behind Mabel.

Both human and wolf now. Embrace both, my wolf echoes, its voice a gentle reminder.

As I process Mabel's words, I can't help but wonder how this will change everything—my relationships, my business, my entire life. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating.

Born wolf. Much to learn from her, my wolf muses as Elena continues to share her experiences.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I know there's no going back, only forward.

Suddenly, Mabel's expression turns serious, her eyes locking with mine. "Lila, there's something else you need to know..."

Mabel's words hang heavy in the air as she looks at Axel and me with a solemn expression. "Lila, Axel's decision to turn you was not an easy one. He feared that changing you would end both of you."

I feel Axel tense beside me, his hand finding mine and squeezing gently. The weight of his decision settles on my shoulders, and I can't help but wonder what would have happened if he hadn't taken that risk.

Mabel continues, her voice steady and reassuring. "But I wasn't worried about Lila being turned, Axel. You see, there's something special about the bond you two share. You're true fated mates."

Fated mates?

The words echo in my mind, and I feel my wolf stir within me, a sense of recognition and contentment washing over me.

Mabel explains the concept, telling us how the Fates protect such bonds. She shares the story of an alpha from years past. "He was the reason the law was made. All because he lusted over the beauty of a human and he couldn't stand the thought of another man being with her. He wanted to claim her for himself, so he turned her. But she was not his to have, and she went feral."

The gravity of her words sinks in, and I realize just how significant Axel's decision was. He risked everything to save me, to give us a chance at a future together.

"That's why I didn't worry when Axel told me he turned you, because I knew that the two of you were destined to be fated mates. The Fates will not send any true fated mate, human or not, down a feral path," Mabel emphasizes, her eyes locked on ours.

Fated. Meant to be. Always knew, my wolf interjects, its certainty a comforting presence within me.

Axel's relief is palpable, his shoulders relaxing as he pulls me closer.

"I knew the moment I laid eyes on you that we had a connection, Lila. I'll do everything in my power to protect and guide you through this new life. That is if you will let me."

I nod, overwhelmed by the awe and uncertainty that comes with the knowledge of our predestined bond. It's a lot to process, but knowing that Axel and I are meant to be together gives me a sense of comfort and belonging.

I always felt like Axel was my soulmate or something.

Yes, you felt it before me, my wolf encourages.

Oh no, Sophie! A wave of panic washes over me as I recognize the familiar ringtone of my phone. I've been so caught up in this new world of shifters and fated mates that I completely forgot about my human life and responsibilities.

With trembling hands, I pick up my phone, my heart sinking as I see the numerous missed calls from Sophie.

She must be worried sick, I feel guilt twisting in my gut.

Axel and Mabel exchange a knowing glance, and Mabel speaks up, her voice calm and reassuring.

"We need to come up with a believable story, Lila. Something that explains your absence without revealing the truth about our world. It isn't safe for you to be around humans right now. You need to learn to control things first."

I nod, my mind racing as I try to think of a plausible explanation. "She doesn't even know how or when I got away from the monsters."

Axel speaks up, "I stopped by her apartment after I brought you here and told her that you were safe and resting."

"Then maybe I could say I had a health scare? That I'm recuperating somewhere safe?"

Axel squeezes my hand, his presence a steady comfort. "That could work. We'll help you craft the details."

As I prepare to call Sophie back, my wolf stirs within me, a sense of unease rippling through my body.

Careful. Must protect pack secret, it warns.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I hit the call button. Sophie answers on the first ring, her voice filled with relief and concern.

"Lila! Oh my god, the last time I saw you that man was dragging you away. Axel said that he found you and that I shouldn't go to the police. I still don't understand any of this. Why not go to the police? Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you for days! Lila, I need to….."

"Soph, slow down, I'm fine, better than fine." I swallow hard, the lie heavy on my tongue. "I'm so sorry, Soph. after Axel saved me I... I became very ill, a bit of a health scare."

Sophie gasps, her worry palpable through the phone. "What? Are you okay? Do you need me to come to you?"

Not pack. Can't trust, my wolf interjects, its restlessness growing.

'She's my best friend. We can trust her,' I argue internally, my heart aching at the thought of keeping secrets from Sophie.

Your friends. But pack comes first now, my wolf reluctantly accepts, its loyalty unwavering.

"I'm okay, Soph. I just need some time to recover. Axel is taking good care of me," I assure her, my enhanced hearing picking up on the rapid beat of her heart, the catch in her breath. The guilt intensifies, knowing that I'm the cause of her distress.

Sophie insists on seeing me, her concern evident in every word. I hesitate, unsure of how to proceed.

"Soph, I promise we will see each other in a few days… after I am better. I have to go."

I lay back on the soft bed, my mind reeling from the overwhelming events of the day. Mabel suggests I rest, but my thoughts race with unanswered questions and fears about my new reality as a werewolf.

Axel sits beside me, his presence both comforting and confusing. "I'm here for you, Lila. Between Elena, and Grandma Mabel, we'll help you through this transition," he assures me, his hand gently squeezing mine.

I nod, trying to process the changes in my body and mind. A mix of fear and exhilaration courses through me as I realize the extent of my heightened senses and strength.

Strong now. Fast. Better, my wolf expresses with excitement, reveling in our newfound abilities.

I turn to Axel, gratitude and uncertainty swirling within me.

"Thank you for saving my life, Axel. I just... I don't know how to feel about all of this," I confess, my voice trembling.

Mabel offers a final piece of wisdom, her eyes filled with understanding. "Embrace your new nature, Lila, but don't forget your humanity. You are both wolf and human now, and that is a beautiful thing."

As they prepare to leave, a moment of panic grips me at the thought of being alone.

Natural. Right. This is who we are, my wolf whispers, its confidence steadying me.

Axel senses my unease and promises to be nearby if I need anything. The sincerity in his eyes stirs something within me, a connection I can't quite define.

I'm right here, when you need me, Axel's voice softly penetrates my mind.

"Woo, Axel, is that you in my head? How are you doing that?"

"As the leader of the pack, I have the ability to communicate with any member. However, since I have marked you, we now have a mate bond that allows us to communicate with each other telepathically as well. I didn't want to scare you earlier, so I kept my mind from you."

Rest now, talk more later, he adds.

When Axel leaves, my wolf whines, Want mate to stay, its longing mirroring my own complex emotions.

I lay in the unfamiliar bed, every new sensation a reminder of my transformation. Relief at my survival, gratitude towards Axel and Mabel, and guilt over lying to Sophie all swirl within me.

"What challenges am I gonna face in this new life?" I say aloud to my wolf, trying to process everything that's happened. "I never asked for any of this, but now there's no escaping it."

Challenges await, my wolf replies. But together, we overcome. You strong, we smart.

I sigh, knowing my wolf is right. This is my reality, whether I like it or not.

We face it together. We are strong, my wolf whispers reassuringly, a constant presence in my mind as I finally succumb to sleep.