William sat at his desk, facing his regular client, Katlyn. He enjoyed collaborating with her, not just because of her striking beauty, but also due to her intriguing personality. She had liberated herself from her affluent family and opted for a challenging path in life, particularly by pursuing a liberal arts degree, leaving her somewhat lost when it came to managing her finances. Fortunately, she was learning, thanks to William's guidance.

 He wished he could invite her out, but his accounting and investment firm had a strict policy against dating new clients. His father, now running the family business, had made it clear: if you didn't know them before they became clients, they were off-limits. Moreover, if you brought them in as a client without prior romantic involvement, the answer was an unequivocal NO!

 As he reviewed her files, he asked, "Just to clarify, you weren't at fault in the accident?"

 "No, I stopped at the light, and they ran right into me, wrecking my car and affecting my income," she replied.

 He sighed, "The good news is that you've been filing taxes regularly, which means you might qualify for some compensation for your inability to work. The downside is that you may have to purchase a used car, which is about the worst of it."

 She appeared somewhat disheartened, "I feared that might be the case."

 "Has the insurance company compensated you for your car?" he inquired.

 "I'm still waiting for that. They did provide me with a rental, but I can't use it for rideshare purposes at all," she answered.

 "Have you thought about working from home?" he suggested, "I know you have clerical and customer service skills."

 She leaned back in her chair, looking discouraged. "I have considered it, but I'm young and want to be out with people, not cooped up indoors on a computer all the time."

 William smiled, "I completely understand. Just remember that when you do rideshare, you expose yourself to risks—not only from other drivers but also from your passengers." He paused, "Sure, you undergo a background check, but they don't. Being out at night increases your vulnerability. While the app claims to protect you, the reality is that you're alone in a car with them, going… wherever. Sometimes, you won't have time to call for help."

 She looked a bit somber but seemed to grasp his point. "I guess I could always plan a girls' night out."

 "What I'm suggesting is that there are opportunities that are much more safe available for you," he said. "They may not be as fun, but, once you rack up some experience, you may get a raise."

 "You're worried someone might discover my family," she chuckled. "Oh, how they would relish paying a ransom to control me again." She paused, "It's not that I disliked the man who was 'chosen' for me; we still keep in touch. It has to be MY choice, not my family's. I am also aware that other women would kill to have the privileges and opportunities that I have had in this life."

 "Just think about it," William urged. "Consider those nights when it was cold and rainy, and you didn't want to go out, yet you had to." He paused, "I'm sure you can see my point."

 She stood up, glancing at the time. "I will look into it."

 "Please, just keep an open mind." He said, seeing her out.

 He saw her at the door of his office, and realized, THE DISCO IS WAITING! Along with his best friend Aaron. He went back to his desk, locking everything up for the weekend. It has been a good week. He had brought in some new clients, via reference, as well as helped out several lower-income families with their financial goals. He had earned his Friday night out with his best friend this week.

 Just as he was starting to feel all warm and fuzzy inside, he noticed a dark shadow coming down the hall, he also noticed best friend Aaron darting across the hall to avoid it. As expected, the shadow barged into his office, blocking the door with hands on her hips.

 "So, I hear that you brought in some new clients," She said.

 William looked up at her, noticing that, as usual, she looked like a perfect woman professionally dressed, not a hair out of place, and devastatingly attractive. The only problem is her attitude.

 Dontella had been with the firm for a little under a year. She does bring in good clients but really hates working with lower-income families, often passing them off to someone else. This is against the very creed of the firm, which would be bringing financial well-being to the entire community, not just those who already have the means. Thus the various outreach programs. If someone is lower income today, with the right instruction and direction, they won't remain that way. Let's face it, most Americans don't know how to manage their money.

 "I noticed that you sent me some clients from our outreach program," William stated, with some irritation.

 "Yeah, sorry about that, but I became busy with other priorities." She was still being very dismissive.

 "This isn't the first time this has happened." He stated.

 She paused, still standing in the doorway, "ok, sorry, I just don't want to end up living in a half-rate, aging Mid-Century modern house, that requires renovation, which is either a constant or always being put off, because of finances. Nor do I want to have to end up wearing clothing from Wal-Mart, or Target, all because I am constantly being forced to waste my time on low-income clients." She said, implying that someday she and William may become partners, and, of course, all of these things would create friction in the relationship.

 "Dontella, you do well for yourself and with our firm." He stated. "But if you want to continue to work with this firm, you are going to need to work with those lower-income families and individuals. It's not only our policy, but our commitment to the community. This is one of the things that make us different. Keep in mind that there are apps for not only financial advice but investments as well. This IS our competition." He said, motioning for her to exit his office so that he could lock up.

 She grudgingly stepped out of the office.

 "I hope you have a nice weekend Dontella." He said, locking his office, and walking past her.

 "You know William, you will never get any quality women going to that, that, DISCO."

 He stopped, on his way to the exit, slightly turning his head, "who said anything about quality."

 As William turned away from Dontella, a small smile played on his lips. He appreciated her ambition, but her attitude always left him feeling a bit exasperated. He knew that the disco was a place where he could unwind and let loose, without worrying about the judgments of the business world. It was a place of freedom, where he could dance away the stresses of the week and enjoy the company of his best friend, Aaron.

 Stepping out into the crisp evening air, William felt a sense of anticipation. The vibrant lights and pulsating beats of the disco were calling to him, promising a night of laughter and camaraderie. He knew that Aaron, always the life of the party, would already be there, possibly in the middle of the dance floor, drawing attention with his energetic moves.

 As he made his way to the venue, William couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. While Dontella's attitude was frustrating, he knew that there was a bigger picture to consider. The firm's mission was about empowering people and making a tangible difference in their lives. He felt proud to be part of an organization that valued community and inclusivity over mere profit.

 Arriving at the disco, William was greeted by the familiar thump of the bass and the kaleidoscope of lights that danced across the room. Spotting Aaron, and his cousin Blaine at the bar, he made his way over, just in time to hear his cousin use his standard line on the woman sitting next to him, "Don't worry, I am not evil, I am a lawyer" followed up by the terrifying berzerker grin. Together, they would celebrate not just the end of a successful week, but the joy of friendship and the simple pleasures of life that made everything worthwhile.

 No more hangover concerns for William; he learned his lesson during his sophomore year in college. He attended a frat party with friends, which began innocently enough with a beer here and a shot there. While his friends decided to leave, William was enjoying himself so much that he chose to stay. Once his friends departed, things took a turn—what started as casual drinking escalated to excessive consumption, leading to William passing out in a corner. When his friends realized he was missing from the dorm, they went in search of him. Upon finding him at the frat, they discovered he was being loaded into an ambulance, on the brink of alcohol poisoning. One of the fraternity brothers had noticed William slumped in the corner for quite some time and went to check on him. Fortunately, he was rushed to the hospital just in time for the paramedics to save his life.

 A day or so later, he found himself waking up in the hospital with his parents by his side. They hurried to the airport, paying full price for the last two available seats on the flight, and took a rideshare to the hospital. Although his father wasn't upset, he did require William to reimburse him for the ambulance ride, plane tickets, accommodations, the rental car, and all other expenses incurred. Instead of keeping the money for himself, his father contributed it to the family trust fund. This wasn't purely about finances; it was about accountability. William took this lesson to heart, especially since he never wanted to wake up in a hospital bed again. With this newfound understanding, he worked diligently, taking on a part-time job throughout his college years.

 Now, when he goes out, he keeps his drinking to a minimum. He realized he didn't enjoy the feeling of losing control; it's much more enjoyable when he can recall his night out.

 After preparing breakfast around noon and driving his two dates home—walking each of them to the door despite it being midday—it was time for his weekly grocery shopping. Although he wasn't low on supplies, he still had a list to follow. Saturdays were dedicated to cooking and spending time with close friends. He took pleasure in cooking, as he had some talent in it, which made his apartment the go-to spot for gatherings. He also appreciated watching the attractive women at the grocery store.

 However, today unfolded a bit differently. Although he usually kept to himself around all those beautiful women, while browsing the vegetable aisle, he unexpectedly collided with another cart (thankfully, no injuries). Looking up, he was met by the sight of a stunning woman with long, wavy dark brown hair and captivating blue eyes, who appeared quite embarrassed for not paying attention. A part of him was tempted to ask for her number, yet he had a personal rule against bothering women in that manner. He figured if he spotted her at the market a few more times, he might take the plunge and invite her for coffee, believing it to be cosmic fate.

 As luck would have it, not only did he see her again, but it became a regular occurrence. Initially, their interactions consisted of light conversation. She mentioned that she had recently relocated from another state and seemed to be healing from a tough breakup, though she didn't go into specifics. He would share snippets about his day and work, followed by discussions about the weather. Feeling that this was indeed cosmic fate, he finally mustered the courage to ask her out for coffee. He was elated when she accepted. He was also elated that such a woman was even available.

 As their relationship grew, William unearthed a revelation: Vanessa had a past entwined with a long-term ex-boyfriend. She confided that their romance had dwindled due to his obsessive and controlling demeanor, though he never crossed the lines of physical or verbal abuse. To carve out space from her former love, she had ventured several states away from her family. William felt a sense of reassurance, convinced that her ex would not cast a shadow over their relationship, as he remained blissfully unaware of her new path.

 During a Sunday dinner, Vanessa received the warm embrace of approval from William's family, and soon, the notion of cohabitation began to weave itself into their conversations. The challenge of managing two residences can sometimes cause friction in a relationship. While William found solace in her apartment, he deemed it essential to retreat to his own during the week. Vanessa, however, held a fondness for her home, largely due to her beloved cat. William proposed the idea of her feline companion joining him in his abode, yet she gently countered, asserting that cat cats don't travel well, even over a short distance. Making the trip twice per week could cause undue stress on her beloved cat.

 William's lease was drawing to a close. He cherished the apartment, yet acknowledged it could benefit from a woman's delicate touch; after all, eclectic street signs and vintage license plates might not embody the finest decor. They entertained the idea of securing a larger dwelling within William's complex, unfortunately, nothing was available. With Vanessa recently signing a new lease for a larger two-bedroom, the choice to unite their lives under one roof took shape. Yet, a cloud of anxiety seemed to hover over Vanessa.

 William continued to reassure her, affirming that he understood the magnitude of this leap and urged her not to be concerned. Nevertheless, she pressed on, insisting there was something he needed to witness before putting in notice. Frustrated! Why can't she just TELL ME? Yet she remained steadfast, urging him to join her at a designated spot, emphasizing that this revelation demanded experience rather than mere words. Reluctantly, he acquiesced, feeling very confused. Most of the time, he and Vanessa would just agree, or be fine with a compromise. This time, she wasn't budging.

 Vanessa attempted to emphasize the need for both cars, but William was adamant about being the one to drive. He felt slightly hurt, as she typically favored his driving style. He was safe and responsible, and she cherished the opportunity to admire the countryside. What made this journey so different?

 They traveled around thirty minutes from the city to a vast national park, with Vanessa guiding William to navigate past the construction barriers leading into a parking lot. It looked like there were a few other cars parked in the very back.

 "Is it alright for us to be here?" he inquired.

 "Don't worry, there are others around, including a friend of mine who is a park ranger. He'll meet us at the trail's edge and knows we're coming," she replied.

 William paused, glancing at her. "Did you plan to surprise me with a mini-camping trip? A lovely romantic evening in the woods?" he asked, feeling a bit puzzled about Vanessa wearing scrubs for an outing in nature.

 Vanessa looked slightly embarrassed. "Um, do you enjoy camping? I don't recall you mentioning it."

 He sighed, "More like glamping. As you know, I appreciate nature, but I've never actually been camping." He paused, casting a glance at her while parking the car. "I guess it could be enjoyable with the right person… if that's what you like." He hesitated, "But you're not dressed for a camping trip." He paused again, "I've never seen you in scrubs before."

 "Sometimes I wear them," she replied, hoping to divert William's attention from her attire of scrubs and tennis shoes. "I'm not really the 'camping' type either."

 She glanced up the trail and exclaimed, "Hey, look, there's Andy!"

 Andy was a handsome man with dirty blonde hair and striking green eyes, exuding a rugged charm that made him seem like someone who truly appreciated the great outdoors. He wore a park ranger uniform, which suited him well and appeared quite friendly.

 "So, you must be the guy Vanessa has been raving about?" he said, extending his hand.

 "I guess that would be me," he replied.

 "I'm pretty sure you know a few people who will be joining us tonight," Andy said as he began to lead the way down the trail.

 William turned to Vanessa, looking bewildered.

 "A few of my new friends; you've met them," she explained.

 Eventually, they arrived at a small clearing, encircled by towering, sturdy trees. William surveyed the area and recognized some of the attendees. They were all dressed in scrubs like Vanessa, and he noticed several of them were fitting oddly shaped harnesses with leg and wrist restraints that seemed oversized.

 He continued to observe as Vanessa secured some restraints on herself.

 "Okay, if you're part of some weird cult, group, or practice that doesn't interfere with our daily lives, I'm fine with that. However, I probably won't participate," he declared.

 The group exchanged blank looks, clearly taken aback by his comment. It was evident that no one had informed him of what was about to unfold.

 Andy approached William, saying, "You'll need to step away from Vanessa or anyone else in the group."

 William took a step back.

 "A little more distance, please," Andy insisted, then turned to Vanessa, "You didn't tell him, did you?"

 She shook her head.

 Andy sighed, rubbing his forehead, "Oh dear."

 As he spoke, Vanessa began to cough, appearing to cling desperately to the tree she was chained to. She collapsed to her knees, prompting William to rush over to assist her.

 Andy dashed up behind him, shouting, "YOU CAN'T BE THAT CLOSE!"

 But it was too late; William was already holding her as her body shook violently. It seemed that she and the others were suffering from similar symptoms.

 Eventually, Andy managed to pull him away, visibly agitated and frustrated, his face and ears bright red.

 "You can't be that close," he said, scrutinizing William.

 Turning around, William was startled to see that Vanessa had transformed into a large, bipedal, white wolf creature. He noticed that the others had also changed into wolf beings, leaving William confused and in awe.

 As Andy approached him, William said, "Vanessa was right. This is something I had to witness." Then, correcting himself as he looked at Vanessa, he added, "You were right; this is something I needed to see."

 Andy chuckled, "Well, at least you know she's not part of some strange cult."

 He glanced at Vanessa, who was cowering behind the tree. "I'm fine with this," he declared. "I'll be waiting in the van tomorrow morning." His tone softened as he added, "But I will miss you one night each month." Turning to Andy, he asked, "This only happens one night a month, right?"

 With a grin, Andy replied, "Only on full moons, which usually happen once a month." He said sarcastically, "Now, let's head back to your van."

 Upon returning to William's minivan, Andy lingered so they could have a conversation. He felt a tinge of concern about how close William seemed to be with Vanessa as she began to shift.

 "Why do you keep looking at me like that?" William inquired while opening the back of the van and folding down the seats.

 Realizing his actions, Andy stepped back. "I apologize; this must be quite a shock for you, and a lot to absorb."

 "Vanessa is worth it," William replied confidently.

 "I'm glad to hear you feel that way," Andy remarked, observing William inflate an air mattress for the van's interior. "Are you planning to spend the night here?"

 "I always keep the air mattress in the van, just in case. This is the first time I've actually needed it."

 Andy paused for a moment. "That's fine; I suppose I can increase my patrol to cover the parking lot."

 "It's not like I can just leave her here," William insisted.

 "Trust me, we have plenty of eyes on all the wolves. She will be safe."

 "That's not my concern," William said. "I want to be here for her emotional support. Bringing me out here was a significant and frightening step for our relationship. She might have expected me to call her a freak or something similar and just walk away. I love her, and if she's a wolf, that's perfectly fine. Just don't mention it to my family."

 For some reason, Andy appeared relieved. "She would have been deeply hurt if you had left."

 William and Andy climbed into the van. "Andy, a woman like Vanessa comes along only once in a lifetime. Every relationship, every individual, and every family has its challenges and drawbacks." He said, turning on the van's heater. "I suppose her cat and I will be lonely for one night. It's a small price to pay."

 Andy noticed something unusual about William's right arm and reached out, asking, "Can I take a look at that?"

 William glanced at his arm and saw a scrape or cut, saying, "Hmm, that wasn't there before. I have a small first aid kit in the back."

 As Andy held his arm, examining it, he remarked, "It's not that deep; just a few band-aids and some antibiotic ointment, and it should heal in a few days."

 "It's not the depth that concerns me. It's the pattern," Andy replied.

 William examined his arm again. "I probably just brushed against something on the way back; it was getting dark, after all."

 "One, two, three, four, and a partial five, all in a straight line," Andy noted. "I think when you were holding Vanessa, she might have accidentally scratched you."

 "Well, I was pretty close to her," William responded. "Like I said, some band-aids and antibiotics should clear that up."

 Andy paused for a moment before saying, "I don't think you fully grasp the situation. It only takes a shallow scrape or scratch."

 "For what?" William asked. "I'm no botanist, but I'm pretty sure there's nothing in those woods that could be seriously harmful."

 "William, it's not the plants I'm worried about. Vanessa might have accidentally turned you into a wolf," Andy said, trying to stay calm.

 "Huh?"

 "That's why I was yelling at you, telling you to keep your distance," Andy explained quietly.

 "Me, a wolf?"

 "How do you think over thirty-five percent of all wolves come to be? The answer is quite simple: by accident." Andy gazed out the window, "the percentages might even be higher; I haven't reviewed the data in quite some time."

 "Are some created intentionally?!" William inquired.

 With a sigh, Andy replied, "Yes, but it's not what you might expect." He placed a hand on William's shoulder, "I'm going to make a call. Tomorrow morning, some experts will arrive to assess the situation and provide you with more details."

 William glanced up at the stars, "How many people are aware of this?"

 "Just try to get some rest. I'll check in on you periodically," Andy reassured him.

 After Andy left, William snacked on some leftovers from the van that had been there for a couple of days. Strangely, he only felt a sense of relief. Once he gathered the blankets and pillows, it didn't take long for him to fall asleep. There were no unexpected awakenings or nightmares; he actually enjoyed a restful night considering he had skipped dinner.

 As the early morning sun began to filter through the trees, William stretched and yawned, feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the unusual circumstances. He stepped out of the van, the cool air biting at his skin, and took a moment to gather his thoughts. The previous night's revelations still swirled in his mind, but he felt oddly calm as if he'd already accepted the new reality that had been thrust upon him.

 Andy approached with a friendly smile, accompanied by a few others who looked more professional than he expected. They carried medical kits and equipment that suggested they were prepared for all sorts of eventualities.

 "Hey, William," Andy greeted, gesturing to the group. "These are some specialists who can take a look at your arm and give you more information about what might happen next."

 William nodded, extending his arm so they could examine the scratches. The realization that he might soon share Vanessa's secret had sunk in, but he felt a strange sense of solidarity, knowing he wouldn't be alone in this experience.

 As the specialists did their work, Vanessa, now back in human form and wearing a borrowed sweatshirt, approached hesitantly. Her eyes were filled with concern and a hint of hope.

 "William, I'm so sorry," she began, her voice tremulous. "I never wanted this for you, not without you choosing it."

 He smiled, reassuring her with a gentle touch. "Vanessa, it's okay. I love you, and we'll figure this out together."

 As they spoke, the specialists confirmed that the scratches were indeed the catalyst for William's transformation, but they also reassured him that he would have a support system in place to guide him through the transition.

 With a newfound sense of purpose, William realized that his life was about to change dramatically. But he was ready for it, embracing the unknown with Vanessa by his side. Together, they would navigate the challenges ahead, knowing that love and understanding could conquer any obstacle.

Wilkfang - Volume 01

Chapter 02 - Transformation

 For some unknown reason, the next month spent with Vanessa flew by in a whirlwind of happiness. The transition into their new home was seamless, work was thriving, and everything seemed to be progressing better than ever.

Until this moment:

 "William, you need to grasp the seriousness of our situation! You don't have the luxury of wandering around the new place looking for unfinished drinks and snacks!" Vanessa asserted, "You're not taking this seriously at all!"

 "Alright, alright…" He turned to face her as they were heading out the door. "It's really early, and it only takes thirty minutes to get there. Last time, there wasn't this 'urgency'." While William is usually punctual, he dislikes feeling rushed.

 Vanessa inhaled deeply, "Last time, I wasn't concerned about you turning into a werewolf. If the med-techs are correct—which they usually are—tonight will mark your first shift. There will be food waiting for us when we arrive: home-cooked meals and barbecue. People contribute, and in the future, we should also prepare food for the group."

 William halted at the door, turning as if he wanted to say something. However, he noticed Vanessa pointing toward the door, urging him to hurry up. Surrendering his objections, they managed to exit the house and into the van without further debate. He felt rather strange leaving in scrubs and inexpensive sneakers.

 Once they escaped the city traffic and hit the open road, William began to unwind.

 "Hey, I just realized! We had our first argument!" William exclaimed happily.

 Vanessa chuckled, "You're actually excited about an argument?"

 "No, I'm thrilled that we got through our first disagreement." He responded.

 Vanessa nodded, "You're right. I suppose it could be considered a small milestone in our relationship."

 "And you were correct. I was being dismissive about our current situation because I didn't want to face it until we had more information."

 "As I mentioned, the med-techs are quite certain you're one of us now. I know it's 3:30 in the afternoon, and it feels early to head out, but when I was on my own, I would leave about two hours ahead of time." She explained, "This allowed me to eat and spend time with everyone before the transition."

 "Is that what it's called?" William inquired.

 "Some people refer to it as a 'shift,' others call it 'the shift,' and some simply say 'trans.' You can choose whichever term you prefer," she replied.

 Andy was the first person they spotted upon their arrival. He stood at the entrance of the parking lot, waving them in while repositioning the construction barriers. It seemed that everyone else was already there. Some were proudly examining a large meat smoker, its delightful aroma wafting through the air, while others unloaded side dishes from their cars and arranged them on a sizable picnic table set up at the back of the lot. As William parked the van, they greeted him with warm smiles and a welcoming demeanor.

 Eventually, Andy joined the group as they settled down to eat. This scene brought back memories for William of the annual block barbecues in his neighborhood. Some would rent a massive meat smoker, while others contributed various side dishes. He always looked forward to that time of year, as the neighborhood celebrated every Labor Day weekend, only for the area to revert to its suburban calm by Tuesday morning.

 Curiously, no one in the group mentioned the unsettling event that loomed ahead. Most of the conversation revolved around casual topics like, "How's work?" or "It's been quite a mild summer, hasn't it?" It seemed that the group maintained their connections throughout the month, treating the werewolf situation as merely a minor disruption to their ongoing communication.

 After everyone had finished the unexpectedly substantial meal, Andy led them into the woods. Although they knew the way, his cheerful demeanor and familiarity with the area offered a sense of comfort. They arrived at the same clearing as before, surrounded by trees adorned with restraints and human harnesses. They chatted for a while before beginning to put on the harnesses. Andy lent a hand to William with his, yet the discussions remained blissfully unaware that they were all about to transform into werewolves.

 Once Andy finished helping William, he quickly realized that he could easily escape the harness and restraints, as they were slightly oversized. While they wouldn't fall off by themselves, William noticed he could effortlessly unbuckle both the hand and leg restraints. The harness, too, would prove to be equally easy to remove.

 As he stood there in his new outfit—restraints that he could easily slip out of, scrubs, and pop-off shoes—he felt completely absurd and hoped there wasn't someone lurking in the woods with a cell phone camera ready to capture the moment.

 "You know, William," the man across from him began, "the first time I came out here, I felt just as ridiculous. I had to reassure myself that no one was hiding behind a tree, waiting to jump out, laugh, and say, 'HA HA, got you!' before darting back into the forest."

 William chuckled at the thought.

 The man locked eyes with him gently, "The first time is always the most uncomfortable."

 Just when William had finally relaxed, he was suddenly hit with a wave of pain, as if an elephant had kicked him in the stomach. He began to cough and fell to his knees, regretting his decision to eat before getting restrained. Almost immediately, he felt as if every muscle in his body was experiencing the worst cramp imaginable—not just any cramp, but a torment that seemed to come not only from the very depths of hell but also from the Nine Gates of Hell. Curled up on the ground in a fetal position, he could sense his bones and cartilage shifting, breaking, and then miraculously healing. The agony was overwhelming. At first, he feared he might die, then he worried about having a heart attack, and finally thought he might vomit; but gradually, the pain began to ease.

 The forest was eerily silent. There were no birds chirping, no crickets singing, and no animals scurrying about—just an overwhelming stillness. William lay on the ground, absorbing unfamiliar scents and sounds, yet his eyes remained shut. The coolness of the earth felt pleasant against his skin, allowing him to linger there, though he was no longer curled up in a fetal position.

 Footsteps echoed through the forest, prompting him to finally open his eyes. It was Andy, standing a respectful distance away. He appeared different, surrounded by a blue aura and an expression of deep concern.

 "Take your time getting up," Andy advised. "It's wise to ease into things."

 William nodded but attempted to sit up slowly. His head swirled with dizziness, compelling him to lie back down.

 "It may take a bit for you to regain your bearings, but please, do us a favor: hold off on speaking for now. You might be surprised by the sound of your own voice, and your words are often jumbled at first," Andy cautioned.

 "The service has allowed me to shorten my patrols this evening, so I'll be nearby, checking in on everyone about once an hour." He grinned, "Oh, and just so you know, another friendly wolf owns several Domino's pizza franchises and will be sending over some pizzas later. You might not feel hungry now, but trust me, by the time the pizza arrives, you definitely will be." With that, he resumed his patrol.

William enjoys Domino's pizza.

 'It's wise to take a break for an hour or so after your shift,' a voice echoed in his mind.

 'This is how we communicate as wolves,' a woman's voice continued, 'eventually, you'll learn to do this in your human form, but we prefer this method because speaking in wolf form doesn't always convey the message accurately and can lead to confusion. My name is Andrea, by the way. I am the black wolf sitting diagonally from you.'

 Gathering his strength, William turned to see a striking black wolf with golden eyes. Her fur was not coarse; instead, it was a stunning, silky black that shimmered in the moonlight.

 It took William about an hour to finally pull himself up. One of the first things he noticed was his hands and feet. As he examined the restraints, he realized they fit snugly, making it clear why a wolf would struggle to remove them. His hands, wrists, feet, and ankles appeared larger and bulkier. Sharp, grayish-white claws protruded from his hands and feet, complicating his ability to grasp objects.

 Although his vision was clear, he blinked hard and scanned the woods. Everything around him was visible, almost like having night vision, but with hints of color. In the distance, he spotted campfires and could faintly hear the campers chatting, though he couldn't discern their words. He could detect the presence and scent of animals in the woods, forming guesses about them based on the sounds they made as they moved. Suddenly, something caught his eye that he didn't understand, startling him, and prompting him to let out two short woofs.

 'We don't know what that is,' a woman's voice echoed in his thoughts. 'It was one of the first things we all noticed. Andy told us that if we leave it alone, it won't bother us. By the way, I'm Lana, the golden wolf to your right.'

 As he clung to the tree, he glanced over to his right.

 'And I'm Charles, her husband,' a man's voice chimed in his mind. 'I'm perched on the same tree as Lana. I'm a dark brown wolf with a white spot on my chest that resembles a heart, but that belongs to Lana.' 

 As he clung to the tree, William felt an unusual sensation bothering him at the base of his spine. It seemed to travel down his left leg, causing an itch and making his scrubs sag slightly. Turning around to investigate, he discovered something was indeed attached to his spine. He pulled it up to find he now had a tail, a fluffy, curly tail!

 "Oh, just a quick note. That little loop in the back of your scrubs is meant for your tail," Vanessa chimed in.

 Feeling a bit embarrassed, William pulled his tail through the loop, instantly feeling more comfortable. He experimented with moving it around and noticed it helped him maintain his balance. Standing upright with his tail free felt much easier.

 "Don't feel awkward, William; many of us experienced something similar," reassured the man who had spoken to him earlier.

 No longer clinging to the tree, William gazed up at the starry sky. Countless stars and planets sparkled above, with a few meteorites streaking across the night. Although the planets were too distant to see in detail, looking up made him feel as if the cosmos were inviting him to join in its wonders. He stood in the moonlight, captivated by the beauty above.

 So many new sensations and experiences awaited him, and this was just his first night. He recalled them telling him that the shift would become easier and that the initial experience was the most challenging. Things could indeed improve. While he marveled at the sky, he heard a sound similar to someone dragging a cart through the woods, reminiscent of Andy's gait.

 "Alright, everyone knows the purpose of the robo cart," Andy announced as he maneuvered a remote-controlled cart filled with large water bottles. Turning to William, he advised, "When you drink the water, start by using your palms. You'll need to consume several of these. I noticed you were sweating quite a bit after your shift; it's essential to rehydrate." As he spoke, the cart rolled up in front of him.

 With care, William picked up one of the oversized water bottles, much larger than the typical ones at the store. Following Andy's advice, he used his palms and managed to get most of the water into his mouth, spilling only a small amount down his scrubs.

 "That's fantastic!" Andy beamed. "Now grab four more bottles and set them on the other side of the tree for later."

 Suddenly, William caught a captivating and distinct aroma. In his new form, he couldn't quite identify it, but it smelled deliciously like pizza. Is it already midnight?!

 A second cart, resembling the one filled with water, rolled through the woods, stacked with about 20 pizzas.

 "I know I mentioned that the pizza would arrive at midnight, but there were some delays. Just so you're aware, it's now 1:15 AM," Andy informed as he guided the cart to each wolf.

 William glanced up at him for a moment.

 "Tourists! So frustrating," Andy sighed. "One thing I'd like you and the other wolves to do is called voice practice. They'll give you a word, and you'll attempt to say it. This exercise helps new wolves become familiar with the sound of their own voices, so they're not startled the first time they unintentionally speak. There have been instances where wolves laughed at jokes and then went into hiding for the rest of the night. That's why we conduct voice practice with newcomers."

 Most of the time, William recalls being able to devour about half a pizza in one sitting. However, tonight he managed to eat three! He wasn't particularly hungry when the pizza arrived, but as soon as he took his first bite, it felt like he couldn't get enough and had to keep going.

 Once he and the other wolves finished their meal, he noticed that they were tossing their leftover pizzas into the clearing. Suddenly, a flock of vividly colored birds, resembling crows, swooped down to snatch up the pizza crusts and half-eaten slices. William couldn't remember ever seeing or reading about such birds.

 'Yes, they are crows,' Vanessa explained. 'I was a bit surprised when I first saw them too. It turns out it's just how we perceive light. We are seeing it in another spectrum. As humans, we see crows and ravens as black, but with our wolf vision, they appear brightly colored.'

 William continued to observe the birds as they feasted.

 'So, do they just wait for us to finish eating?' William inquired.

 'They've been here since we arrived and have shown up every time we've come to this area,' Charles replied. 'I don't think it's anything to worry about; after all, they're enjoying free pizza too.'

 'I guess I just didn't notice them before,' William admitted.

 'Don't be too hard on yourself. I hate to keep saying this, but it's your first night out here with us,' Charles remarked.

 Although he was enjoying the company of his new friends, the feast of pizza left William feeling a bit drowsy. Unlike some, he never considered the idea of sleeping beneath the stars. For him, camping meant asking, "Do they provide free internet?" "Is the air conditioning and heating good?" "Will there be a full breakfast buffet or just a continental one?" The thought of actually sleeping outside made him uneasy.

 "Is it safe for us to sleep?" William inquired politely to Vanessa.

She chuckled, "I've been comfortably sleeping out here for about five months now. Trust me, we're well protected."

 "Who? Andy and the park rangers?" William asked.

 "Yes, them too," she replied. "But you'll find that as a wolf, you'll likely be a light sleeper, just like the rest of us."

 He noticed one of the other wolves already snoring peacefully under a tree, which put him at ease. The cool, soft soil beneath him helped him relax, and soon he drifted off to sleep.

 Unlike his previous visit when he had slept in his van, this time his dreams were vivid. Even in a deep slumber, he was aware of his surroundings, hearing the animals in the woods and distant campers without waking up. Just as he began to feel comfortable, it felt as if an elephant had kicked him in the stomach. The transition back to human form mirrored the shift into a wolf, with slight variations; the worst part was that after a night of comfortable warmth or coolness, he was suddenly shivering violently upon returning to human form.

 Andy rushed over with thermal blankets. While most blankets possess thermal properties, these were unique. William noticed medics hurrying to assist him in getting up and out of the restraints.

 "We need to get him to the bus immediately," one medic said. "It looks like he might be experiencing hypothermia."

 One of the medics draped a parka over him as they hurried him back to the parking lot. They loaded him into what resembled a luxury RV converted into an ambulance, much larger than any he had seen before.

Vanessa jogged alongside them, reassuring him that he would be okay and that this was a common experience for most wolves during their first shift. The distinction was that most wolves undergo their first full shift indoors.

 Henry and Vanessa sat nearby as the medics worked to warm him up, encouraging him to drink plenty of water.

 After a thorough assessment, one of the female medics approached him. "I'm going to give you a shot of antibiotics. I'll also provide you with a prescription. Take one pill each morning for the next two weeks, and make sure to eat plenty of yogurt," she explained.

 "Is this normal?" William inquired.

 "Well, since we're no longer in the city, we're lacking the benefits of the heat island effect. It's forty-five degrees out there, and you were drenched in sweat. As we know, the human body loses about thirty percent of its heat when wet," she replied.

 "Okay," William acknowledged.

 "And to answer your question, yes. Usually, when a wolf shifts back to their human form while wet or sweaty, they react like a human would. However, most new wolves experience the transformation indoors or in one of the paddocks at the Tribunal." She paused for emphasis. "We do our best to keep track of new wolves, and get them into the paddocks as soon as possible."

 William was bewildered, (It's not like he hadn't been feeling that way all night.) "Paddocks? Tribunal?"

 "You'll learn more about that later. Right now, you need to eat and hydrate. Once you're fed and warmed up, someone will come to talk to you and ask some questions," she assured him. "The antibiotics are just to help you along. Don't worry, you will be fine."

 "But I thought werewolves were tough to kill," Williams remarked.

The medic glanced at him and replied, "That's certainly true. However, humans aren't as resilient. It's our duty to keep an eye on both your human condition and your wolf state." She took a moment to continue, "There's a reason we require all wolves to remove earrings, nose rings, and any jewelry."

 William pondered this for a moment. "I can see that... sort of."

 "I'm not sure if anyone has informed you, but silver is lethal to wolves," she explained. "Even a small nick or a light scratch can trigger a severe reaction in the wolf's body, akin to anaphylaxis. So far, we haven't discovered a way to halt the reaction quickly enough to save the wolf." She paused, her expression turning somber. "Not that we aren't trying."

 "So the legend is true," William muttered, "the silver bullet."

 "Additionally, you should know that steel can act like kryptonite for a wolf. While it's not lethal, certain types of steel bars and gates can be challenging for wolves to pass through. If crafted in a specific manner, wolves might find it impossible to break through." She paused once more, "Just like in the movies, where wolves can bend metal bars to escape or enter through windows."

 Henry, who was still seated nearby, leaned in and said, "Hey, I had my first shift out here too, and as you can see, I'm doing just fine." He spoke reassuringly.

 The medic turned to him, "That's right, you did. I remember."

 "Did you experience the cold and shivering?" William inquired.

 "Actually, mine was worse since it was in the dead of winter. I think it was around negative ten degrees?" Henry replied. "Yeah, everything was going smoothly until the second trans."

 "What about you?" William asked Vanessa.

 "I was with Lee. In his basement," she replied.

 A brief silence followed.

 "Is Lee the one who made you?" William asked, raising his eyebrows and sounding intrigued.

 "Yeah, that's him," she answered. "But it wasn't what you might think. Keep in mind, I was trying to break up with him when he persuaded me to come over for dinner. I agreed."

 "It was an unusually early dinner, which is quite odd for Lee, but I think he sensed that I was about to end things," Vanessa continued. "After dinner, I felt extremely tired and drowsy, as if I had overindulged in wine. He suggested I rest in the basement while he finished some paperwork, so I did. No sooner had I laid down than I was out cold. I had what I thought was a nightmare about a large hairy beast coming in and biting my leg." She glanced at William, then at Henry. "I think you know where this is headed. When I woke up, I realized I had slept until 1:15 PM, and there was blood on the sheets around my lower calf, but I couldn't find the wound. I can show you the scar. Needless to say, I was with Lee the first time I did the shift."

 "What about you, Henry?" William inquired.

Henry rolled his eyes and replied, "You might not want to hear my tale of woe."

 "We'll be spending time together at least once a month, so I'd like to learn more about you," William said.

 "Alright, but just remember that you asked for it." Henry began, "I work as a building inspector, but I also have contracts to oversee various construction projects and manage security for unattended properties. While some might cringe at the thought of crawling under buildings in tight spaces, I find it fascinating." He paused, glancing at William and then at Vanessa. "I even helped solve a fifty-year-old murder once. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered skeletal remains beneath a house. But now the family has closure, and I'm proud to have been a part of that. Though this is rare, I often come across all sorts of intriguing antiques and objects in the crawl spaces of houses or buildings."

 "How I became a wolf, ..... It was a difficult time for me. I had wrapped up my divorce with my ex-wife, and about to get custody of our two daughters. Keep in mind, these were her daughters from a previous marriage. She had become an unfit parent, and her ex-husband was in prison for murder and rape." Henry continued, "I loved those girls like they were my own, and want to provide a good life for them. They were just toddlers when my ex and I got married, and I am the only father they have really known." Henry continued.

 "The courts granted me custody after they discovered the circumstances of her living situation. Once I legally removed her from the house, she began to drift from one partner to another, having multiple lovers. When they lost interest, she would move from one motel room to the next. She was consumed by her addiction and made no effort to escape it. Her family had given up on her and would no longer let her stay with them, leaving her with nowhere to go. This led to the courts awarding me custody. Whenever I'm away on various jobs, either her parents or mine are more than happy to look after the girls." He took a moment before adding, "This is just part of the story, by the way."

 "Not long after this prolonged ordeal concluded, I gained custody of the girls. Although things weren't perfect, they were improving. I decided to hold off on dating until the girls reach adulthood so that I can be present for them."

 "Well, one night I received a call from security regarding a property I was overseeing. I didn't have anyone physically present on-site, just cameras and lights monitoring the area. The buildings were vacant and condemned. The buyer of the property became quite frustrated when I explained my concerns. I warned him that allowing anyone to roam around could lead to potential dangers, like someone setting one of the structures on fire, which might easily spread to the nearby field and threaten the surrounding residential areas." He went on, "I mentioned this to imply that I suspected he might consider setting the buildings ablaze to avoid the costly demolition. Yeah, he was quite the character—definitely the kind of investor who would resort to such drastic measures."

 "Continuing on, the individual monitoring the cameras contacted me to inform me that some teenagers were 'partying' on the property and asked if he should notify the police. I replied that I was en route and would meet the police upon their arrival. My strategy was to intimidate the teenagers into believing they could face jail time for trespassing while attempting to persuade the officer to go along with my plan instead of making arrests. I felt that teaching them a lesson might encourage them to reconsider their current actions. I intended to give them a ride home, accompanied by a lengthy lecture."

 "I found myself in a harrowing situation. The police were present, their faces reflecting sheer terror. Crimson stains splattered the side of one of the structures, yet no corpses were in sight. He halted briefly before continuing, "The police had been informed of my imminent arrival, thus they were not startled by my sudden presence. They were engrossed in a live feed from the security cameras as I pulled up. As I drew closer, they cautioned me against viewing the footage. I insisted that I needed to see it."

 "The video they watched together was undeniably terrifying. The three teenagers had set up a small campfire, passing around cans of beer and casually smoking marijuana. It was a scene of typical adolescent rebellion, nothing extraordinary - until one of them spotted something beyond the reach of the cameras. He suddenly jumped to his feet, gesturing wildly towards the edge of the fence. The others followed his gaze, quickly rising to their feet. As they comprehended the nature of the threat, it was already too late."

 "During the attack, the video quality deteriorated significantly. It grew grainy and pixelated, and the wolf was barely discernible. It manifested as a mere mist or a foggy cloud. Thus, the recording captured the boys fleeing from an almost invisible entity, only to be brutally torn apart by it."

 "Having witnessed the horrific scene, it was now clear why the two officers had been so visibly shaken."

 "One of the officers strongly advised me that, for my own safety, it was necessary for me to vacate the premises. I was on the verge of complying when, all of a sudden, I was set upon from behind by what I now know was a werewolf. The beast clamped down on my left shoulder with such ferocity that I genuinely believed my arm was about to be torn from its socket. I could hear the officers discharging their firearms at this creature, emptying their entire clip in a desperate attempt to bring it down. Eventually, it released its grip on me, and I, still severely injured, managed to reach for my side."

 "As the officers were reloading, the werewolf turned its attention to one of them. Fortunately, the other officer and I had already taken refuge in the squad car. The uninjured officer barely managed to escape and drove us both to the nearest hospital. The creature had wrought significant damage on the vehicle, tearing off the back bumper and leaving deep scratches on the car's exterior."

 I woke up three days later, and there they were - my two daughters and the rest of my family, right by my side. I didn't even notice that all my wounds had completely healed and I was in a different hospital.

 There was a moment of silence before Vanessa spoke up. "Whoa, that's quite a story!"

 William then asked, "How's your ex-wife doing?"

 Henry took a moment before answering, "That's a tough one. She passed away in a car accident shortly after the divorce. Some might say that death isn't doing better, while others might see it as a chance for the soul to move on. She taught me that you can deeply love someone, but not necessarily like them. And yes, I still love her, and always will."

 Vanessa gave a little nod, realizing she still had some leftover feelings for Lee. She didn't despise him, but she didn't exactly vibe with him either. It was more like she felt pity for him. Having to stoop so low to hold onto her. But she knew she couldn't "fix" it. That was something Lee needed to handle.

 When wolves fall in love, monogamy is practically a given. As long as both are truly in love. It's incredibly unusual for a wolf to cheat on their partner. Maybe Lee knew this, and thought turning Vanessa into a wolf would reignite her feelings for him. In her mind, it was just more manipulation. And she took the first opportunity she could find to split. No matter the distance, like moving across several states, even with her cat in tow!

 William observed that a small group of individuals had started to congregate outside the sizable recreational vehicle. They were, in fact, the other wolves who had come to check up on him. Given that they had witnessed the turmoil that Henry had undergone, it was only natural for them to be curious about William's well-being.

 "Your new friends appear to be a bit worried," one of the medics remarked.

William attempted to sit up fully, but a sudden wave of dizziness forced him back down.

 The medic chuckled, "Not so fast. I take it you don't work on weekends," she continued. "You have plenty of time to recover and share your wolf tales."