"...it's not normal for someone to be out this long, is it?"

"Give her time, she went through something quite traumatic."

Be quiet. Norah spoke the words in her mind. The voices sounded as though they were right next to her head, shouting as loudly as possible. Her eyes scrunched tight - the noise was too much - and groggily, she opened her eyes to tell whoever it was to go away. It didn't take her eyes long to adjust; she was lying in a strange room. The curtains were pulled closed and a small amount of light  trickled through. Common sense told her she shouldn't have been able to see so vividly in the dark. She turned her head, looking for another light source but there was none. Her breathing increased painfully.

What was going on? As she inhaled , she gasped, bolting upright. As assortment of scents invaded her senses. Rain, earth, sweat, perfume - she covered her nose, gagging at the overdose.

"She's awake!" A voice shouted eagerly to her left and she scooted away from it, hitting a wall. The sound of her body connecting with the wall sounded like a gunshot and she gasped, beginning to hyperventilate.

Olivia and Cassie rushed in, eyes filled with relief. "I'm so glad you're awake!" Olivia smiled.

Norah winced and covered her ears, allowing the scents to rush in once more. "Why are you shouting?" she whimpered. Olivia stepped closer and her perfume started to make Norah nauseated. Cassie's scent of baking and flour mixed in with it and Norah's chest began to tighten. "Why can I smell you? What's happening to me?"

The sound of her own voice made her eardrums ring and she buried her head in her knees as she started to have a panic attack.

"Go and get him." Footsteps pounded away from her and she flinched as Cassie touched her back. She knew it was Cassie because her scent still remained. But she didn't know why she knew that.

"Breathe, Norah." The voice sounded softer and she tried to obey, wishing the tightness in her chest to fade away. The footsteps returned and Norah could hear two sets. "Quietly," Cassie said.

Another hand touched her shoulder and the bed lowered as someone sat beside her. The smell of pine tinged with earth and sea helped the tightness in her chest recede. She knew that smell. "Norah?"

She knew it was spoken quietly, but it was still too loud. She found she didn't care so much this time though. It was a voice she needed to hear. Looking up, through tear soaked eyelashes, she saw Rylan watching her nervously. She sensed the others leave and Rylan reached over, covering her ears.

"What's wrong with me?" she whispered, at least she thought it was a whisper.

"Nothing, it's just - Norah, I'm so sorry." His eyes were pained. "This isn't how I wanted it to happen."

Memories of the Gathering flashed through her mind -Annie, Madison, Daniel biting her - chest started to get tight once more. "What did Daniel do to me?"

Deep down, she already knew the answer but she didn't want it to be true. Not like this. Rylan didn't say anything but he didn't have to. His eyes spoke more than enough. Sobs wracked her body and Rylan pulled her close, kissing her head as he rocked her gently back into oblivion.

The next time Norah woke the room was completely silent. No voices could be heard, no footsteps pounding through her skull. Rylan's scent lingered and she knew he must have been here recently.

She didn't open her eyes. This couldn't be real. And yet, it was. Her body felt different; every nerve and sense felt alive. Every breath, move and sound was amplified. She looked around. The room was dark. There was no sun shining through the curtain and she guessed it was night time. The room wasn't as clear as it had been earlier - whenever that was - but her sight was still better than it should have been in the dark. No one was in the room, and she stared at the ceiling, trying to remain calm.

"Hello." The sound was quite loud and she repeated the word, trying to make it softer. It was a test she used to do when she little. She would see how loud she could speak without waking her parents. It had been a strange experiment, one that often got her into trouble. She tried to figure out her vocal range and settled on what she felt was normal. It didn't sound too loud in her head and she strain on her vocal chords felt normal.

Sitting up, she was surprised at how agile she felt. Every movement felt fluid and she stood up, expecting to be weak after lying for so long. Instead she felt invigorated. It was as if she had simply had a good night's sleep. Bouncing on the balls of her feet, she headed for the door and hesitated. She knew she had to be in the Montoya home from the soundproofed room and the thought of all the noise on the other side scared her. Bracing herself, she opened the door slightly.

Noise filtered in; people talking, plates clattering. The smell of roast drifted in and her stomach growled. The noise was not as horrific as her last waking experience and she wondered if maybe she getting more accustomed to her new...abilities. She tiptoed out to the landing of the stairs and sat down, listening to the chatter.

"How did the meeting go?"

"The perimeter was clear..."

"Gail and Madison are stopping by tomorrow..."

Norah took it all in, letting her ears get used to the cacophony of sound. A door opened behind her and she jumped. Olivia stepped out of her room, eyes wide with surprise. She opened her mouth and hesitated. Norah stood up and offered a timid smile. She felt slightly ashamed of how she had acted when she woke up before. She must have looked so childish.

"Are you okay?" Olivia whispered.

Her voice sounded normal and Norah smiled in relief. "I think so."

There was a falter in the chatter downstairs and Olivia hugged her fiercely.  "I know this must be so weird for you. Can I do anything for you?" Norah didn't know what she wanted but her stomach answered for her. Olivia grinned. "So it begins. Come on."

She led Norah downstairs past the dining room and into the kitchen. Cassie was standing at the sink when they entered. She smiled, rushing forward to give Norah a kiss on the cheek. "I am so glad you pulled through. Your ankle looked terrible. For a while there, I thought..."

She drifted off and Norah glanced down at her leg. There was a red scar along the outer part of her ankle and she reached down to touch it. "I'm afraid that scar will be there forever," Cassie said quietly.

Norah rubbed it for a few moments, trying to remain calm before standing back up. "What happened?"

Cassie's smile faltered and Norah's heart sank. Olivia's eyes reddened and she turned to away to prepare Norah a sandwich. The kitchen remained silent and Norah regretted asking anything. She was trying to think of a way to fix the situation when she heard the front door open. A comforting scent drifted towards her.

By the time she had turned around, Rylan was already through the kitchen door, sweeping her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his waist, inhaling deeply. She had always liked the way Rylan smelled, but now it was different. Now, it was something that made all the troubles of the world seem to instantly melt away.

"Are you okay?" he murmured.

She nodded. "I think so." She had a thousand things she wanted to ask, but was too afraid to voice them in case she upset Cassie and Olivia again. The latter passed her a plate of five sandwiches. "I'm not that hungry," she protested, though her stomach rumbled appreciatively.

"You'd be surprised," Olivia said weakly. "Well, I'm off to bed. Night."

Rylan still had a hold of her and she looked up at him. "Do you mind if I eat these in your room?" She didn't feel ready to face the others yet. Not without knowing more. She turned to Cassie, motioning to the dining room. "Will they...?"

Cassie shook her head. "They understand."

Rylan kissed her forehead. "Head on up. I'll be there in a minute."

She gave Cassie one last hug - feeling as though she needed it - before she took her food upstairs. Rylan's room hadn't changed which gave her a strange comfort. She flicked on the lamp and started eating. The bed was unmade and she smoothed the pillows, suddenly feeling ill.

When Rylan came in he would surely tell her what had happened. Was she ready to hear it? To hear of those who were gone, of the pain and grief they were all experiencing? Butterflies prevented her from eating anymore though she was surprised she had consumed four of the five sandwiches. Crossing her legs, she didn't have to wait for long.

Rylan walked in a few minutes later, closing the door behind him. He sat beside her, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. "Is it better?"

"What?"

"The sound, the smells - they can be pretty overwhelming when you first..."

Norah tensed. Neither of them had said it out loud. As if afraid it would change everything.

"He turned me, didn't he?" Norah whispered. "I'm a...werewolf." Norah had said the word at least a hundred times before, but this time the word felt think on her tongue.

Rylan moved away, standing near the desk. "I was too late," he growled. "I was so focused on protecting Luke, I didn't get to you -"

Norah crawled over the bed, standing behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Don't ever blame yourself for this," she murmured into his back. "It was madness out there -"

"I should have gotten to you sooner!" He slammed his fist on the desk and she jumped. He spun around instantly. "Sorry, I just - I nearly lost you, Norah. If you hadn't have accepted the change, you would have died."

She caressed his cheek, seeing his inner turmoil. She knew that Rylan had always wanted the option to change to be entirely her own. That had been taken from her and he felt guilty. On the other hand, he was relieved she was still alive and the two emotions were warring with each other.

"Rylan, I know it wasn't my choice," her voice trembled, but she knew the words were true, "but if it means I get to be with you then I don't care what I am. I have you now to help me through this and I know it won't be easy, but I believe we'll get there."

He kissed her roughly, the sensation causing her body to respond more acutely than ever before. She was still freaking out, but she tried to keep internal, not wanting Rylan to feel any worse that he already did. She knew as long as she had him, everything would be okay. She forced herself up for air, trying to remain positive. "Look, I'll admit, I did have my heart set on Jedi Knight, but I'll learn to adapt."

He chuckled, claiming her mouth again. He lowered her onto the bed and they lay together for some time, touching and memorising everything about the other. After nearly losing each other, there was a need to remember every minute detail about the other, as if afraid they would never get to see it again.

When Rylan's hand brushed her ankle, she froze. He stroked the skin softly. Norah sat up, heart in her throat. "What happened that night?"

The words rushed out of him in a huge burst. They had returned to the clearing in horror. Apparently there had been guards posted to protect them - Liam had killed them all. Norah hesitantly asked about Annie when he fell silent.

"It broke Cassie," Rylan said quietly. "I've never seen her like that before. Everyone loved Annie and for Nick to do that -"

He broke off and Norah shifted, sitting beside him. He kissed her cheek and continued. They had tracked Norah through the forest only to be sidetracked by a scent bomb. They were made to eradicate smells and prevent werewolves from tracking. They had thought all hope was lost when her scent had suddenly reappeared. As he mentioned the battle, he slowly fell silent once more.

"Who?" she whispered.

"We lost Peter and five others from the Braxton and Quiotta clans. Aaron was badly injured, but he has recovered well."

Norah remembered seeing Peter around. He didn't stay up at the house so she hadn't known him well. Still, it hurt to know Rylan had lost a friend. "What about Liam?"

"Luke finished him. He was never going to be taken alive," Rylan spoke bitterly. "Nick and Dylan have been sent to face judgement before the Council. There was minimal losses on either side. We should consider ourselves lucky, but it feels like we've lost so much more."

"What...what about Daniel?" She finally asked the question she had been most anxious about.

Rylan wrapped his arms around her. "I tore him limb from limb. No way was that bastard living past that night."

Norah rested her head on his shoulder, letting it sink in. Daniel was dead. She knew she should feel elated, but instead there was nothing. It was hard to feel emotion for someone she had detested so much. Not wanting to think about him, she asked about Madison.

According to Rylan she'd been in to visit regularly and was adjusting well. Holden had spent a few days with her telling her about her family and his regrets at not being able to protect them.

"She came to see you a lot," he explained. "She was really worried."

"What about the block on her werewolf...thing? Did they find out who did it?"

"It was Gail."

"What?" Norah hadn't suspected her. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, apparently she's a faery. She was friends with Madison's parents and promised them she would protect her."

"Holy crap, she's a faery, that is so cool."

"You weren't this excited when you found out about werewolves," he grumbled.

Norah patted his chest. "As I recall, you were fighting another wolf in my living room and suddenly changed into a naked man. I doubt a faery would scare me like that."

He muttered under his breath about saving her and Norah smiled. Shoving him down, she lay her head on his chest. His hands came up holding her closer. The beat of his heart was reassuring, the sound more distinct than it used to be.

"Rylan?" she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"Is it hard being a werewolf? What if I'm not good at it?"

Rylan rolled, lying half on top of her. "It's been one day, Jacobs and you're already freaking out."

"Shut up," she mumbled. "You know I worry about stupid stuff."

He kissed her languidly. "I know," his lips moved against her own. "It's one of the million things I love about you."

Norah's breath caught at the four letter word. He stared into her eyes, his own filled with emotion. "I love you, Norah."

"I love you too," she said breathlessly. "Ego and all."

Rylan claimed her mouth and set to work proving just how much he loved her.

The next day was easier on Norah's senses. Every sound and smell was less extreme. Rylan told her it would take at least a week for her senses to settle down. They would still be stronger than a human's, but she would learn to control them. The mood in the Montoya home remained sombre. Everyone was still in mourning for those they had lost. Aston spent most his time at the Mill. Olivia told her he was taking Nick's punishment hard. He felt responsible for Annie and had been avoiding Cassie. Cassie knew it wasn't his fault, but no one could convince him otherwise.

A funeral had taken place for all those who had died the week before. Their bodies had been cremated and ashes scattered through the forest. A tree had been planted and on the third day she had been awake, she slipped out after lunch to see it. She knew it wasn't exactly a tombstone, but she wanted to pay her respects to Annie and the others.

The sapling stood in the centre of a small clearing behind the house. It would grow to be an oak tree if it survived the years and Norah wondered if she would be around to see it grow. Footsteps approached her from behind.

"How are you, Norah?" Holden stopped beside her.

"Still processing, still adapting." They stood in silence, watching the baby tree sway in the wind.

"I am sorry the choice was not yours to become one of us," Holden voice rumbled in the silence.

"It's okay."

"Rylan was concerned -"

"I know, but he doesn't have to be." She intervened. "And neither does anyone else. I know I'm only new to your family, but  I love you all and I'm not upset. I always thought I would be, but  I think a huge part of me is relieved at the thought of having a family again, as weird as that is. Not that I'm trying to force my way in!" she added hastily. "I mean, if you guys don't want me stay after everything that has happened, I understand -"

Holden chuckled. "Rylan was right. You do worry over strange things."

Norah blushed.

He grabbed her by the shoulders facing her to him. "You became a member of this family long before Rylan first brought you home. That boy is mad about you and if he is, then so are we. You do love him, I hope?"

"I think I'm just as mad as he is," she mumbled.

"Good," he smiled. "I know my Jenna will be keen to meet you."

"Is she coming back?"

He nodded. "She is bringing Meegan home. Luke needs her here. He's struggling more than he lets on."

Norah and briefly seen Luke that morning and she had to agree with Holden. To be forced to kill your own twin must have taken a heavy toll. Surprising herself and Holden she gave him a hug. "I'm so sorry."

He hugged her back quickly before stepping away. "Before I forget." He pulled out a familiar pouch and passed it to her. "Now that your stalker is dead, you can do as you please with them."

Norah's fingers closed around the velvet pouch. "I know just what to do with them."

The next few days passed in silence. Moods were lifting slowly and Norah did what she could to comfort. Olivia and Cassie were often together and she knew they have done so much for her while she was unconscious and so she did what she could to return the favour. She cleaned, cooked, washed and leant them a listening ear. Mother and daughter were grateful for her company and on more than one occasion, Olivia told Norah how happy she was that Norah would be staying with them.

Rylan was kept busy with the Mill which continued to run, and he stayed with Luke who they were all worried for. Norah hoped his fiance returned soon to help his mood. The only time they saw each other was at night and they would stay up to all hours, talking of anything that popped into their heads. Norah encouraged Rylan to talk about what was on his mind, not wanting him to dwell on painful things. Liam had been his friend once and she knew he had to be hurting as well.

There was no more talk of Norah's change, but she didn't mind. She had grown accustomed to her new senses and she knew now was not the time to make a big deal out of it. There were more important things to worry about.

Madison came to see her on the fifth day and there was a sense of peace about her that Norah had never seen.

"I'm so glad you're okay," she smiled, sitting beside her in Cassie's private sitting room.

"Same goes for you. How are you taking it all?"

"I admit, it was a little daunting at first," Madison laughed breathlessly. "I wanted so badly for it to be some rotten dream. Then I spoke with Holden and he helped me come to terms with everything."

"And you didn't have the block removed?"

Madison shook her head. "Gail offered but I refused. I don't want to create anymore madness by continuing my family line. Gail promised me the block will stop the werewolf gene from passing onto my children - should I have any - so I am safe."

"I didn't realise faeries were so powerful."

"I don't think they are really. Gail said the spell took a lot out of her and even now she hasn't fully recovered."

"And you're okay with what Gail did?"

She nodded. "Thanks to her, I got to have a normal life. It hasn't been perfect, but I've been free to make my own decisions which I would not have been able to do if I was a werewolf. For that, I have to be grateful."

Norah hesitated before broaching the next subject. "What about Parker?"

Madison stirred her tea. "I will always love Parker. He was my first love. But I've come to realise after all this that I can't let him be my only love. I want to be happy and to do that... I have to let go."

Norah took her hand. "I am so proud of you, Madison."

A car horn sounded outside and Madison stood up. "That's my ride."

They hugged. Norah picked up a scent she hadn't noticed before. "You've been close to Charlie! Wait - what -?"

Madison smiled nervously. "Baby steps."

Norah watched her go and couldn't stop grinning. She didn't know who she was more happy for - Charlie or Madison.

After that day, things continued to get brighter. Jenna and Meegan returned home the next day with a pleasant surprise. Meegan was a small girl with blonde hair and large brown eyes. In her arms, she carried Jared, who had arrived into the world only one week before. The premature labour had been the reason they had taken so long to arrive. They may have been late, but it was all worth it for the look of wonder on Luke's face at seeing his newborn son.

Norah was so focused on the baby, she didn't noticed the older woman sidle up to her. "You must be Norah."

Jenna was tall with black hair tied in a long braid. There was a tinge of sadness in her eyes blended with curiosity.

"I am," she held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you -"

Jenna crushed her in a hug and Norah glanced at Rylan in shock. Rylan grinned. "Where's my hug, Grammy?"

"Oh hush -" she released Norah and gave Rylan an equally forceful hug. "I hope he's good to you, Norah. If not, just say the word and I'll sort him out."

"Well..." she pretended to consider and Rylan yelped as Jenna put him in a head lock.

"Norah, why?" he wheezed.

"It's okay!" She quickly rectified. "He's very good to me. Too good even."

Jenna let him go, a twinkle in her eyes. "I think I like this one, Rylan. You better not stuff it up."

Norah remembered Holden saying something similar when they first met and smiled.

"I won't, Grammy."

The arrival of all three helped to lift the mood in the Montoya home. A baby always seemed to have that effect on people. New life was a thing to marvel and it was what the Montoya's desperately needed. Norah knew it would take time for the pain to fade, but watching Cassie coo over her grandson, she knew the healing process had begun.

Two days after they had returned, Norah and Rylan slipped away back to her home, eager to spend some alone time together. It was a rare warm Autumn day and they sat in the sand, contemplating something Norah had to do.

She needed to shift. Rylan said it was time and the longer she waited, the more painful it would be. She was nervous. "What if I can't do it properly and I only shift partially?"

"Never happens," Rylan lay back, arms crossed behind his head. "You should be more concerned about what colour your fur will be. I mean what if it's some crazy red or something? I don't know if I can love mmph -"

Norah shoved sand on his face and he rolled away, coughing. "You were saying?"

"I'll love you no matter what colour fur you have."

"Hmmph." She stood up, pulling something out of her pocket. The blue velvet pouch shone in the sun and she poured the contents into her palm.

Rylan stood behind her. "Decided what to do with them?"

She nodded. Clenching her fist, she threw them into the waves, finally saying goodbye to the last reminder of that awful chapter of her life.

"Perfect." Rylan nuzzled her ear. "I'm sure the flounder will appreciate the bling."

Elbowing him, she stepped away and started stripping. Rylan's eyes lit up. "Not what you think," she warned.

His face fell. She sighed, shifting self consciously. "Help me do this right and maybe later."

Rylan instantly perked up and she grinned. She loved an idiot. He gave her a quick kiss and stepped back. "You ready?"

"I'm ready."

Gasp! I think this might be the end! Just an epilogue to go :-) what did you think?