Michael P.O.V

I'm getting to close to Charlie. That is why the Pack Master, my father, is calling me back once again. He wants me to stay away from him.

I first noticed Charlie in middle school. He would follow me around on campus and act like he wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary when I noticed. He was always cute about it. Unfortunately, I was always forced to push him away, not because I wanted to, but so he could stay safe.

Werewolves are pack predators. We don't let outsiders in. You are either in a pack, or you're a lone wolf. It's always seen as a good thing to remain in your pack.

Humans are not allowed to know of our existence. Wolves are very protective of our secrets. To this day, I don't know of a single human who knows of our existence and has lived to tell about it.

Following Charlie around makes me feel like we're in middle school again, only the roles are reversed. I'm the one following him and acting as though it's normal. I know he suspects something. It's nice to be close to him, even if I have to be a wolf.

The Pack Master howls once again for me. I'm forced to leave. I howl back and run off, leaving Charlie alone. I hate to leave him alone at nights, especially out in the forest. He could easily get hurt or killed if he got too close to one of the other wolves in my pack.

I run through the forest, following the sounds of other wolves. I can hear the crisp leaves crunching under their paws as they run. The howl must be for a meeting.

I'm one of the first wolves home. Our home is a clearing in the forest where my family lives. This is where all pack meetings take place. It's often done around a bonfire.

I bow to my father and wait for the rest of the pack. Once everyone has arrived, we'll shift back and the meeting will begin. It must be urgent if it's this late.

My brother James and his current girlfriend arrive shortly after me. Soon after, the rest of the pack arrives, all bowing obediently. There's about twenty or thirty of us total.

The Pack Master shifts, signaling for the rest of us to do the same. Once everyone is human again, we grab the clothes we have hidden around the camp. Nudity is pretty normal around here, but it makes things easier to have several spare pairs of clothes in case you don't have time to change before a shift.

"Why has a meeting been called so late, Dad?" James asks our father.

"It's no secret that it's getting close to the time where a new Pack Master must be chosen," he explains, scratching at his grey scruff.

People begin to look at my brother and I. The role as Pack Master is almost always passed down from parent to child. It's normally passed down after the parent dies. The only time it is passed to someone outside the family is if there are no children.

My brother and I exchange looks. It's obvious how badly he wants to be Pack Master. The girl he has wrapped around his arm wants to say she's with the Pack Master. James has always wanted to be better than me. He thinks that I'm everyone's favorite because I'm a few minutes older.

"It's rather soon to pick a new Pack Master, is it not?" I ask my father.

"It is never too soon. Besides, I'm getting old and you are in your prime. It is always good to be prepared."

I sigh and look at my brother. He has a smirk from ear to ear until he glances at me. He knows that if I challenge for Pack Master that he will have to fight me. I'm stronger than he is. I could easily take him.

"When will we fight?" he asks our father.

"Next month there will be a full moon. You will fight then. The winner is the next Pack Master," he tells us.

James has unofficially challenged me for the position of Pack Master. He assumed that I would want the position.

In all honesty, when I was younger the thought of being Pack Master was like a dream. Now it's a symbol of strength and reliability. Unfortunately, now that I'm older and have these feelings for Charlie, it's best that I relinquish any right as Pack Master to James. Pack Masters put their packs before all else in the world. As much as I hate to admit it, I can't turn my back on Charlie.

"Meeting dismissed," my father says.

Everyone relaxes and goes about their business. People whisper while looking at James and I. They're most likely talking about who they hope will win.

I walk to the edge of the forest before my father calls my name.

"Michael, where are you going?"

"I'm just going for a run. I'll be back soon," I assure him.

"You will fight for Pack Master, won't you?"

As much as I want to tell him, I know my dad wants me to fight. Deep down, I know he has more faith in my abilities to be Pack Master than my brother. I've always been more responsible and pack oriented. James really only cares about power and being noticed. He isn't Pack Master material and we both know that.

"Of course I will," I tell him.

He pats my shoulder and allows me to leave. I take my clothes off before shifting and running off into the woods.

I have no choice but to fight for Pack Master. I should fight to win against James to save the pack from a bad Pack Master, but I don't have much faith in myself. In my opinion, I'm not sure that I would be any better for the pack. I suppose we'll have to wait until next month to find out.