Five days pass. I'm a robot just going through the motions operating on autopilot through my boring life. It feels like half of me got left up in that forest with the green-eyed wolf-man. My thoughts wander to his tall, muscular physique, inked-up arm, and unruly hair. Waves of delight pulse through my body just thinking about him.

The urge to march into the forest and find him consumes my thoughts.

Would he still be out there looking for me?

As time passes, Amber's words ring true. My feelings towards the wolf-man are driving me nuts.

"Ow!' I cry, hitting the padded floor of the gym.

"I did it. I landed a hit!" Daniel exclaims from on top of me.

"Get off," I wheeze from under him. He slowly gets up, making the most of rubbing his body against mine. Rolling while stifling my cringe. I can't help the sudden urge for a shower.

Getting lost in my thoughts about my wolf-man meant that I let Daniel take me down. He's my last client of the day, as suddenly he has changed his times. Now, he consistently invites me out for a drink after our sessions, forever hopeful I will give him a shot.

The gossip of my separation from Derek has spread fast around the small village. I'm not surprised the folks here love a good chin-wag. Nothing better than a cheating scandal for Cleardales nosiest residents.

"That's enough for today then; well done, you're improving." I give Daniel a genuine smile. Even distracted, he shouldn't have got a hit on me.

"How about that drink then?" He winks at me, and my stomach turns. I'm slightly tempted, surly a night out with Daniel would be better than a night alone at home, tormented by thoughts of a green-eyed wolf-man.

I let out a heavy sigh. Better to let Daniel down now rather than play with his emotions. I'm not and won't ever be interested.

"I'm just not ready. You obviously know about Derek?" He nods unhappily, accepting my rejection.

"So I'm sure you can understand why."

"Yea, I understand" his tone is disappointed. Then, walking Daniel out abruptly, he turns halfway out the gym's front door.

"Stella, so you know. Dereks a fool for letting you go." He smiles and then kisses me on the forehead. Stunned into a silent stupor, I watch him leave.

I smile at his kind words and obvious affection towards me. It's a shame I'm not more fond of him. He could've been a good rebound, but that wouldn't. He clearly wants more than one night.

"See you Monday," I mumble back to no one. I pack up the now empty gym closing it for the day.

Today is Thursday. Fridays are my day off, which means I have three days to figure out what to do with myself.

Could go for a 3-day hike in the woods and find our mate. Frowning at myself, I realize I've started talking for Amber lately, knowing what she would say. I've kept my mental block up, not able to handle her disapproval.

I shower and change at the gym, locking the doors behind me as I make the long walk to my isolated house on the outskirts of town. My phone buzzes, and I pull it from my pocket. I read Mom on the screen.

"Hey Mom, what's up"

"Why didn't you call me about Derek?" she shrieks into my ear. A frustrated sigh escapes me. Even in Europe, someone managed to pass the information onto her and my adopted father.

"Because I don't want you guys shortening your trip and coming back because of me." I start, knowing this will be a long conversation. My Mom continues to barrage on about what an idiot Derek is. The rantings do make me feel a bit better.

Other than Daniel, nobody's really approached me to ask if I'm okay or offer me words of support. I guess that's what I get for letting Derek isolate me all these years.

After twenty, attempts Mom finally concedes they don't need to come home early and comfort me.

"We love you, Stella. Now you get out there and don't wallow, okay."

"Yes, Mom, I'll be just fine. I love you too." The line goes dead, and loneliness fills my chest, making me rub it.

I take a deep breath, looking at the glittering night sky above. I'm Missing them; I can't help but wonder If Derek waited for them to be gone, to punish me further. Their only 3 months into their 6-month trip away. After years of planning, it would be selfish to make them come back, as much as I want them here. I can't do that.

I shake it off, continuing my path up the winding road. It's a cold winter's night. My breath billows gently from my mouth as I wrap my arms protectively around myself. Familiar feelings of insecurity and rejection wreak havoc on my already fragile state.

Solid iron street lamps that have been bent and yielded into intricate patterns decorate the village streets. I get lost in their ebony swirls admiring the intricate beauty of the craftsmanship. They space out further and further the closer I get to my house, giving me less to distract my wandering thoughts with.

My mind wanders to the wolfman.

Strong arms wrap protectively around me, and I'm enveloped in the heavenly smells of the forest I love. I hum, pretending my arms are not my own but that of the stranger.

Maybe I'm an idiot for running away?

Shaking my head, I pull myself together and out of yet another crazy fantasy. Fear seizes my steps, making me hold my breath and prepare every muscle to run. An extensive form stalking the perimeter of my front garden causes all feelings of idiocy out of my mind. I'm frozen, and after blinking a few times, it disappears. Then I'm filled with another unexpected emotion, disappointment.

"Stupid brain," I mumble, missing Ambers company. Walking to the safety of my house. Deciding to drop the wall. I can't keep doing this without Amber.

"You still in there" I roll my eyes; I've finally gone off the deep end.

"Decided you missed me, huh?" she huffs angrily.

"I'm sorry, it was just all too much" I sound just as defeated as I feel.

"Time for a drink?" She knows what I need and forgives me quickly, which makes me smile and helps slightly with the aching in my chest.

We catch up, talking things through a little more and deciding to just sit on it for a few more days. Amber accepts this, but we both agree to go back into the woods for more answers.

Cracking open a bottle of pinot noir and snuggling by my fire, which took me a while to get going. Careful not to cause another accident. It used to be one of Derek's jobs after my incident. The memory plays out for me like it was yesterday.

Derek and I were arguing about something trivial. He'd not long moved in. I'd forgotten to close the fire door after stacking and lighting it, so engrossed in our argument, turning the handle to secure the flames slipped my mind. I was filled with rage, and the fire just burst out, nearly setting fire to the whole house. Derek banned me from lighting it after that.

The memory of Deraks angry voice fades, and I smile tonight. I've managed it all on my own easily. I barely lit the match, and the whole pile was consumed by burning flames. I'm proud of myself as I watch the reds, oranges, and yellows blend and dance.

'We don't need Derek. We have a Mate now.' Amber interrupts my musings.

'Amber, please. I need time to get my head around that thing being our mate or whatever." Rubbing my temples, a familiar ache comes back in my chest.

Amber growls, annoyed at my lack of enthusiasm.

He is ours, and we are his. You've had days already to think.

A shiver runs through me as erotic images of the wolf-man flood my mind. A crazy laugh bubbles up and out my mouth. Taking a long swig of my wine, cringing that I've emptied yet another glass already. I grab the half-empty bottle and pour another heavy glass.

Sex with Derek was plain. Foreplay wasn't his thing, and I always had to fake my pleasure. I'd gotten used to it reading that plenty of women have the same struggle. It's not uncommon for women to struggle to orgasm during penetrative sex.

But the thought of sex with the wolf-man alone has me aching at my core. Another crazy laugh escapes me.

'Derek is Sandy's problem now' Amber laughs, and I join her. The wine flows through my veins like liquid valium relaxing my muscles. The flames continue to lick and sway at the small glass door.

"Wolf man's tattoos were flames," I announce, bolting upright with realization.

Licking and swirling around his muscles. I smile proudly to have another piece of information about him.

Whatever this is between me and the wolf-man, it's more than just a typical attraction. Something supernatural has taken over.

We need is our Mate, Amber grumbles. My eyes roll, exasperated with her.

We'll figure this all out soon, okay.

Whatever. Amber spits. A wall is shoved up between us.

Bitch just shut me out! My mouth hangs in disbelief as I head to bed exhausted.

Waking abruptly to the darkness of my bedroom, my heart rate escalates, pounding violently in my chest. Has wolf-man come for me? Frantically I swivel my head around, searching for any signs of an intruder. What the somethings not right with me I feel strange.

Take us to Mate, or I will! Amber barks sounding furious.

Amber? What the hell. My chest feels like it's about to explode. Instinctively I try to cradle my rib cage for support. I scream, seeing that my hands are no longer hands. Instead of fingers, I have claws.

I stare, turning my wolf claws over, thankful the room is dark and details are hard to see.

Let's shift and find our mate, Amber demands. She's doing this to me. Ambers trying to turn us into a wolf so she can force us back to the wolf-man and them.

"Change them back, change them back!!" I squeal, horrified.

Okay, if you'll stop screaming like a baby. Amber scolds.

I watch my fingers start to change back to normal glorious human-shaped digits. I'm surprised by the sensation, realizing I have complete control of it.

It's not a smooth transition, the pain of my fingers cracking and shaping is painful. I'm glad when it's over. Kissing my fingers and rubbing them like a lunatic, my mind starts to race.

"What the? I'm a wolf," I breathe. But, holy hell, I can't deny it any longer.

I slap myself hard, the sound echoing in the room. Despair hits me when I don't wake up.

You're an idiot. Yes, we are a wolf. Now get up unless you want to shift in this bed. Amber orders.

I am one of them. My hands just turned to wolf paws and then back again in front of my eyes.

Let's go for a walk in the woods, Amber purrs.

Are you fucking crazy!

Yes and no. We are miserable Stella, let's go and find our mate and see what happens. He's probably out there searching for us too.

I pause, thinking, Ambers right, I am miserable.

Don't think let's just try this. Amber interrupts my chances to freak out further.

Getting up, dressed, and walking outside is more manageable when I don't think about why I am doing it. Curiosity, fear, and excitement swirl through my consciousness. My hands start to tremble as I realize what's about to happen to me.

I'm about to turn into a wolf-like he did. Change form like that too.

I stare into the dark woods, searching for green eyes. A deep breath of cold air doesn't help to calm me like it usually would. Closing my eyes and contemplating whether to run back to bed and shut Amber out. Derek's last words fill the air 'The only person useless around here is you, Stella".

"This is insane. I can't do this." I turn and bolt back to the house. I try to put a mental wall up and block Amber.

No way! We are doing this, she growls, and her voice booms through my head loudly.

Pain sears through me. I'm in absolute agony. I collapse on a cry, the wet grass beneath me barely registering. As another scream tears from my throat. Clawing the dirt with half human half wolf claws. Bones begin to break and reshape, growing larger and longer.

My cries changing to half-wolf whine, half-blood curdling screams. Panic continues to rise as I beg Amber to stop. Her strangled howls confirming the pain is consuming us both.

My skin stretches around snapping limbs. The safety of unconsciousness looms only to fade as pain surges again more violently.

I grow as mixtures, of course, and soft fur replaces soft skin. I writhe around on the ground for what feels like an eternity until, finally, the pain vanishes.

I lay panting, worried my heart will explode inside me. Slowly I rise using four paws instead of two feet. Reversing backward, hitting the house with a large tail that only adds to my terror.

I try to speak, and only grunts and growls come out of my now elongated snout. I shake my much more prominent head, thrashing around in this unfamiliar form, little sharp whines escaping into the silent night around me.

Stella, let me take over. Stop fighting it. I know what to do with this body. You have to hand it over to me. Amber presses to come forward in my mind. I happily move out of the way and into the back, where she usually stays.

Amber takes control, and Immediately our panic starts to dissolve. Shaking us from head to toe causing our fur and skin to move in all different directions at once. A long stretch comes next, and it feels oddly satisfying.

Inwardly I smile at her, relaxing, realizing this is going to be okay. Slowly Amber moves us towards the forest, and I can feel her elation to finally be free and using her body.

Don't you dare go looking for trouble. We need to figure this out before we do or go anywhere, okay! I tell her sternly. She wines, wanting to run and find our green-eyed mate. I feel when she concedes and agrees with me.

Let's just get used to this, and then we can go looking for him

Agreed, she huffs.

We run for what feels like minutes but is an hour, I have no idea where we are, and I don't care. We have gone further than ever before, deep into the woods that I now know why I'm so drawn to.

The feeling is extraordinary. I feel whole, complete, and free. No more wondering why or thinking I'm unusual. I am different from the humans I have been raised with. I am a werewolf, and there are others like me out there. A weight lifts and is replaced with a blanket of joy and excitement.

I can't believe how fast we are and how amazing this feels.

See, I told you not to be afraid. Amber chuckles. Hearing her grunts, still managing to understand her perfectly. Guess I talk wolf now.

Everything makes more sense now. I chuckle. As I sit in the back of my head while Amber lives for the first time in her life, I realize she's right. We are one and separate at the same time. It is an indescribable feeling.

We stop for a drink at a creek, and I'm surprised not to feel more fatigued.

Do you think changing back will hurt as much? I ask nervously.

I sure hope not, Amber grumbles back.

Movement from the corner of my eye causes everything to go on high alert—my fur stands on end, and my skin prickles. There's danger nearby. I can feel it out there.

'Something is watching us' Amber sounds alarmed. Keeping our head by the water, trying to unnoticeably check the surroundings.

A massive wolf lunges at us, knocking Amber down. Pain radiates through our side, and we hit a nearby tree violently. The attacking wolf pounces for us, snapping for Amber's throat.

Using paws, Amber pushes rolling, managing to scramble back just enough. On our feet once more, I hope we create the wolf version of a defensive stance. Now caught in a circle of death with a pissed-off wolf. Adrenaline surges, at last, masking the pain from the previous attack.

As we circle, watching each other for weaknesses or ways to attack. I notice this wolf has pieces of fur missing and doesn't look as well kept as the wolves I've seen.

The wolf lunges, its speed taking me by surprise again. Teeth and claws land into Amber's left hind leg. A howl of pain escapes her as the stranger wolf pulls, tearing the flesh held by its jaws.

A scratch to the wolf's face gets it to let go, and we resume the circle of death.

What the hell is this guy's problem? I thought we would be welcomed by our own kind.

Guess, like any kind, you have rotten eggs. Amber offers.

Pain in our leg causes us to limp, but we push it aside, trying not to let it distract and give this wolf another chance to strike.

Perhaps this one Is a loner wolf? Amber offers, noticing its stray dog-like appearance.

We can't fight Amber. We don't know how! Panic and pain slice through despite my efforts to hold it back.

I know how to defend myself against a human, but this is a whole different kettle of fish.

I've got this. Amber answers and launches us at the wolf.

Landing on top of it with force causes the stary wolf to fall back and smack its head against a large rock.

Luck on our side. Now what? Are we going to kill it? I squeak, repulsed by the idea.

We run. We're good at running. Amber barks.

Decision made, Amber scratches the ground aiming the debris at the wolf's eyes. Momentarily incapacitated, we take our chance to run. Paws pounding against the ground, we do what we usually do best.

I sense the wolf not far behind us. Dirt in the eyes didn't hold it back for long. We push past the throbbing pain from our injured limb. We don't stop, and neither does the pursuing beast.

Adrenaline is replaced by fear as we falter in a step, our leg slowly giving out on us.

We're screwed!

No way I will let this thing end us now we finally know what we are.

We reach a clifftop with a steep fall. Just as I think Ambers going to launch us over the edge, she grounds to a halt. The wolf, only a second behind us, lunges, taking no time to pause before trying to end us.

We roll, hitting the ground, the wolf landing on top of us. Using our hind legs, Amber propels the attacking wolf up and over the edge of the cliff. Its howl of rage cuts off as it plunges to the bottom, presumably to its death.

We don't waste time just in case there are more angry beasts on their way. Despite our injury, Amber doesn't stop until we are safely on the track home. The same creek I used the other night comes into view and relief surges.

I don't think I can keep going, Stella.

Do you think we should try shifting back? Do you think the injury will transfer between forms?

Probably but at least you can give us some first aid, slow the bleeding?

Okay, let's try it out.

I let my mind think of my human self, and this time-shifting is easier. The audible clicking of bones starts to fill the woods around us. It's still painful but thankfully nothing like the first time.

Horror hits as the realization I'm entirely naked becomes very apparent. Of course, my clothes would have just been shredded with the change. The cold breeze is brutal. I underestimated the warmth of Ambers fur.

Amber, shifting was the best idea, after all. I send, wrapping my arms around myself protectively. Nothing, no response. Is she sleeping, resting, or unconscious?

Okay, so I'm on my own then. The gash on my thigh is profound, and blood oozes from it, dripping down my leg. I wince as I try to examine it. It looks like injuries transfer then. It makes sense.

Sitting down and scooping some water from the creek. Attempting to clean some blood away to get a better look at my sliced-up leg causes me to hiss with pain.

"You're hurt!" I hear the words that are more of a growl, and I flinch, snapping my head up to him. Pure delight at the sight of my green-eyed wolf-man fills me. He's standing on the other side of the creek, watching me.

Well, shit, this wasn't how I planned on being reunited. I'm naked.

The glorious smell of him hits my nose, and I inhale, filling my lungs. I'm nearly knocked off my feet when his shirt smacks me in the face. Grateful, I hurry to put it on, pleased when it covers down to my knees.

A howl in the distance sounds, and immediately I think back to the recent attack. I can't find any words now frozen by fear.

How did the wolf-man sneak up on me? What if he wants to hurt me too?

He frowns at the howling, then moves to close the distance between us. Hopping over the creek with an easy leap.

"Stay back!" I try to sound strong, but the panic in my voice is unmistakable. I was just attacked by one of these, and I don't trust this green-eyed man no matter how good he smells.

"Was that your first shift?" He asks, not stopping at all.

What would Amber say? He's not shifting, and he's not attacking us yet, so relax. This is why we came out here. Yep, that sounds like Amber.

I nod, answering his question. That gets him to stop a shocking expression now on his face.

'What? How? Is this even possible" He rakes his hand through his hair, looking heavenly, and the same torturous urge to run to him surges. I'm so tired, and to have his arms around me would feel so nice.

As long as he doesn't eat me after I let him get a hold of me.

Every fiber of my body tells me to trust him, but my mind keeps coming up with horrific gory scenes for my death. I close my eyes from the sheer intensity of it, but I can't help the shiver of pleasure that runs through me from the wolf-man's close proximity.

"You do feel it," he exclaims, seeing my shiver. He smiles, almost relieved looking. "Why did you run, little mate?' I snap my eyes open, cautiously watching him. Little mate?

What if he's put some sort of supernatural spell on me? Perhaps he wants to take me back to more of those feral wolves.

He takes another step closer. I suck in a breath, fear rising, adrenaline surging. Calmly I get to my feet so's not to alarm him. He watches me but doesn't come closer. I look into his eyes, trying to make a decision. Do I let him help me and hope for the best? Or do I run for my life?

Another howl in the distance, this time closer. Then more join it. At least 3, if not four more wolves, are headed our way. Images of my shredded remains assault my vision.

"It's okay little mate. They're with me." Wolfman holds up his hands, taking a dangerous step closer. He's going to grab me.

"They did this to me" I point at my leg. Then I turn and run again, bleeding leg or not, I can still move. Wolf-man sighs disapprovingly, which reinforces my decision to escape.

'Not again, I won't let you get away this time," he growls. He doesn't shift, surprising me. He's following me in his human form. Idiot. Has he not learned how good I am at this.

I push past the pain and hit top speed, not needing to worry about making sharp turns. In human form, I'll likely be faster than him. I've never met a human faster than me. As his presence drops away, I slow into a steady pace, feeling sick. The pain in my leg is coming back with brutal force.

By the time I make it back to my garden, I feel faint. I stop vomiting on my back lawn. I take deep breaths trying to stay awake.

"Oh, Shit," I groan, swaying on my feet. I look at my leg and see only red.

I've lost too much blood. I'm going to die in my garden. Desperately, I try to move without falling over, stumbling, and limping through my garden. Dark spots dance and grow in my vision.

A warm and strong hand grabs my arm, saving me from falling.

"Stop running! I'm not going to harm you." Sparks light up the skin of my arm, and I wobble, looking at it and then the wolf-man. I feel really drunk.

"Guess you caught me," I slur. Wolf-man frowns

"Crap, you've lost so much blood. Please let me help you.' He bends, preparing to scoop me up. I collapse into his arms, so dizzy and tired.

I'm unable to fight him or anything off. Guess I'll see what this stranger's plans with me are after all. That's if I live.

"I give you my word I won't harm you, little mate."

Either way, I no longer have a choice. I breathe in his delicious smell and enjoy the tingles I feel everywhere our bodies touch. I bury my face into his chest, gripping his shirt and him closer.

I feel him squeeze me to him, looking at me like I'm the best thing since Christmas.

Is that because he's going to eat me or because he means what he says? I let the black swallow me.

------------------------- Authors Note ----------------------------------

Thanks for reading this far!! I appreciate every comment and Vote.
Also, this is how I imagine Stella...