Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12-1

How could I possibly support Amie through her very first shift when no one had bothered to prepare her for what lay ahead? The weight of it all rested squarely on her shoulders, and I felt a surge of frustration welling up inside me at how unjust this situation was. Had she not endured enough already? When she confided in me the true reason she had abandoned her old pack, it nearly shattered my heart. Despite only knowing her for a few days, I was already convinced she was an extraordinary wolf. It baffled me how those who had grown up with her failed to recognize her worth. Her story cut deeper than that, though, in a way that defied logic. She had found her mate, which meant she wasn’t mine. I understood that perfectly well. Had she been my destined partner, I would have sensed it the moment I saw her in the diner. Yet, despite knowing better, a small part of me clung stubbornly to hope. Maybe because she lacked her wolf, the bond hadn’t fully awakened. It was foolish—of course, I knew the bond didn’t work like that—but still, hope crept in, growing a little stronger with every new detail I learned about her.

It didn’t make sense to resent the moon goddess for pairing Amie with someone so unworthy instead of with me. But now was no time for bitterness or regret. Amie needed me. She needed the pack. Though she wasn’t one of us yet, I had hoped she would become part of our family. Regardless of what she chose, the first shift was always a bewildering and painful ordeal. It was far better to face it surrounded by packmates. I reached out and took her hand gently. She met my gaze.

“Come with me,” I said softly. “Let’s head into the woods, and I’ll explain everything.” She nodded, rising unsteadily to her feet. Aunt Matilda flanked her on the other side, and together, we supported her as we walked. Around us, the pack followed, those who had begun to know her keeping close. I caught sight of Medow carrying a blanket and smiled inwardly. They would all be there for Amie.

“Let’s stop at the clearing just ahead,” my aunt suggested. I agreed. The spot was spacious, the forest floor blanketed in soft moss—perfect for what was to come.

“Amie, look at me,” I said, and she lifted her deep forest-green eyes to meet mine. “The first shift is never comfortable. Your body temperature will rise to speed up the transformation. You’ll feel cramps as your muscles start to change. You’ll sense your bones breaking and rearranging. It’s painful and frightening, but usually, it happens quickly once it begins. After this first time, it won’t feel like that again. Future shifts will be much easier.” I watched her eyes widen with fear.

“It will be alright, child. You’re not alone. We’ll be right here with you,” Aunt Matilda reassured her, guiding Amie to sit on the mossy ground. I settled beside her, feeling her nervous energy radiate. Amie’s gaze drifted around the clearing until it landed on Cadence.

“Even the pups?” she asked quietly.

“Yes,” I replied. “They need to witness this to understand, so when their time comes, they won’t be caught off guard.” She nodded, closing her eyes just as a tremor coursed through her body. I felt utterly helpless, unable to ease her pain. I had helped many younger pack members through their first shifts, but this was different. Maybe it was because Amie was so unprepared, or perhaps because I felt life had dealt her such a cruel hand until now. I don’t know why, but I struggled to maintain my composure. The only thing keeping me steady was the knowledge that Amie needed my calm presence.

“It’s time to get out of your clothes, dear,” Matilda said gently. “Trust me, you don’t want to tear through them and end up wrapped in a blanket on the way back to the pack house. I’ve been there, done that—it’s not worth it.” Soft chuckles rippled through the pack. Most wolves ended up ripping their clothes at least once during a shift. Nudity wasn’t a big deal in our society, but we still preferred to avoid it when possible. Matilda and Medow helped Amie stand and carefully assisted her in undressing. Out of respect, the pack averted their gazes, and even I lowered my eyes to give her some privacy. When she settled back down beside me, wrapped in the blanket Medow had brought, I could see the mixture of vulnerability and determination in her expression.

—

Chapter 12-2

“Do you have any questions?” I asked gently. She looked up at me and shook her head, the fear and confusion still clear in her eyes.

Gradually, Amie grew more confident. She padded over to Cadence and gently nudged his hand with her nose. He glanced at me, and I nodded with a smile. With reverence in his eyes, he stroked her fur and squealed with delight.

“She’s so soft,” he announced to everyone. A fleeting pang of jealousy stirred in me but I pushed it aside. One by one, the pack members shifted, approaching Amie with care so as not to overwhelm her, allowing their wolves to greet her. I remained in human form until she had been fully welcomed.

“Would you like to try out those new legs?” I asked. She yipped happily in response, and I laughed. Shifting into my dusty blond wolf form, slightly larger than hers but not by much, I stood beside her. Her wolf was nearly as tall as Martin’s and Sam’s. I nudged her gently to encourage movement. Though we couldn’t speak, she understood and began to walk. For a first-timer, she did remarkably well. Matilda had shifted too and walked on Amie’s other side.

Through the mindlink, I informed the pack we were taking Amie for her first run and that they could resume their celebrations. After a while, I urged her into a slow trot. Aunt Matilda soon tired and mindlinked me that she would return to care for the pups. I called Martin, Sam, and Medow to join us. Soon, the five of us were bounding through the woods. I stayed close to Amie, making sure she didn’t tire or lose her footing. But she was a natural. Her wolf seemed built for speed, and as we raced across the soft forest floor, her eyes sparkled with pure joy.

After some time, I told the others they could head back to their evening plans. I knew Medow and Sam would want time alone as a mated pair, and Martin usually had a date lined up. I guided Amie to the same overlook where we had stood that morning. The moon hung low over the river, and stars glittered across the clear night sky. It was as perfect a night as one could hope for.

I lifted my head and howled at the moon, a thank-you for everything she had given us. One by one, others joined in. I looked at Amie, who stood quietly beside me, her eyes locked on mine. I stopped howling and met her gaze, then let out another howl. She took a deep breath, hesitated briefly, and then joined me. Her first notes were uncertain, but with each passing moment, her confidence grew, and her howl became stronger, echoing through the night.