Unveiling Shadows

"Make your choice," Julian's voice dripped with a mixture of mockery and proximity to the door. "How wide can you manage to open that mouth of yours?"

 

"Disgusting," I retorted, repulsed by his insinuation.

 

"Why else would Ray want you around if you're not giving in?" Julian's taunting tone persisted.

 

"I'm not involved with Ray in that way," I declared firmly. In truth, I wasn't involved with anyone. There wasn't a single member of this pack I'd willingly share intimacy with. My desires were present, but they were far more subdued compared to the heightened libidos of shifters. I'd accidentally stumbled upon fellow classmates in compromising situations in the library on more than one occasion. While I might find my release privately, I reserved it for moments behind locked doors at home.

 

At least the curse had its silver lining. I couldn't fathom engaging in sexual encounters with any of the detestable individuals here. The concern of human STDs wasn't a factor, but the risk of pregnancy was a bridge too far.

 

"There are alternative ways for a woman to engage beyond physical intimacy," Julian persisted.

 

"I'm sure your mother taught you a plethora of tricks," I retorted, a surge of anger coursing through me. "My father speaks highly of her prowess, even if she can't shift."

 

Rage flooded my chest, and my fists clenched tightly. "Keep my mother out of your vile mouth, you repugnant being."

 

"Oh, I can talk about your mother as much as I want," Julian spat back, his arrogance undeterred. "Perhaps I should indulge myself. I had hoped you'd join our familial activities, and I could finally rid myself of that smug expression with my own endeavors. Although your mother might serve as a substitute, I suppose."

 

"Go pleasure yourself with your own mother," I snapped back. "At least my mother is forthright about her choices. Yours, on the other hand, lurks in shadows and alleys. We all know she keeps the alpha's bed warm while your father is left alone."

 

Before I could react, Julian lunged at me with unexpected speed, denying me the chance to slam the flimsy door shut. His imposing six-foot-two frame pinned me to the ground, knocking the wind out of me. My struggles were in vain, as his knee pressed into my abdomen, immobilizing me.

 

"Release me," I seethed, my words grinding through clenched teeth.

 

"Not without leaving a memorable impression," Julian countered. Shifting his grip, he used one hand to secure both of mine, freeing his other hand. His finger traced a chilling path down my cheek to my jaw before tightening around my neck. "If you utter even a single sound, I'll snap your delicate human neck."

 

"Julian, let her go. Now." Ray's voice resonated with commanding authority, akin to that of an alpha. Even I couldn't help but look toward him.

 

Julian's hold released my neck and my wrists, propelling himself to his feet to face Ray.

 

As I rose to a sitting position, frustration bubbled within me. "Is this your plan? To let your friends manhandle me once more before we part ways?"

 

Ray's gaze remained fixed on Julian, disregarding my presence. "I expressly warned you not to harm her. She's meant to remain unharmed."

 

"I had no intention of harming her," Julian defended. "I was merely having a bit of fun."

 

"If you lay a finger on her again, I'll personally ensure your hands are broken," Ray's voice dripped with a finality that couldn't be ignored.

 

"So, it's just you who's allowed to hurt me, Ray?" The words slipped out, an impulsive retort fueled by a sense of rebellion. I stood now, a surge of something unexplainable propelling me forward. Ray's gaze remained distant, focused elsewhere, ignoring my outburst. "You damn bastard, answer me."

 

At last, his attention shifted toward me, and his eyes radiated with anger. The intensity of his fury sent a tremor of fear through me, an unfamiliar warning in his gaze that made my nerves tingle. There was a facet to him I'd never seen before.

 

Instinctively, I recoiled, taking a cautious step back. "Just leave me alone, both of you."

 

Ray grunted his agreement, his hand forcefully directing Julian toward the exit. His attention swung back to me, his voice laced with a commanding directive. "You stay here. Don't move. I'll take you to the ceremony, and afterward, you won't be my concern any longer."

 

With Julian and Ray's departure, the door slammed shut, cutting off their presence. A sigh escaped me, and I allowed myself a moment to relax, lowering my guard ever so slightly. But the aftershocks of the encounter left my body quivering, on the brink of tears. This nightmare seemed never-ending. While I remained in this place, I'd be a target, destined for a fate akin to my mother's, if not worse. Escaping became a necessity, but it had to be on my terms. I struggled to fathom Ray's motives, unsure how much further I could push him.

 

Choices were limited. I had to bide my time, endure the ceremony, and when the others embraced their transformations in the woods, I'd seize the opportunity to flee in the opposite direction.

 

An overwhelming itchiness spread across my skin, and the confined space of the worn-out trailer felt suffocating. Restlessness surged, urging me to claw my way out. Time seemed to drag on, elongated by anticipation. I'd waited for this day, harboring a plan to escape. My desire to break free surged as the moon's ascent promised to shatter the confines that had held me captive. But instead, I was shackled by the obligation to attend the ludicrous First Moon Ceremony.

 

With a groan, I stood, the ancient bed creaking in protest. Running my fingers through my hair, I paced within the confines of the cramped trailer. Waiting felt like a hiccup, a mere delay in my plans. I was determined to depart as soon as the moonlight cast aside the restraints binding me here. Even the ceremony's imposition wouldn't sway me from my purpose. A few minutes, perhaps a couple of hours at most, and I'd be free. As soon as the others shifted, I believed I could slip away unnoticed.

 

While I'd never been part of a First Moon Ceremony, I had gleaned some insight into its proceedings. Attendance was reserved for those undergoing their initial shift, or those who had already achieved it within the pack. The Alpha and Beta were obligatory attendees, alongside the novices. 

 

Their families often joined, witnessing the transformation, and occasionally, friends or other pack members would partake. Technically open to any shifted individual, the event remained an intimate gathering, as I'd come to understand.