First shift

The pain was excruciating. Every bone in my body felt like it was tearing, and my skin stretched and tore as if it was trying to break loose from my body.

It was my first shift, and it was happening in the worst possible place—a dark alleyway behind the school, with my boyfriend Kelvin beside me and a group of bullies in front of us.

I had always known I was different, but I never knew why until that moment.

My senses were heightened, and I could smell the fear emanating from Kelvin as the bullies advanced on us.

They had been taunting him for weeks, and I couldn't stand to see him hurt anymore.

Without thinking, I lunged at the bullies, my body contorting and twisting as my bones rearranged themselves.

Fur sprouted from my skin, and my nails elongated into razor-sharp claws.

"What? This is not some woods or a remote area. Why the heck is there a wolf amidst us?" I could hear one of the bullies query.

"Isn't she the girl with him all this while? How then has she turned into a wolf?" Another asked.

They were all taken aback, but they quickly recovered and began to fight back

" I think it is time I use my gun," one of them said as he brought out his gun to shoot me.

I don't recur much of what happened next. My mind was clouded with the pain of my transformation, and I could only see flashes of the fight.

Although the bullies were no match for me, they still succeeded in leaving a braze on my body with their gun and that happened because I was finding it difficult to focus.

I managed to dispatch them leaving them bloody and broken on the ground but not without sustaining an injury myself.

Kelvin looked at me in shock and horror, but I couldn't find the words to explain what had just happened. All I knew was that I had to protect him, and I had done just that.

As the adrenaline wore off, I began to feel the full extent of my injuries. My body ached, and I was covered in blood—both my own and that of my victims.

I knew I had to get out of there before anyone saw me in my werewolf form.

I stumbled away from the scene, my body reverting back to its human form as I went.

By the time I reached home, I was barely conscious, my body battered and broken. But as I lay there, nursing my wounds, I knew that my life would never be the same again.

I was a werewolf, and I had to learn how to control my powers before anyone else got hurt.

I managed to keep my werewolf secret safe from everyone and even avoided Kelvin who was in the alleyway the night of my first transformation.

Today, as we were walking home from school, he turned to me, his eyes curious. "Sophia, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," I replied, trying to keep my voice casual.

"What happened in the alleyway that night?" "When did you save me from those bullies?" he asked, his voice lowering.

I felt my heart sink. I had been hoping he would forget about that night, but it seemed that the memory was still fresh in his mind.

"I don't know, Kelvin," I lied. "I was as surprised as you were." "It was like... something inside of me just took over."

Kelvin looked at me skeptically, but he didn't push the matter further. Instead, he simply nodded and changed the subject.

As we continued walking, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

I knew that I couldn't keep my secret from Kelvin forever, but I also knew that the truth would only put him in danger.

Later that night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't stop thinking about the conversation with Kelvin.

What would happen if he found out the truth? Would he still accept me for who I was, or would he be afraid?

I made a decision then and there. I would have to tell Kelvin the truth sooner rather than later.

But for now, I would have to be careful. I couldn't afford to let anyone else find out my secret.

The next day at school, I pulled Kelvin aside during lunchtime. "Kelvin, there's something I need to tell you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What is it?" he asked, his eyes widening.

"I'm a werewolf," I said simply, bracing myself for his reaction.

For a moment, Kelvin just stared at me, his mouth hanging open. Then, slowly, he began to nod. "I figured as much," he said. "But don't worry, Sophia. Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone."

I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Kelvin had accepted me, just as I was. And for the first time since my transformation, I felt like maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.

All I ever wanted was to go to an art school and learn more about writing. I just wanted to become a renowned artist and a bestseller.

Some weeks later, I was plagued with questions about my werewolf heritage.

How did I become a werewolf? were my parents also werewolves, and if not, why not? And perhaps the most pressing question of all: should I tell my mother what had happened?

When I got home that day, I couldn't help but feel nervous as I walked through the door. My mom was sitting in the living room, watching TV, and when she saw me, she looked worried.

"Sophia, what is the problem? you've been looking so worn out these days!" she probed, standing up.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should tell her everything. I took a deep breath and decided to just come out with it.

"Mom, I am a werewolf," I answered, looking at her nervously.

My mom's eyes widened, and she looked at me in shock.

"What? How is that even possible?" she said, sounding incredulous.

"I don't know. I was trying to save Kelvin from some bullies the other day then I ended up turning into a wolf." I narrated.

My mom sat down, looking thoughtful.

"I think it's time I told you the truth about our family history," she said, sounding serious.

I sat down next to her, feeling curious and a bit scared.

There is a curse on my family.