edited 10-4-25

Karma

The fresh air sped past me as I raced through the forest. After what felt like an eternity, I finally reached the grotto on the other side of the forest, the one place where I could unwind and escape from my life.  I had even been able to build myself a homey little cave in the rocks with all the essentials: furs, food, lights, curtains, and stuff that makes it more comfortable for me.

It sat right behind the small waterfall that spilled into a hot pool below; I adored it here, especially since no one but my parents knew about it, and since it's hidden behind the thickest and oldest part of the forest. I'm the only one who remembers the exact way to get here.

I sat on the furs in my cave as I chewed on an elk's remains, the paws of my wolf easily separating meat from the bone. Thinking about my day, it was the first time I have ever come into contact with Dante and his little wannabe gang, even though we've been going to the same school for almost 6 years now. Still, I suppose there's a legitimate reason for that. I am fairly undetectable to the rest of my high school, just like all the other kids who prefer to be held by the shadows so they don't get targeted by bullies, and I would like to keep it that way.

My only good friends are Molly and the future pack leaders, Quin as my Beta, Sal my gamma, and Anthony as my Delta.

I stood, stretching the long limbs of the body I inhabited, transforming as I stretched. I walked over to the ledge overlooking the pool, and with a running start, I leapt off the cliff.

My body shook as I plunged into the hot pool. I could feel the warm water surrounding me as I sank to the depths of the pool, sitting there for who knows how long.

I finally came up for air and swam over to the warmest spot of the pool. Sitting on the immersed ledge and just relaxing as I watched the sun sink behind the trees. I sat there for a good 40 minutes, just enjoying the peace. I finally rose and stretched, looking around at my surroundings, noticing a slight coolness in the air passing over my exposed body. I suddenly felt very on display even though I was alone.

I finally got back to the shelter and warmth of my small cave and sealed the entrance so nothing could get in. I didn't bother with clothes, with how often I shift out here, it would get inconvenient 

I looked up at the ceiling, watching as the fairy lights glimmered and contrasted with the dark cave walls. I closed my eyes and let the sounds of nature lull me to sleep.

I woke up curled up in soft animal pelts. Looking at my phone, I realized I only had 2 hours until I had to be at school.

I bolted up, throwing the furs off me in the process as I left the cave and washed myself down quickly in the pool.  I ran back into the cave and threw clothes into my bag to get dressed at the house. Checking my appearance in the mirror, I paused. Looking back at the 6'3'' man with defined legs and muscles, shortish, unruly black hair that reached just around the middle of my nose and rounded dark green eyes with prominent dark circles. My nose was straight, most likely due to my Roman heritage, and my jawline was sharp but not overly defined. 

If I tried to look decent, I would be popular at school, but I don't try, and I don't want to start either. There would be no point when im about to graduate anyway. I usually don't wear more than a sweater and sweatpants to school. I'd prefer loose clothes and being comfortable, then trying too hard just to go to some teenage cesspool, plus it's easier to shift.  I transform, take my bag in my jaw, and sprint off towards the house that resembles a castle rather than a house.