Page 6 of Emerald Moon
They didn’t share any of that.It wasn’t the right time.“You’re right,” is what they said instead.“I just have such a great time with my pack when we’re human, so I wish I could remember what we do as wolves, too.”
“The ability to recall your time as a wolf comes sooner than being able to transition back on your own.”
“Really?”Jo perked up.“So I could expect it soon?”
“I’m not sure how soon, but, for me, I definitely remember being able to recall parts of my time as a wolf before I was able to come back without my packmates' help.”Cass smiled fondly.“Those early memories are some of my best.Don’t you get a sense of how your wolf felt while they were in control?
“I think so.I mostly just feel tired afterwards but you’re right, there is a lingering contentment I feel after a full moon run.And I have this weird, buzzy energy inside of me.That must be something.”
“It absolutely is.That’s your wolf sharing with you what they experienced.”In the firelight, Cass had a glint in her eye, a spark of something more lively.“Would you like to run as wolves now?”
Jo was tempted after a day spent in the woods to let go and let the wolf run, but they didn’t know Cass well enough yet.They needed to be around people they trusted to let the wolf be free.Jo needed to know someone could care for them.“I don’t know.My wolf is a lot to handle.”
“I can handle them.”
Her confidence made Jo grin, but knots tied in their stomach.“I won’t remember any of it anyway.”
“You might.If nothing else, you’ll still have the feeling when you come back.”
Jo thought about it.As much as the transition back was difficult, it was impossible to ignore how good they felt after a full moon run.It was one thing to come back after an accidental transition because their mom was being awful, but it was something else entirely to return from something fun.
“You’re not wrong, but I still don’t know,” Jo said.
“I understand.It’s hard to trust someone you just met.”
“No!It’s not that!”Jo blurted.“Or maybe it’s a little that.It’s not that I don’t trust you.It’s more like I don’t want you to see me struggle like that.”
“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before, but I understand, whatever you choose.”
Jo could feel their wolf right below the surface, excited at the thought.It was contagious, spreading and making Jo’s fingertips and toes tingle.“Alright,” they said before they could change their mind.“Let’s do it.The wolf wants out and, as long as you’re okay with helping me come back, I want to get out of this body for a little while anyway.”
Cass smiled wide.“I promise I don’t mind helping.I’ll take care of you.”She stood and started unbuttoning her shirt.
Jo stood and turned away, eyes wide in surprise.Being naked in front of your pack was a part of werewolf culture, but Jo hadn’t gotten used to that yet, let alone being naked in front of someone new.“Maybe I’ll remember something,” they said to get their mind off the sounds of Cass undressing behind them.
“Maybe this time you will,” Cass agreed.
The tingling in their fingertips and toes started spreading through their body as they undressed.The last thing they took off was their binder, clinging to the confidence it brought until the last moment.After it was gone, Jo was in a rush to welcome the wolf and forget about their body for a little while.The tingling became a low hum before building to a buzz that Jo swore they could hear just as much as they could feel.
Jo grit their teeth as pain crept into the experience of transforming, gradually becoming stronger until it was everything, and then it was gone.Jo disappeared, leaving the wolf in their place.
Jo groaned as they came to, aware of their body’s aches and the fact that there were rocks digging into their back.They cracked open their eyes.Cass was above them.
“Are you back?”she asked.
Jo nodded, taking in their situation.They were naked.More importantly, Cass was naked and hovering above them, hands on either one of Jo’s shoulders.Jo reminded themselves that this was just a part of werewolf culture.Still, they shut their eyes tight to keep from seeing anything.
“How are you feeling?”Cass asked.
“Like a dump truck ran me over.”
“Really?”
”I mean, a little.But I’m fine.”
“Do you remember anything?”
Jo searched their memory.“Nothing, but you’re right — the feeling remains.”
