Finding the Real Me

Bristol ~

It’s been nearly three years since I’ve been home. I have finished both my computer technology and computer science degrees.

My name is Bristol Collins. I’m nearly twenty one years old. Born and raised in Blood Mountain Pack. My parents are Alpha Brendan and Luna Angela Collins, retired. My brother Cranston is Alpha now.

Cran asked me to come back and take over all the cybersecurity for the pack. The money’s good. Plus, I will be with my family. My birthday is in four days, so it will be good to be home.

I got off the train at Wolf Point and picked up my luggage. I had just turned to take a right on the platform when a voice said “Hey brat! Did ya miss me?” I flew into the open arms of my big brother and said “Lil bit, yeah.”

I hugged Byron and asked about his mate “She’s great now. Happy you’re back to take over as acting Luna.” He chuckled and I said “What? No. No, that’s not why I came back. That’s not it, is it, Cran?”

He grinned “Yeah. It kinda is. It’s pack protocol until I find my mate.” I groaned and shot him the look “Fuck! Then get to looking!”

We got to the pack house and I ran up the walkway to my parents’ house. I opened the door and my mom squealed, running for me. I admired her as she came closer. Long shiny black hair. Cat like eyes in a gorgeous topaz.. full lips. Her latina heritage was a sight to behold.

She hugged me close and I giggled “Momma you get more beautiful every year.” A loud gruff voice said “And I should know you look just like her.”

I jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek “I missed you, Daddy.” He hugged me close and asked “Did your brother tell you what we need you to step in and do?”

I sighed “Yeah. You didn’t have to trick me with a job. I would have come home and did my duty. I love our pack and I respect my family enough to not embarrass them.”

He grinned “There’s my feisty girl. But it wasn’t a trick. The job is real. The pay is real. If anything, it’s a half truth.” I laughed, like he knew I would “A lie by any other name is still a lie.”

He swatted my behind “I Will Ground You.” Making all three of us laugh. This is why I needed to come home. These people revive my soul.

He turned to open the door to let Cranston and Byron in. Momma said “Bris, come in the study. We need to talk.” Those are the worst four words on the planet. No one wants to hear them. Your heart shrivels up and hides behind your stomach.

Everyone sat and I walked to the liquor cart “Is this a cocktail or straight kind of talk.” Cranston said “Straight. I want mine over ice, though.” I started pouring and thought Shit!

I sat down and Mom said “I know it’s your birthday Saturday but there’s a thing.” I almost laughed “A thing?”

Cranston said “We are hosting ten Alphas at a mini summit to discuss the rogue problem we are being plagued with. This Saturday. It’s been planned for three months.”

I narrowed my eyes “What aren’t you saying? Blaine will be there?” He nodded and hung his head “I don’t care. My bond with him is completely gone. I care who the other nine Alphas are. Do we have dossiers on them so I can read up on likes and dislikes.. allergies, temperature preferences. Things like that?”

I looked up to all of them staring at me “What? If I’m going to do this Luna thing, I’m going to do it right.”

The day rolled around for the Alpha’s arrival. I planned on meeting them at the door and getting them settled in their rooms.

I dressed in a light yellow sundress and strappy white sandals. I simply brushed my hair straight and held it back with a headband. Simple makeup and I was ready.

Everything went as smoothly as it could have. Blaine was the ninth to arrive with a woman in tow. I hadn’t arranged a double room for him. He hadn’t verified a plus one.

We were standing in the corridor outside the room I had arranged for him. He yelled “You just don’t want to accommodate me! Why? Are you still hung up on being rejected?”

I took a deep breath “You flatter yourself. I haven’t had a moment’s thought since I accepted your rejection and rejected you back. Had you half a brain, you would know you are at fault here for not verifying a plus one. The other Alphas did. It’s a little box to check on your RSVP. Plus One.. Yes… or… No.”

He snarls “I didn’t see it. Can’t you arrange a larger room? I will ask Cranston.”

I laughed “This arrogance? Not a good look for you. The best I can do is find another single room for her. It will be on the second floor, though.”

He growled “In the single she wolves quarters?” I said “Is she.. or is she not.. a single she wolf? And you growl at me again, I will drag your ass outside and rip you a new one!”

He grabbed the girl’s hand.. I didn’t even ask her name.. and stormed in a direction I could only assume was to find Cranston.

I heard a low chuckle behind me, and I spun around “Valor Reese” I smiled at him “I apologize for my outburst. You’re my last check in. Follow me.”

I walked further down the corridor and stopped at a door four feet down and across from Blaine’s room, opening it.

He stepped inside the sitting room, looked around he smiled “This is plenty big enough for two people.”

I shrugged and giggled “Yep. He didn’t want to go inside. Have a nice rest.” I waved bye and skipped down the hall, hearing his laughter follow me.

I had gone downstairs to check on everything for the formal dinner tonight. Cran had solved the Blaine issue for me. Told me he warned him to avoid me.

When it was time, I went upstairs to get ready. I wore a red stetch satin gown that clung to my body to two inches above my knee. The bottom flared into a flamenco type hem with staggering black and red tulle. Red heels completed the look.

I had done a smokey cat eye with wingtips and bold red lipstick. I slicked my hair over to one side and secured it with a rose corsage. I barrel rolled the length. Ta - da!

I was in the dining hall with Cranston, greeting our guests as they came in. I busted out laughing when Blaine and.. damnit!.. ignored me completely. Cranston pinched me and I whispered “What’s that girl’s name, anyway?”

He shrugged and looked sheepish “Brittney. Tiffany. Whitney? I don’t know. A knee name.” Making me laugh harder.

Conversation was flowing and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I was suddenly feeling unwell. I drank some ice water, but it didn’t seem to help. I leaned over and whispered “I need to get some fresh air. I will be back shortly” and Cran nodded.

Once I was in the fresh air, I felt better. I began to stroll along the path but it felt like something was pulling me.. I just let myself be tugged along. I ended up in my favorite spot.. on a bluff overlooking a mountain lake with a beautiful waterfall.

I stood at the edge of the bluff, spread my arms open wide, turned my face to the Moon in homage to our creator.. on this.. my twenty-first birthday.

A lunar ray beamed down on my face. I opened my eyes as my body infused with warmth and a voice said “It’s time. You are my ancient’s vessel.”

The beam was gone and I hit the ground. The fuck was that? I tried to stand and fell again. My hand stretched in front of me. Wait. Hand? A Paw? A freaking paw? I screamed into the link Mom, Dad! Get to the bluff Now! Something’s wrong

I was near hyperventilating when they finally arrived.. I asked “Why do I have paws?”

Daddy said “It’s okay, honey. Everything is fine. Don’t panic, okay?” I growled. I Freaking Growled! What the fuck! “I’m panicking, Dad.”

Mom said “Okay. Okay. Let’s all just calm down.” Now I’m thinking if we All have to calm down it must be bad.

Cranston and Byron crashed into the clearing “Holy fuck! It’s a cat! It’s a big cat!” Cranston linked 🐺 You okay, prissy Bris? I snarled that time I’m a cat, Cran! I know jackshit about being a cat! 🐺 I think it will be fine. It’s mostly instinct. Trust your other half.

I smiled.. thinking it’s going to be okay. I can shift. I’m a cat. I started firing questions. What kind of cat am I? What color? How big?

Cranston walked me down to the lake. I saw myself for the first time and something snapped into place. I saw myself in her eyes and she winked at me.

She linked her name is Khara and she is the ancient and would explain it all. I told my family what she said and Daddy asked her if she would tell all of us.