Chapter 38: Acceptance

The surprise was written all over the others faces as they trotted over to see Chase's new form. I swear Logan's jaw would hit the ground if it wasn't attached securely. It was kind of funny, but only because he was still a ridiculously huge bear. Michael had a look of complete disbelief. I think I saw what one could take as a little fear in Eric's eyes, but only for the briefest of moments. We all tried hard to compose ourselves. We were shifters after all and no one wanted to seem weak.

All of us were so unsure of what to do next. Do we congratulate Chase or act normal? What does someone do when they see... what... magic? Most shifters shift their bodies to another form. Shifter's bodies bend and change and grow. What Chase had just done was unnatural. He turned into smoke and the smoke turned to wolf. None of it made any sense in my mind. I'm sure from all the dumbfounded looks I had just viewed the same questions were running through their heads as well. Clearly none of us had ever witnessed such a transformation or had ever even thought it was possible. It all defied logic.

Chase feeling the uncertainty trotted towards the woods and mentally sent out, "Come now. Who wants to race me?". The words snapped me out of my ever wandering mind. He was still Chase and he was reminding us of that. This was as new to him as it was to us. He did say he had never shifted into a wolf before. The first time I had ever shifted it was scary and strange. I knew with that last thought he needed our acceptance and support. I was glad to give it. Chase was after all powerfully amazing.

My wolf loving the competition ran up towards Chase excitedly. I could be very competitive especially in wolf form. I stood straight beside Chase and looked over to him. No matter what he could do I would stand by his side in acceptance. I sent the emotions out towards his mind. I knew if he was human he would be smiling at me right now, a genuine smile, not the calculated one he usually has plastered on his face.

Michael and Eric came up beside us. The sent out the same acceptance with some surprise and a little bit of envy. I could feel their emotions inside me. It felt empowering and great.

We were ready to start the race Chase asked for, together. Logan with a roar ran ahead of us... he was a complete cheater. He took our distracted moment to swoop in and go. We all took off after Logan, enjoying the absolute freedom. I could not let that huge slow bear beat me in a race!