Howling Hearts Echoed on Ice

*Lena*

It’s been five years. Five years of convincing myself that I was okay. Five years of telling myself that this new life as a monster wasn’t so bad. Five years of staying away from Eason.

The harsh pain in my heart faded over time, and now it was just a dull ache. A healed wound. But not fully though; I knew that even the slightest interaction with him would open it up.

I still remembered the night I ran away like it was yesterday. I had no idea where I was going, but somehow, I wandered into a small town with mountains that stood guard over the town. Mountains I’d hoped would serve as a barrier between myself and Eason.

I didn’t mind being in a small town like Mariposa. I definitely missed the buzz of the city, but something about the mountains made me feel at home, especially during full moons.

But those were wistful thoughts, not the thoughts of someone who was fifteen minutes late to work.

As soon as I walked into the office, Jace from accounting rushed up to me. His piercing green eyes sparkled excitedly, just like every other morning since I've known him.

“Hi, Lena,” he said, a bright smile on his perfectly angular face that accentuated his chiseled jaw. That was one of the things I loved about being here. The people were friendly, and my coworkers were even friendlier.

“You’re here early,” I joked.

“Well, I have to pretend to like my job.” His broad shoulders curved inward as he bent down to whisper, “The new sports equipment just came in, so you should have a truckload of work.”

I smiled back, I didn’t mind the heavy workload. That meant I wouldn’t have time to obsess over my not so discarded feelings for Eason. “I can’t complain,” I said, trying my best to sound reluctant.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. Jace was right about having a truckload of work. But it was a welcome reaction, and I was beginning to like the new me. Just as I was about to call it a day, Sylvie, my boss, popped her head out of her office.

“Lena,” she called, fixing her intense gaze on me. Sylvie always had a way of commanding attention, even without saying much. Her silver hair, cut into a sharp bob that brushed just below her chin, was always perfectly styled. She once mentioned that the bob made her feel younger, a fight against the years that were creeping up on her.

“I’ll need you to work overtime tonight,” she continued in a tone that would make one stand a little straighter.

“But I’m done with what was currently on my desk.”

“Yes, but we have all new equipment, and we’d like to get everything on the website for purchase as soon as possible.”

“But…” I muttered weakly, not sure how to protest, Sylvie wasn’t really one to take no for an answer.

“Thanks dear, I knew I could count on you,” she concluded for me. Before I could blink, Sylvie walked out of her office, bag in hand. I could easily picture her as she sauntered out of the building, smirk lifting her lips.

Frustrated, I plopped my bag right back down on my seat. Other colleagues followed after Sylvie, muttering ‘goodnight’ to me.

“You’re having quite a night,” I turned to see Jace standing behind me, peering at my computer screen in curiosity. “Is this all the new equipment?”

I nodded. “Yep. I’m not even halfway done. This is definitely going to take me forever.”

“I can stay and help you out.”

“No, I can’t ask you to do that.”

“Exactly. That’s why I offered,” he pulled over a chair, already taking some of the papers on my desk. “I have nothing better to do anyways, so actually, you’re the one doing me a favor.”

I smiled. I couldn’t really argue with that amazing logic. “Fine, but only if you let me treat you to dinner once we’re done.”

His eyes glazed over as if he couldn’t quite believe what I’d just said. Then he smiled brightly, his eyebrows crinkling. “You have yourself a deal.” He smiled again, giving me a conspiratorial wink, before going back to the papers.

What was that look for? Did Jace… No, he couldn’t. We were just colleagues, friendly colleagues, but that was all there was to it.

Right?

I quickly pushed the bizarre thought out of my head and focused on the task at hand. It took us three hours to bring each sporting equipment to life on the company website. It was gloriously late by the time I powered off my computer.

As I picked up my bag, I checked my watch for the time and immediately froze - 8:00pm on the dot.

“So, any plans for tonight?”

I heard the words leave Jace’s mouth, but I didn’t quite process them. I was completely panicking. I had to make my way home. Now. My skin already prickled with the telltale signs of the impending shift, and I knew I was running out of time.

“I have to go,” I mumbled hurriedly, gathering the last of my things.

“Lena, you’re always in such a rush to leave,” Jace commented, quickly gathering his things too as he kept pace with me. “You know, you’re probably the most anxious employee in town when it comes to getting off work.”

I barely registered his words as I hurriedly stuffed my belongings into my bag, my hands trembling slightly.

“Sorry, Jace,” I mumbled, avoiding eye contact. “I really can’t stay. How about we reschedule? We can get coffee another time, I promise.” Before he could respond, I was already turning away, my feet carrying me swiftly toward the exit.

The streets blurred past me as I sprinted, my enhanced senses on high alert. Every sound seemed amplified. I could even hear the pounding of my own feet against the pavement; it was like thunderclaps in my mind.

As I raced through town, I caught glimpses of confused faces watching me go by. I knew what they must think – there goes Lena again, always in a mad dash to get home. If only they knew the truth.

For a brief second, I thought about Eason, what he might say about me rushing home like this. But the clawing inside me was all the more reason why I couldn’t be near him.

My muscles ached with the effort of holding back the change, but I pushed myself harder. Just a few more blocks. Just a little longer. The familiar sight of my house came into view, and relief flooded through me. I was going to make it.

I practically fell over myself as I reached my car, fumbling with the trunk latch. If I hadn’t been running late this morning I could have gone straight inside already. Damn it! The smell of fear hit my nostrils as soon as I opened it – the chickens already knew their fate. This was necessary. This was survival.

With strength that only came when I shifted, I hoisted two of the squawking birds under my arms. My nails were already lengthening into claws, making it difficult to maintain my grip. I slammed the trunk shut with my elbow and lurched toward the house.

I doubled over, steeling myself for control. I didn’t think I had enough time to open the gate, but how else could I get to the basement?

The fence. I’d completely forgotten about the fence. In a move that was more wolf than human, I jumped over it, landing heavily on the other side. The chickens struggled in my arms, but I paid them no mind.

I burst through the front door, not bothering to close it behind me. My feet pounded against the floor as I raced down the hallway, my breath coming in ragged gasps. With shaking hands, I managed to unlock the basement door, hoping to make it in time.

I didn’t bother with the lights – my eyes were already adapting, pupils dilating to take in every shadow. I crashed to the floor, dropping the chickens as they fluttered around the room in a panic, seeking escape where there was none.

I could feel my bones shifting, muscles rippling beneath my skin. Using every ounce of willpower I had left, I reached up and grabbed the handle, pulling the heavy steel door shut. The lock clicked into place just as the final wave of transformation hit me.

As all my human instincts left me, I threw my furry head back, howling into the night.

—

Naked and exhausted, I threw a blanket over my body before dragging myself up the stairs. I emerged into the living room, blinking in the soft morning light. I noticed Zara, curled in my favorite armchair, her eyes fixed on the flickering TV screen without really watching.

A corner of the roof was dripping rain, so I habitually took out a bucket and placed it underneath to prevent the floor from getting soaked. That small 30-square-meter room received little sunlight, but it was the most cost-effective house I could buy. Since that incident five years ago, I couldn't find a decent job anymore. I needed to hide my identity to survive. Surviving was my main goal then.

“Morning, fur ball,” she said with a grin, turning to face me. “Rough night?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound still slightly husky from my night as a wolf. “You could say that. Those chickens put up quite a fight.”

“You can’t blame them.” Zara’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Well, I brought reinforcements.” She gestured to a cage near her feet, where two plump chickens clucked nervously.

“Aw, Zara, you shouldn’t have,” I teased, dropping onto the couch. “Are you trying to fatten me up for the next full moon?”

“Please,” she scoffed, “as if you need any help in the appetite department.”

I smiled at my best friend, suddenly thinking about how lucky I was to have someone like her in my corner. When I made the decision to leave, Zara had fully supported me. There was a time, not so long ago, when the very thought of being a werewolf filled me with dread and shame. Her continual support was what kept me going.

I really couldn’t have asked for a better friend.

“Earth to Lena,” Zara’s voice snapped me back to the present. “You zoned out there for a second. Thinking about a certain someone?”

I sighed, running a hand through my tangled hair. “Just... reflecting, I guess. I’m just glad I have you here with me at least. You’ve never stopped coming to see me, since the very beginning.”

Zara’s expression softened. “You’re my best friend. But you’ve come a long way since then, you know. You’re practically a pro at this whole werewolf thing now.”

“Pro, huh?” I grinned, flashing my teeth playfully. “Does that mean I get a badge?”

Zara burst out laughing. “I’ll get right on that. Maybe we can bedazzle it with little moons.”

I opened my mouth to give a smart retort, when a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

“I think it’s a great time to care about the community…”

The deep voice washed over me in all the wrong and right ways. I didn’t know if I should keep listening or turn off the TV and burn it.

Even though I knew I shouldn’t, I turned toward the screen. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. After five long years, I was staring at his beautiful brown eyes again.

The years had been kind to him. He stood tall and confident, his shoulders broader than I remembered, his jawline even more defined against the newly grown beard. The camera panned across his face, capturing the intensity in his brown eyes as he fielded questions from a group of eager journalists.

“And there you have it, folks,” the female announcer’s voice boomed. “Eason Elrod, the rising star of ice hockey, proving once again why he’s the talk of the league. From college player to pro sensation in just five short years – what a journey it’s been!”

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen. He was even more handsome than I remembered, and the realization hit me like a punch to the gut.

“Lena?” Zara's voice was soft, concerned. “You okay?”

I nodded, not trusting my voice. A lump had formed in my throat, a mixture of pride and loss that threatened to overwhelm me.

“He’s done well for himself,” Zara observed, her eyes flicking between me and the TV.

“Yeah,” I managed to croak. “He has.”

We sat in silence for a moment, watching as Eason continued his interview. His laughter echoed through the room, and I felt a pang in my chest. That laugh used to be for me.

“So,” Zara said, breaking the silence. “What would you say to him if you saw him again?”

I let out a bitter chuckle. “What would I even say?” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Look at him, Zara. He’s a big star now. And me? I’m just... this. A monster hiding from the world.”

“You’re not a monster, Lena,” Zara said firmly.

I shrugged, my eyes drawn back to the TV where Eason was now demonstrating his signature move on the ice - The Spin Away. “Maybe not. But one thing’s for sure – he can never know what I’ve become.”

He could never, ever find out.

—

*Eason*

I sat in the plush first-class seat, gazing out the airplane window as Los Angeles sprawled beneath me. The city lights twinkled like stars, bringing a flood of memories I’d tried so hard to suppress.

Five years. It had been five years since I’d last set foot in this city. Five years since I’d held Lena in my arms, her laughter echoing through the streets as we explored our future together. The memory was so vivid, I could almost smell her perfume, feel the softness of her brown hair against my cheek.

But then, just as quickly, another memory surfaced. The cold, impersonal way she had shattered my world. Lena's words - so final, so determined.

‘I think it’s best if we end things between us.’

I closed my eyes, my hand instinctively reaching for the ring that hung from a chain around my neck. My fingers traced its familiar contours, the ring I’d never had the chance to give her.

I clutched the ring tighter and whispered into the quiet of the cabin, my voice barely audible over the roar of the engines. “Lena, I’m back.”