My body hurt like hell the first few days in, but my accelerated healing did wonders to take care of that. Matt was a dear, doing his best to nurse me back to health and making sure my transition from man to wolf went as smoothly as possible. I stayed at his log cabin for the next few weeks since the pack initiation. It was a sudden, last minute decision, but I wasn't sure if I would have been able to make it back to civilization. To me, it was better being sick here, nursed by the most wonderful and loving of wolves than dying alone trying to make it back.

During this time Matt showed me that his love was more than just a purely physical one. I woke up each morning in pain, but I also woke up to the soulful lull of Matt's guitar, a drink of nourishing herbs and breakfast by my side. He did all he could to make sure I was comfortable , whether it was warmth by the fireplace or the fresh night breeze, whether I needed him when he was out hunting or sleeping on the couch, he was there. And if he wasn't, he would be rushing to my side as fast as he could.

I sighed contentedly, touched and incredibly grateful of Matt's efforts to help my healing process along. Before I knew it, by the next full moon, I would be a full werewolf.

Matt was outside the cabin chopping firewood. The regular thwacks of his axe gave me an immense sense of security being by his side. The cabin door was open, letting me see him in action too. He was shirtless, as usual. The sweat on his back glistened in the sunset sky. I briefly admired his toned chest and broad shoulders as he worked them over the firewood. If only I was well enough to get close to him again.

I smiled as his footsteps grew louder and louder. His small figure grew larger as he carried the wood towards the open front door. I would be warm when I slept tonight.

"Hey Ryan," Matt said.

"Yea?"

"Guess what night it is?"

That's when the realization hit me.

"You don't mean..." my voice trailed off, watching the excited gleam in his eye.

He nodded slowly, pointing past the front door towards the heavens. The faint impression of a full moon made its imprint in the sky.

Tonight was the night!