I used to sit back and watch as all the wolves in the Blue Moon Pack gathered to go for pack runs.  I could feel their excitement and eagerness in the air as it hummed like electricity.   I didn't understand it.  What was the big deal?

Now I know.

For the first time in my life I feel complete.  As we began to run our body and souls somehow became woven together. The emptiness I had felt in my chest all my life was there because my wolf wasn't. 

Our mind and body worked as one. All of Joe's memories, thoughts, emotions simultaneously ran through my own.  I somehow instinctively knew that I could trust her with my life.  

I let her have the lead for what seemed like hours.  I could feel the joy and freedom she felt as she ran.  She had been locked away for so long, and even though it wasn't my fault, I felt guilty. 

I had no idea where we were as peered through our eyes.  Everything had passed in such a blur and I couldn't remember what direction we had come from or how far we had gone.  I started to feel anxious.  What if we get lost?  What if a Rouge or a pack finds us and attacks us? 

"There is no need to worry.  I know where we are, we have a great sense of direction, and as far as being attacked goes, I wish they would." Joe said with a chuckle.

"I am weak, and I don't know how to fight.  I don't even think I want to know how to fight." I told her.

"Lucky for us, I do know how to fight and I like to fight.  We are built for speed, for attack and defense, add to that, we aren't bad to look at either.  I gotta say, we're pretty badass.  Let me show you."  she huffed.

Before I could say another word Joe had already picked up the scent of a deer nearby and we were sprinting up the side of a mountain. 

Once we got closer my sensitive ears picked up the crunch of twigs and berries as the deer ate.  I could hear it's heart beat in a calm and steady rhythm. He grazed without a care in the world. 

"I don't want to kill it.  Its so beautiful and so innocent" I all but screamed in alarm.

"It's part of being a wolf dear.  It's the circle of life. The idea of killing an animal may not be enticing but a full belly is.  If you don't want to see this next part, close your eyes in 3...2...1..."

With no more warning Joe moved our body with amazing agility.   I squeezed my eyes shut and covered my ears.  I imagined myslef sitting on the pier over looking the ocean.  I didn't want to see this beautiful animal die.

"Grey, you can come back now."  Jow coaxed with chuckle.

I opened my eyes and tuned back in.  Joe  was kind enough to have cleaned us off after the kill and meal, in small river that ran between the mountains.  

Catching my reflection in the water I saw my wolf for the first time.  Joe wasn't wrong.  My wolf was beautiful.  My fur was gray with the exception of the tips of my ears which were white.

I stood there for a moment taking in my reflection. 

"Told you we were bad ass looking."  Joe interrupted with a snort.