Chapter 10: Strength

James held his hand out to me as I reached the bottom step of the staircase. His hand in mine gave me extra strength I needed to meet these other wolves. What if they did not like me? I could just leave again. I had been alone all this time and I could continue to do so.

James had changed his clothes from earlier and now wore a black short sleeve v neck T-shirt and blue jeans. I couldn't even recall exactly what he wore earlier but I knew it was different. He probably had mud on his clothes too from sitting with me. Mud and dirt did not even cross my mind when I was in wolf form but now it bothered me. Humans had different ways, dirt was frowned upon and cleanliness was a virtue. My human ways were slowly coming back to me.

I straightened my back as we headed to a new area of the house. The room was open with a long wood dining room table in the middle. Food was placed in the center and the smell had my stomach rumbling. There were four shifters sitting at the table. When we entered the room all their eyes focused on me. I repeated in my mind that I am a powerful wolf and I can fight if I need too. I did not think James would let them hurt me, at least I hoped not. Doubt and unease started to trickle its way back up. I felt James squeeze my hand and the bad thoughts disappeared.