Rachel's Change

Rachel's POV

My name is Rachel and I just turned 18. Not that it was much of a celebration. I grew up in the foster care system. I have never been adopted because everyone wants babies. Over time, I learned about how I've gotten here, but I don't know where I came from. I don't know who my parents are or if they are alive. I don't really remember them. I get short snippets of memories of a lady that I think was my mom. I see her face. Her smile. And sometimes I can remember her laugh. But that's it. I've learned that I was found wandering the highway at the age of 4. They say I was out there for a couple of days based on my appearance. There was a car wreck a few miles from where I was found with two dead people and an empty car seat. They assumed that's where I came from. But nobody knows for sure.

I go to Franklin High School. I just started this year and I'm in the twelfth grade. Last year I was in a different school. I haven't really gone to a specific school for very long. I haven't made any friends yet and am known as an outcast. I don't come from money like most of the kids here. I think I'm the only one in foster care. Not that I broadcast it so there might be more kids like me. Once I graduate high school, I will age out.

I have been in many foster homes but my behavior gets me kicked out. I just don't care anymore. Why be good when I'm unwanted? My current foster parents have kept me the longest, but I see the typical looks on their faces that every foster family has had before my social worker shows up to whisk me away. I am old enough to be on my own, but I'm not ready.

Not only am I seen as a bad kid, I also have an undiagnosed mental illness. See, I hear voices. Well, it's really one voice. I started hearing this voice two years ago. It keeps me company but nobody believes me. I have been to doctors but they don't listen to me. The voice says her name is Lauren. She says things that make no sense. She makes up stories about myself, and pretends that she's a werewolf, which is weird. She says that I will soon switch and that when it happens, it will hurt the first time. Whatever that means. It's hard to tell how many people I have in my head. So far I have only heard this one.

Back to my present, I am heading to my chemistry class. It's my favorite one because there's this really hot guy in it. There's something about him. He's only 17 though, but I learned he turns 18 in a couple of days. Not that it really matters. He doesn't know I exist. We often get paired in class, but he has eyes only for Lynn. Who is perfect. She has the typical blond hair and blue eyes. She's gorgeous whereas I have plain brown hair and brown eyes. My social worker says I'm pretty, but I'm not.

She's the only one that hasn't given up on me. I think of her as my mom. Her name is Shannon and she's my fourth social worker. My previous ones either quit their job or just transferred me to somebody else.

I'm now sitting in class as the teacher begins. I look over and see Adam, the cutie I mentioned earlier. He was taking notes. Which is probably what I should be doing too. But he's just so cute.

Then I see Lynn come into class and notice his eyes follow her direction.

***

Rachel's POV

It's Friday night and I had court today. Well, juvenile court. I was caught "defacing" the side of the wall of a grocery store. Community service. Again. I start tomorrow morning. Yay.

My foster mom took me and I could tell she was disappointed. I'm just waiting on my social worker.

I'm currently in my room laying on the bed listening to music. I have done community service several times. This time, I have been ordered to help clean the local community center.

I hope you're a better wolf once you change for the first time. Oh yay, Lauren is here. I know you think I'm not real, but you will soon see. You should have changed by now. Sure. And I'm also a princess.

I know, I could go for a run. That helps me usually. It might get me out of my head. I grabbed my headphones and turned my favorite music on. It's considered hard metal, but it calms me.

I like going to the woods down the street so I headed there. It was pretty bright out at that moment. Looking up, I saw it's a full moon. I stopped to lean over, trying to catch my breath.

Suddenly I felt a searing pain through my entire body. What was going on? I felt and heard bones breaking. I cried out and fell down. Spasming, I felt my arms extending and more bones breaking. Then it's over. I was panting. I opened my eyes and everything was clearer. Finally. You changed. Welcome to your better half Rachel. I walked to the nearby lake and saw my reflection. I saw a large white wolf. Bright green eyes stared back at me. Confused, I stumbled back. I hear giggling in my head. It's ok Rachel. Actually, your real name is Anna.

Anna? What is going on. How can I be a wolf?

What can I tell you? I know you have a lot of questions.

What's happening? Who's Anna?

Anna is your real name. The name your parents gave you. Your dad was the alpha of his pack. Your mom was half-human. Your dad's pack refused to accept your mom because of her human.

Wait, you know my past? How much do you know?

I know everything about you. I would have explained earlier but.you didn't believe me. You just thought you were... mentally ill.

I'm still not convinced this isn't a mental break. Maybe it finally happened.

It's real. You're a werewolf. Well, half. You are also half-human because your mom was. But you are also special. The moon goddess chose you...

Wait, moon goddess?

Yes, she's who creates us. She determines our destiny. At least who our mates are, what pack we are born into.

Mate? As in who we end up being with? Marrying?

Yes. Once he's found, we will know. I will automatically know. But he has to be 18. That's the age of maturity for werewolves. Usually, werewolves change on the night of their 18th birthday. But because you're special, it's a bit different.

How am I special?

The moon goddess chooses a select few to be known as lycans. Most female werewolves aren't lycans. So you're extra special.

What does that mean?

It means you're stronger than normal. It also means you can be both alpha and Luna of a pack. Most packs can only be run by alphas and lunas are the partner.