La Push, Washington. July 13th.

The summer heat hung heavy over the shoreline, the waves crashing gently against the sand. Sam’s pack gathered around a roaring bonfire, laughter and playful banter filling the air. Yet, despite the camaraderie, Sam’s sharp gaze remained fixed on the horizon, always vigilant.

You approached the group with deliberate steps, catching Sam’s attention. Your expression was determined as you stopped before him, drawing the eyes of the pack.

“Can I have some money for the arcade?” you asked, your voice steady despite the weight of the curious gazes.

Without hesitation, Sam handed over a few bills, his movements calm and practiced. But as you turned to leave, he caught their wrist.

Sam frowned. Beneath his hand, he felt it—skin hotter than the summer air, a rapid pulse, and a scent sharper than ever before.

“What is it?” you asked, their unease evident.

Sam held your gaze for a moment before letting go. “Nothing. You can go.”

With a nod, you walked away toward the path leading to your human friends. Sam’s eyes followed you, his brow furrowed.

Paul, lounging nearby, leaned in with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. “Casie… they smell wild. You get what I mean.”

Sam didn’t respond, but the tension in his jaw was answer enough.

Leah, seated on the sand, cut in with her sharp tone. “Wild? That’s just Paul’s way of saying the kid’s showing signs of their first transformation.”

The lighthearted air around the bonfire shifted, replaced by unease as the pack exchanged glances.

Sam remained still, his fists clenching briefly. He didn’t need Leah to confirm it. He had seen the signs—Your skittishness, their shifting moods, the tension radiating from them.

The truth was unavoidable, despite his prayers. Your life was about to change, bound to the same fate as the rest of them.