#Chapter 157: Howl

Weeks went by, and I counted the days by clawing gouge marks into the concrete wall beside my bed. I’d finally mastered getting my claws to appear and retract, though I still hadn’t managed a full shift. Despite hearing my wolf, demanding that I give in, I just couldn’t do it. Alyx, in his infinite wisdom, though I had some sort of mental block. “You’re the one choosing not to shift,” he said, circling me. “You’re afraid to give in.” We were in the training ring. Jeremy stood off the side, his arms folded across his chest. He wasn’t as outwardly impatient as Alyx, but his hits landed just as hard. Sure, I was getting better, but I wasn’t catching up to them. I spat a glob of blood, wincing at the pain in my mouth. “Well, I don’t know what you want me to do,” I countered, losing my patience. “I’ve never done this before. It’s not intuitive to me.” He rolled his eyes. “You know exactly what I want you to do.” He continued to circle me, his eyes bright. I knew he enjoyed this, and I