<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Thomas snapped back to reality when Aidan handed him his plate of food, he mustered up a small smile to go with his â€œThanksâ€ as he took the plate. Instead of digging in to the meal like one would think, Thomas instead brought his portion over the fresh struggling white were. â€œHere,â€ He said with small smile and sincere tone, â€œYou need this more than me right now. I can go without having the choice pieces for one day.â€ He did not give the kid an option, handing him the plate and walking away.</span></span><br/><br/>Jaden sat on the furs, staring at this man who was so kind. This was their leader. A kind soul who looked after his friends and family. The sentiment nearly brought a tear to his wolven eye, but Thomas had gone before he could respond. Thomas had gone off into the woods by the time he had looked down at his plate, the meat was of the finest of cuts, cooked to near perfection. Truly an alpha's meal. His primal hunger far overrode any courtesy he tried to show and he lifted the cooked meat between his claws, tearing bites off a bit at a time, his mouth making slopping noises and drool dripped down his chin. It was the best thing he had ever eaten and the empty feeling started to subside. Like medicine, the meat made his thoughts clear and his pain fade, his queasiness went away and by the time it was gone, he found himself licking his claws and feeling normal. It really saved his life.<br/><br/>It wasn't just Thomas' generosity that saved him, but everyone here. He opened his mouth to speak and only a whimper came out. Frustrated, he sighed, closing his eyes to contemplate what to do next. He found himself very lucky to find these people.<br/><br/>*Thank you*<br/><br/>The words were like any other thought in his head, he thinking them private just as the next thought, however his new form allowed the words to carry on to the people around him. The words carried the feeling of gratefulness and relief that he currently strongly felt but again he assumed no one would know his feelings.<br/><br/>Sitting beside the fire he stared blankly into the flames, then glanced down at his massive clawed hands. He couldn't stay like this forever. The others seemed to be able to control it just fine. Perhaps he would be alright if he stuck with these people, perhaps became a member of their pack? Yes, that would be nice, he thought. He could get used to a peaceful life in the woods with friends...<br/><br/>Then he realized the meaning of the words David and Thomas said before he ran off...<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">So why does this seem like a war zone if you don't mind me asking. All of you seem ready to snap." David asked wondering how well that question would sit with the ptsd that seemed to be going around here.<br/><br/>Thomas froze again as he heard thatâ€¦ then, without turning around, he said back in a dark and serious tone, â€œBecause this is a war zone...â€ and with that he left and disappeared into the woods.</span></span><br/><br/>It was nearly five minutes after Thomas had gone when he finally remembered what they said and paid attention to it. There was danger out here? What was going on? If there was a war, who is the enemy? He opened his mouth to ask again but once more only produced a whimper. This has to change. He couldn't even talk in this form. They said before you could change back if you thought hard about your human form and willed it or something. Maybe that should be his priority.<br/><br/>He closed his eyes and concentrated, clearing his mind and looked within himself. Memories of his former life sprang forward. He remembered his white hair, his athletic form, the clothes he wore to prom, a simple silk shirt and black jeans with sneakers. It seemed like ages ago he was like that but there that form stood, in the recesses of his mind.<br/><br/>In his mind's eye, he saw himself as he was before, standing in front of him. Looking down, Jaden saw the large hands and claws on his fingers. His human form reached out and took his hand, then he looked up into his eyes. It was like he switched places with his Human form, because now he saw the towering hulk of a white werewolf standing over him, holding his hand still. He didn't feel scared, but rather safe and secure, like this werewolf was his best friend, ready to help him at a moment's notice. It nodded and stepped back, letting go of Jaden's hand. Then a great pain jerked him back to consciousness.<br/><br/>His eyes snapped open and his insides seem to catch fire. Falling over on his back, he writhed in the pile of furs holding his head as his body began to change, shrink and contort. Bones snapped and shifted beneath his skin and he ended up knocking the pile of furs over on top of him. When it was all over, he opened his eyes and saw darkness, feeling the heavy weight of the furs on top of him. Struggling to move he was able to push a rather large bear fur off of him and sat up, now with a deer fur over his head. One more heave and his white hair emerged from the pile.<br/><br/>"Ow." he moaned, "Oh wow! I did it! I'm me again!"