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Chapter Text

     As the third year of Spring approached, a new sense of determination ignited in Wednesday. She had expected the “mission” to be quick. With the information she received from Agnes, Wednesday had immediately embarked on a journey to the Canadian wilderness. By the end of the first year, the trail had gone cold and she had left the unforgiving wilderness with less hope than she entered with. She returned home with plans of a new strategy, expanding her search further, hoping for anything to point her in the right direction.

     It was Spring of the second year when she had found it. A string of animal attacks North of the Appalachian Mountains. A common occurrence in such an area and it would’ve been written off as such if not for the numerous mauling of black bears. There weren’t many other predators that could take on a bear and walk away from it. This time before she set out, she was stopped by her parents in a flurry of concern. The first year, she had her Uncle Fester to accompany her on the dangerous voyage; this year she would be going only with Thing to accompany her. The harsh winter of the wilderness had been enough to give her a case of pneumonia, one she was able to overcome naturally, but severe nonetheless. And so, a deal was made. She would return in the fall, before the first snowfall. It was during this time that she would also continue her school studies at home, seeing as Nevermore was nevermore.

     She returned in the fall with frustration and anger burning in her veins. She was close. She felt it. But for every step closer she got, it was as if her friend knew and ran further away.

    She must be scared. She thought. The other wolves…they’re after her.

     She spent that winter devising a plan. She invited Agnes to the manor and they spent weeks coming up with a way to corner Enid and get her to safety. According to recent sightings, she was spotted once again in the Appalachians. All they had to do was lure her in toward the family cabin located South of the border. They made plans to leave mid-Spring, coinciding with Agnes’s break from her new school. Wednesday spent the following weeks focusing on her studies, making it a point to finish her senior year of school before leaving. She didn’t say it out loud, not to Agnes or Thing, but in her mind she knew. She wasn’t returning without Enid this time. No matter how long it took.

     The moment she felt the weather begin to warm, she began gathering supply. Every herb and root and talisman that could assist in finding the wolf was prepared and stored. She read up on the outcasts and spirits they were bound to come across as they ventured deeper into the haunted mountains. It was two weeks before Agnes would be joining her at the manor once more to prepare for the journey, with Thing of course.

     Wednesday had only just fallen into a deep sleep after staying up well past midnight, enthralled with her books. It wasn’t unusual for her to dream about Enid. The rare nights when she wasn’t pleasantly submerged in dark nightmares, she would dream of the blonde wolf. Pleasant memories of their bickering that she didn’t even realize she retained until it was all she had left of her. She would dream of her wolf form, saving her over and over again, without second thought. She’d usually wake up from these dreams with the feelings of sorrow and fondness fighting in her chest. But, tonight was different. Tonight, what started as a familiar dream melted into another scene entirely, something she had never seen before.

    A vision.

    Her gift never returned to its full strength after everything. They began coming back in slight flashes when she least expected, but any semblance of control she once had was lost. She was essentially at square one. She had tried manifesting visions about Enid’s whereabouts, but each failed attempt only weakened her resolve before she gave up entirely.

    The world shifted into a gloomy clearing. The snow was beginning to melt away from the recent winter and the sky was dark blue, the full moon illuminating the thick clouds. In front of her stood three werewolves, all with similar patterns composed of various shades of grey. They must be from the same pack, she thought as they snarled viciously at her. Her fists clenched at her sides as she stood stiff as a board. She let out a shuttering breath, frosty air leaving her lips. Slowly she stepped to the side and followed their line of vision. Behind her, on the other side of the clearing, stood a dark blonde wolf, double the size of the three grey ones. Her breath instantly caught in her throat.

     Enid!

     Her legs were moving before she could even process the movement. Wednesday sprinted across the clearing, forgetting how cold she is, forgetting about the wolves behind her. Her steps faltered when she heard the pounding steps behind her accompanied by ferocious growls. Before she can turn around, her body is pushed to the icy ground as the wolves barrel through her astral form, leaving her dizzy. Her head shot up, anxiety hot in her gut as she realized what was unfolding.

     “No…” She whispered for the first time out loud. “No, no, run Enid!”

     But, of course, she didn’t run. The wolf stood her ground, snarling back with twice as much fervor. When all 4 wolves finally collided, there was instant bloodshed. Teeth locking around limbs. Claws tearing through flesh. Wednesday ran toward the brawl with heaving lungs as she tried interfering. She grabbed at the wolves as she yelled pointless threats to no avail.

     Because it’s not real. Not yet.

     She let herself fall to the ground as she watched the wolves tear each other apart. Enid had managed to lock her jaw around one of the wolves’ neck, killing him instantly. The other two howled with rage as they charged once more. Wednesday felt her throat tighten as she watched Enid stagger on her hind legs, blood gushing out of her stomach. Before the wolves collided once more, she was on her feet, eyes darting around the clearing.

     No, I won’t let this happen. It will not happen.

     She scanned the area for any indicator of where she was. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the bloodbath behind her.

     Rushing water…there’s a river nearby. Pine trees. Mountains-

     She’s pulled from her thoughts by the sudden silence. Slowly turning around, she’s met with the tired gaze of the big blonde wolf. There’s still blood gushing from her side as she slowly staggers toward Wednesday as if she can see her. The bodies of the other three wolves lay lifeless behind her, submerged in pools of blood. The wolf grunted in pain as she fell before her feet with an exhausted sigh. Wednesday fell to her knees before she could stop herself, the cold a distant concern compared to what was in front of her. She lowered her head to meet the gaze of the wolf. It’s only then that she felt the hot tears pooling in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.

     “Get up Enid,” her voice is raw and quiet, laced in desperation. “You-you need to get up.”

     She knew what she was seeing. Her once beautiful, vibrant wolf, fading before her very eyes. Her chest began heaving as she searched for any hint of recognition in her eyes. The wolf eyes remained clouded, lungs still gasping and panting for air, wound only in the beginning stages of healing. It would be too late before the bleeding stopped. Wednesday took a deep, calming breath before squeezing her eyes shut. She allowed the final tears to fall before her face hardened once more into its normal expressionless mask. Her trembling hand rose slowly, resting on top of Enid’s soft head.

     This time, her astral form didn’t give way and her hand buried itself into her fur. Wednesday felt her heart stutter in her chest once more at the feeling. Her first time being so close to her friend’s wolf form and it’s in her final moments. She opened her mouth, ready to make a promise she intended to keep. To find her. But before the words could leave her mouth, she shot up in her bed with her hands still crossed on her chest, prattling off a series of numbers. Her body trembled as all the air in her lungs was forced out. Her hands immediately flew to the pen and journal she kept on her nightstand. Her jaw clenched tight as she scribbled down the numbers seared into her brain, and for the first time in months, Wednesday Addams felt the burning exhilarating feeling of hope strumming through her body.

     Coordinates.

     She didn’t even wait for the sun to rise before she was out of the door. She left a note for her parents, telling them that she decided to get a head start on her hunt, and a note for Thing, telling him to inform Agnes of the recent developments and that she would contact them as soon as Enid was safe. She crammed everything she’d need in one bag, anticipating a short trip. Her vision had taken place within the next few days, she knew she had no time to waste.

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     Melting snow crunched under Wednesday’s black boots as she trudged through the woods. After the plane ride, she got a room at a bed and breakfast near a national park where she planned her route to the coordinates from her vision. The next morning she had begun her trek into the wilderness that was bound to take the entire day. After hours of walking with short breaks in between, Wednesday felt the weight of the journey dragging her down. She took note of the blisters forming on her feet from the steep hills and slippery terrain. Good. She thought. I’m going through all this trouble. I ought to have something to show for it.

     Mile after mile, she felt a chill run deeper down her spine as she got closer to the clearing. Her steps faltered as she saw the light of the moon peaking through the trees. Right ahead of her stood the clearing, like an arena awaiting its fighters. She approached with slow quiet steps as she scanned the tree line for any movement. Crouched near a tree, she held herself close to the ground for a few minutes, waiting.

     She must be hiding nearby-

     Her thoughts are cut off by the growing sound of growling inching up behind her. In the blink of an eye, she turns around on her feet, pulling a silver dagger out her sleeve. She’s met with the angry eyes of one of the grey wolves from her vision. She slowly backs away into the clearing as the wolf makes deliberate, threatening steps toward her. Its teeth glinted in the moonlight as its lips remained tucked in a ferocious snarl.

     She saw the wolf getting ready to pounce and her grip on her dagger tightened, ready to dig into its neck before it could get to hers. The wolf launched from a few feet away from her and she planted her feet, preparing to meet the weight of the large wolf. Before she could plunge the blade into the wolf’s jugular, the back of its neck was encapsulated in a dark blonde muzzle full of razor sharp teeth and it was thrown into the air, then onto the ground with a sickening crack. Wednesday watched with wide eyes as the grey wolf slumped to the ground, eyes vacant and tongue hanging out its mouth. Her eyes darted up to the bigger wolf now standing just a few feet away. Her breath caught in her throat as she dropped the silver dagger, putting her hands out in front of her. Despite her eyes glowing a radiant gold instead of their normal crystal blue, Wednesday recognized her immediately.

     “Enid,” She said softly as she took small steps closer to the wolf. The hair on the back of Enid’s neck stood up and a snarl remained on her face as she kept her eyes locked on her, front paws digging deeper into the dirt. “It’s me.”

     Wednesday crouched to the ground, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible. Enid took the opportunity to slowly lift her muzzle to the air and take several quick, deep breaths. In a matter of seconds, her tail began wagging and the bright gold of her eyes began morphing into a bright crystalline blue. With her hand still raised, Wednesday slowly pushed herself to her feet, but before she could plant both feet on the ground, she was pushed onto the wet forest floor and met with a face full of fur. Enid, unable to contain her excitement, tackled her to the floor and buried her muzzle into her neck in an attempt to hug her. Wednesday, unable to contain her own satisfaction, allowed the wolf a few moments of comfort, even taking advantage of the moment for herself and burying her hand in the wolf’s soft fur.

     For real this time.

     Sensing another presence, Wednesday’s eyes snapped up toward the trees.

     “Enid, behind you.” she said as she reached back, grasping her dagger once again. Enid’s head swung around immediately and almost instantly locked on the target. She let out a low growl before jumping away from Wednesday and darting toward the wolf lurking just beyond the treeline. She sprang up from the floor, sprinting after the two wolves, not wanting to let Enid get too far out of her sight. She managed to keep track of the wolves for just a few seconds before something was barreling into her side.

     The Third wolf.

     She was thrown into the clearing from the tree line, hitting her head against the floor. Her dagger slid across the wet, icy floor as her head started throbbing. With blurry vision and a brain-splitting headache, Wednesday pulled another dagger from her sleeve and with a practiced precision she threw it, plunging through the wolf’s eye. Her jaw clenched in annoyance.

     I was aiming for the heart.

     The wolf howled in pain as it pawed at its face, trying to pull the dagger out. Because of the silver, with every pass of his paws caused more burning pain. After clawing what seemed like half of its face off, the wolf yanked the dagger out of its face and let out an earth shaking roar. With a blind rage, it charged at her with a vengeance.

     From the corner of her eye, she could already see Enid running at full speed toward them on all fours. Her face was drenched in crimson and her eyes once again shined gold. Enid had intercepted the wolf, shoving it to the ground. It slid a few feet away and tried to get back on its feet, scrambling like a newborn deer. Enid leapt to the mutilated wolf and stood beside it on her hind legs. With a sharp growl, she dug both front paws into the side of his neck and slowly pulled him apart, his head rolling away and his body dropping to the floor.

     Wednesday rested her head on the wet floor beneath her after having watched the entire ordeal play out in front of her. Through the pain in her head and the blur in her eyes, she had watched with excitement and pride as the last wolf fell and Enid walked away without a scratch. She felt her consciousness slipping as the light from the moon was overtaken by black spots. The last thing she saw before slipping away were bright blue eyes filled with worry.

Chapter Text

     Enid pushed the decrepit door open with a loud creak. She clenched Wednesday’s unconscious body close to her chest as she made her way through the dilapidated cabin toward the old, wooden framed mattress, shrouded in old sheets and cushions for reinforcement. The wolf traipsed through the cabin, her hulking form colliding with miscellaneous trinkets and old furniture with each step she took. She dropped the black leather backpack that hung from her mouth a few inches from the mattress before gently laying her friend’s limp body on the old sheets. Enid stared down at Wednesday, eyes wide and heart racing as she planned what to do next. 

     She hit her head pretty hard. The last time she hit her head she didn’t wake up for weeks. 

     The wolf leaned down to the leather bag on the floor to sniff out its contents. Her strong nose burned from the sharp scent of medicinal herbs. Her ears perked in excitement as an idea popped in her head. 

     Of course she came prepared! 

     She pawed at the thick leather bag, attempting to open it without destroying the contents inside. She huffed in frustration with every slip of her huge paws. Too big to slip under the fastened buckle. Too strong to tear the bag apart without risking destroying important ingredients. She felt tears of frustration prickle in her eyes as she felt the familiar spark of anger that had been ever present since the night of her transformation. A low rumbling growl started in her chest as her eyes shined gold.

     I can’t help her like this.

     She tried reasoning with her wolf in the past in futile attempts to shift back to her human form, but with every plea she made she was met with the mental grip of her tightening around her mind and soul. But this time, despite the full moon still being high in the night sky, she felt the wolf give way, stepping back into her mind for the first time in years. The first snap of bone sent white hot pain flashing up her spine and to her skull. As her bones contorted and reformed she gritted her teeth and clenched her eyes shut tight.

     After what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided and all that she heard was the sound of her own heavy breathing. She opened her eyes to the sight of her own hands gripping the wooden floor of the cabin. Pushing herself up onto her knees she slowly scanned her eyes over her body. Her once lean, limber body was now thicker, muscles and curves more defined. Her hands flew up to her hair, what once used to stop at her chin now flowed down her shoulders, stopping just below her shoulder blades. She pulled the strands in front of her and analyzed the cluster of muddied colors. At the ends were still faint hints of the pink and blue dye, barely noticeable in the pale moonlight. It morphed into the familiar bleach-blonde shade she’d grown to love since she started dying her hair in middle school, and from there the light blonde faded into her natural dark blonde, practically brown hair. 

     
      She’s snapped back to the scene before her by the soft pained whimpers coming from Wednesday as she remains still on the mattress. In an instant, Enid is kneeling at her side, her hand grasping her cold, limp fingers. 

     “It’s okay, Wends. I’m here, You’re gonna be fine.” She whispered. Wednesday’s eyes barely open for a second before she falls unconscious once more. 

     Enid focuses on the task at hand, rushing over to the black leather bag and rifling through its contents. For the first time, she was grateful for the long boring lectures in potions class back at Nevermore. A simple healing tonic would speed up Wednesday’s recovery.

      She laid the herbs across the floor and picked through the ones she needed. With her hands full, she hopped up toward the open kitchen and set them on the counter. The cabinet doors creaked as she pulled old, dusty bowls and cups out. The howling wind seeped through the rickety wooden boards of the cabin, sending a frigid shutter down her spine. It’s only now that she remembered she was completely naked with no clothes in the cabin to shield her from the elements. She looked around for anything she could use before settling on an old white sheet. She released her claws, tearing a hole in the center of the sheet and two more on either side. Before pulling the sheet over her head, she took one final look at her body. Everything was so different. Obviously, essentially being active 24/7 for the past 2 1/2 years, constantly on the move to avoid drawing too much attention was bound to build some muscle. But another thought occurred to her. She was older. 

     Two and a half years is no small amount of time. Her body was no longer that of a freshly transformed 16 year old girl. She’d be almost 19 by now. An entire chapter of her life had come and went while she was imprisoned in her own body. She’d felt her body changing in her wolf form, saw it changing, but seeing it now on her human body was a grim reminder. She pulled the sheet over her head before she could spiral any more. The minimal warmth provided by the sheet was enough to keep her going. 

     If I’m cold with my werewolf body heat Wednesday must be freezing! She turned and looked toward the wood burning stove, an untouched pile of wood covered in webs stood beside it. We need a fire for the tonic too.

     She struggled to start the fire for 20 minutes before finally coaxing it to life, feeding it scraps of kindling and logs until it was roaring with life. She grabbed the old rusty bucket tucked near the door of the cabin.

     “I need to get water for the tonic…and food! For when you wake up! I’ll be back in a flash.” She spoke just loud enough so that if Wednesday were awake, she’d be able to hear her. The stream ran close to the abandoned cabin. Close enough that Enid would have no problem shifting back and reaching Wednesday within minutes should anything happen. She gently closed the door behind her and started her quick trek to the freshwater stream.

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     Wednesday awakened to her throat contracting as she sputtered up a bitter liquid. A warm hand instantly slapped against her mouth and pressed down.

     “No, don't spit it out! You have enough brain damage. I'm trying to spare you another coma!” 

     Her eyes fly open and she’s met with the bright blue eyes of her best friend. She sat up on the mattress as she forced the tonic down and snatched the hand away from her face, the look of disbelief never leaving her eyes.

     “Enid what- how are you human? I thought you couldn’t shift back.” She leaned back to take in her appearance. Her arms, toned and defined as she pulled her hands into her lap. Her hair, darker and duller than she had ever seen it before. Her smile, still bright and cheerful, a direct contradiction to dark anxious emotion circling her eyes. She nervously played with her hands in her lap and let out a timid laugh.

     “I couldn’t. Not until a few hours ago anyways.”

     Wednesday stared in skepticism as she sharply inhaled. “Explain.”

     “Well, I-” Enid stood from the old wooden chair she was sitting in, grabbing the cup from the nightstand beside the bed. She glided across the cabin sporadically, her natural inhuman speed trying to reacquaint itself with a human body. “I tried to change back, obviously, but my wolf never let me. But last night, when I couldn’t help you, it just- let me out.” 

     She exchanged the empty cup with a bowl full of dark berries from the kitchen counter. Wednesday’s eyebrow raised as her eyes tracked Enid around the cabin. “Really,” she questioned monotonously, “just like that?” 

     For the first time, the smile on her face faltered, but only for a second. She approached her bedside once more, berries held out in front of her like a peace offering. “You must be starving, the nearest park is hours away! I picked these for now, not poisonous I swear, but I can go hunting later. I didn’t know how much your stomach could handle right now.” 

     Wednesday’s eyes drifted toward the berries before shooting back up to Enid’s.

     “You couldn’t poison me if you tried.” That’s all it took for the timid smile on her face to brighten and finally reach her eyes. 

     The irony wasn’t lost on her that once again, Enid had transformed to save her life, a recurring pattern that she’d grown to hate seeing as it led to their separation. But now, she found herself clenching her jaw shut as she reached out for the berries to stop her face from contorting into what felt awfully close to a smile. Enid took the chair at her bedside once more, this time scooting it closer to the bed.

     “God, Wends, I’ve missed you so much you wouldn’t believe it.” She groaned in a watery voice. Wednesday had already begun digging into the bowl of berries, but she didn’t need to look up to know that the wolf was tearing up. “How have you been? How is everyone? Where's Thing?” 

     “I’ve spent the past three years looking for you, everyone is alive as far as I’m aware and Thing was supposed to accompany me on this trip, but there was a change of plans.” Enid stared at her with wide eyes, urging her to continue. “I had a vision of your death. Those three wolves could have fatally wounded you.” 

     Wednesday was half expecting her to recoil in panic, going on an Enid-typical anxious rant about the situation. Instead, her eyes widened with a mischievous glint and a cocky smirk found its way onto her face. “Oh yeah? I bet it was cool as shit! Me versus three wolves going down in a blaze of glory! But not before taking them with me, of course,” she winked as she threw her elbow behind the back of the chair. 

     Wednesday stopped mid chew, her eye slightly twitching in irritation. “No, Enid, it wasn’t ‘cool’, you bled to death alone in the woods.”

     At this, the smirk on her face dropped into a soft serene smile. She leaned forward with her elbows on her knees and rested one hand on the mattress, close to her sheet-covered knees. “I wasn’t alone.”

     Wednesday’s heart stuttered in her chest, the bowl of berries long forgotten in her palms. Her dark eyes locked onto bright blue ones as she inhaled deeply, attempting to calm her pulse. The slow sunrise takes its opportunity to make its appearance, cascading through the window catching on Enid’s blonde hair and causing her blue eyes to gleam like a suncatcher. Wednesday is first to break eye contact, her eyes landing on her opened leather bag. She sets the bowl on the bedside table and reaches for the map peaking out of the opening. 

     “If we start now,” she unfolded the map and ran her finger along the paper to track their approximate location, “we can make it back to town by nightfall. From there we can rest and catch the first flight to my family home.”

     “Don’t you want to rest a bit more? You’ve been walking for hours, maybe you should sleep a bit longer,” Wednesday was already throwing the sheets off her body and planting her feet on the floor. “The sun’s barely up yet!” 

     “I thought you of all people would be ecstatic to get back to civilization.” She snarked as she kneeled to the ground to gather all the miscellaneous herbs spread across the floor. “I’m sure you’ve missed your ear-splitting music and nauseating wardrobe choices.” 

     Wednesday turned around to see Enid looking down at her fidgeting hands with a solemn expression. 

     “Yeah. I really do. I didn’t realize how much I took stuff like that for granted. Until I didn’t have it anymore, y’know?”  Her teeth tugged at the skin of her lips nervously. When their eyes met once more, Wednesday saw the dark look stirring in the others’ again. 

     “I can get you there faster in my wolf form. I’ll take you as close as possible but,” she suddenly rose from the chair, grabbing the nearly empty bowl of berries from the nightstand and making a beeline to the kitchen. “I can’t go back with you. It’s too dangerous.” 

     Wednesday’s eyes harden and in an instant she’s on her feet, marching to the kitchen area. Enid turns away from the counter and is startled by the sudden closeness. 

     “Too dangerous? I just spent the better half of three years sauntering through the wilderness looking for you. That’s dangerous. Your only job is to follow me back and stay human long enough to get through TSA.”

     Despite her petite frame reaching just above her chin, Enid shrunk under her gaze. She backed against the counter and gripped it hard enough to make the wood creak. 

     “It’s not that simple Wednesday, I can’t- it won’t work. I won’t be able to keep it together- I know it-“

     “How? This is your first time shifting back, how would you know? Unless you aren’t being truthful…” 

     “I just know alright!” Enid’s voice came out in a deep bestial growl, rumbling the flimsy cabin walls hard enough to knock one of the decaying picture frames down, shattering onto the floor. A ring of gold flared in her eyes briefly before it was once again overtaken by blue. Her hands release the counter and she let out a soft gasp, sidestepping Wednesday’s rigid stance and rushing to the broken glass.

     “Oh god, I’m sorry,” She kicked the glass frantically into a corner with her bare feet. “I’m so sorry, Wednesday. I-”

     She took a deep, calming breath, feeling the wolf rear its head from the passenger of her mind. She planted her hands on the wall and closed her eyes before starting again.

     “We’re not the same anymore. My wolf and I. We used to be one, two halves of a whole. But since that night, we’ve been…splitting. Farther and farther apart. She doesn’t listen to me. She’s impulsive, arrogant, violent-” She rested her forehead against the dry, dark wood. “You don’t know how much it means to me that you came all this way, after all this time, to keep your promise. But, this isn’t going to just go away. It’s why all alphas end up alone. No self-control.”

     She finally got the courage to turn from the wall, ready to face whatever Wednesday had to say. Instead of the cautious distance she was expecting, she was standing in front of her with her perfect posture and hands clasped in front of her. Her face gave nothing away per usual, but Enid could hear her heart beating only slightly faster than normal. Finally the silence is broken by a soft sigh.

     “Okay then,” Wednesday kept her voice leveled and monotone, “we stay out here a few more days until we can come up with a solution. After that I’ll at the very least have to go back to the park to update Thing and Agnes, and to restock supplies.” 

     Enid’s jaw dropped slightly, unable to keep the shocked expression from her face. “Wednesday, no- you don’t have to stay. It isn’t safe out here…with me.”

     Her brown eyes darkened and her eye twitched as her sharp tone cut through the air.

     “I assure you I am perfectly capable of handling myself. And contrary to what you think…there’s no one I trust to keep me safe more than you. You’ve proven yourself to me a thousand times over.” She said curtly before turning and walking back to the old mattress. 

     “Do try to keep the noise down.” She said as she slid her legs under the old sheets and laid across the mattress, arms crossed over her chest in her natural corpse-like manner.

     Enid, still stunned in her spot near the opposite side of the cabin, lets out a quiet breath she didn’t know she was holding. It took a few more seconds of staring at Wednesday in disbelief before she let out a soft scoff, gathering her wits and turning to tend to the now dying fire. 

Chapter Text

     Wednesday wasn’t an idiot. She knew that Enid must’ve seen things- experienced things- that led to the deep distrust she had grown for herself. While she tried not to pry, not wanting to overwhelm Enid and scare her back into her wolf form, she couldn’t begin to help her learn to control her wolf if she didn’t have all of the pieces.  Slowly blinking awake, Wednesday’s olfactory sense is flooded with the smell of charred, burning meat. 

      My favorite.

     She sat up in bed and standing in front of the wood burning stove, frantically looking over her shoulder is Enid, draped in a white sheet fiddling with the objects in front of her.

     “Uh, I got you some food, but uh- I’m not so used to cooking food anymore so…it’s a little burnt.” She turned toward her with a bowl full of dark, charred meat.

     Wednesday took the bowl from her hands stoically, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. “It’s fine, Enid. That’s how I prefer it.”

     Enid beamed at the approval. “Of course it is.”

     She dropped to the ground in front of her, crisscrossing her legs grinning up at her. Wednesday looked at Enid’s empty hands questioningly. 

     “Aren’t you going to eat?” she asked in a serious tone.

     “Oh! I-,” her tongue darted out the corner of her mouth where Wednesday now noticed the fresh red stain. “I already ate, don’t worry about me.” She huffed in what seemed like amusement.

     That same mischievous glint in her eyes as when she told her of her vision. A prideful aura emanated from Enid each time she mentioned a kill. The same Enid who used to faint at the very sight of blood. It didn’t bother Wednesday of course, it would be one of the few things the girls had in common. But because of the circumstances, she can’t help but wonder what pushed Enid so far past her fear. Who pushed her past her fear, and turned it into a boast-worthy sport for the once timid wolf. She enjoyed the first few bites in silence while Enid sat quietly at her feet leaning back against her extended arms. After a few minutes of nothing but the birds chirping outside and the crackling of the fire, Wednesday spoke up.

     “So,” she reached for the cup of water on the bedside and took a quick sip before setting it down, “your wolf. What is it like?” 

     Enid visibly tensed, as expected. She looked up through her lashes making eye contact with her. “Just like me. Kind of…” 

     Her knees tucked under her chin and she wrapped her arms around her legs. “We like most of the same things. We used to get along just fine, but then…,” She let out a heavy sigh and lifted her head away from her knees.

      “For normal werewolves, the human and the wolf are one. Two halves of a whole. One psyche, one body, one spirit, two forms. For Alphas, it's different. Two psyches, two spirits, two forms, and still one body.” Her blue eyes, previously focused on Wednesday’s knees, now locked onto her dark brown ones, wide and unblinking. “Ever since that night, we’ve been fighting each other for control. And every time, the wolf wins. Even now, I only have the body back because she allowed it. We might’ve gotten along well enough in the past, but she’s made it clear that we are not one. Not anymore,” her voice trailed off into a whisper. 

     “Your body, Enid.” The watery blue eyes soften as her lip trembles. “You were in there long before any wolf.”

     She leaned in slightly closer to the dark blonde, eyes never leaving hers. “Though, it seems like you’ve learned quite a bit more information about your status since we last spoke. Care to share how you came across your knowledge ?”

     Enid’s shoulders tense once more as her eyes flicker to the window with a distant look in her eye. “I’m not the only Alpha out there, you know? I’ve met another…”

     Her voice grew impossibly soft and a deep frown settled on her face as her knees dropped from her arms, spreading out in front of her and her arms returned to the space beside her, propping herself up.

     “He tried to help me in his own way. Take me in. Show me how to live with this curse, but I…I couldn’t help myself.” Her eyes, filled with unshed tears, fell from the window and to her hand, gripping the wooden boards below her. 

     Wednesday waited in silence, careful not to move and disrupt the air of truth that had settled in the room. Then, without warning, the frown on Enid’s face contorted into a devious, wolfish grin as her claws elongated from her human hand.

     “I tore him apart. It was-” her head snapped toward her. This time, dark brown eyes met gold with barely a few flecks of blue in them. “God, it was beautiful, Wednesday! You would’ve loved it. He really thought he could control me. Me.” 

     She threw her head back, fangs now on display as she cackled. Wednesday inhaled sharply, tensing her body to refrain from jerking back, but unable to stop the bewildered look in her eyes.  

     “I admit I was desperate! I just needed some guidance and I figured the old wolf could use a friend but…I guess alphas don’t really mix well. He taught me all about being an alpha. How it’s a curse from the moon. Two beings fighting over one body. But he learned to ‘control’ it. And he wanted to teach me too.”

     Her grin softened for the first time since the golden hue consumed her iris. 

     “He wanted to make a pack. With me. But I told him- I said I already have a pack.” Her voice melted into an airy whisper and her eyes pooling with admiration. “And that she promised to find me, and I knew she wouldn’t stop until she did.”

     Wednesday felt her stomach flip at the way Enid looked at her, a feeling she didn’t recognize. Is this intimidation feels like?

     “And y’know I- she had her doubts but- deep down I knew and-,” she huffed, averting her gaze. “He didn’t take too kindly to being told no.” the sardonic smirk creeped back onto her face. “And I don’t take too kindly to threats.”

     “Oh Wends, if you were there! You would’ve been so proud!” The wolf squealed and before she could brace for impact, she was being tackled back into the mattress.

     She felt the air leave her lungs as arms tightened around her. Her skin prickled at the unexpected embrace, but she remained stiff as she processed the new information. She never thought she’d see the day her friend, who couldn’t even stand the sight of crime scene photos, reveling in the glory of a slaughter. Surprising didn’t even begin to describe it. After a few seconds she felt Enid push herself away with inhuman speed.

      “Sorry! I didn't- she didn’t- she forgot to ask-”

     “It’s fine, Enid.” She kept her voice neutral and even. She searched her eyes, noticing the golden irises bleeding back into their natural blue. 

     Enid, now back in her original spot in front of Wednesday, remained standing this time. She clasped her hands in front of her, fiddling with them nervously.

     “I know he wasn’t a saint but…he was the only one who could help me. And it’s thanks to him that I know what I know now.” A scowl inched its way onto her mouth and she abruptly crossed her arms. “And I don’t feel bad for him, he was a prick. But he was just like me. Alone.”

     Wednesday rose from the bed and found Enid’s gaze. “You’re nothing like him. He was a waste of a life who got what he deserved. And you were right, I am proud of you. All of you.” 

     The blonde felt her eyes flash gold as her wolf preened at the compliment. 

     “And, I believe he was lying, or at the very least not telling the whole truth.” She stepped around Enid and toward the window, a dull grey light illuminating through the glass as the sunlight fought to be seen through the grey clouds. “He’s only one alpha out of who knows how many. His story is not every alpha’s story and it most certainly won’t be yours.”

     She turned to meet Enid’s gaze once more. 

      “Now, would you mind accompanying me on a walk?” The dazed look in her eyes vanished and was replaced with an excited glint. 

     “Say less, I’ve been needing to stretch my legs for the past hour.” She groaned as Wednesday laced her boots up. 

========================================================

     “What does it feel like? When the wolf is speaking?”

     They had stopped their walk at the stream near the cabin. The pink and orange hues of the sun-setting sky peeked through the thick grey clouds. Wednesday sat on a cold rock alongside the stream while Enid balanced on the rocks submerged just below the rushing current, barefoot. She paused her attempts at skipping rocks across the water, a skill she didn’t have pre- transformation and that certainly hadn’t improved after spending the better half of 3 years with paws instead of hands.

     “Are you aware when it’s happening? Or does it leave gaps in your memory?” 

     Wednesday’s gaze remained focused on the shallow, rushing water in front of her, but she could feel Enid’s gaze turn to her.

     “It’s not like that. It’s more like…” her eyes wandered to the sky in thought for a moment. “You know that feeling when-when you’re driving a car! And out of nowhere you just… you wonder what would happen if you-”

     Her hands waved in front of her animatedly, capturing Wednesday’s attention. She mimicked her grip on a steering wheel veering off the road then threw her hands up to simulate an explosion.

     “But with the wolf it’s like…thinking about driving off the road but before you realize how terrible the thought is, you’re already rolling headfirst into a ditch.” Her animated eyes widened like a puppy and her shoulders sagged as she whimpered. “And then, by the time I realize what I- what she did, it’s up to me to fix it. Like how is that even fair!?”

     She hopped from one rock to another and crouched to the water, soaking the bottom of her sheet- attire. She hugged her knees and looked up at Wednesday with puppy dog eyes. 

     “My mentor, he told me the curse of an alpha is never being in harmony with your wolf, but it’s not like that with us. The only thing we ever really fight over is the body but when she’s here…” the deep blue in the center of her irises made way for flecks of gold. “I’m right there with her.” 

     “That’s what I meant when I said we’re just alike. She doesn’t do anything I haven’t imagined before. But I imagine them for a reason. She doesn’t understand that- it’s always ‘do’ first ‘think’ later with that mutt-“

     Her eyes flare gold and she suddenly whips her head to the side and lets out a sharp, unexpected bark. 

     “Ah! I hate that word!” She groaned and threw hands to her ears. “It makes me feel like a wild animal.” 

     Wednesday watched the display with an analytical eye. She took note of each abrupt movement. The way she flowed seamlessly between the ‘human’ and ‘wolf’. How, despite the apparent conflict within, it wasn’t as if there was a stranger living inside her friend’s head, but a piece of her that’s been there all along. The same stomach churning glint she’d grown to appreciate in blue shined in the golden eyes of ‘the wolf’. It only confirmed what the psychic knew the second she laid eyes on the blonde wolf for the first time in years. That there was no ‘human’ and ‘wolf’. That there was only Enid. Her pure hearted friend who, after years of repression and manipulation and who knows what else, had begun to fray under the stress. Wednesday stared at her, unblinking. 

     “Enid, can you handle hearing my thoughts on the matter at this moment?” 

     Enid huffed as she ran her fingers through the cold water. “Lay it on me detective.” 

     Ignoring the ridiculous nickname, the brunette continued. 

     “I believe your ‘wolf’ is simply a personified manifestation of your primal instincts as a werewolf. Capri told me that what makes an alpha stronger than the average wolf is their connection to the moon. It takes the power of a full moon to completely align a werewolf with its wolf form, but for you, and other alphas alike, the alignment seems to be constant. Your outbursts, newfound appreciation for carnage, and inability to control your form isn’t a curse. Your baser instincts are overriding your logical thought process. Impulse control.” 

     Enid hung onto every word, taking in the new possibility. It makes sense. 

     “The simplest solution would be to learn self control, but given the little documented information we know about alphas, something tells me it’s not that easy. Especially now that your mind, presumably under the stress of your situation, has separated the two.” Wednesday stood from the rock and brushed the dirt off her pants. 

     “But you were right, Enid. This isn’t just going to go away. We will work on your self-control, but being out here…” she scanned the surrounding area. 

     Trees, white little anthills of melting snow, the chirping of birds. Normally it would be the ideal setting for a mental retreat. But normally, said person on the mental retreat wouldn’t have to worry about being hunted and killed by their peers and other outcasts for a bounty. 

     “This isn’t the place for you. We will head back to the park tomorrow and I’ll make some phone calls. You need a safe place to master your affliction for lack of a better word.” 

     Enid stood from her crouched position and hopped back onto land with nymph-like grace, dragging the sopping wet sheet across the bank. The psychic turned her body to face the approaching wolf. The look on the blonde’s face was a mix of conflicting emotions. 

     “That may be true, Wednesday, but…” she let out a sigh before continuing, “if I leave- if I go back with you, there’s no guarantee that I’ll ever be normal again.” Her voice trailed off into a delicate whisper as she stepped closer, holding the brown eyes in her gaze. 

     “You don’t know how I get when I’m all riled up- the things I do. I’ll hurt someone- I could hurt you. I don’t think… I couldn’t handle that. I’d rather stay stuck as a wolf on the run then risk anything happening to you because of me.” 

     Wednesday didn’t know how to label the feeling swirling in her gut at the moment, but she recognized the feeling the wolf was conveying. It was the same way she felt when she was first stricken with visions of Enid’s death at Nevermore. Seeing Enid so desperate for help but too scared to accept it left a spark of anger in her. Of all people, she was the last person who deserved this life. Forced into a corner, scared and alone, left with no choice. The brunette exhaled sharply, her lips morphing into a scowl. 

     “I’m not some damsel in distress and you couldn’t hurt me if you tried. As for the rest of the world, there’s plenty of monsters in it doing enough damage and you, Enid Sinclair, are not one of them. And you forget, you’re not alone anymore. I’m here. And I’ll be more than happy to keep you in check if you’re overtaken by your primal instincts.”  

     The blonde still held an unsure look in her eyes , but Wednesday knew she had gotten her point across. 

     “Come. Let’s get back to the cabin and rest. We have quite the journey ahead of us tomorrow.” 

     And with that, Wednesday marched her way back toward the cabin. Enid watched her walk away for a few moments, speechless. She knew Wednesday wouldn’t just give up, not because of their friendship but because once she set her mind to something there was no changing it. With a final huff she ran to catch up to Wednesday.

Chapter Text

     When Wednesday woke up the next morning, the first things she noticed were the old sheets piled on top of her and Enid’s absence. They had returned to the cabin the evening before in thoughtful silence, Enid, reflecting on Wednesday’s theory about her wolf, and Wednesday, thinking of the most efficient way to get an unstable, wanted werewolf from the Canadian wilderness to her family manor in New Jersey. That night, they bickered about who would take the crusty old mattress for the night, the brunette insisting the wolf take it for a long overdue rest. 

     'You haven’t slept properly since I’ve arrived, don’t think I haven’t noticed.’ She said sternly with her arms crossed over her chest. ‘Take the bed. I need to stay up to plan our route for tomorrow anyway.”

     ‘Wends! You’re still recovering! And I know these woods like the back of my hand, you don’t need to stay up.” The blonde whined. 

     ‘You know I’m a fast healer and the tonic you gave me cleared up any residual injuries. Now rest.’

     And that was the end of it. Enid had reluctantly laid down on the dusty mattress while Wednesday made herself comfortable in front of the fire. So, waking up now, tucked into the bed she intended for the wolf, the same wolf that was currently nowhere to be found, it was irritating to say the least. With gritted teeth and fire in her chest, Wednesday threw the sheets off and shoved her feet into her boots, not bothering to lace them up before she slammed the cabin door open. As soon as the chilled air hit her skin she scanned the surrounding woods, looking for any indication of where the wolf could’ve gone. With no guiding signs, the psychic let out a frustrated grunt before gathering her breath. 

     “ENID!” 

     Her voice echoed through the air, disrupting a nearby flock of birds. Silence filled the space and her lips trembled with anger. An unfamiliar feeling flooded her gut and her brow creased and she came to a startling realization. 

     She abandoned me. Left me here without saying a word. 

     Her thoughts were swarming as she tried grappling with the newfound feeling. She was only shaken out of her own mind when she heard thunderous paws pounding against the wet terrain. Charging toward her, with a wild boar hanging from her jaw, was Enid with radiant gold eyes. Back in her wolf form, the dark blonde wolf skidded to a clumsy halt just before Wednesday’s feet dropping the boar in front of her. 

     Wednesday, still reeling from the flurry of strange new emotions, stood dumbfounded. The wolf whimpered in front of her, tilting her head before leaning in to sniff the brunette for any injuries. The sniffling sounds were enough to knock her out of her daze and with both hands she pushed the wolf away. Enid let out a high pitched whine when Wednesday shot her a look that could kill. Wordlessly, she turned sharply on her heels, marching back into the cabin with Enid hot on her heels. 

      Ignoring the wolf hovering behind her like a shadow, Wednesday grabbed the open leather bag on the floor and started shoving the miscellaneous supply scattered across the room with more force than necessary. She pretended not to hear the wolf’s quiet whimpers when she sat on the bed and pulled her boot laces tight enough to squeeze her calves. Finally, she looked up to see big blue eyes, wide and watery, waiting to be acknowledged. 

     “Are you able to change back ?” Her voice came out cold and monotonous. 

     The wolf only whined louder, laying her ears flat on her head.

     “Whatever. You’ll just have to stay like that until we make it to town. Hopefully by then the rest of your brain is working.” She hissed sharply, snatching her bag off the ground and stomping out the door.

     In her path was the dead boar carcass, still warm with life, blood still leaking. Wednesday felt Enid weave past her and behind the boar. Drops of gold diluted the blue once more as she yipped and used her muzzle to push the boar closer to the girl.

     “I’m. Not. Hungry.” she deadpanned and averted her path to continue her stride.

      Behind her, she heard Enid’s whines fade the further she walked. She didn’t need to turn around to know Enid was sitting in protest. It reminded Wednesday of Nevermore, how whenever her roommate had a bad day she would storm into the room and plop onto her bed with a dramatic sigh. Exactly how she was now, plopped on the ground next to the boar, whining and huffing. Wednesday didn’t dare turn around to be bombarded with her infamous puppy dog eyes that she swore never affected her. 

     “If I get hungry, I will find something later. Now let’s go.” She grunted out, growing more frustrated.

      Instead of listening, Enid inhaled then let out a deep resounding bark. And Wednesday, she felt like she was finally going insane. Because despite hearing the bark cut through the cold air and feeling it rumble the ground beneath her feet, her brain comprehended something else.

     I’m sorry.

     Her shoulder tensed and her breath trembled as plumes of frost dissolved from her lips and into the air. Her jaw clenched and her teeth gritted together as she gathered her thoughts.

     “You left without saying anything.” She turned swiftly and made quick strides toward the wolf. “What if something happened out there and I didn’t know? What would I tell Thing and Agnes?” 

     Enid’s eyes looked like two yellow-gold full moons and her whimpers grew quiet. Wednesday stopped in front of her, clenching her fists at her sides. 

     “Not to mention, now you’re stuck in your wolf form again. We haven’t even started the process of mastering your instincts. The goal was to keep you human until we got to the manor.”

     Instead of breaking into another fit of whines and whimpers like Wednesday expected, the wolf let out a slow huff and nuzzled the top of her head into her chest. Wednesday didn’t move, instead she tightened her core and clenched her fists tighter, willing herself not to move. It felt like another apology.

      Reluctantly, the brunette loosened her fist and after another moment, she couldn’t resist bringing her hand up and resting it gently on the back of Enid’s fluffy neck.

      “It doesn’t matter now.” Her voice is only slightly gentler than her typical monotone. “You’re here and we have 11 hours of daylight left. We need to leave now if we want to make the most of it.” 

     Enid pulled her head away and silently turned her back to Wednesday, crouching to the ground. The psychic’s jaw ticked in annoyance, her previous empathy fading. 

     “Now is not the time for games, Enid. Walk. Before I make you.”

      The wolf huffed softly, then tiptoed backwards crouching lower to the ground. Wednesday stared at the wolf as if deciphering a code. It didn’t take long for her to figure out what the wolf was hinting at. 

     “Absolutely not.” She crossed her arms stubbornly. “I refuse to ride a werewolf through the forest like some children's book. It’s beneath me, and you for that matter.”

     The wolf huffed in what sounded like amusement. This time, she took an entire step back, kicking Wednesday’s legs from under her. The brunette was met with a mouthful of fur. She had no choice, but to wrap her arms around the wolf’s furry neck as Enid immediately rose from the ground and took off, presumably in the direction of the nearest national park. Wednesday’s grip tightened as she pulled herself up to reach Enid’s ear.

     “If you tell anyone about this, I’ll drag you back to these woods and finish the job myself.”

     Enid yipped in what sounded like her own wolfish version of laughter as she darted through the trees.

=========================

     The girls arrived at the national park site as the early evening encroached with 3 hours of daylight to spare. Wednesday was already dreading the amount of human interaction she would have to endure to gather what she needed around town. Unfortunately for both of them, Enid was still in her wolf with no clue how to turn back.

     “You’ll have to stay here while I handle some business. You don’t have a passport and we don’t know what triggers your transformation, so a plane is out of the question. I’ll call Uncle Fester to see if he has any connections that can get us across the border as soon as possible. You stay here and focus on changing back. Try concentrating on the things you miss about your human life. Perhaps now that you’ve changed back once it’ll be easier.” 

     Wednesday turned and walked a few steps toward the national park campsite in the distance. Before she got too far she stopped in her tracks and turned to the wolf again. 

     “And Enid,” she creeped closer with a dark glint in her eye. “Don’t even think about running away. I don’t care if you see a deer or a tennis ball. Control it. I won’t come looking for you again.”

     They both caught the lie as it left her mouth, but she didn’t dare acknowledge it. Enid remained where she was, eyes blue sprinkled with gold, and her tail wagging in confirmation. And with that, Wednesday took off into the park. 

     Enid started growing impatient after 30 minutes. It’s as if the more she tries to relax, the more riled up she gets. She stood in her wolf form, muzzle pointing to the air as she took slow, deep breaths. She tried to listen to the songbird chirps from the trees and the sound of the wind rustling through trees, but alas nothing worked.

     Where is Wednesday? Shouldn’t she be back by now? She grumbled in her mind. Don’t rush her. She’ll probably be on her way back soon. She reasoned with herself.

     Pulling herself from her thoughts, Enid refocused on her surroundings, deeply inhaling. Only this time, she caught a new scent in the air. A familiar scent that took any mental progress she made crushed it under its boot. She couldn’t return to her previous task, because the scent coming from the direction of the park sparks a flame in her gut. Her eyes shifted to solid gold as that flame in her gut ran through her spine and into her skull. Her bones cracked and contorted as she dug her fingers into the substrate, panting and groaning.

     The dangerous scent persisted as she stood naked in the woods. The smell sent memories hurling through her brain. The most prominent one being fiery hot pain in her shoulder from a wound that had long been healed. That same scent was here once again, coming from the national park just beyond the trees in front her.

     The park where Wednesday is.

     Her golden eyes shone like a beacon as she took off in the direction of the camp. 

==========================

     “I need a list of all the bus routes in the area.” Wednesday stood in front of the bored looking ranger behind the information desk. 

     He sighed and reached into a drawer beside him before pulling out a pamphlet. 

     “Buses are done for the day.” he said exasperatedly as he handed her the pamphlet. “First one comes to the main road over yonder…” he lazily points in the general direction of the road. “at 10 a.m.”

     Wednesday stared blankly at the man, silently respecting the lack of enthusiasm. She walked out the log cabin while unfolding the pamphlet, searching for her destination. After her phone call with Thing via Morse Code, her phone call with Uncle Fester had solved one problem only to present a new one.

     ‘I need help getting Enid across the Canadian border without drawing too much attention. She’s in a fragile state, so we can’t risk any unnecessary…hiccups,’ She said hastily into the receiver of the old rotary phone.

     ‘Oh! I know just the guy! Sebastian can smuggle you right across. And you already have the perfect cover story, it’s genius!’

      ‘...What cover story?” 

     ‘Oh yeah! Sebastian works with the bounty hunters that supply the exotic creature business. Very lucrative, but Sebby owes me a few favors. I’ll give him a call and let him know you’re coming. He’ll probably be at the Silver Dollar Saloon tomorrow at noon, not too far from where you are now. I hear alpha wolves go for top dollar lately.’ He cackled into the phone before abruptly hanging up.

     It left Wednesday with an uneasy feeling in her stomach. Enid was already stuck in her wolf form again, so to put her under more duress? It was like asking for disaster.

     But what other option is there? 

     She stood in front of the park information board as she committed the bus routes to memory. The Silver Dollar Saloon was located in a small town, an hour by bus from the park. They’d take the first bus at 10 AM and with any luck, they’ll be on their way to the manor by tomorrow night. Tucking the pamphlet into her inner coat pocket, Wednesday turned on her heels, starting the trek back to the woods where she left Enid. As she turns the corner, she runs face first into a warm chest, almost losing her balance and falling backwards, only to be caught by both forearms and yanked upright. 

     “Howdy roomie!”

      Standing in front of her with death grip on both her arms was Enid, who was now dressed in skin tight jean shorts that clung to her thighs and a yellow crop top that constricted the muscles in her arms, shoulders, and back, revealing her toned stomach. Her long wavy, faded hair was tied into a bun with several locks coming loose from the tie. And finally, the cherry on top, her eyes golden and wide with not a speck of blue in them. Wednesday had never seen the girl like this before. The wild look in the wolf’s eye made her nauseous as her prominent fangs glinted in the setting sun. 

      “Enid what-what are you wearing?” 

      Enid gasped and dropped her arms as she stepped back and did a spin. “Wha- what’s wrong? Don’t you like it?” she pouted.

      Wednesday felt her mouth go dry at the wolf’s demeanor.

      “Enid, you’re supposed to be keeping a low profile. What about this gives a low profile?” She scolded, reluctantly grabbing Enid’s wrist and pulling her further behind the building she bombarded her from behind. 

     “You should be lucky I’m wearing clothes at all. That’s why I hate this form, nothing fits it anymore.” She whimpered while tugging at the collar of the shirt. Wednesday’s eye twitches at the comment, making a mental note.

     By now, the sun had begun setting again and a chill had settled over the evening. It’s below 30 degrees and she looks like she’s on her way to a bodybuilding competition. Wednesday took a deep breath as her eyes wandered down her legs and to her bare feet, covered in dirt. 

     “Don’t say a word and keep your head down.” She gritted between clenched teeth. “There’s a lodge on the other side of the park. We’re getting a room for the night.” She turned and marched back toward the park.

     Enid squealed as she skipped to Wednesday’s side and took her hand into hers.

     “This is so exciting! It’s just like old times! If only Thing were here-”

     “Enid!” Wednesday abruptly stopped walking and squeezed the wolf’s hand in a bone crushing grip. “Not. A. Word.” 

     “Oh! Yeah…okay shutting up.” She mimed a zipper across her lips and threw an imaginary key over her shoulder.

     Hands still interlocked, Wednesday strode across the park, dragging Enid behind her, ignoring the questioning looks of the few campers between the various shops located in the park. She spotted the lodge in the distance and hastened her steps.

     “Excuse me!”

     They both stopped suddenly as a deep stern voice rumbled behind them. For the first time, Enid’s own hand constricted Wednesday’s, her claws digging into her skin. The psychic wriggled her hand out of her grip, sensing the wolf’s swing in emotion. Slowly, she turned to face the owner of the voice. A tall, burly man stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest. His dark, curly hair peeked out of brown hat and he wore a grim, tense expression. An expression that was only enhanced by the four prominent claw marks running from the left side of his forehead, across his nose, and down the right side of his chin and neck. Enid turned around even slower, eyes on the floor, and her arm pressed against Wednesday’s shoulder. The man’s arms loosened from the fold and fell to his sides.

     “Can we help you, Ranger...” her dark eyes fell to the golden tag pinned on his brown coat. “Paxton.”

     Her dark eyes darted back up to meet his, but his dark eyes were already on Enid, who still hadn’t looked up. 

     “A few visitors came to me with some…concerns. Said a young lady was running through the park dressed for the wrong season.” His eyes bore into Enid as her fists clenched beside her. “Miss, are you feeling alright? There’s a shop in town where you can get some warmer clothes.”

     “She’s fine.” Wednesday had started growing tired of the situation. She crossed her arms in front of her and scowled. “Perhaps you and the rest of the visitors should mind your own business.”

      Instead of acknowledging the brunette, he took a step closer as he put his hand on his belt buckle. “Are you in any trouble, miss?”

     Enid’s arm suddenly darted over Wednesday’s shoulders, pulling her closer to her side. Wednesday could feel the rumbling low growl emanating from her chest. 

     “She. Is. Fine.” The psychic grabbed the warm hand dangling over her shoulder and wrenched it off. “And we are leaving now.”

     She took Enid’s wrist into her hand and turned back toward the lodge. A second later they were stopped in their tracks once more by Ranger Paxton.

     “Miss, have we met before?”

     Looking at Enid’s face for the first time since the ranger approached, Wednesday watched a wicked grin contort her face, sharp canines revealed. She turned to peak over her shoulder, only her right eye and fang visible as the night cast a dark shadow over her face.

     “I dunno. Do I look familiar?” 

     Meeting her partial gaze, the ranger’s stern face faltered as his eyes widened slightly. He didn’t have any time to react as Wednesday was already dragging Enid toward the lodge. They entered the cozy cabin a few minutes later. There was an obvious tension between them, Wednesday with questions running rampant in her brain, and Enid, acting oblivious to the aftermath of the interaction. Wednesday released her wrist as they approached the kind looking woman at the front desk. 

     “We need a room for the night.” she deadpanned.

      The woman’s posture straightened and a smile brightened on her face. Her gaze trailed to the wolf beside her and the bright smile wavered, taking in her appearance.

     “Uh- sure thing! We’re pretty booked up right now so we only have-”

     “Fine.” The psychic pulled a wad of cash out of her inner coat pocket, plucked two-one hundred dollar bills from the stack, and slid them across the desk. “Will this suffice?”

     The woman nodded with a tight smile on her lips. “Uh we have a store here in the lodge, maybe you can get something a little bit..” her eyes flickered to Enid again. “Warmer?” 

     “Oh I’m fine actually!-”

     “Enid.”

     The wolf yelped and looked down at the floor again. Wednesday remained staring at the woman. “We’ll have a look later.”

Chapter Text

     “So are you going to tell me what’s going on or am I going to have to pay Ranger Paxton another visit?”

     Wednesday had just closed the door behind them before starting her interrogation. Enid had anticipated the line of questioning, of course, but she hadn’t decided yet whether telling the psychic the entire story would be wise. 

      “He’s just an old friend, don’t waste your time.” Enid wandered further into the room, touching everything in her path from the bed comforter, to the lap shade, to the dark wooden desk in the corner. 

      “An old friend? Those claw marks across his face look real friendly.” The brunette said, dropping her bag onto the chair beside the door then following Enid around the room. 

      The room was small, but cozy. The interior was designed to mimic a cabin, with wood paneled walls and warm lighting. On the far wall was a large window providing a view of the woodsy landscape outside. There was a door next to the desk that was tucked into the corner, presumably leading to the bathroom. Pressed against the center of the left wall was a single, queen sized bed, with stark white bedding. 

      “Wednesday, you don’t have to worry about him. I live in the woods for crying out loud, I’m bound to befriend a ranger or two.” She turned to her with a bright smile on her face. “Are you hungry? I’m pretty hungry. I’m gonna go get us some food.”

     She tried weaving her way past Wednesday only for her grip to return to her arm. 

     “You’re not going anywhere. Stay right here and I will get us something to eat.” Her cutting gaze ran down Enid’s body. “And some new clothes.” 

     This time, Enid actually felt self conscious. Sure, she had grown to feel uncomfortable in her human body when she was in a primal headspace. She was a wolf after all. So much stronger, braver, when she was in her wolf form. But being here now, under Wednesday’s disapproving gaze, it’s like a dagger in her heart. A new feeling of discomfort that she hadn’t thought was possible. 

     “Oh…yeah. Well I’ll be here. I’ve missed hot water more than anything, so I think I’ll…” she nodded her head toward the bathroom. 

     Wednesday’s eyes searched hers for a moment more, glare only slightly softening,  before nodding slightly and walking out the door. Enid let out a loud sigh before walking into the bathroom. 

=========================

     Wednesday sat in a booth, waiting for her to-go order to be called from the diner counter located inside the lodge. By her side was a paper bag, filled with new clothes for both her and Enid, and a new pair of shoes for Enid. Her mind wandered, thinking back to her earlier interaction with the girl. She’s lying, obviously. Ranger Paxton looked like he was seeing a ghost when she finally met his gaze. 

     She didn’t want to admit it, but she hated being on this side of a problem. Usually, it was her keeping secrets from Enid to protect her. Now, the tables had turned and Wednesday felt like she was walking aimlessly in the dark. She was pulled from her thoughts by someone approaching her booth. She looked up only to be met with a stern look and claw marks. 

     “Ranger Paxton. Twice in an hour. It must be my unlucky day.” Wednesday snarked, meeting his glare with one equally as daunting. 

     “I don’t mean to intrude but…do you mind if I take a seat?” His rough, scratchy voice permeated through the quiet diner. 

     “I do, actually.” Her glare remained, unwavering. 

      He held her gaze as if trying to intimidate the girl, but Wednesday Addams was not one to back down. Eventually, accepting defeat, he sighed heavily and dropped his eyes to the floor. 

     “Listen, miss. I’m only bothering you because I’m concerned. That…woman you’re with. How well do you know each other?” 

      Like earlier, his hand went to his belt buckle, as if indicating some kind of authority. Wednesday watched with an analytical eye. 

     “I’m failing to see how that’s any of your business.” 

     “I’m-“ his voice rose, catching the attention of the few other patrons of the diner. His eyes darted around, waiting for their attention to turn back to their food or companions. “I’m trying to save your life, miss. That-that woman you’re with is no woman. She’s dangerous.” 

     Wednesday stared in silence. She had half a mind to continue the conversation. ‘If Enid won’t tell me, he surely will’ she said to herself. But the thought was quickly dismissed, for she didn’t want to betray the wolf’s trust, even if she was currently under the influence of her primal instincts. Her escape came when the waitress called her order number from the counter. Wordlessly, she grabbed the paper bag from beside her and began making her way over. She was stopped by a firm grip on her upper arm. A grip that not only prevented her from getting her food, but sent an ice cold chill down her spine, snapping her neck back and hurling her head first into a vision. 

     One moment she’s in the diner, the next she’s standing in the woods, a full moon illuminating the scene before her. Her gaze immediately falls to the scene playing out in front of her. On one side, there’s Ranger Paxton, face free from any claw marks or dark glare. Instead, he seems distraught, tears brimming his eyes. On the other side, a wolf, but not her wolf. Its fur was a reddish brown that was only enhanced by the full moonlight accompanied by dark brown, almost black eyes. The wolf, while smaller than Enid, was just as viscous and capable of tearing its opponents apart. 

     “Y-you lied to me you-“ Paxton’s eyes had finally begun spilling with tears. “You’re a monster.” 

     To this the wolf grinned, devilishly, unempathetically. Without hesitation, the wolf lunged from its place, tackling Paxton to the ground. Its claws dug into his torso torturously as he screamed in agony. The wolf opened its brown maw, ready to sink its teeth into his neck when suddenly, a flash of blonde is tackling the brown off of the injured man. Enid. 

     The brown wolf skidded across the floor, while Enid watched from her spot in front of Paxton, who was rapidly losing consciousness. Enid snarled and growled ferociously as the brown wolf regained its footing. Wednesday prepared herself for another bloody brawl, one that she could stomach this time around, knowing the outcome. However, instead of a clash of teeth and claws, the brown wolf bowed, lowering its body to the ground with a pitiful whine. Enid didn’t let up though, her growls rumbling loud enough to shake the trees in what almost looked like an earthquake. The brown wolf was now rolled over, belly up, indicating its complete submission. Then, Enid let out a loud stomach dropping bark. Loud enough to force any surrounding animals out of their hiding spots, scattering deeper into the woods. Loud enough to be heard for miles, frightening any camper in the area. Loud enough to force the brown wolf out of its position and to send it running deep into the shadows. 

     Enid turned to the now unconscious body of Ranger Paxton. Blood soaked through his shirt from the deep claw punctures in either side of his torso. Immediately, Enid picked his limp body up off the ground and sprinted in the direction of the nearest town. 

     Wednesday is suddenly thrown into another scene. This time, the sun is only just setting, the moon nothing more than a thin crescent in the orange/blue sky. Ranger Paxton stood in the woods once again, this time with a neutral expression on his face. 

     “I know you’re out here. I’ve been seeing you on the trail cameras.” He waltzed further into the woods, an air of confidence surrounding him. “I just want to talk to you.” 

      He’s startled by the sound of rustling leaves behind him, making him whip around in shock. Enid approached timidly, her blue eyes wide and patient, keeping her distance while still trying to seem harmless. Paxton let out a calming breath. 

     “You scared me,” he laughed apprehensively. “You’re the one who saved me, aren’t you?” 

     Enid, unable to respond, only slightly bowed her head in an affirmative nod. 

     “I just- I wanted to say thank you, and…” his voice trailed off as he found his next words. “Have you heard from her? Since that night?” Concern laced every word he spoke. 

     Enid’s head tilted slightly as if to ask why? Why would he be worried about the wolf that had almost killed him just a month before?

     “I don’t know if she…told you but we-“ he cleared his throat of the incoming emotion before continuing. “She meant- means a lot to me.” 

     The wolf stared knowingly, waiting for him to continue. 

     “She…she told me to follow her out here. Said she had something special planned…it was special all right.” He took a slow, calculated step forward. “Right before she turned into… into a werewolf. That’s what you are, right? There’s only so many books on outcasts way out here.” He didn’t let the wolf respond before continuing. 

     “She told me why she was about to do what she did. Said it was for her alpha. That she didn’t want me anymore because she had found a proper ‘mate’.” And before Wednesday could let the words sink in, Paxton pulled a revolver from under his shirt and fired a single shot. 

     A silver bullet, straight into Enid’s right shoulder, causing her to fall to the ground howling in pain. Wednesday flinched at the unexpected sound but remained glued in her place. The dark glare she’d come to identify Paxton by was now prominent on his face as he approached the wolf’s writhing body. 

     “It’s you, isn’t it?” He asked maniacally as he got closer, waving the revolver around. “I knew the second she looked at you. You must’ve made her do it!” 

     He took another step closer. Enid’s pained growls began quieting in her throat. “I’ve read stories about your kind. Not just outcasts, werewolves, savage mutts who can’t control-“ 

     He didn’t get to finish his sentence. The psychic saw a flash of gold as Enid’s clawed paw reached out and slashed four deep gashes into his face.  He shouted in pain, accidentally firing off a shot beside the wolf’s ear, causing her to startle and dart off into the trees. He grabbed his face as continued screaming into the evening woods. 

      When Wednesday is thrown back into the present, rage immediately curls onto her face as she wrenches herself free. 

      “Touch me again and you’ll have another scar to match.” 

      She snatched the bag of food off the counter, causing the waitress to flinch, and stormed out of the diner, leaving Ranger Paxton dumbfounded. 

==========================

      Wednesday entered the room with rage hot in her gut. She practically slammed the door behind her, dropping the bag of clothes at her feet then marching over to the desk to set the food down. When she hears the bathroom door open, she instantly turns to face the bubbly wolf. 

     “Wednesday! You’re back!” 

     She’s met with the sight of the wolf wrapped in a white fluffy towel, still glistening from the shower water. She let her eyes slowly drift up Enid’s body, subtly admiring the strength illustrated in every muscle and curve. When her dark eyes finally meet gold, she’s almost taken aback.

     “Enid,” she breathed, “your hair.”

     Enid’s damp hair that had been past her shoulders was now cut just below the top of her shoulders. Her bangs were trimmed just below her eyebrows, blending into longer pieces that framed her face. The pink and blue streaks had been all but completely cut out, leaving her hair two tones of blonde. 

     “Do you like it?” She beamed, “I always said if I ever grew my hair out again, I’d get a wolf cut, but I just loved my short hair so much! And alas! The perfect opportunity! Just wait ‘til I get my hands on some hair dye…Wednesday?”

     Wednesday’s eyes remained glued on Enid, taking in her new look. How beautiful she looked with flushed cheeks, golden eyes, and a sharp smile that made the room disgustingly brighter. The very sight of the wolf quelled the animosity boiling in her from earlier. The psychic stood there, breathless.

     “Don’t you…do you not like it?” Her smile suddenly dropped from her mouth, breaking Wednesday out of her haze. 

     “No I-” her voice trailed off for a moment. “It suits you, actually.” 

     And like it never left, Enid’s smile returned to her face.

     “Good, ‘cause I love it.” Enid hopped closer to Wednesday, peeking over her shoulder at the food on the desk. “Now, what did you-”

     She suddenly froze, her jaw clenched shut as her nose twitched. Once again her smile fell and was replaced with a new emotion.

     “Did he touch you? Did he…” her eyes drift down to the arm Ranger Paxton had grabbed, as if she could see his handprint on her skin. “Did he hurt you? He- he’s here isn’t he?” 

     Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper as she whipped her head to the door, sniffing the air.

     “No, Enid, wait!” Enid stopped just as she was ready to lunge to the door.

     “First, you need to calm down-”

     “Did he tell you what happened?” Her voice raised into a whine as she clenched her jaw, trying to stop the oncoming transformation.

     “No Enid, he didn’t tell me anything.” She stared her in the eyes as she spoke.

     “You-you saw it?” the wolf whispered, her jaw trembling. 

      Wednesday couldn’t help her gaze dropping to Enid’s right shoulder. It’s only then that she sees the pink, slightly raised flesh burned into her skin. Her breath catches in her throat as she remembers the sound of the gun firing. She darts her dark gaze back to Enid’s golden one, which is now pooling with tears as she fights for control. Without thinking, Wednesday’s hand shot out, grabbing Enid’s clawed hand.

     “Just…calm down.” Wednesday knew she was incapable of comforting people, yet at this moment, Enid was using every word she uttered as a piece of tape to hold herself together. “It’s okay to be upset. I’m upset. But don’t let it take you away.” From me. The words were fleeting as soon as they entered her mind. 

     Enid took one deep breath after another, slowly sinking to the floor, onto her knees. Wednesday followed her down, hands still joined, eyes locked, breathing slowly syncing together. The wolf felt her claws retract as the buzzing beneath her skin dispersed and faded.

     “That’s good, Enid.” Blue speckles dotted her eyes for the first time in hours. “We need to think about this logically. What do you really think we should do?” The brunette's voice was unusually soft.

     “W-we?” The blonde blinked up at her, more blue spotting the gold. “No, Wends, you- nothing! I don’t want you anywhere near this! Near him!”

     She jumped up from the carpeted ground, pulling Wednesday up with her. “We’re gone tomorrow anyways. It’s in the past. Let’s just-” She was cut off by the loud rumble of her stomach. Wednesday watched as her gold, blue eyes were once again drowned in gold and her fangs sharpened.

     “Oh my gosh, that smells amazing! What did you get?” She pranced to the desk where the food was sitting in a paper bag.

     At the sudden movement, her towel shifted and Wednesday averted her gaze before she could catch sight of anything. Her eyes locked on the paper bag full of clothes near the door. She picked out a t-shirt and sweatpants and threw them on the bed. 

     “Here, Enid, put these on.” She grabbed more clothes from the bag and walked to the bathroom, careful to keep her gaze away from the wolf. “I’m going to shower, then we can talk about tomorrow.”

     She didn’t wait for an answer before shutting the bathroom door behind her. 

=====================================================

     Enid sat on the bed waiting for Wednesday to finish eating her food at the desk. The psychic could feel her eyes boring into the back of her head, but she chose to ignore it. When she finally got up to throw the empty container away, Enid’s eyes followed her around the room. When Wednesday finally approached the wolf on the bed, she was met with big golden eyes beaming up at her. Instead of joining her, the psychic reached behind her, grabbing one of the pillows from the bed.

     “You take the bed this time. And try actually sleeping. You probably can’t calm down because you can’t focus. Sleep deprivation will do that.” 

      Enid scoffed and snatched the pillow from her hands. “No way! First of all, I have been sleeping. Second, why can’t you just sleep here? There’s plenty of room.” 

     Wednesday crossed her arms in front of her. “You snore and you sleep like you’ve been possessed. I would know I’ve seen it before.” 

     “Hey! I do not! Come on, Wednesday. I promise to stay on my side.” She pouted, clutching the white pillow to her chest.

     Wednesday, who was already growing bored of the topic, huffed as she walked over to the other side of the bed. “Fine. We need to talk about tomorrow anyways.

     She pulled the comforter back and slid under. Enid groaned as she did the same.

     “Ugh, it’s already been a long day. Can’t we talk about it in the morning?”

     “Enid, it’s important I-”

     “Please, Wends.” Her voice strank as she turned to face her. “It’s been a long day.”

     Wednesday inhaled at the sudden display of emotion. Reluctantly, she decided to drop it. “Fine. The first bus will be here at 10. We’ll need to be up early if you want to eat before we leave.”

     Enid nodded then reached over to flick off the lights. Wednesday adjusted the pillows behind her before laying down on her back crossing her arms over her chest. She laid there, in the dark, trying to get her brain to sleep, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. After a minute or two, she finally gave in.

     “I can feel you staring.” She said, never moving from her casket ready position.

     “Sorry, I can’t help it.”

     Wednesday’s eyes flew open and her gaze shifted to the wolf laying beside her. Enid was facing her, golden eyes still bright and visible in the dark. 

     “I thought you wanted to save the debrief for tomorrow.” She muttered.

     “I did- I do. I just…” her voice trailed into a quiet whisper. “I missed you a lot, you know.” 

     She shifted closer to the brunette, careful not to touch her. “After our first semester at Nevermore, I realized that…I’ve never really felt like myself before I met you.”

     Wednesday felt her chest tighten as she stared at the ceiling, refusing to make eye contact.

     “I mean…obviously we have our bad days, but… even when you’re being an asshole and I’m being annoying.” She giggled quietly, the emotion clear in her voice. “You’re always here. You’re the only person who hasn’t abandoned me yet.”

     Tears ran down Enid’s face and soaked into the pillow beneath her. Wednesday could feel her own breath quickening as she fought back the choking feeling in her throat.

     “I wouldn’t dare. Especially now that you might actually have a chance at winning in a fight against me.” She tried to ease the tension in her own way.

     Enid giggled again, this time louder, more genuine.

     “I’d never fight you, Wednesday. From now on whatever you say, I’ll do, and wherever you go, I follow. I’m at my best when we’re together, I think. I mean, it’s been like 4 days and I’ve made more progress than I have in almost 3 years. It’s like you’re magic or something.”

     And this time, Wednesday couldn’t help the small smile that creeped onto her face or the warm flush spreading across her cheeks, gratefully shielded by the dark. She took a final deep breath before closing her eyes once again. She let ears hone in on the sound of Enid’s breath. She found herself wanting to lean closer to the warmth radiating off the wolf.

     “Goodnight, Enid.”

     The wolf stretched and yawned beside her before nuzzling her face into the pillow.

     “Goodnight, Wednesday.”

Chapter Text

     Wednesday was awakened by sunlight in her eyes and the smell of bacon and eggs. She slowly sat up, shifting out of the light streaming from the window. She shook her head, trying to wake up from deep sleep. She couldn’t remember the last time she slept so soundly, being a notorious light sleeper. Peaking her head out the bathroom, Enid smiled and approached the edge of the bed, her blue eyes calm and attentive. And she was already dressed for the day in an oversized dark blue hoodie with the park logo on it and black sweatpants.

     “You’ve finally calmed down.” The brunette said, her voice still rough with sleep. “I told you sleep deprivation waned your focus.” 

     “Yeah, I guess you were right.” Her voice was much softer than it had been in hours. “It’s almost 9, but I already got us some food- I used some of your stash, hope you don’t mind.” Enid grabbed the bag of food from the desk and brought it to the bed.

     “I didn’t hear you leave.” Wednesday muttered, pulling the food out of the bag.

      Enid snickered and laid on her stomach. “Yeah, that was the point.” She propped her head up on her arm. “You slept like a baby. I know you’re capable of surviving in the wilderness, but I’ve seen the thread-count on your dorm sheets. You missed the luxury and so did I.” She groaned as she stretched across the bed in a cat-like manner. 

      As she ate her food, Wednesday stared at the girl beside her. She admired the vibrant glow that illuminated her soft, angel-like features. The sight brought a strange sense of calmness over the girl. Between the sleepy haze still circling her brain and the calming, serene aura emanating from Enid, the psychic felt like she was floating on a cloud. Her eyes drifted to the wolf’s lips as she began speaking again.

         “I say we head up to the main road in like 30 minutes. Is that enough time for you to get ready?”

        The brunette swallowed as her eyes drifted back to the food on her lap. “Yes. I shouldn’t be long.” She replied quietly. 

      Their morning continued in silence as Enid laid on the bed with her arm over her eyes, still awake, while Wednesday ate her food and began getting ready. The moment she stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind her, the tranquil atmosphere clouding her brain was overtaken by an unsettling feeling. She turned to face the mirror above the sink, taking in her well-rested appearance. Rare, but not suspicious.

      Her eyes did a quick scan of the bathroom. The tiles were still white, clean, the shower was still wet, presumably from Enid getting ready. Nothing out of the ordinary.

      She reached for the cold sink handle and turned the water on. The high pitched creek of the handle sent a piercing pain into her eardrum and down her spine. All of her senses cleared as her head was thrown back into a vision. She grabbed onto the sides of the sink, attempting to stabilize herself and blinking away the fog in her eyes. When she raises her head to look back into the mirror, instead of the dark brown eyes she was anticipating, she’s met with a luminous glow of gold. Looking back at her was Enid, fangs sharp and long enough to dig into her bottom lip, causing blood to spring from the small puncture wounds, and her hands only barely able to stop themselves from shattering the porcelain sink. She took a series of deep, trembling breaths in a futile attempt to calm herself down. Wednesday could feel any semblance of control she had slipping away, the incessant, borderline painful, buzzing under her skin indicating the oncoming transformation. She closed her eyes in another attempt to conquer the wolf itching to be released. She focused on the first sound she could pick up on, the sound of Wednesday’s own heartbeat. And for a moment, her brain was finally quiet. The temporary surge of calmness felt like it would be enough to bring her back to herself, but the quiet was broken by a low, rough whisper heard in the distance.

     “I know you can hear me, wolf.” Ranger Paxton’s voice reached Enid’s enhanced wolf ears from an unseen distance. “If you were trying to blend in, sorry to break it to you, but I knew who you were second I saw the eyes. You stick out like a sore thumb.” He let out a low chuckle.

     ‘Sure, because the eyes were the dead giveaway.’ Wednesday thought sarcastically as Enid’s face contorted from calmness to conviction.

     “I really- I just want to talk. I-I haven’t heard from Lucy lately and I’m worried. You’re not leaving until I get answers, and I’d hate to drag that pretty girl with you into this mess. You know where to find me when you’re ready.”

     And Enid, she didn’t growl, or snarl, or even twitch her face in any sign of emotion. Instead, with a calculated, practiced precision, quietly slipped out of the bathroom, shutting the light off behind her. She moved with a balletic grace that felt like muscle memory. She quietly slid open the window, small creeks and scuffs radiating into the room as it widened. It wasn’t until she caught sight of her own sleeping form did she feel it. The undeniable pull in her chest, squeezing her heart. Enid slowly approached her side of the bed, letting her gaze dance across Wednesday’s sleeping face. Her clawed hand reached out, stopping just short of Wednesday’s hair, and ran down her face, leaving the small gap between them with every movement. She suddenly pulled her hand away and clenched it into a fist, her nails digging into her palm. Without further hesitation, she slipped through the window and took off into the woods behind the lodge. 

     When the scene changes, she’s still in Enid’s body , but in front of her, pinned to a tree by a sharp clawed hand around his throat, is Ranger Paxton. His eyes were wide and both of his hands were wrapped around Enid’s muscular arm.

     “Listen, I just want to talk-” He’s cut off as the grip tightens.

     “Oh yeah, because it went so well last time.” The wolf’s voice was almost sickeningly sweet.

     Paxton gasped for air before pleading his case again. “I just need to know if she’s alright-” 

     “And how would I know? I haven’t seen her in years and even if I had, I wouldn’t tell you.” Her voice was light and airy, and a sense of pride clung to her every word.

     Paxton’s face shifted from fear to anger as red flushed his face.

     “You filthy fucking mutt!-” Her hand tightened even more and Paxton let out a strangled cry.

     “You know, when I figured you were here , I was already pissed. Then when you saw me with her I thought, ‘surely he got the hint, right?’ I mean, all your fancy fuckin’ ‘werewolf research’ I thought you’d know better.” She forced his head side to side like a doll as she spoke with a sarcastic, sadistic tone. 

     “This was between you and me. That pretty girl  you seem to so badly want to involve means a lot to me. You should’ve stayed away from her.”

     A choked, gurgled laugh bubbled up in Ranger Paxton’s throat.

     “Oh that’s what this is about? God you really are pathetic. You know what my research did tell me?” Enid slightly loosened her grip. Wednesday felt something tingle in the back of Enid’s mind. Something disturbingly enthusiastic.

     She’s playing with her food.

     “You’re a lone wolf. You act all big and bad, but I see you for what you are.” He spat venomously, hatred lacing every word. “You’re just a scared little girl desperate for attention and you’ll give yourself to the first person who will give it to you. You don’t scare me.”

     The expression on Enid’s face felt stoic, calm.

      “Do you really believe that?” Her voice was gentle, almost disarming. “Because I think that I do scare you. And I should. Look at me,” Her clawed pointer finger and thumb grabbed his chin and pulled his gaze to her as her muscled arm reflected in the starlight.

  “Do you think I need to be a wolf to kill you?”

     And before he could respond, Enid sprung away from the tree, bringing Ranger Paxton with her, before using her full force and body weight to slam his head against the tree. Blood gushed from the deep gash carved into the back of his skull with a loud squelch as it painted the terrain behind him. Pieces of his hair and scalp clung to the tree as his twitching body fell to the cold woods floor. Enid took a step back and gasped out in relief as the bone deep buzz finally released her body from its hold. A serene clarity finally overtook the bloodlust simmering in her mind.

    “Jeez, Enid.” She whispered to herself in the quiet night as she stumbled away from Paxton's body. “Way too far.” Then she turned and walked back in the direction of the lodge. 

     And Wednesday, Wednesday was dizzy as she was thrown back into her own body. This version of Enid was one that the psychic could hardly process. ‘A true apex predator. Right by my side the entire time.’ She thought with a thrilling rush of excitement. She could feel her own heart racing from the adrenaline of the relived experience. She looked to the mirror and saw the bewildered look in her eyes. Now completely awake from the out of body experience, Wednesday rushed to get ready.

=======================

     By the time Wednesday exited the bathroom, Enid was kneeled in front of the open window, shoes already on, still in brand new condition. Of course, she was barefoot in the woods last night. 

     Enid’s attention was pulled from the chatter outside as the brunette approached.

     “Wednesday!” She walked toward the girl. “Bad news, that was more than 30 minutes and we missed the bus. Good news, the bus runs every 45 minutes! Leaving us 30 minutes to get to the main road.” 

     The psychic stared at Enid, an almost starstruck look filling her eyes. Her attention was snatched by the view from the window of police cars and EMS parked just before the trees. The wolf followed her as she slowly approached the open window.

     “They said something happened last night, but they’re still investigating. I’m sure it’s nothing. Let’s go before we miss it, and you can tell me about this ‘plan’ on the way there.”

      Enid picked Wednesday’s boots off the floor and handed them to her, then grabbed her leather bag and stood to wait by the door. Wednesday watched her glide around the room in reverence, as she sat to put her boots on.

     When they exited the lodge, a few feet away stood a group of campers listening to a park ranger with a solemn look on her face. “Now there’s no need to panic, whatever animal did it is long gone now. I recommend any campers set up further out move their campsites closer to the park just as an extra precaution. What happened last night was a tragedy of nature, and Ranger Paxton will remain in our hearts.” 

     The campers listened and whispered to each other, shocked at the morning’s news. Enid’s hands fidgeted in front of her as she stared at the floor, biting at her lip. Wednesday stared at the dispersing group of campers a second longer before walking forward, toward the main road. Enid remained silent, nervous energy radiating off of her. Wednesday wanted to give her a chance to break the silence and come clean, but a few minutes into their walk, the psychic got impatient. She started the conversation with the most pressing question on her mind.

     “Who is Lucy?” 

      Enid short circuited at the question. “I- she’s a friend-”

     “Is she your mate?” 

     This time, the wolf shouted. “What? No! As if! She-” she sighed before continuing.   “She’s another wolf I met a few months after I transformed. We’d hang out every now and again when I was in the area. Somewhere along the line I guess she…got the wrong idea. I don’t know.”

     Wednesday tensed at the explanation. “And have you seen her? Since that night?”

     Enid squeezed her hands in front of her and gritted her teeth. “Uh, twice. She pops up every now and then. But, I haven’t seen her recently. Her relationship with Paxton was…weird. We’re not friends anymore but…either way that guy was bad news.” 

     Enid kicked a pinecone at her feet. “Last I heard she left her pack. Went to go be a lone wolf in Montana or something? Things were…really bad between us…the last time we spoke.” 

     The blonde walked beside the brunette dejectedly. Her head hung low as she reminisced on her first friend in the wilderness. Wednesday could feel the sadness rolling off the girl in waves, yet she couldn’t help the underlying spark of smugness hearing about their estrangement. 

     “Well, next time you plan a late night homicide the least you could do is invite me. I would've helped. You pledged your loyalty to me, it’s only fair that I do the same, within reason of course.”

     Enid could feel all the heat in her body pool to her face. “I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, Wends.” Her voice swelled with emotion.

     Wednesday rolled her eyes and walked faster. “Don’t get used to it.”

     The wolf bounced back up to the psychic’s side, a teasing smile on her lips. “Okay, wait! Tell me about the plan. Where are we going?”

     Wednesday slowed her pace as her eyes flickered to the blonde. “There's someone named Sebastian who works in the exotic creature trade and is going to get us across the border. Unfortunately, the only way to do that is through a cover story. One where I’m a bounty hunter who captured you and requires assistance in getting you into the states.” 

     Enid blinked as she processed the information. “Um, okay. That’s…I mean sure. How hard can it be right? Are they gonna…put me in a cage or…?”

     “I don’t know. I only got the bare details from Uncle Fester. Sebastian will give us the logistics when we get there.” Wednesday huffed, not liking the unknown variables.

     “Okay, well, I trust you. The sooner we get to your house the sooner we can fix my brain and hopefully once I can prove I’m not a danger to society, I won’t have to hide anymore.”  Enid prattled in one breath. 

     Wednesday stopped in her tracks and turned her body to face Enid’s. “We’re not fixing anything, Enid. As a matter of fact, that’s your first assignment. If you keep thinking of your primal instincts as a separate entity, it will operate as one. You need to try to merge the two and try to balance them out.”

     Enid nodded along in conviction as she spoke. “Right. Okay. How do I do that?”

     And Wednesday honestly had no clue. She barely knew the first thing about alpha werewolves even after all this time. But some sick, twisted, depraved piece of her brain wanted to give Enid hope. Wanted to live up to the version of herself that existed in Enid’s mind. She thought back to the previous night. How Enid had described her.

     ‘It’s like you’re magic.’

     And so, Wednesday constructed a vague half-truth explanation on the spot as she began walking again. “Think back to last night, right before you had dinner. Your eyes had started turning blue again. Whatever you were focused on was working. Try thinking of that the next time you feel your instincts taking control.”

     Enid huffed as she readjusted the black leather bag on her shoulder. “Okay. Cool.” Her voice faded into the early spring breeze as they approached the main road.

Chapter Text

     The girls arrived at the Silver Dollar Saloon at 11:55 AM. Enid was a ball of nervous energy beside Wednesday, who was mentally preparing for whatever they were about to walk into. The outside of the bar looked run down, the paint peeling off the walls and the neon sign, barely visible in the daylight, flickering ‘open’ above the door. The wolf whimpered beside her. 

     “I think we need a code word. If things start feeling too weird, you know?” 

     Wednesday, arms crossed in front of her, ignored any feelings of nervousness. 

      “If I start stabbing people, take that as the code word.” And without further delay, she pushed the old, wooden door open. 

     Inside, the bar was small and intimate. Despite its less than appealing outside appearance, the inside felt almost homey. The warm, dim lighting filled the room with buzzing energy that encapsulated the few patrons present. There was an old juke box in the corner playing some old tunes, occasionally skipping and lagging.  The smooth, placid aura seemed to infect the entire clientele. 

     “This isn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting. I was getting all worked up over nothing.” The wolf laughed at her previous unease as they approached the bar. 

     The bartender nodded a greeting to them as they sat at the creaky barstools along the counter. 

     “Uncle Fester said Sebastian will be here at noon. We hear him out, see how we feel about the situation, then make our decision from there.” Wednesday instructed. 

      Enid nodded along. “Okay. And if we don’t like what we hear?”

     Wednesday didn’t get a chance to respond as they were interrupted by a thin man, not much taller than the blonde, with olive skin and green eyes. 

     “You must be Fester’s niece!” He spoke with a casual, smooth voice. “I’d recognize that dead eyed Addams stare anywhere.” He sat at the barstool beside Enid and raised his hand toward the bartender. 

     “My usual and uh, what would you two like?” 

     Enid was taken aback but immediately thought about the question. She was interrupted before she could decide. 

     “Nothing. We’re here on business.” Wednesday's sharp tone cut through the air. 

      Sebastian groaned, “Oh come on. I’m smuggling you two across the border and you can’t even join me for a drink? Some manners.” 

     At the mention of their illicit activities, the psychic looked around the bar to see if the few people in the bar were listening. They were all busy either drowning in their drinks or immersed in conversation. 

     “Don’t worry about them. They wouldn’t tell anyone anything unless they wanted to expose their own extracurriculars.” The bartender set the dark liquor down in front of him with a low thud. 

     “Now what do you say? Just one drink and we’ll call it even?” He looked at Enid as if sensing she was about to crack. 

     “Wednesday doesn’t drink,” the lie sounded natural coming from the blonde’s mouth as she turned  her body toward Sebastian, “but I’ll have just one if it’ll make you feel better.” 

    Sebastian beamed at the offer then waved to the bartender once more. “It would make me feel better actually.” 

     In a matter of seconds, the bartender set a drink down in front of Enid, this time it was a dark, bubbly liquid. She twirled the straw as she eyed the concoction. “What is it?”

     “A coke and rum. Figured you’d have a more delicate taste.” He picked his own drink up from the counter and raised it toward the wolf. “To new beginnings and freedom!” 

     Enid picked her own glass up and clinked it against his before taking a sip. Her nose scrunched at the taste. “Delicate isn’t the word I’d use, but it’s not bad.”

     Sebastian grinned as he set his drink down. “I knew I had a good feeling about you!” 

     “Enough small talk.” Wednesday leaned closer, the edge in her voice clear and daunting. “How are we getting across the border?” 

     Sebastian took another sip of his drink. “In a couple hours, we’re gonna meet up with Donnie. He’s the muscle of the operation and he’s in charge of keeping…inventory for lack of a better word. He’s gonna be the one in charge of getting you into cargo with the others,” she said looking toward Enid, “while you ride with us in the next car over.” He said, averting his gaze toward the brunette. 

     Enid, in the midst of taking another sip, sputtered at the new information. “You mean, we’ll be separated?” 

     “Only temporarily. I promise no harm will come to your friend.” He took another sip of his drink. 

      Now it was Wednesday’s turn to process the information. “What about Enid? How many others are going to be there with her?” She questioned, silently hoping her voice didn’t reflect the worry stirring in her stomach. 

     “About 10 others. I won’t lie and say they’re as…well-mannered, given the reality of their circumstances, but you’re an alpha right?” An aberrant grin appeared on his face as he looked back at the wolf. “They wouldn’t stand a chance against you anyways. Nothing to worry about.” 

     The psychic could only see half of the blonde’s face, but she didn’t need to see her at all to feel the unease and tension emitting from her pores. She took a final, big gulp of her drink and slammed it down on the counter with a deep sigh. Sebastian, noticing her unease as well, spoke up once more. 

     “It’s not as bad as it sounds. You’ll all be in cages, can’t even reach each other. And the trip will only be a few hours.”

     His calming attempts were futile as Enid suddenly rose from her seat. “Where’s the bathroom?” Her voice was low and timid. 

    Wednesday watched her get up with slow, unsteady movements. Sebastian pointed her to the door on the wall at the other end of the bar. As Enid shuffled to the door, the background noise faded from the brunette’s ears as her senses sharpened with an eerie precision. She glanced at Sebastian, who still had a calm yet cheerful expression on his face. Her eyes drifted down to the now empty cup that Enid had been drinking from. Only ice remained at the bottom of the glass, sending frost and wet drops dripping down the sides.

    It was as if time slowed when the girl pulled a dagger from her sleeve, hurling it toward the bartender. The dagger pinned his long sleeve to the wall behind the bar as Wednesday jumped from her seat with another dagger pressed against Sebastian’s throat, blood already sprouting from the shallow slice. Sebastian choked out a gasp as his hands flew to the air. 

   “Wait!-“

    “What was in that drink?” Her voice was dark and intimidating as she pressed the dagger to his throat harder. 

    “Ack! It- it’s a sedative! I’m trying to help! How else are we going to explain an alpha werewolf being captured with no casualties to prove it? It’s part of the plan!” 

     Wednesday didn’t let up. Through her peripheral vision, she saw the other patrons watching in curiosity, some even enjoying the show. Enid hadn’t even made it to the bathroom and was now sitting at one of the tables, head thrown back as she stared at the ceiling in a daze. 

     “And when were you going to tell us about this part of the plan? Perhaps after you already sold her to the highest bidder?”  

     Still sputtering and gasping, a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as he rambled off another explanation. “Don’t you think if I wanted to hurt you I would’ve done it by now? We’re in a bar in some nowhere town full of my peers. I was only thinking ahead I swear!” 

     The interrogation is interrupted by a groan and the shrill sound of a chair scraping against the floor. Enid had managed to get up from the seat and stumble back toward the bar. Wednesday reluctantly threw Sebastian away from her as she met Enid halfway, barely catching her before she lost her balance. Before she can process, she’s laying the wolf’s head on her lap and pulling her own backpack off of her, rifling through the herbs at the bottom for something to counteract the effects. 

     “Uh, I wouldn't do that if I were you…wolfsbane doesn’t mix well.” Sebastian called from where he now stood near the bar. 

     The psychic’s hands froze as she dropped the various bottles she had in her hands. The wolf was mumbling under her breath, trying to make sense of the situation. 

     “I thought you said it was a sedative.” Her voice was rough and loud as she fought the urge to lunge at Sebastian with her dagger again. 

     Sebastian approached cautiously with a cup of water. The liquid sloshed over the sides as his hands trembled. “She’s too strong for a normal sedative. I’ve encountered alphas before, the only thing that works is a nonlethal dose of wolfsbane.” 

     He set the water on the floor a few inches away from the girls. “She’s going to be fine. She just can’t be aware while we’re working things out with Donnie. He’ll know something is up.” 

     Wednesday stared at the cup of water incredulously. “Do you think I’m foolish enough to take anything else from you after what you just did?” She picked the glass up and launched it towards Sebastian, barely missing his head. 

     Enid’s breathing became erratic and her heart palpitated and her body tried to fight off the poison. She used the little strength she could muster to push herself up, only to come falling back down onto Wednesday’s shoulder. Her arm shot out and wrapped around the wolf’s waist to hold her upright. 

     “You need to calm down, Enid. I’m right here. Everything’s okay.” She whispered to the girl as she pulled her arm over her shoulder. 

     Sebastian rushed over to Enid’s other arm to help the girl pull her up. Wednesday wanted to refuse the help, but knew that she wouldn’t be able to get the wolf to her feet on her own. 

     “We can head over to the rail yard now, it’ll take us a few hours to get up there. We need to keep her sedated until we get there, we can’t risk her changing from all the…stress.” Sebastian said timidly, his voice wobbling with every syllable. 

     If looks could kill, the bartender, now free from the wall behind him, would be six feet under as Wednesday shot a bone chilling glare. She snatched her bag off the ground and slung it over her shoulder as she followed Sebastian's lead to the door. 

     “I’m parked right out front. You can use my phone to call your uncle if it’ll make you more comfortable.” 

      Wednesday didn’t respond, choosing to focus on the wolf’s breathing, making sure she was breathing. Enid whimpered at the sudden sunlight in her eyes when they finally made it out the door. Sebastian led them toward an old light blue pickup truck parked a few feet away from the bar. Wednesday shooed him away after he opened the door, pushing Enid into the middle seat of the truck before sliding beside her. She threw her bag to the floor of the truck then gently guided the blonde’s head to her lap. Any other time, she’d be averse to prolonged physical contact, but the guilt of their current situation was gnawing at her. 

     She couldn’t care less about Sebastian, who she knew she could take down in a matter of seconds, or whoever else was involved in this smuggling business finding out what was really going on. She was too distracted by the fact that Enid, who had blindly followed her, trusted her, was now unconscious in her lap, scared and vulnerable. The entire situation felt like her fault. It only reaffirmed a thought that rang in her mind everyday since the night Enid left. 

     Since I’ve met Enid, all I’ve done is put her in danger. Even now when all I want to do is help. 

     Sebastian swung the driver’s door open with a rusty creek and hopped in. He fumbled with his phone as he pulled it out his pocket and held it out to Wednesday, his hand still shaking slightly. She snatched it out of his hand, causing him to flinch and immediately reach for the ignition. She unlocked it and dialed out a number. Before she hit the call button she looked up at the road with a question on her tongue. 

     “Why wouldn’t you tell me this part of the plan?” The anger in her voice was still evident. 

     Sebastian glanced over at the girls before focusing back on the road. 

    “Would you have gone with it?” 

     And Wednesday knew the answer. No. She probably would’ve said no even if Enid had agreed to it. She would never trust these strangers with something as important as her life. 

=======================

     Enid began stirring in her lap an hour and a half into the car ride. They were in the middle of nowhere on some neglected backroad going 60 miles per hour when the first groan escaped her lips. 

     “Time for another dose.” Sebastian said, his voice casual, now calmed from the earlier altercation. 

     He pulled over onto the gravelly road shoulder and put the car in park. He reached over the wolf, opening the glove box in front of Wednesday’s knees and pulled out a black pouch. Inside of it were several capped needles and full vials of a dark violet liquid. 

     “The first dose wore off faster than anticipated, I’ll give her a little extra this time.” He added as he pulled a needle and vial out. 

     Wednesday snatched the full vial out of his hand before he could even uncap the needle. 

     “You will do no such thing. Her body is already working overtime to fight off the first dose. How much did you put in her drink?”  

     “Only 3 milliliters, but that was supposed to keep her out for at least 3 hours.”

     Wednesday snatched the syringe from his hands and flicked the cap off. She stabbed it into the vial and filled it just below the 3 milliliters line. She looked down at the wolf in her lap, who was now attempting to open her eyes. 

     “We need to give her a minute to wake up. I…I need to explain what’s going on.”

     Sebastian looked at her sympathetically before taking the keys out of the ignition. 

     “Okay. I need to take a leak anyways. I’ll be back in five.” He said as he exited the car. 

     Her gaze never left Enid’s face as the wolf started scanning her eyes around the car, not strong enough to lift herself up yet. The brunette couldn’t help bringing her empty hand up and sweeping the hair out of her face with a feather soft, almost imperceptible touch. 

     “You’re safe, Enid. This is part of the plan. Apparently Sebastian’s business partner is a skeptic, this is the only way he’d believe a halfwit like him could transport an alpha.” Wednesday lightly jested, and despite the faraway, clouded look in her eyes, Enid’s lips moved as if she were trying to respond. “I…I didn’t know this was going to happen.”

     “I would’ve asked you before…” her voice trailed off, not voicing the obvious. “And even then, I would’ve been the one to do it. Your trust in me is not taken lightly. I’d never put your life in the hands of a stranger like that.” Her own eyes drifted to the syringe in her hand, just out of the blonde’s view. 

     “Speaking of which, we have to keep you sedated until we arrive.” This time, the wolf let out a high pitched whine that made the psychic consider scrapping the entire plan and trying their luck with border patrol. “Shh. It’s okay. This time, I’m in charge.” 

     She brought the syringe out in front of her face, showing her the dosage. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I just need you to trust me for a little longer, okay?” 

     Instead of responding, Enid let out a deep sigh and brought a wobbly hand up to Wednesday’s knee. She moved her thumb back and forth lethargically, in a soothing motion. With a trembling hand, Wednesday rolled up the thick hoodie sleeve and with a final breath, stabbed it into the girl’s upper arm, plunging the dark liquid into her system. As her breath slowly evened out and her hand fell from her knee, the brunette could feel her own heart palpitating at the fleeting emotions she felt from the wolf in her moment of consciousness. She was scared. She was uncomfortable. She was confused. And yet, below all of it, the psychic could feel it. The loyalty. The unconditional trust. Something that Wednesday didn’t feel deserving of. 

     Sebastian returned to the truck a minute later with an earnest smile on his face, whistling a tune. Wednesday didn’t bother making conversation as she turned her head to look out the passenger window. Her left hand found its way to Enid’s scalp and she began running her fingers through her hair in a soothing manner, even though the girl was senseless to anything happening around her. Wednesday Addams wasn’t one to get emotional, but a few minutes into the ride when she felt wet spots, soaked through her black sweats from the blonde’s eyes, she felt her eyes burn with tears of anger. Anger with herself, for hurting her wolf for what felt like the hundredth time. 

Chapter Text

     They arrived at the rail yard a little past 4 PM. Wednesday, who stayed up and alert the entire car ride, was anxious to finally get this over with. Instead of Uncle Fester, Wednesday had taken the opportunity earlier to call Thing, updating him on their next move. She could tell by his taps through the phone how excited he was about the wolf’s arrival.

      If he could see her now, he’d surely scold me. 

     The yard had several trains stationed with different illicit goods filling each train car and cargo container. Sebastian parked the truck in the surrounding field of tall yellow grass. He turned the car off and looked toward Wednesday and the lethargic wolf on her lap.

     “Give me a sec.” He whispered as he opened the car door and walked to the bed of the truck. 

     Wednesday looked down at the blonde, who had started stirring again 10 minutes ago and was now starting to blink awake. Her eyes darted back up to the open driver’s side door when she heard the distinct clanking of metal chains. Sebastian came back into view, a heap of old chains piled into his hands like iridescent snakes. He sighed as he plopped the heavy pile onto the car seat. 

     “I’m gonna go talk to Donnie. He’s gonna want to put these on her for extra security. I figured you’d rather do it yourself than…” He nervously scratched his brow with his thumb.

     Wednesday felt Enid's hand shoot to her knee as she tried pushing herself up. Sebastian, seeing the struggle, reached into the bed of his truck and pulled out a water bottle. 

     “Sealed and everything. Just get her lucid enough to walk and make sure the chains are tight and around her back. And keep another dose on you just in case. If she somehow gets enough strength to switch, you want to be the first one to inject her. These guys act first, and think later. They don’t care much for doses and a dead alpha still sells for half as much as a live one.”

     Wednesday’s eyes examined the metallic chains sitting on the seat.

     “What are those made of ?”

     Sebastian looked down at the chains as well. “Oh! Don’t worry, not silver. One hundred percent stainless steel!” 

     A notification rang out from his phone. He slipped it out of his pocket and rolled his eyes at the message. “That’s Donnie. I’ll be back soon. Remember, just enough to walk. If anything happens to you two, Fester’s gonna kill me.” 

     And with that, he closed the car door and walked toward the maze of trains. Wednesday reached over and grabbed the cool bottle of water.

     “Enid,” she grabbed the blonde’s arm as she started pulling her upright, “come on. You need to drink some water. Did you hear what Sebastian said?” 

     The wolf, still dazed and cloudy, whimpered as her weight shifted to the other side, almost causing her to fall head first into the driver’s seat. Wednesday’s hand flew out to the side of her face, pushing her head to the middle headrest. Once stable, the brunette cracked open the water bottle and held it up to her lips.

     “I have to chain you up. We’re going to see Donnie and he’s the one that’s going to be in charge of loading you into the train car.” Enid’s clouded eyes drifted to Wednesday’s attentive ones as she slowly gulped down the water. “I’m sobering you up just enough to walk. I’m going to keep an extra dose on me in case you get enough strength to transform. Sebastian said these guys aim to kill so whatever you do. Do. Not. Transform. And if you absolutely cannot help it, and I can’t get to you in time, then you run. Go back to the cabin and I’ll meet you back there as soon as possible” 

     Enid’s eyes hardened through the loopy daze as she pulled her face away from the water. “I’m…I’m not l-leaving y-you.”

     Wednesday didn’t need the gift of foresight to know what the wolf’s response was going to be. Too selfless, too trusting for her own good. The psychic’s eyes fell to her lap as she brought the water bottle down from her lips, clenching her jaw as she tightened the cap. When she finally mustered up the courage to look the wolf in her eyes again, she’s met with the piercing gaze already trained on her face. Wednesday was suddenly all too aware of how she must have looked right now, her eyes still tinged red from the tears she spent half the car ride fighting off, her lips red and bitten from the anxiety rolling in her gut leading up to this moment.

      But Enid didn’t see any of that right now. All she saw was Wednesday. Her best friend. Doing what she does best. Working with the impossible situation they’ve encountered and handling it, despite the overwhelming possibility of failure. Anyone else probably would’ve given up, folded under what felt like the weight of the world. But not Wednesday.

     Because she’s magic. The wolf’s lips quirked into a loopy smile at the thought. Her weak, trembling hand raised to the brunette's soft cheek. The delicate touch would’ve normally been enough to send her clear across the field, but she couldn’t move, for she was held captive by the wolf’s hazy blue eyes. Enid’s warm thumb caressed the space below Wednesday’s eye. It was almost as if she were wiping away the phantom tears that she fought so hard to keep in earlier. 

     “We’re gonna be okay, Wends.”

     Wednesday felt her lip tremble, her nerves finally making themselves known. She felt her own breath hitch as blue eyes darted down to her lips. There was a voice in the psychic's head telling her, begging her to lean in and kiss the girl in front of her, staring at her like she hung the moon itself. But then, the weight of the situation settled on her again, and the cloudy look in Enid’s eyes sent nausea rolling through her stomach. And with that, she grabbed the chains from the driver’s seat.

==========================

     Wednesday stood just in front of Enid, her hand wrapped around the thick chain that held the wolf’s arms behind her back. Sebastian stood at Enid’s side, keeping the wolf steady and she struggled to hold herself upright. They stood in front of the open door of the train car waiting for Donnie, who was inside the car preparing the other creatures for transport. Some hard to find animals such as a pair of bonded griffins and an albino chupacabra, and some like Enid, shifters of different species that possess one desirable trait or another. In the open doorway of the train car was a portable ramp, which was used to get the oversized cages into the train car. 

     Donnie finally came into view, stomping down the flimsy ramp with a clipboard in his hand. He was reminiscent of a grizzly bear with his tall, heavyset build and thick, blonde beard. The clipboard looked almost comically small in his huge hands as he marked something off on the sheet of paper in front of him. When he finally reached the ground, he looked up at the group before him, his eyes scanning Wednesday with scrutiny before darting to Enid. He let out a low whistle as he stepped closer.

     “Well I’ll be! Isn’t she a beaut! You caught this one all by yourself little lady? How much do you want for her?”  He spoke with a thick, southern accent.

     Wednesday held the chain tighter as her lip turned up in a sneer. “Nothing you can afford.” 

     He threw his head back in a hearty laugh. Enid could feel her teeth grinding together, wishing she had enough energy to pounce. He walked closer with an analytical eye, cataloguing every aspect of her appearance. He raised his clipboard underneath her chin, lifting her head, and searched her cloudy gaze.

     “Man, she’s out of it, but I still see that fire in her eyes. Someone’s gonna have their hands full with this one.” He noted as he pulled the clipboard back, jotting something down.

     Wednesday’s hand was itching to grab something sharp and dig it as deep as she could into Donnie’s eye socket. 

     “Alright,” he clicked his pen and waved his clipboard toward the train, “let’s load her up.” 

     He walked back into the train car and the three of them followed, Wednesday and Enid weary, and Sebastian with his normal chipper expression. The only light in the train car was emitted from the the open cargo door. Along the back wall of the train car were cages, all but one filled. Through her blurry vision, Enid saw the helpless creatures, some unconscious in a pool of their own drool, some covered in bruises, or snarling through the bars of the cage, and some so confused, so unaware of their situation that they're huddled in the far back corners of their cages, cowering in fear. She spotted a panther shifter in its animal form, its teeth on display as it growled viciously at Donnie. A few cages down was a siren who, based on the glowing patterns on his neck and arms, was from one of the illusive northern pods. He was naked, his arms doing little to cover his body and the bruises scattered across it. Enid felt her breathing get heavier the more she looked around. She felt her body calling to her wolf, but every time she felt a hint of that bone deep buzz, the wolfsbane knocked it back twice as hard, smothering it instantly. She felt her arms being gently tugged deeper into the train car, and her body had no choice but to follow.

     “Looks like she’s getting antsy.” Donnie said before he leaned out of the car and yelled across the yard. “David! Bring me summa that wolfsbane!” 

     Wednesday heard the unseen man shout back a confirmation before she interjected.

     “That won’t be necessary. I brought my own supply.” She said smoothly as she pulled the syringe out of her inner coat pocket.

     “Well, aren't you prepared?” He said sarcastically. “Welp, hurry up and jab her before we’re all turned into minced meat.”

     Surprising to both Enid and Wednesday, Sebastian was the one to interject up.

     “We don’t want to give her too much now, Donnie. We had to give her almost double the normal dose to keep her unconscious. She might be jumpy, but no way she’s strong enough to switch right now.”

     Donnie looked at Sebastian, then Wednesday, and finally Enid. For a moment, Wednesday thought they were caught and that she’d have the opportunity to stab the wolfsbane needle into his neck. But after a second of analysis he shrugged and sighed. 

     “If you say so.” He cautiously walked to the other end of the car while scribbling something down on his clipboard. “Get her in the cage.”

     Wednesday pressed her lips together as she led the wolf to the open door of the cold, steel cage. She heard Enid’s breaths deepen as she went to unlock her chains. 

     “Aht! Leave 'em on just in case.” Donnie called from across the car. 

     Wednesday felt her eyes sharpen into a glare.  She pushed Enid to the floor, facing away from the cage entrance. Sebastian knelt next to her as they pushed her into the cage. She fell backwards onto her chained arms at the first push, causing Wednesday to bite the inside of her cheek. From there, the pair was able to push her to the back of the cage, her limp body sliding across the smooth, metallic cage floor. The brunette gently closed the door and clicked the lock shut. She heard a low chuckle approaching from her side.

      “You’ve got her trained good. Looks like she might want you to keep her.” 

     Wednesday’s jaw subtly clenched as Donnie approached with something in his hand. As he got closer she saw it was a small, thick slab of silver with a symbol carved into it. The psychic eyed the object with wariness. 

     “What is that?” Her tone, carefully kept at its normal monotonous flow.

     Donnie tossed the slab in the air and caught it again. “This is my secret weapon. Well against werewolves at least. Had a witch make it for me, it’s like a lycan mental block. It’ll stop her from shifting when she finally comes too.”

     Wednesday held her breath as Donnie set the silver slab onto the flat metal top of the cage, listening for any changes in Enid’s breathing or a sign of panic. But it didn't come, instead the wolf remained silent, curled up in the back of the cage. She did however hear the high pitch ringing emanating from the little silver slab, a sign that it was doing what it was intending to do. 

     “Alright, we’re gonna get moving soon. The other guys are waiting for us in the other car.” Donnie said as he led the way down the ramp. 

     Sebastian followed behind him allowing Wednesday only a moment.

     “It’s only a couple hours, Enid.” She whispered between the bars. “We’re almost there.” 

     And with that she exited the train car. 

==========================

     About 2 hours into the train ride, Wednesday was bored and irritated with the rowdy retellings of previous bounties from the small group of bounty hunters. There was an old fisherman, the one who brought in the siren, who had apparently been picking off members of the northern pods since the 70s. There was a woman with black hair, maybe a few years older than herself, who captured a fox shifter and boasted of how much they were selling for these days. Of course, when it came Wednesday’s turn to share, she opted out. But Donnie, boasting on her behalf, did all the talking for her. 

     “This one right here brought in a female alpha!”

     Shock and awe rolled through the train car as the psychic pretended to be more interested in the wall on the opposite end of the confined space. The first question came from the black haired woman with an excited glimmer in her eyes. 

     “Is it true what they say? About, y’know, down there?” 

     Her eyes widened at the question, taken aback as Sebastian choked on his own spit beside her. “Wednesday’s not much of a talker-“

     Another bounty hunter, a young man with blonde hair who looked related to Donnie, interrupted with more questions. 

     “Holy shit! I’ve seen male alphas before but a female? Woo you must have buyers lined up. How much is she going for?” 

     Wednesday could feel the hostility boiling in her gut. She wanted to pull a dagger from her boot and slaughter everyone in the train car, sans Sebastian, who became a reluctant ally somewhere along the way. Instead, she came up with a lie, hoping to end the conversation as fast as possible. 

     “I’m still between buyers. Right now, the highest bid is 200 million.” 

     The young man’s eyes widened, then he let out a chuckle. “Not bad but they’re definitely lowballing you. Female alphas are few and far in between. Donnie is the only one here that’s seen one before today.”

     Donnie let out a low whistle, reminiscing. “She was magnificent. They sold her for a little over 250 million. Woulda been higher if not for brain damage. Too much wolfsbane, she was practically a vegetable by the time she sold, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.”

     The fisherman shook his head in disbelief. “Can’t help but wonder who would want an alpha as a pet?”

     Donnie and the young man shot each other a look before laughing out in identical mannerisms. 

     “Most of ‘em are bought up by packs actually. Well, male alphas anyways. From what I hear female alphas are kind of a universal wishlist item. Probably just for the novelty of it all.” 

     Wednesday felt her eye twitch at the comments being made about female alphas, about Enid. Being spoken of as if she were an object and not the brilliant, fierce she-wolf she was. But she couldn’t afford to lose her cool now, not when they were so close to home. So she chose to drown out the sounds of their incessant conversation and focus on the grating sounds of the train wheels against the tracks. But one comment stuck with her, opening a new question in her mind. Why would a pack spend so much money on alphas they only intended to kill? 

==========================

     Another hour had passed when Donnie got up from his seat and peaked his head out the open train car door. 

     “We’re crossing the border now. Nearest rail yards gonna be another hour then we’re home free.”

     It was nearly completely dark by now, the only light outside being from the moon and the clear, starry night sky. The brunette’s mind kept wandering back to her friend in the next train car over, wondering how she was handling her wolf now that the sedative was sure to have worn off by now. She recalled the silver engraved slab on top of the cage. From what she saw, it hadn’t greatly affected the girl, but then again she was barely conscious. She’s yanked from her thoughts when the train violently jerked, sending the group of hunters sliding across the floor and Donnie hurling into the wall behind him. 

     “The hell was that!” The fisherman shouted as he pulled himself upright. 

     They didn’t find out what was happening before the entire train was derailed, sending them hurling through the air. Wednesday felt her body hit every wall of the train car, and by the time it had stopped, she was surprised she was still conscious. She landed on the wall of the train car, which was now on its side. Her brain was fuzzy and disoriented and her ears rang as she pushed herself to get feet, ignoring the pain blooming all over. She could smell a sharp metallic scent in the air. Blood

     She blinked to clear the dust from her eyes, looking around the car for an opening. She glanced to her left and immediately met with the dead stare of the black haired woman, her neck broken from the collision. Above her was the open train car door, a silhouette reaching down to her. 

     “Shit shit, Wednesday! Grab my hand!” It was Sebastian, waving his hand down frantically as he kept darting his gaze up to the scene unfolding outside the car. 

     Without hesitation, she jumped and grabbed onto his arm and with a loud grunt he pulled her from the wreckage. Wednesday’s eyes scanned the scene around her in awe. The panther shifter, who was already vicious in confinement, was even more so now as it tore into the neck of one of the bounty hunters, soaking its muzzle in dark red. A few feet away were the bonded griffins, one gushing blood from the metal bar of the cage impaled through its heart, and the other by its side, wailing a ear bleeding screech, mourning the demise of their companion.  Wednesday had been enjoying the carnage until that point, then the realization hit. 

     “Enid! ” She yelled over the chaos. 

      Part of the train was ablaze, dark smoke wafting into the air. There were several cages opened, some bars bent to the side, some locks broken clean off. 

     “Shit! Enid! Can you hear me?” Sebastian yelled even louder. “Shit, Fester is gonna kill me.”

     Wednesday felt a hand on her shoulder and instantly whipped her head around, hoping the wolf had found her. To her disappointment, it wasn’t her friend, but the siren she’d seen earlier huddled in his cage. Sebastian quickly took his open flannel off and handed it to the naked man. He cautiously accepted, eying the hunter with suspicion. It didn’t last long as he turned his ocean blue gaze back to Wednesday. 

     “Y-you’re friend…the alpha…she saved me she-“ he’s cut off by the sound of a deep, loud howl in the distance. 

     “Enid.” The brunette whispered as she looked to the area the sound came from.

     She stumbled forward a few steps before the siren stopped her. 

     “Wait! There’s- someone, whoever derailed the train- an entire group!” He rambled, the words jumbled as they spilled from his mouth. “They-they came for her. Wolves! They-“

     Wednesday felt her blood run cold as she turned her gaze to the sky. The moon is only a quarter full. How is that possible?

     She took off in the direction of the howl, ignoring Sebastian’s protests behind her. She stumbled through the debris and shrubbery, still trying to clear her head of what felt like another concussion. She could hear leaves rustling and twigs snapping in the distance, what she assumed was the rest of the captives fleeing. She could feel herself becoming disoriented. Trees and greenery for miles, the only guiding light being the moon and stars. She grunted in frustration as she turned around. 

     “Enid! Follow my-“ she yelled in pain as someone grabbed her by one of her braids. 

     “You know,” Donnie’s southern accent echoed in her ears as she gritted her teeth. “when I saw a little thing like you bring in an alpha like that, a female alpha no less, I knew it was too good to be true.” 

     His hand wrapped around her throat and slammed to the ground, knocking all the air out of her lungs. She coughed as she tried to blink away the dark spots peppering her vision as he kicked his leg over her waist and brought his other to the one on her throat. “And looky here. I was right. What is she? Your girlfriend? I guess Viv was asking the right questions, huh?”

     She pulled and scratched at his hands, but with every attempt to fight back he squeezed harder, crushing her windpipe under his brutal grip. She kicked her leg up, kneeing him in the back, but he didn’t budge. “Lucky me, though, there’s quite a few people willing to pay a lot of money for a wolf like that. And once you’re outta the way there’s nothing stopping me from taking the bounty. Or who knows, maybe I’ll just keep her.”

     Wednesday suddenly became aware of the light weight in her inner coat pocket. The wolfsbane. She pulled a hand away from her throat as discreetly as possible, her movements slow to avoid drawing his attention. Her hand barely made it to her coat before the heavy weight was lifted off of her. She shot up gasping for air, her hands flying to where bruises were most likely already forming around her neck as she scurried backward until her back hit a tree. When the black spots clear from her vision, her eyes are welcomed with the sight of Enid in her wolf form, covered in blood with Donnie’s head squeezed between her forearm and bicep. Donnie’s arms reached above him, attempting to scratch the wolf, yet she didn’t budge. Her growls were low and furious as she tightened the headlock, causing the man to gurgle in pain.

     “W-WAIT, I’M-” 

     He didn’t get a chance to finish. His cries were cut short as his right eyeball popped out of its socket hanging only by the optic nerve. The first crack of his skull echoed through the air, blood leaking down his nose and empty sockets as Enid locked her blue eyes onto the psychic’s teary, brown ones. And then, like a dam bursting, the built up pressure released with a wet pop, sending chunks of skull and brain matter every which way. Wednesday watched from the tree, the bruise on her neck now long forgotten as her hands dug into the Earth on either side of her, her fingers curling in excitement. Her heart raced as she watched the blood drip from the wolf’s face and arm. Her eyes drifted down to Donnie’s huge, headless body laying limp on the floor and couldn’t help the small grin making its way to her face. A magnificent display. A truly one of a kind execution. 

     The wolf stumbled toward Wednesday with slow, uncoordinated movements. The girl watched with wide eyes and shallow breaths as the wolf approached. Enid’s eyes held her gaze until they were only inches apart. The warm, gentle breath fanning her face soothed the brunette’s racing heart and with a new sense of calm, she brought a steady hand to the matted fur on the side of Enid’s face. The wolf let out a soft whimper that she’d been holding in as she lowered her head to the girl’s neck, bruises now evident on her pale skin. With another high pitched whimper, the wolf opened her mouth and dragged her tongue across her neck, like she was trying to lick away the marks. Wednesday's fingers curled into her fur.

     “We’re okay, Enid.” Her voice sounded rough and gravelly from the contusions. “Just like you said.”

     The psychic watched the wolf’s face contort under her palm. As her legs snapped and reformed the blonde fell forward into her the crook of her neck with a groan. And when the fur disappeared, leaving the girl naked and vulnerable, Wednesday could feel Enid’s body trembling as she sobbed into her neck. She felt the girl’s arms wrap around her waist as she pulled her closer, her sobs now echoing through night. The brunette was sure she could feel her own heart cracking with each cry that fell from the wolf’s lips. She didn’t even think before arms were around Enid’s shoulders, the tears she had been fighting all day finally falling.

     “I’m sorry for bringing you here. It was an idiotic, half-baked plan I should’ve-” 

     Enid suddenly pulled back and cupped her bloody hands to Wednesday’s cheeks. The tears pouring from her eyes left clean streaks through the layer of blood coating her face. Her lip trembled as she forced the words out. 

     “No, no, this- this is my fault. They were here for me. All of this…because of me. How am I-“ the words caught in her throat as she let out another sob. “How am I supposed to protect you if I’m the one putting you in danger.” 

     Another tear rolled down Wednesday’s cheek as her breath hitched. “That’s not true, Enid, you can’t possibly believe that.” Her voice sounded so much smaller than it ever had before. 

     Enid’s eyes drifted down to the deep purple and red bruises around Wednesday’s neck, her right hand leaving the girl’s face to touch the marred skin. Right before the feather soft touch made contact Wednesday grabbed her hand, her palm wrapped around the back of it.

     “This isn’t your fault. We’re supposed to protect each other. And I didn’t do that. You put all of your trust in me and I failed you. I’m sorry.”

     More tears spilled from the wolf’s eyes as she softly shook her head. “Wednesday-“

     Enid didn’t get to finish her sentence as Wednesday had already leaned forward and captured her lips. The psychic’s eyes fluttered closed as she relished in the warm feeling, only to be brought back to reality when Enid suddenly pulled away. The tears had finally stopped flowing and the blonde searched her gaze, scouring her eyes for any sign of uncertainty. An uncertainty that Wednesday didn’t possess because in that moment, she’d never been more sure of anything. There was only a beat of silence before Enid pulled her into another kiss, this one deeper, more desperate. Wednesday felt the tension in her body ease as she melted into the kiss, her hand finding its way to Enid’s cheek. The wolf felt heaviness in her heart dissolve as she ran up toward the girl’s ribs. Her hand stopped in its tracks when she felt her tremble as she inhaled sharply. She jumped away from the girl with wide eyes.

     “Your ribs-”

     “Are bruised. They’re fine. I’m fine.” Wednesday whispered. 

      In the distance, a branch snapped loudly, breaking the spell of comfort. Enid’s head swiveled around, scanning the area for danger. Wednesday eyes fell from her face, down to her chest, streaked in blood like a veil. She felt her ears turn red as she shucked off her coat and pushed it toward the blonde, grateful for the thick black long sleeve she bought at the lodge. 

     “We have to go. Put this on.” She grunted out as she grabbed the tree to pull herself up. 

      Enid fumbled with the coat, the fabric getting caught on the sticky, viscous liquid coating her arms. The coat, which usually fell past Wednesday’s knees, stopped in the middle of Enid’s thighs, hardly even fitting over her muscled arms. Wednesday held herself up against the tree as her body throbbed in pain.

     “We just need to figure out where we are and find a phone. We’re past the border now, Lurch will be able to retrieve us.”

     Wednesday took a step in a random direction, completely turned around and hoping to stumble upon some kind of landmark and an old payphone. The first step she took sent pain shooting up her spine. She clenched her jaw and grabbed onto the tree for stability once again. She heard leaves rustle beside her as Enid stepped in front of her. She silently turned her back and kneeled in front of her.

     “Enid you can barely stand right now. I told you I’m fine.”

     Enid sighed. “Wednesday, you’re human. I can already feel my body healing. Just get on my back and I promise I’ll sleep for an entire week once you’re safe.” 

     Wednesday would’ve argued if it wasn’t the tone of Enid’s voice. So tired, completely drained of her natural spark from this hellish day. Silently, Wednesday wrapped her arms around Enid’s shoulders. Once Enid adjusted her on her back she turned and walked the opposite direction.