[He offers a sympathetic nod. Although Lark had been in his twenties when he was changed, it isn't hard to imagine how it would all feel as a teenager.]

Neither, actually. [He purses his lips and decides that this story, one he has only told to packmates, is something he can share with another wolf. Even if they're more like cousin-wolves.] I was on a very self-destructive path at the time. One night I watched my best friend walk out of the bar we were at, get in his car, and drive himself straight into a pole.

At the hospital a man sat next to me and when I was told my friend had died on the table, the man stayed with me. Told me he had something to offer me. It wouldn't take the pain away but it would make me a better person if I wanted it. I figured, what have I got to lose?

Had no idea it meant turning into a wolf, of course.