The supply cache turned out to be a converted electrical vault, its steel doors hidden behind decades of rust and neglect. As Rhea unlocked the complex series of mechanisms, Ethan's enhanced senses detected the rich aroma of preserved meat and other supplies within. His stomach growled again, more insistently this time.

"The wolf metabolism burns through energy quickly," Rhea explained, swinging the heavy door open. "Especially after a transformation. You'll need at least triple your normal caloric intake to maintain control."

The vault was a testament to the Council's preparation. Shelves lined with preserved foods, medical supplies, and what looked like military-grade equipment stretched into the shadows. Ethan's military training recognized some of the gear as experimental prototypes that hadn't even reached field testing yet.

"Help yourself," Rhea gestured to a section of preserved meats and high-energy rations. "But pace yourself. Your body needs to adjust."

Ethan didn't need to be told twice. He tore into the supplies with barely contained restraint, his enhanced senses making every bite an explosion of flavor. The wolf part of him wanted to gorge, but his human discipline maintained some semblance of control.

"Good," Rhea observed his struggle. "You're already learning to balance both aspects. That's the key to everything that follows."

She pulled up a chair and sat down, her posture relaxing slightly for the first time since they'd arrived. "Take your time. We have a few hours before the next patrol sweep. The wards will hold until then."

Between mouthfuls, Ethan gestured to the impressive array of equipment. "The Council seems well-funded."

"We've had centuries to accumulate resources." Rhea's voice took on a teaching tone, as if sharing ancient wisdom. "The supernatural world has always existed alongside humanity, hidden in plain sight. Banks, corporations, governments - we have our fingers in many pies."

Ethan finished his meal, feeling the wolf's hunger finally subside. His mind was clearer now, and he took the opportunity to really look around the vault. Despite its utilitarian nature, there were signs of long habitation - worn paths in the concrete floor, comfortable chairs positioned near the monitors, even a small collection of books on a corner shelf.

"How many others like me are there?" he asked, picking up one of the books. Its spine bore strange symbols similar to those he'd seen on the security systems.

"Werewolves? More than the military knows about, fewer than there used to be." Rhea's silver eyes grew distant. "The old packs were... different. Wilder. Less controlled. The Council helped many of them adapt to the modern world, find a balance between their nature and human society."

"And the ones who couldn't adapt?"

"Some went feral. Others were hunted down by vampires or humans who discovered their existence." She stood and walked to the book shelf, selecting a leather-bound volume. "That's why the Council exists - to prevent both exposure and extinction."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"The price?" Ethan asked, wiping his mouth and feeling strength return to his limbs.

"Power always demands balance." Rhea selected several items from the cabinet. "The old blood, as we call it, carries memories. Instincts. A connection to something ancient and untameable. The military thought they could control it through science. They were wrong."

A distant explosion rocked the building, sending dust cascading from the ceiling. Rhea was instantly alert, checking a small device on her wrist. "They're getting closer. Faster than expected."

"The military?"

"No." Her silver eyes narrowed. "Vampires. Lilith's scouts. They're tracking your scent." She tossed him what looked like a modified tactical vest. "Lesson one starts now."

Ethan caught the vest, noting its unusual weight and the strange symbols worked into its material. "I thought we were secure here."

"We are, but not indefinitely. The wards will hold for now, but Lilith's coven is persistent. They want you, Ethan. A newly turned wolf under their control would be quite a prize."

Another explosion, closer this time. Ethan felt the wolf stirring within him, responding to the threat. But it was different now - less chaotic, more focused. The food had helped, giving him strength and clarity.

"The vest is specially designed for our kind," Rhea explained, efficiently arming herself. "It will adapt to your transformation, unlike your regular clothes. The symbols help channel and focus your energy."

"You're talking about magic?"

"Science, magic - they're not as different as humans think." She checked her weapons with practiced precision. "The military tried to quantify and control supernatural power. The Council understands it's more about harmony and balance."

A third explosion shook the building, and this time Ethan's enhanced hearing picked up the sound of combat above. "The wards are falling," Rhea announced grimly. "Faster than they should be. Someone's helping them from the inside."

"Richards," Ethan growled, the name tasting bitter. "He always had vampire contacts in the facility."

"Likely." Rhea moved to a control panel, initiating what looked like a shutdown sequence. "This safe house is compromised. We need to move, but first..." She turned to face him fully. "You need to learn to control the change. Not just react to it."

"Now? With them breaking in?"

"Perfect timing, actually." Her smile showed those slightly-too-sharp teeth again. "Nothing motivates learning like survival. The wolf knows what to do - you just need to guide it, not fight it."

The sounds of combat grew closer. Ethan could smell them now - the cold, dead scent of vampires mixed with gunpowder and blood. His muscles tensed, the wolf rising within him, but this time he didn't resist. Instead, he tried to direct it, like channeling a river rather than damming it.

"Good," Rhea encouraged, watching his controlled breathing. "The vest will help stabilize the transformation. Focus on the threat, but maintain your tactical awareness. You're not just a wolf, and you're not just a soldier. You're both."

The transformation began, but this time Ethan stayed conscious and aware throughout. The vest expanded smoothly with his changing form, the strange symbols glowing faintly as his body shifted and grew. Pain still coursed through him, but it was manageable now, almost familiar.

"Remember," Rhea's voice cut through his concentration, "they'll try to separate us. Lilith's coven uses pack tactics - isolate, overwhelm, capture. Don't let them draw you away."

Ethan rose to his full height, the transformation complete. His mind felt clearer this time, the wolf's instincts integrating with his military training rather than fighting it. He could smell at least six vampires above them, plus several humans - probably military contractors.

"Ready for lesson two?" Rhea asked, her own form seeming to shimmer slightly in the vault's harsh lighting.

Ethan's response was a low growl, but his human mind shaped it into clear meaning: Ready.

"Good." She checked her weapons one final time. "Because lesson two is about hunting those who think they're hunting you."

[To be continued...]