Chapter 90: Shift!

After the banquet that seemed endless, I decided to rest in my room.

I feel exhausted both mentally and physically. Saphira has stayed with me the whole time, much to my delight. “Shall we go to my room now, Saphira? I'm fatigued. Tonight I want to be fully rested when I meet my wolf”, I indicate. Joy fills my heart when thinking that I will finally be able to communicate with my wolf.

My wolf!

She has made herself known several times but far in the background. I couldn't really have a conversation with her either, so I don't even know her name. But that will change after a few hours. Strangely enough, tonight is also a full moon. The Moon Goddess will therefore be present at my first shift, which is all I ever wanted. I turn to leave when I bump into Alpha Rainer's chest.

“Hey, Mercedes. Have you had my flowers? I hope they got your day off to a good start," he asks hopefully. I take a step back and look up at him. Alpha Rainer is a robust guy, handsome and all, but not really my type. And of course, he doesn't have to because I'm not his mate. “Yes, thank you, Alpha. That was very attendant”, I thank him politely and get ready to walk past him.

“Are you leaving already? And you haven't met everyone yet," he states. I look up at him strangely. "Is that so? I'm tired and want to rest before the big event tonight," I let him know. He takes my hand and leads me out the door. “I want you to meet my parents. They are so eager to see you, the Luna of our pack. Come with me, please." I quickly withdraw my hand. “Alpha Rainer, isn't that a bit premature? Let's wait for confirmation. You'd be very disappointed if it turns out we're not mates. Why the rush?” I ask him in surprise.

What's going on with these Alphas, anyway? Is there really such a shortage of she-wolves in the packs? This almost looks like harassment, the way they insist on me. Of course, I am a beautiful woman, Zane taught me a lot about my personal care and presentation. But not for other Alphas. This is all starting to get pretty annoying.

Angrily I turn to Saphira, grab her hand and walk with her to my room. After we got in, I slammed the door shut. My friend starts to chuckle when she sees my angry expression. “Calm down, Mercedes. In a few hours, it will all be over”, she soothes as she leads me to the bed. “I just hope that we can indeed leave this pack undisturbed. Alpha Rainer looks at you as if you were his last prey,” she sighs. Shaking my head, I take off my dress and walk to the bathroom to wash the makeup off my face.

When I return in my underwear, Saphira is already under the covers. I sit down next to her and place my hands behind my head. “What is Zane doing now? He must be despondent about all this. We had planned our mating differently”, I sigh wistfully. “In a normal situation, I was now in Midnight Moon, I had already shifted a long time and I was now in Zane's arms with his mark on my neck. But with this whole situation with the Alphas and Council, we are waiting for tonight."

“There is no point in mourning what has not happened. That only brings sadness. Look forward to your next meeting. I'm sure Zane is waiting impatiently for you. He really loves you, Mercedes, you are the perfect couple.”

With those words on my mind, I sink back between the sheets and close my eyes.

When I wake up again, I notice that it is dusk. Saphira is busy getting my next dress ready. “Are you finally awake? You slept for hours. I brought you some fruit. You can eat that before we leave”, she let me know. I quickly get out of bed, and the hunger comes up again. I hardly ate at the banquet, but the fruit really appealed to me. After working it down, I put on the new dress. It's short, but that's all I need.

“Your parents are on their way to get you. The big moment has arrived. They take you to the clearing. The Council, Glary, Jace and Alpha Rainer will be there alone. And of course, your parents”, Saphira tells me enthusiastically. “Ooohhh Mercedes. This is the most important moment of our life as wolves. You will experience how wonderful it is to have a lifelong companion”, she cheers.

Her mood is so infectious. “And then run straight to Zane for our run together”, I dream away. Suddenly I start to rush. When I hear the knock on the door, I run over to it and throw it open. “Mom, Dad, let's go. I'm so ready." I kick on my legs with impatience. In a good mood, we walk to the elevator. When we get down, the people that Saphira mentioned are waiting for us. But this time I look at them expectantly. My father and Alpha Rainer lead the way to the clearance that is entirely surrounded by the forest, withdrawn from outsiders.

“The time has come now, Mercedes,” Alpha King Remus begins. "Again, be assured of your safety here." My father takes one step forward and the rest two steps back. “Mercedes, now think of the moment you saw me shift. And imagine yourself doing the same,” he instructs softly. I close my eyes and concentrate. I take two deep breaths.

And there she is!

‘Hi, Mercedes. I am Era, your wolf. I am so happy to finally be able to communicate well with you. You've been through so much that I could have helped you with if this day had come sooner.’ I smile happily.

“Era!” I whisper aloud. “I'm so glad you're here. Shall we shift now?”

But then something indescribable happens. Era crawls back. She bows her head deeply before looking back at me. ‘That won't be possible for a while, Mercedes. Something else is going on.’

I'm shocked by her reaction. We have to shift today, go to Zane.

‘What's going on then? We have to shift, Era! We must go to our mate!’ I call to her. But she shakes her head. ‘We're going to our mate. But not in wolf form. Not yet. I'm sorry, Mercedes.’

And with that, she retires and closes the mind link....