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“Nancy came looking for us. I told her we needed to talk to someone, and she's set up a meeting with the only two available, Gloria and Rainer.”
I was grateful it wasn’t the Alpha or Tom. They weren’t likely to be sympathetic to my episode or my ignorance of what was and wasn’t normal for wolf shifters.
Nancy led us to the small room on the first floor where Gloria and Rainer sat around a conference table. Their conversation died off when they saw us.
Gloria rushed over to me, putting her hands on my shoulders. “My dear girl, what happened to you?”
I wasn't sure how to answer that. What did she know already?
“You look pale.”
I shifted on my feet. “Something strange happened this morning.”
Nancy shut the door behind her, and we took our seats.
“Is everything okay?” Rainer asked.
“I'm not really sure.”
His genuine concern shocked me, and I glanced at Niall, who took my hand.
“She shifted in her sleep. When she woke up, she didn't seem to know where she was or who we were. She was behaving like a wolf.”
All three of them looked confused, and he continued.
“Not a wolf shifter but full animal. I tried to talk to her telepathically, but she didn't understand. It agitated her more. She snapped at us a few times and tried to attack. I had to put a barrier around her while Theo went to get help so she didn't hurt any of us or herself.”
He stared down at our joint hands like he was ashamed of what he’d done.
“Thank you. I can't even imagine how I’d feel right now if I had actually hurt one of you.”
“You don't remember any of this?” Gloria asked me.
I shook my head.
“That's not uncommon,” Rainer finally spoke.
“What part? The shifting or the not remembering?”
“Both.” He offered me a small smile. “I think we forget that even though you're seventeen, you've only been shifting for a few months. You’ve never been with your own kind until now. It's more common with kids. There are so many wolves around, and their shifting turns somewhat unpredictable until they get a hold of themselves. Your wolf can sense the pack and wants to be with them without you controlling it.”
“That sounded terrifying. So what do I do? I can't shift in my sleep. I don't want to hurt anyone.”
“It'll take some time to adjust, but your wolf will settle—especially the more you shift with the pack. She's been deprived for seventeen years.” His smile turned sad. “You might not have been able to shift, but she's always been there with you. She's probably excited and anxious to get out with us.”
“We'll have you start working with your tutor immediately. I think that's more important than work today,” Gloria told Nancy, who looked down at her tablet.
“I agree,” Rainer grinned. “It'll make you feel better and likely help with your stress, which might lessen the chances of you shifting.”
“That would be great. Thank you,” I told them. The sooner I knew how to keep this from happening again, the better.
“I know that you’re going through a lot, not just you, but your mates as well. It’s going to be a lot of adjustment, and not all that will be comfortable. We’re here for all of you. Anything we can do to help, just let us know.”
I believed Rainer. He was the most earnest and supportive of his brothers, and I was glad he’d been the one available to meet. He might also be our biggest ally when going against the Alpha and Tom. Maybe that wasn’t fair to say, but I hadn’t had a chance to know Rodney and Steven better.
Niall interjected. “I think knowing whether our friends and family are okay is what we’re most stressed over.”
Gloria’s smile faltered. “I know. The Alpha has been in contact with your other grandfather, Robert. They're trying to gather information, but so far, they haven't heard from any of their contacts. I know it's frustrating. We're doing everything we can to keep you safe. I promise we'll let you know as soon as there's anything to tell you.”
