I’m Rooted in my place. I can't believe what just happened. My wolf has refused to shift! Tears appear in my eyes. My father walks up to me and takes me in his arms. “What happened, Mercedes? Why didn't your wolf want to shift?" he asks concerned. I hide my face in his chest. “Era said we can't shift for the time being. There's something else going on that won't allow us to shift for a while," I cry out loud. Despair has gripped me completely now. “Dad! What will happen to me now that Era won't shift? I want to go to Zane! He is my mate, I don't want to stay here”, I sob heartbreakingly. Behind me, I hear some shifts. A tumult arises, everyone starts talking at once. The atmosphere becomes menacing. Alpha Rainer steps forward. “Mercedes, now that your wolf has not stated who your mate

