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I froze and looked back at Zane. “Yeah?”

“Good luck at the doctor.” He gave me a quick nod and turned to walk towards the kitchen.

I swallowed sharply. It was only a brief moment, it hadn’t lasted long before he masked it, but it was there, clear on his face - concern.

He was concerned about me and why did that cause something in my stomach to twist?

***

“So, Alison, how long has it been since you were able to shift?” The doctor twisted in his chair to face me.

I hated being called Alison, but I also hated coming to the pack clinic, so I guess today was just the day for it.

“A few months.” I chewed my bottom lip; I felt so…so useless coming to a doctor about this. “Every time I try to bring on a change, it is like I can’t…” I stopped, exhaling slowly. “I can’t connect with that side of me.”

I knew something was off when I couldn’t shift the other day. There were also other small things that told me something was wrong with me. Like my strength was weaker and my energy levels lower, not to mention I was always cold lately.

I explained all of this to him and watched as he nodded his head understanding.

“Alison…

“I prefer Allie.”

He smiled faintly. “Allie, what I believe you are experiencing today is a classic case of disconnect.”

It was official, I was broken. My face must have shown my disappointment and concern because he was quick to continue.

“It is common these days for young wolves to spend more time in their normal state, which is human, than shifting and connecting with the other side of them.”

“So, it’s fixable? I mean, I can regain what I have lost.”

He was quick to nod his head. “Yes, of course, all it will take is for you to spend more time shifting and connecting with your inner beast.”

Realization hit me harder than a brick wall falling on me. “I can’t do that! I have school, not to mention I can’t even shift to begin with! I don’t know how to be a wolf either, and I’m pretty sure if I wandered around in that form, I could be taken down by a wild deer!”

“Allie, calm down.” He patted my knee. “First, all you need to do is find someone you trust to be with you while you shift, and they can help you regain the connection.”

“I don’t have anyone I trust.”

“I can talk to the Alpha…

“NO. NO!” I quickly said, shaking my head. “No, um, I’ll sort it out myself.” I gave him a forced but not very confident grin. “Thanks.”

“I’d like to see you in a month to see how you’re doing.” He opened the door for me. “Good luck, Allie, I know you can do it.”

I wasn’t sure if I could. Who could I find that I trusted? I can’t shift, and how the hell can I go walking around as a wolf more? It wasn’t possible, and I felt my stress levels rising quickly.

***

ZANE

Pack meetings weren’t my favorite event of the week, but I would take a whole week full of them over a family meeting.

Dad was rambling on about the current power usages of the pack house, while Ryder looked as bored shitless as me, and mom looked down at the bill dad was reading off.

“Why do I need to know how much power this place uses?” Ryder groaned, “Seriously, why am I here?”

“Because it’s expected of you.” I smirked across at him, enjoying the fact he hated it here.