The next day, Lucas decided we would take my car to school instead of his motorcycle, a considerate move on his part.He seemed genuinely concerned that his motorcycle might trigger my dizziness or nausea. Honestly, I enjoyed our motorcycle rides and I didn't think they were any cause for my recent symptoms, but Lucas didn't want to take any chances.It was a small but kind gesture of his thoughtfulness.Yet, despite his efforts to make me feel better, I couldn't hide the heavy emotions that had clung to me since my discovery of the wolfless article I had read last night...The words "shortened lifespan" had been circling around my mind.I could hardly get myself out of bed this morning, even though I didn't sleep a wink last night.I didn't even take one of Grandma Jo's breakfast blueberry muffins that I had eaten every single morning since staying there.I wasn't in the mood.Lucas noticed it. I could tell because he kept looking over at me as he was driving. I saw him out of the co
Lucas POVToday was Saturday, and I had big plans prepared for the day. Plans that slightly veered away from the norm. Plans that I didn't share with Shana.She had agreed to rest at home while I headed for an early morning training session with my team.Or at least, that's where I told her I was going.When I told Shana to skip this practice, I lied. I had plans to go meet with the professor who might have all the answers about Shana's condition.His name was Professor Black, and after spending a few hours last night researching him thoroughly, I truly believed he would be able to tell me what was wrong with Shana.He was one of the only wolfless specialists in the area, and he'd conducted hundreds of studies on their kind.I was both anxious and excited to meet him.He worked at the local university in town but asked to meet at a local coffee shop.Curiosity and a touch of anxiety coursed through me as I opened the door to the cafe. I wondered how this conversation would go and if P
Lucas POVProfessor Black's revelation hung heavily in the air. I had the desire to press him for more information about the unfortunate boy who had transformed into a monstrous creature because of his wolflessness."What happened? Can you tell me more?" I asked."Sure," Professor Black nodded. "The worst part was when the boy's wolf form was discovered by some bullies at his school.""Discovered how?"Professor Black shrugged. "I'm not sure. The boy was experiencing shifts in his form. I think he must've lost some kind of control, and it was revealed to them."I was quiet for a moment, wondering if anything like that could ever happen to Shana. But I tried to get the thought out of my head. Shana hadn't shown any strange signs of shifting...Except for those two times when her eyes glowed..."The bullies claimed this monstrous creature had lost control and harmed them. As a result, the boy was sent to jail, condemned to a life behind bars for as long as he lived," Professor Black con
The day spent with Grandma Jo was comforting. It was exactly what I needed after spending the last twenty-four hours stuck in my thoughts.Her warm, wrinkled hand rested on mine as we strolled through the garden behind her house. I loved it back here and it's grown so much more since I was a child.I could tell that Grandma Jo spent a lot of time back here, caring for all of her flowers.The late afternoon sun created long shadows across the grassy lawn, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. It was all you could ever need to unwind.The rose bushes in the center of the garden were my favorite. There were varying shades of red and pink, bringing a vibrance to the surrounding area.Although I could lay out here for hours and soak in nature, I found myself constantly anxious about the information I had learned.As we walked, I couldn't help but think about what I'd read about wolfless conditions and how it might affect me. My mind was full of questions and concerns, and I nee
The following morning, I stood in my room as Grandma Jo handed me a dainty white dress decorated with delicate pink roses.It reminded me so much of the rose bushes in Grandma Jo’s garden.My eyes lit up as I held it up to admire the crafted details. When Grandma Jo suggested I wear one of her old dresses, I thought it'd be outdated, but this was beautifully timeless."Oh, Grandma Jo, it's so pretty!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I bet you looked lovely in this when you were my age."Grandma Jo chuckled warmly, and it looked as if her eyes were twinkling with fond memories. "Oh, it's been so long since I could fit in that. You can keep it. I'm glad you like it, dear. It was my favorite dress back then, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought me.""I'm sure it will. Thank you so much. I love it." Unable to contain my excitement and happiness, I hugged Grandma Jo tightly.She squeezed me just as tightly back. Then she reached for a pair of heels, "
"What do you mean this is a date?" I asked Lucas, feeling a mix of confusion."I mean that I wanted to take you out, properly," Lucas said. "I wanted it to mean more. I wanted it to be real. A real date."My heart fluttered with excitement as Lucas's words sank in.We were on a date, an actual date, in this beautiful restaurant with its romantic atmosphere. I felt a rush of emotions, a combination of happiness and anticipation."Lucas," I stammered, unable to hide my delight, "I can't believe you planned all of this just for me. Why didn't you say something earlier?""I don't know." He rubbed a hand behind his neck. "I didn't know what your reaction would be if I told you, it was a bit more serious than a casual hang out.""I would've loved it either way," I confessed.He smiled, his eyes holding a warmth that made my heart skip a beat. "I wanted today to be special, Shana. You mean a lot to me, and I thought it was about time we had a real date.""Well, Lucas." I couldn't stop smilin
As Lucas and I drove to the cabin, the atmosphere inside the car was filled with a peculiar tension.Usually, the air between us was fun and relaxed. Nothing ever felt uncomfortable with Lucas, but right now. Uncertain was the perfect word for what I was feeling.After our dinner, it felt as if we weren't used to this new shift in our relationship dynamics. It had left both of us feeling a bit nervous in each other's presence.I would find myself stealing glances at him from the corner of my eye, wondering if he was thinking the same thing.It almost felt ridiculous. It felt as if we were middle schoolers, afraid of holding hands or making any moves.I don't know why we were making everything so tense and serious.Eventually, the awkwardness became too much, and we both burst into laughter at the same time. The tension evaporated immediately, and Lucas turned to me."God, why are we being so awkward?""I don't know!" I laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "This is so...""
Lucas's lips were soft and warm as they melded against mine.But the kiss was over before I even had time to understand what was happening—Before I had a second to properly enjoy it.Lucas pulled himself back a few inches, keeping his head dipped and looking down at me through his lashes.I didn't let myself hesitate or question myself before pulling his face back to mine. My fingers gripped the collar of his shirt as I let our lips touch again. This time, I had a bit more control of the kiss.For a second, I think Lucas was stunned by my response to his kiss. But soon enough, he wrapped his arms around my waist and held me close to him.It was cold outside, but Lucas's body was keeping me warm. Mixed with the feel of hips lips on mine, I almost melted in his arms.His first kiss was sweet and gentle, but this second kiss was more curious and excited. One of Lucas's hands came to cradle the back of my head, and I tilted my neck to allow him more access.With every press and pull of hi