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 When Grandma Jo suggested I wear one of her old dresses, I thought it'd be outdated, but this was beautifully timeless."Oh, Grandma Jo, it's so pretty!"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
Suddenly, Lucas took full control, flipping me onto my back. I gasped, surprised by his quick movements.He was above me now and his elbows rested on either side of my head.He pressed his body weight against mine and it felt amazing.The two of us were breathing much heavier now."Is this what you want?" Lucas asked, his warm breath ghosting over my lips.I felt my throat dry as I looked up at him. From this angle and position, his eyes appeared brighter than usual.My eyes trailed over his features, relishing in this moment and forcing myself to remember every single little detail."Shana?" Lucas nudged his nose against mine gently. "I'm going to need you to use your words.""I want you to kiss me," I managed to get the words out, feeling bold.Lucas didn't hesitate. He dipped his head down and allowed his lips to meet mine.This time, I was more hungry for his kiss. Our mouths moved feverishly as we explored each other's mouths.I moved my hands up to run my fingers through his hai
Lucas and I woke up early the next morning because we had to leave the cabin to head to school.It was difficult to peel myself away from the bed. I wanted to rest in bed all day. I wanted to cocoon myself in the warmth and comfort of Lucas's arms.After what the two of us shared last night, I feared I'd never be able to sleep as peacefully ever again.I was surprised to find out that Lucas hadn't let me go all night. We had slept next to each other soundly.But as much as I wanted to live in the memories of yesterday, Monday was calling for us to start our week.Lucas drove us back to Grandma Jo's house. For the entire car ride, Lucas held my hand in his and used his other hand to steer.Even this felt nice. Just us being close to one another and soaking in each other's company.I felt so much closer to him now. He had suddenly started to feel like an extension of myself, as absurd as that sounds.But... there was still something that Lucas and I hadn't fully discussed. We had both a
The car ride to school after Grandma Jo's incredible breakfast was tense, to say the least.During breakfast, Grandma Jo had wasted no time in grilling the two of us on every little detail.I knew she was only looking out for us, and wanted to make sure we were really in this relationship for each other.“Is this a temporary thing?” she asked. “Or are the two of you serious about each other?”“Grandma, don’t worry,” Lucas had said. “I’m not just with Shana for a short time. I’m taking this very seriously.”“Good, you better be.” Grandma Jo nodded. “Shana is a great girl. She’s always been there for you, and life isn’t fair towards her. Just like it isn’t fair to you sometimes.”“I’m here for Lucas, too.” I glanced at Lucas with a smile. “I know it seems sudden, but we really like each other. We want to make this work.”Grandma Jo studied the two of us for a second before smiling. “Well then, I’m happy for the two of you. Now eat up! Or your food will get cold. Chop chop!”Grandma Jo’s
TWO MONTHS LATERThe sun cast a warm glow over the royal gardens of the Ethereal Palace as Lucas and I stood across from each other, ready to exchange our vows in front of our closest friends and family.Grandma Jo, Victoria, and James stood by our sides, along with King Alex, Professor Black, and Liam. Alex actually insisted on officiating our wedding which took some convincing. Lucas wasn't too keen on the idea."Imagine being able to tell people that the Alpha King was the one who married you two," Alex had said, wiggling his eyebrows at Lucas. "Doesn't that make for a good story?"Lucas rolled his eyes playfully. "Yeah, a story we'd have to explain for the rest of our lives. No thanks."I chuckled, patting Alex on the shoulder. "I think it's a fantastic idea, Your Majesty."Alex grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I know, isn't it? I do love a good story. Perhaps I'll write a book about it."Lucas shot me a sideways glance, a playful glint in his eye. "I don't know about y
I had the brilliant idea of surprising Lucas will all the new skills I had learned.I'd been so busy study, that I was always too tired when I got home.Showing him the magic I had learned was the best way for me to show him just how much I had grown. With a quick spell and a flick of my wrist, I conjured a portal right in our living room, ready to transport myself back home.As I stepped through the portal, the familiar rush of energy enveloped me, and with a flourish, I emerged in our cozy living room."Lucas?" I called out, unable to contain my excitement.Lucas, who had been engrossed in studying for his upcoming exams, jumped in surprise at the sound of my voice. "Shana? What... How did you... What's going on?"I couldn't help but laugh at his bewildered expression. "Surprise!" I exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.His eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the sight of me standing there, a portal shimmering behind me. "Shana, that's incredible! How did you do that?""I've been
Studying the ancient text of the White Wolf book became my daily ritual.With each passing day, I delved deeper into its pages, absorbing the knowledge and wisdom it held within.When I had told Lucas that the book was finally unlocked, he was ecstatic, and recommended that Professor Black teach me more.Thanks to Lucas, Professor Black had become somewhat of a teacher, helping me decipher the intricate spells and teachings hidden within its ancient script.Even though he couldn't see the pages himself, I practiced rewriting and retracing everything for him to the best of my ability so that he could help me."Professor Black, I need your help with this passage," I'd say, flipping through the pages of the book as he leaned in to listen attentively. Together, we would dissect the ancient text, discussing its implications and applications in our world.His involvement in my studies caused him to visit the palace much more frequently.Alex quickly recognized the value of having Professor
I stood before the locked White Wolf book, a sense of determination washed over me.This was the moment I had been waiting for—a chance to unlock the secrets hidden within its pages and delve into the mysteries of my life.This book had the ability to tell me more about who I was and what I was meant to do.Suddenly, all the trials and tribulations that I had been through in the past year felt worth it for this moment. I deserved this. I deserved to know who I was.With Alex by my side, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. This was no ordinary book—it held the key to unlocking my true potential as the chosen White Wolf."Are you ready?" Alex asked, his voice filled with anticipation.I nodded, my heart pounding with excitement."You've got this, Shana," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "You were born for this moment.""Let's do this."With a steady hand, Alex pricked his finger, drawing a small drop of blood. I did the same, allowing a single tear to f
As I stepped into the grand halls of the palace, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation swirling within me.King Alexander had called me here, promising a surprise, and I couldn't help but wonder what it could be.It wasn't unusual for him to call me to the palace, but what he had said over the phone had me nervous."Liam's going to come pick you up to take you to the palace. I have a huge surprise for you," he had said."I hate surprises," I replied, already starting to chew on my bottom lip."Too bad," Alex said and I could practically see the smile that was on his lips. "See you soon!"As I awaited Liam's arrival, my mind raced with nervousness.Surprises were not my forte, especially when they involved King Alexander.He was a wild card and always seemed to be up to no good.Yet, despite my apprehension and hesitation, there was a flicker of excitement building within me.What could Alex have planned for me that needed to be such a secret?When Liam finally arrived, I couldn
A FEW MONTHS LATERThe warm breeze brushed against my skin as I made my way through the palace gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers blooming all around me.Even though Alex had called the royal gardens overrated, it was my favorite place here.I always found myself walking through the rows and bushes of flowers.It had been a few months since the tumultuous events that had changed the course of our lives, and yet, the memories still felt fresh in my mind.Despite not moving into the palace, I found myself spending more and more time there, drawn by the sense of duty and responsibility that now rested on my shoulders.As King Alexander's right hand, along with Liam, I had taken on a new role within the kingdom, providing support and guidance to the young monarch as he navigated the challenges of ruling a kingdom.The transition hadn't been easy, but together, we had managed to weather the storm, leaning on each other for support as we forged ahead.As White Wolf, I commanded a le
I rushed through the hospital corridors, my heart pounding in my chest as I navigated my way to the room where Lucas and Kendrick were.The sound of my footsteps echoed off the sterile walls, each step bringing me closer to the moment I had been anxiously awaiting.Finally, I reached the door and pushed it open, stepping inside to find Lucas sitting beside his father's bed.Relief flooded through me as I saw Kendrick. His eyes were closed, but I could tell that he was just asleep and not completely unconscious as the machines beeped steadily."Lucas, I'm here," I said softly, crossing the room to stand beside him. "I got your text. How's he doing?"Lucas looked up at me, a grateful smile spreading across his face as he stood up. "Shana? What are you doing here?""What do you mean?" I asked with a frown. "I had to come as soon as I could once I found out he was awake. Are you okay?""I'm so glad you're here," he replied, his voice filled with emotion. He pulled me into a hug and I sque
LUCAS POV "Graduation is almost here and I want to go to Hawking University to play hockey. It's what I've always wanted," I continued, hoping my father could finally understand things from my point of view.But my father's expression darkened, a shadow of disappointment crossing his features as he shook his head slowly."Lucas, I've spent my life building this company," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I thought I could count on you to carry on the legacy."I couldn't help feeling a surge of guilt wash over me as I struggled to find the right words to express my feelings."I appreciate your confidence in me, father," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. "It's been difficult navigating everything since you've been gone, but I feel as though I was able to handle it because of everything you've taught me. But having this experience, I'm not sure if I'm fully ready to commit to such a big responsibility."My father listened as I poured out my heart, his expression unreada
LUCAS POV My phone rang with an unfamiliar number, and my heart skipped a beat as I answered it, the anticipation clawing at the edges of my mind.I had gotten used to answering unknown callers over the past few weeks ever since I took over the business for my father. He got far more calls than I imagined, and many of them were scammers trying to steal information from him.I was already exhausted, ready to go home for the day. I didn't want to deal with any more problems today, and that included talking to a stranger on the phone that just wanted to play games with me."Hello?" I said, my voice tight with apprehension."L-Lucas?" came the hesitant voice on the other end of the line. The voice cleared. "Hello, is this Lucas Busch?""This is he," I replied, ready to give this person a piece of my mind. "Is there something I can help you with?""Yes, I'm your father's doctor and I have some news to share with you."I stilled, hearing the words, hoping that it wasn't a prank.My father