When I woke up in my bed the next morning, I was greeted by an unusual silence.My father must not have come home last night...Instead of feeling concerned for him, however, a sense of relief washed over me. I knew deep down that his absence meant I wouldn't have to deal with the chaos and uncertainty that came with his presence.Today was the highly anticipated hockey game between the Shadow High Dragons and the Moon Crest High Jaguars.Lucas had given me a quick rundown on their team yesterday, emphasizing that the Jaguars were formidable opponents. They held a strong position in the rankings among high school hockey teams."But they're not as good as us," Lucas had said confidently, his grin revealing his competitive spirit.As the hockey season had just begun, the Dragons had been on a winning streak, triumphing in every game so far.However, the possibility of the Jaguars breaking their winning streak made me nervous. The anticipation for today's game was palpable, evident from
“What?” I asked, looking at Lucas’s blue eyes then down at his tanned skin.He didn’t even have to flex his abs in order for me to see them.I felt uncomfortably hot suddenly.“You can feel them,” Lucas encouraged me, “if you want.”“I—uh.” Lucas stepped closer to me. I looked into his eyes tentatively. “Isn’t that a little—”“Shana, we’ve been friends since we were kids,” Lucas said. “Don’t make it something bigger than what it is. Plus, I know you haven’t forgotten all our weekly sleepovers.”He was right. We used to have sleepovers almost every single weekend at either his grandma’s house or my mom’s house.“But you didn’t have abs then,” I clarified.“I have them now,” he said, wiggling his brows humorously.“Put those things away,” I said poking him in the chest, hiding my nerves with humor. “They’re like weapons.”Lucas chuckled, lowering his shirt. “I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”“Mind if I use your fancy bathroom?” I asked Lucas.“Be my guest,” he said, going back to
I recognized the voice. It was Lucas.As the Alpha's voice resonated through the clearing, commanding submission from the pack, everyone around me froze, bowing their heads in deference.A few individuals, including James, remained unaffected by the commanding tone. It appeared that since they were all Alphas, they possessed an immunity to the influence of other Alpha voices.What caught my attention, though, were the younger children, not yet shifted into werewolves, who also showed their necks to Lucas.It dawned on me that those kids, like me, were wolfless. It puzzled me why I remained immune to the Alpha's voice.Could I have been born without certain wolf genes?The revelation of this peculiarity caught me off guard. Until now, I had never encountered an Alpha voice being used in public. It was considered impolite for Alphas to exercise their vocal influence on Betas, Omegas, and the younger individuals.Yet, Lucas had defied this unwritten rule twice now, using his Alpha voice
“It’s hockey.” Lucas emphasized, his voice carrying a mix of frustration. “And our game is already over. We won our match; not like you care.”“You’re right,” the man replied, his tone devoid of any concern. “I don’t care.”I was taken aback by the stranger’s callous attitude towards Lucas. How could he be so cruel?Before I could say anything, he continued speaking, his words laced with a dismissive arrogance.“You’ve wasted another morning of your life with that… sport. It’s unbecoming of you. There are more important things for you to focus your energy on.” He scrutinized Lucas. “Come to my company later this afternoon. We’ll continue this talk there.”Lucas’s expression didn’t betray his anger or resentment, but the dark intensity swirling within his piercing blue eyes revealed his irritation.And that, in turn, ignited a sense of annoyance within me. It felt like my blood was simmering, ready to boil over.“Excuse me?” I questioned the stranger. When the words left my mouth, they
“How did you know I had questions?” I asked him.“Shana, I’ve known you since we were kids. I can tell when there’s something on your mind.” He gave me a knowing look.I took a moment to gather my thoughts, grateful for Lucas's willingness to open up despite the emotional weight he was carrying. His offer to answer my questions reassured me, knowing that he trusted me enough to share his secrets."Lucas," I began softly, careful to choose my words, "Your relationship with your dad… It seems strained, to say the least. What happened between the two of you?”Lucas sighed, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the confines of the restaurant. "My dad and I have never seen eye to eye. You already know I’m his illegitimate son from a one-night stand. But he regrets what happened because he already had a family, and I was not accepted by them as his child. My mother passed away giving birth to me, so I grew up with Grandma Jo.”His words struck me, revealing a complex and painful backs
Lucas burst into his office with an intimidating force, startling the security guard. "What's going on here?" he shouted."This girl sneaked into your office," the guard stammered nervously while exposing his neck to Lucas. "We're removing her from the building immediately.""Let go of her," Lucas snarled, causing the guard to release his grip on me instantly.It was evident that Lucas commanded a certain level of respect within the company."Shana is my guest, and I don't appreciate you manhandling her like that," Lucas growled at the guard. "I think it's time for you to take a break."Glancing down at my arm, I noticed a few bruises starting to form where the security guard had grasped me. I rubbed the tender skin gently, trying to soothe the discomfort.Lucas seemed to catch my gesture and a flicker of concern crossed his face. His gaze swept over my body, and for a moment, I wondered if he saw me as the weak, wolfless girl I perceived myself to be."Are you hurt?" he asked, his to
Lucas must have caught the scent of alcohol as well because he swiftly pushed past me, entering the house first."Lucas, don't—" I reached out to stop him, but as I grabbed his hand, I saw my father emerging from the kitchen.He looked wild, unlike himself. His eyes were bloodshot and glazed over, but there was also an unfamiliar anger burning within them."Dad?" I called out, taking a protective step closer to Lucas.Even Lucas appeared on edge as he locked eyes with my father. It dawned on me then that my father must have sensed Lucas's Alpha presence. Wolves are territorial creatures, and my father, though only a Beta, still possessed some strength.However, Lucas surpassed my father in every way. And at that moment, he stood confidently in the middle of my living room, poised against my father."Dad," I spoke gently, attempting to diffuse the tension. "This is Lucas, my friend. He isn't going to hurt you. He’s just here to make sure I’m okay.”“He stinks,” my father took a deep in
“Shana!” My father growled, clearly frustrated that Lucas had effortlessly stopped him with just one hand. "Who is this... boy?""I’m her friend," Lucas answered before I did.“Friend?” My father sneered. “I could sue you for trespassing and using your Alpha voice abusively.”"I’ve been her friend since we were kids. Do you remember Bear?" Lucas chimed in, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he held my father's fist in a vice-like grip. The strain on his knuckles was evident.My father froze, a look of realization washing over his face. "You're Bear?""I know, hard to believe, right?" I chuckled, hoping to lighten the tense atmosphere. "I almost couldn't believe it myself."Lucas glanced at me with raised eyebrows from the doorway, seemingly curious about my reaction.My father slowly released his clenched fist near Lucas's face, his expression shifting to one of remorse."Dad, I'm sorry I didn't explain this earlier," I said. "I should have told you before Lucas arrived.""It'
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