The atmosphere in the car was tense, almost palpable as we drive toward the stadium for the championship game.The lingering awkwardness from our argument the previous day still hung between Lucas and me.It didn't help that Lucas was still slightly annoyed about the professor asking for my contact information. And I still couldn't shake the feeling that he was keeping something about his father, Kendrick, a secret from me. The both of us were lost in our own heads, letting our thoughts consume us.However, it seemed like more was on Lucas's mind. His normally confident demeanor was replaced with a sense of unease. He gripped the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles whitened. He stared out of the window, chewing on the side of his cheek, and I could tell he was overthinking the game.The Dragons have been working hard all year for this. The possibility of losing must be playing heavily on Lucas's mind right now. I could only imagine the kind of pressure he was feeling. I doubted t
Lucas POVAs distracting as Shana's kiss had been, I had to force myself to focus now.The atmosphere in the locker room was charged with anticipation as my team huddled together. The championship game was just minutes away, and every player could feel the weight of what that meant.I knew that all the training and practice had brought us here, but there was a part of me that felt as though it wasn't enough. My heart raced, and my palms were sweaty, the nervousness overtaking me.While some of the other players were cracking jokes, I sat on one of the benches in the locker room with my head down. As I closed my eyes, I replayed all of our drills in my head.I thought about who needed to be where and how we could best gain some kind of advantage.We had a strong defense, which is why we had gotten so far. That was our biggest asset. I really needed to rely on our bigger guys to push the other team away from our goal.If we all worked together, it should be fine. It should all be fine,
Lucas POVMy heart was still racing as I stepped off the ice, still overcome with emotion due to our victory.The stands were echoing with the deafening roars of the crowd, and I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as people congratulated me.My team surrounded me as we tried to make it back to the locker rooms. The sensation of triumph surged through our veins, making us feel like we were invincible.But there was something even more important than the win that I needed to do right now— find Shana.I couldn't wait to share this moment with her. She had been my support this whole time, the one who was giving me strength to continue.I know the past few days between us had been a little difficult with everything going on. There was still so much uncertainty surrounding her shift and so many questions.I almost felt embarrassed for getting upset with her about Professor Black. She was right, after all. He was there to help us, not interfere in any way.And then I thought about the wa
As the game came to an end, I couldn't help but beam with pride for Lucas. I shot up out of my seat, screaming louder than I ever had before at one of their games.The Dragon's victory brought a deep sense of satisfaction to me, and I couldn't be happier for him. Not just Lucas, but James either.I grinned as I watched the boys from the team pick up James and hold him above their shoulders, chanting "MVP! MVP! MVP!"As the Dragon players were celebrating, Lucas's eyes searched through the stands.Our eyes locked for a brief moment, and I offered him a wide, joyous smile along with an enthusiastic wave.It looked like he wanted to give me a wave back, but his attention was quickly taken away from me as his players approached him, offering their own congratulations and slapping him on the back.Lucas turned away from the crowd, caught up in the celebration and hype that his team was giving him. I knew that this was his moment to shine, and I couldn't wait to join him to offer my own pra
Lucas's eyes blazed with a fiery mix of concern and anger as I revealed all of the distressing details of the phone call.A pang of guilt coursed through me at the unfortunate timing of all of this. Lucas had just won his championship game, and here I was, burdening him with all of my problems.It wasn't fair of me to do that to him."I'm so sorry, Lucas," my voice trembled, and tears welled up in my eyes. "This is the last thing you should be dealing with after winning your game. You probably want to go and celebrate with the rest of the team."Lucas shook his head vigorously, "Shana, I couldn't care less about that right now when you're upset. This is what's more important to me right now.""I don't want you to worry about my problems," I said in a quiet voice, feeling embarrassed.Lucas gently took the phone from my shaking hand. "I do want to worry about your problems. Your problems are my problems. I can't believe your father would stoop this low and put all of this on you."Luca
I couldn't help but feel a lot of guilt for potentially overshadowing Lucas's hard-earned victory with my family drama.To make it up to him, I suggested we join the team for a celebratory night out because it was what he deserved.At first, Lucas appeared reluctant to go, perhaps due to my current state, but I could see that there was an underlying desire for him to bond with his teammates and commemorate their win from today.Eventually, Lucas agreed, and we met the rest of the team at a nearby restaurant for dinner.As we gathered around one of the tables, I found myself putting on a facade, doing my best to try to lift my spirits despite the cloud of worry that loomed over my head.Laughter and chatter from the teammates filled the air, but my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about my father.Where was he now? Was he aware of what he'd done to me, or did he even care that he possibly ruined my life?Lucas, perceptive as ever, sensed my gloomy mood and offered silent reassurance by
Once we got back to Grandma Jo's house, Lucas was acting strange for the rest of the day.I wondered if it had anything to do with the knowledge that his father had a percentage of the casino where my father had gambled away money. Money, he didn't even have.But as I sat in my bedroom, trying to forget about everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours, Lucas opened my door.I looked up at him with a raised brow. "Are you okay?""You should pack up some of your things," he said gently, his eyes glancing around the room.Pack my things?"What are you talking about?" I asked, suddenly feeling very confused. Was he kicking me out?"I have something planned for us. Something to help you take your mind off of your father and the debt.""What do you have planned?" I questioned. My mind started to race with the possibilities."Just pack a small bag," Lucas ordered, ignoring my questioning. "I'll be waiting in the car."Lucas drove us for a long time, and I was starting to lose
Lucas wasn't graceful as he threw me onto the bed.My body bounced off of it as I let out a laugh."I'm soaking wet," I brushed my hair out of my face. "I'm going to ruin the bed.""I don't care." Lucas moved forward, bending down to continue kissing me.One of his hands was placed firmly around my neck as he angled my mouth up to his.My fingers wrapped around his wrist, pulling him down to join me on the bed.Lucas's lips tasted deliciously of the dessert we had just enjoyed. Strawberries and chocolate. The perfect combination.I melted into him, savoring the sensation of his lips brushing mine.His hand moved up to caress my cheek before he shifted his attention to my neck. His breath was hot as it ghosted against my skin.He planted tender kisses along the sensitive skin behind my ear and I gasped, feeling shivers rack down my spine.My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. The connection between us was growing undeniable and all-consuming.Lucas's fingers worked to pul
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