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
Lucas POVShana had fallen asleep over an hour ago as I held her in my arms. I watched as her chest rose and fell peacefully, savoring the quiet moment between us.Never in a million years did I think I would be cuddling Shana in bed like this, as boyfriend and girlfriend. Memories from our childhood came flooding back to me and knowing that I shared so many precious memories with Shana made the realization all the more meaningful.Back then, Shana had always had my back. I remember how cruel students were to me simply because of my weight.I remember feeling grateful for her friendship, and my deepest desire was to always stand by her side. I wanted to protect her the way that she had protected me.I would gladly do it, but in a way, I felt like I owed it to her. She deserved nothing but the best, and if I could shelter her from all of the bad things, then that's exactly why I would do.That's why this entire situation with her father was so tricky. The fact that he could hurt her an
Lucas POVVictoria and I decided to meet at a local diner in a dimly lit corner booth.The scent of sweet pancakes and coffee filled the air, providing a comforting contrast to the serious conversation we were about to have.To make things somewhat easier for myself, I had to lie to Shana about where I was going. After we spent the night at the hotel, the two of us spent most of the next day together.As it was nearing nighttime, I had plans to meet with Victoria and I couldn't tell Shana the truth. It was eating at me, but I had no other choice.When she asked where I was heading off to, I casually mentioned, "Oh, I'm just going to hang out with James. I'll see you later?"I planted a kiss on her lips and rode off on my motorcycle, preparing what I was going to say to Victoria.By the time I got to the diner, Victoria was already seated at the table by the time I had arrived.I had always admired Victoria for her confidence and poise. A lot of alpha females were snobbish and thought
Lucas POVMy father greeted me at the front door with a smile that seemed a bit too victorious.There was something in his smile that made it seem as though he had anticipated my arrival. An air of self-satisfaction radiated off of him and it made my nerves itch with anger.But I needed to be strong and focus on the reason why I was here. I didn't want to start any arguments with him. I needed to tell him what I'd decided to do."Well, well, well," he said with a hint of mockery in his tone. "If it isn't Lucas. My boy. To what do I owe this rare and unexpected pleasure? Have you finally managed to come to your senses and realize that the company business is where you truly belong?"There was so much that I wanted to retort with, and it took everything in me to hold back.I reminded myself that I needed to keep my emotions in check. I had to convince my father that I was really changing my mind about everything.I nodded slightly. "Can I come in?"My father stepped aside willingly, gra
Lucas POVMy father's smug expression remained as he released his grip on my hand.I knew I was the one making a deal with him, but it felt like he had the upper hand here. I didn't like the feeling.He leaned back in his leather chair, reveling in his so-called victory. He must have expected me to agree to his terms so easily, and I can see that it satisfied him to know that he still would be able to control me in some capacity.I hated that it had to be this way."That's not all," Kendrick continued, the grin never leaving his face.I watched him cautiously, trying to hide any emotion on my face. What more could he want from me? I should've known this wouldn't be as easy as I thought. There was always a catch when dealing with my father.By the way he was currently looking at me, I had a feeling it was something significant."The will," he said with an air of finality, amplifying the dramatics. "It must be amended to reinstate you as the heir.""You removed me as heir?" I asked, rai
Lucas didn't get home until late last night and ever since then, he's been awfully distant.As the two of us got ready for school this morning, I watched as he rushed around the house like he didn't get up early enough this morning."Sleep past your alarm clock?" I asked as I sat at the dining table, drinking my orange juice and eating Grandma Jo's delicious blueberry muffins.Lucas shoveled eggs into his mouth. With a full mouth, he said, "Didn't get any sleep last night.""Why?" I asked, sipping on my juice.Lucas shrugged, avoiding my question.I couldn't help but feel like he was hiding something from me because of how strange he'd been acting.We had spent the night together at Victoria's parents' luxury hotel over the weekend. It had been the perfect escape from reality and it made me truly appreciate how Lucas had been there for me through everything I was going through.He showed me that he cared and was willing to make an effort to make me forget about things for a little whi
"Why do you think that?" I asked as I tried to understand the unspoken motives behind his words.It seemed as if this was coming out of nowhere and I couldn't wrap my head around it. What was he thinking?I couldn't help but be taken aback by his sudden shift in perspective on our relationship. Originally, it seemed like he wanted this more than me. He was the one who wanted to tell everyone, and I was the one who wasn't quite ready.It all happened so quickly, and now I wondered if that was what caused this. Did we move too fast and now he's realizing it was a mistake?Lucas's eyes remained fixed on the road like he was trying hard not to glance at me. His hands firmly gripped the steering wheel, knuckles turning white. "Things have gotten really complicated since then, Shana. Your father's situation, and now there's... more."More? More what?His cryptic words left me hanging and I struggled to unravel the mystery of what he meant. What else has happened that I'm unaware of?"Are yo
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