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
"Shana, I worked so hard to be involved in my father's business—ever since I shifted. That's what I was trained to become." Lucas looked at me, trying to get me to understand the words that he was saying.I almost couldn't believe that was coming out of his mouth. He seriously wanted Kendrick back in his life after everything.He was only going to hold Lucas back and I thought he had realized that. I thought we were over all this."Are you serious?" I asked in disbelief, still unable to believe it was true. This didn’t sound like him at all.Surely Kendrick was blackmailing him somehow. Lucas seemed so adamant about never wanting to be a part of his father's life again.Just last week, Lucas told me his father had followed him and asked him to rejoin the family business. When Lucas refused, Kendrick warned him that his cousin would take his place as heir.Lucas told me he didn't even care, and by the look on his face, I didn't think he cared either. He was free from the shackles of co
As I waited for Lucas and James to notice me standing in the hallway, I bit my lip as I watched them. They held their heads close together as they seemed to be talking about something serious.Did Lucas tell James everything that had happened with his father?I knew that when it came to Kendrick, James would be on my side. He hated the control that Kendrick had over Lucas as much as I did. I hoped that his best friend would be able to give him some advice that I couldn't offer.When the two of them finally noticed me, James plastered a smile on his face.He stopped in front of me. "Hey, Shana Banana."I raised an eyebrow. "Shana Banana?" That was a first."I just came up with it." James shrugged. "It kinda fits you.""How so?"James only smiled at me and turned to Lucas to give him an enthusiastic clap on the back. "Alright, bro. I gotta run but don't forget what we talked about. If you need anything just text me, okay?""Sure, thanks," Lucas and James gave each other the odd handshak
"My father knows you're the most important thing to me," Lucas explained as the car moved down the road quickly, "I needed to convince him that I was serious about wanting to return, and that it wasn't just for you."I furrowed my brow, the complexity of this situation making it difficult for me to see the full picture. "How are you going to be able to convince him of that?""That's exactly why I told him I wanted to move back home, so that he could keep a closer eye on me. That part was all my idea," Lucas said, a hint of determination in his voice.As we drove on, I couldn't help but try to view the situation through Kendrick's perspective. If he wanted to regain control over Lucas, he would need him close and free from any distractions, like Grandma Jo, me, or hockey.I couldn't lie, it sounded like a solid plan. Or at least, a solid start."Tell me your plan," I urged, needing to understand his reasoning more clearly."My father thinks I'll end our relationship, but we'll just kee
Lucas POVI was sitting in my old room, staring at the email notification from a popular university hockey team.This was probably the eighth email I had gotten from a college team ever since the championship game just a few days ago.As usual, the email started off the same way."Lucas, we attended the Dragon versus Titan championship game and were impressed with not only your sportsmanship, but your skill as a excellent hockey player..."The rest of the email detailed their interest in having me join their team. They continued on saying that they wanted to discuss the offer in person and potential scholarships this could give me.It was an incredible opportunity, one that I had always dreamed of. But I couldn't entertain it, not with my father's conditions hanging over my head.Even if a school was to offer me a full ride scholarship, my father wouldn't care because he can afford the tuition. Plus, my father only cared about Hawking University and ever since I saw their scout at the
The school days had blurred together into a frustrating, mundane rhythm.It had already been a week since Lucas had moved back in with Kendrick. It was a week filled with distance and silence.I hadn't seen much of Lucas since he was trying not to be seen with me at school if fear of his father finding out. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. The only time we talked anymore was over the phone, a few texts here and there.I wanted to call him last night, but he didn't want to risk his father hearing us. It was frustrating and annoying being unable to actually communicate with him. And even though Lucas was doing all of this for me, it felt like he was slowly slipping away.It felt like we were losing what we had just gained.It seemed as if the whole school had taken notice in our relationship shift as well. I couldn't help but feel that everyone at school had already assumed we'd broken up, and that irritated me to no end.They would still stare and whisper, but this time it w
I couldn't help but raise my brows in question as I stared at James's phone screen, my eyes locked on Victoria's name.It wouldn't have been weird if Victoria's name in James's phone was just plain, but there was a red heart emoji that followed her name.It was such an intimate display, one that friends typically didn't exchange.Did this mean what I thought it did?I always thought they didn’t realize that their arguing might mean something more than that. And they were just too afraid to admit it that they liked each other.But judging from the suspicious heart, I was probably wrong.I don't even think I had a heart in my phone for Lucas... and the two of us were actually dating!My curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't resist prying."Why is Victoria calling you, James?" I asked, trying to sound casual but failing to hide my surprise.James, on the other hand, jumped as if I'd given him an electric shock. He quickly tried to shield his phone screen from me, but it was too la
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