"No, Shana, you're the first person I've told." James shook his head at my question, his eyes filling with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "We want to keep it under wraps for now. I don't even know if Victoria told Emily."Emily was Victoria's best friend who had also been at the beach house with us.Still, James's revelation left me feeling overly excited, and naturally, a whirlwind of questions filled my mind.I couldn't help but ask, my analytical nature got the better of me as I pressed James for details."So," I said. "Spill the beans. I want to know everything. How did it happen?""What?" James frowned. "The kiss?""Yes!" I exclaimed. "The kiss. I want to know every single detail. When did it happen? How was it? Did it happen more than once? Did—""Shana... slow down." James put a hand on either side of my shoulders, steadying me."I'm sorry, I'm just so excited for you! This is big news.""I know, and I'm so glad you're being a good supportive friend, but you're asking
Grandma Jo was at her yoga class for the evening, leaving me home alone.As I sat on the couch, I let my thoughts drift off, wondering what Lucas was doing right now. If he was still living here, we would probably go do something together. Maybe we'd watch a movie or go out for dinner or ice cream...But Lucas hadn't returned to Grandma Jo's house since he left. He hadn't even come to stop by or say hello once.Not having him around left me with an emptiness that I wasn't familiar with. It gnawed at me and filled me with questions and doubts that consumed my mind.Having that conversation with James earlier made me feel a little bit better. I couldn't imagine what kind of pressure or rules Kendrick placed on Lucas, especially now that he was back home.I should just give him some time to figure out how to navigate all of this, but it was hard to just sit back and do nothing.It was also frustrating because Lucas wasn't answering any of my texts. He was being distant and it was driving
Feeling extremely uncomfortable by the strange man, I tried to assert myself and move out of his way, but he followed me.When I went to move again, he grabbed ahold of my shoulders pushing me to the side of the building where the shadows provided a bit more privacy."Let me go!" I shouted, trying to free myself from his grasp, but his grip was too tight.He shoved me roughly into the hard wall and kept his hands on me to make sure that I wouldn't turn back and run.A sense of panic took over me as I wondered what this man wanted to do with me. I had done nothing wrong, and it didn't seem like he worked for Kendrick.I wasn't even sure if he knew who I was.But maybe, just maybe... Kendrick had hired someone to keep an eye on me. What if this was his way of trying to keep me and Lucas apart? What if this man was trying to stop me from talking to Lucas?As I gazed up at the man, his blue eyes pierced into my soul and I felt a shiver creep down my spine, making me feel slightly on edge.
"You shouldn't trust them," Edwin continued to say, his voice filled with a mix of anger and concern. "I know you're dating Lucas.""I really don't need you telling me what to do," I retorted, feeling a protectiveness over Lucas. "I appreciate you trying to... warn me, but I don't need it. Lucas would never do anything to hurt me."He shook his head like he thought I was being ridiculous. "I'm telling you this for your own good. Don't let them manipulate you like they've done to so many others.""Do you even know Lucas enough to be making these kinds of accusations about him?" I asked, tilting my head in consideration.From what I remembered, Lucas wasn't close to any of his family besides his father. In fact, I think his only other blood-related relative besides his father was Edwin, but they didn't speak or see each other.How could Edwin make all of these comments about Lucas when he didn't know him?I knew Lucas better than him."I know his father, and you know what they say." Edw
"I don't know what you're planning, but please, leave Lucas out of it," I pleaded again, hoping Edwin would listen to me for once. "Trust me, he's been through enough already, and I don't want to see him get hurt."Edwin's laughter was cold and hollow as he responded, "You don't need to worry about Lucas, Shana. He's an alpha male. He's perfectly capable of taking care of himself... Just remember to watch your own back. Wolfless need the most help."With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing back toward the parking lot as if he were never there in the first place.I was left standing alone in the dimly lit alley, my thoughts in a wild turmoil.I didn't want to admit it, but Edwin's comments had let doubt and uncertainty fester within me. I couldn't help but question what it all meant.I was a firm believer in things happening for a reason. So, why would Edwin's warning benefit me? Did I really need to be wary of Lucas and his family?But speculating things wasn't going to get
I couldn't tell if Lucas was upset or not.The only thing I felt was an eagerness to pour out my concerns and frustrations and now was finally my chance."Lucas, I've been trying to get in touch with you all week and I've gotten hardly any response. You've been acting strangely and I needed to come talk to you about it in person," I explained.Lucas's anxiety was evident as he glanced at me and then back at the entrance to the elevators where his father might appear at any moment.I understood that there were potential dangers surrounding us, and coming here was probably not the wisest idea, but I didn't care anymore."Shana, we can't talk here," Lucas's blue eyes pleaded with mine. "I just left a meeting with my father, and I need to go back. We'll talk later, I promise. Don't worry, I'll be able to explain."I nodded in agreement. Seeing the uncomfortableness on Lucas's face made me feel sympathetic.That meant Kendrick knew he had left to go attend to something. He needed to get ba
Lucas's voice cut through the buzzing in my ears, drawing my attention back to the present.My racing thoughts began to slow as I clenched his hand, grounding me.I tried to calm my tears, forcing myself to remember that I was okay. That I was safe."Shana, what's going on?" he asked, genuine concern etched across his features as he squeezed my hand back.I took a deep breath, trying to regain control over the strange sensations coursing through me. "I don't know what's going on," I admitted, my voice shaky. "I just felt that overwhelming feeling again.""Again?" Lucas asked. "What do you mean?""My body... it's been acting so strangely, especially since I shifted.""It's still happening?" Lucas's brow furrowed, his eyes filled with worry. "It feels like you're losing control?""Something like that," I said. "It's been happening a lot more lately...""So..." He seemed to be connecting the dots. "You were about to shift, weren't you?"I nodded, my throat feeling dry. Was that what that
Embarrassment washed over me as I thought about Kendrick potentially reading all my desperate text messages to Lucas.Hopefully Lucas deleted those before he ever got the chance. My cheeks turned red at the thought."I know this is putting a lot of doubt and pressure on you, but we need to continue this in order for my father to help us," Lucas explained as he silently urged me."No, you're right," I said. "I think seeing you today has helped me understand everything. Not being in contact with you for the past week has been really difficult."Lucas's voice was filled with earnestness as he asked, "So, could you keep up with this for a little longer? Once my father fulfills his end of the deal and fixes your debt, things will go back to normal. I promise you."I met his gaze, my hesitation evident. I tried to detect any lies on his face but couldn't see any. I wanted to believe that things would return to normal again, but what even was normal?The White Wolf hung over my head every si
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