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
Lucas POVWalking back into the company filled me with anxiety, even though I tried not to show it on my face.My father was nowhere to be seen and people continued to run amuck as I walked toward the elevators.I doubted that my father would just let this incident slide. He was going to question me about why Shana was here, and I needed to prepare myself for what I was going to say.As I went up to the top floor, I tried to sort through my thoughts. What would my father ask me? What answer would he like to hear?Once I finally reached the top, the elevator opened, and I began to walk to my office.Just as I was about to reach the door, I noticed a security guard standing right outside of it.The only person in this entire building who had security following him at all times was my father."Is he inside?" I asked the tall, burly guard.He gave me a curt nod instead of giving me a clear answer with his words.I took a deep steadying breath before pulling open the door.The tension hit
Lucas POVAfter my father's latest request, I decided that Victoria and I needed to meet to discuss our plan further.I had a feeling she would be just as surprised as me, and I hoped she wouldn't want to call off our agreement. It was already a lot to ask of her and now, we had to speed up the process.I was thinking of visiting Victoria at her house but decided it would best to go somewhere away from prying eyes. Her parents weren't my biggest fans.Victoria suggested meeting at a small coffee shop on the other side of town. It would be the best place for us to go talk without someone we knew finding out.As we sat at a booth near the back corner, sipping our lattes, the weight of the situation weighed on on me."I'm guessing you don't have good news since you wanted to meet so urgently," Victoria said as she stirred her latte with a spoon."No really," I blew out a breath. "My father had made some recent... adjustments to our original agreement?""You mean, he's making his own rule
I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as I walked toward the hockey locker rooms where Lucas wanted to meet.It had been such a long time since the two of us had trained together. I was excited to work on myself and show him any new abilities I had, and I was equally as excited to see him.After seeing him in person and talking thing through, I felt much more at ease. It seemed that Lucas was having a rough time with everything, just like me.That was all the reassurance that I needed.As I stepped down the hallway, I spotted Lucas already waiting for me wearing his work out clothes.When he heard me approaching, a smile lit up his face. Again, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest from just seeing him again."Hey there," I greeted him, my voice bubbling with excitement."Hey there, beautiful," Lucas replied as his blue eyes locked on mine. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes, and I couldn't help but blush under his gaze.Lucas grabbed ahold of my hand as w
The past week is a blur of kisses, laughs, and hard work as Lucas and I meet every morning at Shadow High's training facility.I've felt my mood improved significantly thanks to how much time I've been able to spend with Lucas.He was trying to make sure that I felt special and appreciated every time he saw me. Every morning he'd greet me with a "Hello, beautiful" and wrap me in his arms for a hug.I felt better than I had in weeks since finding out about my wolf and my father's betrayal. Not only mentally and emotionally, but also physically.It seemed impossible to think that a few days of working out would be able to make such a change in my physical strength. Even Lucas mentioned it to me this morning as we finished our session."I can tell your body is craving the need to exert itself." Lucas also noted how toned I looked. "Don't you feel a difference?""My mind feels so clear," I told him. "Ever since we started training this week, I haven't felt any strangeness or overwhelming
Lucas's lips met mine, and it seemed like everything else in the world melted away."I know," he agreed, pulling his lips away. "Things have felt so chaotic lately, it's nice to forget and have fun for once."I nodded in agreement, playing with the ripples in the water. "We need to have more moments like this. Just you and me, away from everything else."Just as I was opening up, Lucas pulled another goofy expression."Stop! What are you doing?" I giggled.His grin was infectious. "Trying to earn a smile, or maybe even a laugh. Looks like I won."I tried to pretend like I was unimpressed with his tactics, but the corners of my mouth betrayed me as they lifted into a smile. "You're such a goofball."Right now, it felt like the connection between us was stronger than ever.It was such a contrast to the way I had been feeling. Moments like these reminded me of how much I cared for Lucas.We eventually left the water and started getting dressed again but the cold breeze against my skin ma
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