Lucas POV"I'm sorry?" My father asked as his eyes hardened.I decided it was finally time to come clean with my father. I couldn't keep living my life in a web of lies. It was taking a toll on me, and I couldn't handle the pressure anymore.The realization that I've been lying to every single person in my life hit me like a ton of bricks. All it's done is confuse me and hurt people, and I knew I was about to hurt someone else by revealing this.I glanced up at my father, trying to gain the courage to speak the truth."It was all a ploy," I admitted, my voice thick with certainty. "Everything."My father faltered, confused by my confession. He raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely surprised for the first time in a long time. "A ploy? What are you talking about?"Knowing that there was no reversing the damage I had done or the consequences to my own actions, I continued, "Yes. A ploy. I pretended to want to get engaged to Victoria again to help Shana with her debt."My father's face was
I felt numb as James drove us away from the party. My anger and confusion had morphed into disbelief. I didn't even feel like I was living my own reality.James and I had been quiet for the last five minutes. We've been digesting our feelings in the silence.Knowing that the people closest to you could hurt you so brutally and recklessly felt dangerous. I gave Lucas parts of me that nobody had ever seen before.I'd shared things with him that meant something to me, and he just went behind my back.I think what hurt the most was that Lucas was doing it willingly, knowing that there was a possibility I would find out.My brain just couldn't process the fact that Lucas would do this to me.Glancing at James, it felt weird to see him without his normal cheerful smile. I hated that they had done that to him.He looked like he was depleted of any joy, and I missed hearing his constant annoying and obnoxious jokes.How could Lucas and Victoria betray us like this? Did they even care?"I can'
James and I marched up to Grandma Jo's house. James was leading the way and I could feel the anger in his footsteps as they hit the ground.I never thought that I'd say this, but James was scary, especially when he was mad. Right now, I was just happy that James was on my side and that I wasn't the one he was upset with.The betrayal we both experienced tonight felt like an open wound, and now it was time for us to confront it head-on. We were about to figure out exactly what had happened.Without knocking and without a moment's hesitation, James swung open the front door. As it slammed the wall, I flinched and shot daggers up at James.He was going to break Grandma Jo's door!"Lucas! We need to talk!" James's voice thundered through the entrance.Suddenly, I realized just how upset James was. He wasn't going into this as calmy as I thought he would. He was coming in full force, ready to start an argument.Nervous pricked the back of my neck as I spotted Lucas and Victoria sitting on
Lucas and Victoria exchanged a glance as if sharing an understanding. The two of them knew that there was no point in avoiding it any longer– the truth had to come out eventually."Alright." Lucas took a deep breath and began, "Shana, James, we owe you an explanation.""You think?" James asked with an eye roll."Would you just let him talk?" Victoria asked, giving James her own glare.His eyes cut to hers with venom. "I don't think you want to try arguing with me right now.""Or what?" Victoria threw her hand on her hips and gave him a pointed stare, as if challenging him. "What are you going to?""Guys, now is not the time to be starting an argument," I interrupted them before they got too into it.It was hard to stop the two of them from wanting to fight with each other.Lucas took a deep breath and gestured to the couch. "You guys may want to sit down, this could take a while.""I'm okay standing," James said with an air of defiance. He crossed his arms over his chest to prove a po
Victoria stood from the couch and walked toward James. She leaned in and kissed James on the cheek, a silent apology in the gesture.James's previous hard demeanor softened as his cheeks reddened.Shock washed over Lucas at the unexpected act as his wide eyes met mine.James had told me that there was something going on between him and Victoria, so I wasn't as shocked as him. However, this was my first time seeing them be affectionate with each other with my own eyes and that was surprising enough."Wait, what?" Lucas stammered.James nodded, his expression a mix of sheepishness and pride as he looked down at Victoria. "We've been seeing each other for a while now.""Since when?" Lucas asked, he turned to me and said, "I told you so."I couldn't help but break out into a small fit of giggles. "I knew you would say that when you found out.""Since we won our championship game," James explained, grabbing Victoria's hand. "It's not really official yet."Victoria, probably not wanting to
"Who is it?" Lucas asked, noticing the stricken look on my face.I showed him my phone screen, his eyes scanning the caller ID. "It's my dad.""Let me answer it." Lucas held out his hand, and I could see the way his jaw tightened.I knew he wasn't happy with my father about what he had done to me. Lucas only wanted to start an argument with him."No, you're going to yell at him.""He deserves more than just that," Lucas argued, his eyes hardening. "He's lucky he's in hiding somewhere, otherwise I would pay him a visit and really let him know how I feel."As harsh as Lucas was being, I agreed with him on some extent and it warmed my heart that he felt so protective over me."Fine, if you don't want me to answer it. You answer it," he encouraged, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Do you want a moment of privacy?"I shook my head, my hand trembling as I answered the call. I wanted Lucas here for moral support, and I wanted him to hear whatever my father had to say.I put my phone on
Lucas POVShana pulled away from my arms, letting her head hang low. She didn't even make eye contact with me as she said, "I think I'm going to go to bed."I nodded, "That's a good idea. You deserve some rest."As I watched Shana walk away, a mix of emotions swirled within me. The events from the night hung heavily in my mind and I knew there was a lot for her to think about. There were probably still things she wanted me to address.She made her way up the stairs and just as she had closed the door to her bedroom, Grandma Jo emerged from her own room. She peeked down at me from the top level, her face a mixture of curiosity and concern.She walked down the stairs and motioned for me to join her in the living room. I felt like a little kid again, getting in trouble with my grandma.She pointed to the couch, and I reluctantly took a seat, watching as she took the spot beside me."Lucas, we need to talk," she said, her tone serious.I nodded, bracing myself for the inevitable conversat
The next morning, the sunlight filtered through my curtains, casting a warm glow in the room.As I stirred awake, the events of the previous night flooded my thoughts. I laid there for a moment, recalling the confrontation last night.All in all, it had ended on a positive note. Lucas was back in my life, but the scars of betrayal still lingered. I didn't know how long it would take for me to forgive him. Trust meant a lot to me, and it seemed like it was hard for Lucas to trust me.He's lied to me so often that I've gotten used to it. I shouldn't have to be used to feeling this way. I wanted Lucas to treat me with respect. I didn't want him to go behind my back and do things that I would eventually find out.I didn't want to make things easy for him. He'd have to work hard to gain my forgiveness. Hopefully, that will teach him never to lie to me again.When I finally got out of bed, I changed and walked downstairs. Lucas was already seated at the dining room table, a plate of breakfa
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