I ran and I ran and I ran.Tears blurred my vision as I continued to push myself further and further. A watery haze of greens and browns coated my eyes as I sprinted through the sun-lit forest.The world around me transformed into indistinct blurs of colors as I desperately sought to escape from the storm of emotions within me.It felt freeing to be able to lose control like this. The last time I had shifted I had felt just as scared and confused. This time, I felt my body ache with a sadness that I had never felt before.My lungs burned and my limbs ached as I continued to burst with energy. I was trying to escape from the reality of my life. I wanted to get as far away from the human Shana as possible. I wanted to remain like this forever and never return.I didn't want to face the truth of the news I had just learned. I couldn't even think about it. Thinking about it only caused me to howl and whine with desperation.So, I continued to move. Each stride forward felt like a brief re
Lucas POVI watched as Shana's White Wolf crashed into the tree. My sprinting stopped immediately as I watched her body transform back into its human self.Panic and fear crippled me as I stood there, momentarily motionless.Was he okay? Had she passed out? Was she breathing?It felt like I stood there forever, examining Shana's lifeless body on the ground before sense snapped into me.I shifted back into my human form, moving towards her at the speed of light.I dropped to my knees beside Shana, my heart heavy with concern. "Are you okay?" I asked, my eyes scanning her for any signs of injury.She held the side of her body in comfort as tears began to fall from her eyes. I wasn't sure if she was crying because of the pain from her potential injury, or because of what she had just learned about her father.The forest around us was alive with the relaxing sounds of nature, but all I could hear was Shana's labored breathing."Shana," I called her name, gently touching her side where she
LUCAS POVShana sat beside me, trembling in the passenger seat, her tear-streaked face a heartbreaking sight.There was one thought that had been constantly playing on my mind:I wished there was more I could do for her, but all I could offer was the support of my presence.The weight of grief hung heavy in the air, and the drive to the police department was cloaked in silence, interrupted only by Shana's occasional sobs.I hadn't experienced loss like Shana had. My mother died while giving birth to me, so I didn't even fully know what it felt like to lose a parent.Grandma Jo had been like my mother, and she was still in my life.Now, Shana had not only lost her mother, but also her father in such a short span of time.It didn't seem fair that she had to deal with all of this tragedy and stress. She wasn't deserving of so much suffering, and it killed me to witness it all.The car's engine provided a rhythmic hum as we drove to the police station, a stark contrast to the turbulent em
LUCAS POV"Do you want to wait in the car, or...?" I trailed off, leaving the decision in her hands.I thought it would be best for her to stay in here. Joining me inside might be more overwhelming for her, but I wanted her to make the choice on her own.Shana nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll wait here."I squeezed her hand gently, understanding the weight of the situation. "That's perfectly fine. I'll try not to take too long. If you change your mind, just text me and I'll come get you, okay?"She nodded again and I leaned over the console to give her a light kiss on the cheek before leaving the car.I walked into the station with my hands in my jean pockets. There was a desk at the front and a door to the right that probably led to wherever the police officer's offices were.There was a small waiting area, and a few people sat there, waiting for their turn. A few of them looked a little rough around the edges and gave me curious glances, probably wondering what I was
I watched out the car window as Lucas exited the police station. From the heaviness in his shoulders, I could tell that the news wasn't good.But I had spent the last hour in the car trying to get myself to calm down and come to terms with it.Well, as best as I could right now, anyway.Lucas opened the driver's side door and slid into the seat. He turned to look at me. His eyes, usually warm and comforting, held a sadness that confirmed what I already knew. He didn't need to say a word; I could see it etched on his face.My father was gone.I took a deep breath, struggling to summon the tears that seemed to have abandoned me."Is it him?" I asked, my voice a fragile thread in the quiet of the car.Lucas nodded solemnly, and the numbness that had cocooned me tightened its grip. The reality was there, cold and unyielding."Did they... do they know how he died?" I questioned, my words feeling foreign as they left my lips."They do," Lucas said, observing my carefully. "Are you sure you
The drive to my father's house was quiet, the air filled with unspoken heaviness.I was trying to prepare myself for whatever I was about to experience in that house. I knew it wasn't going to be easy.As Lucas pulled up to the familiar curb, he turned to me, his eyes reflecting concern. "You're sure you're ready for this?"I nodded, looking out the window at the house in front of us. "I don't think I'll ever be ready, but I need to do it eventually.""Bringing up your earlier point," Lucas began to say, "your father most likely had a will, Shana. If he did, then this house is yours now."It felt like I was being hit in the chest with a bag of bricks. This house was mine?"I can get you in touch with my father's lawyer, and they'll help you sort everything out," Lucas reassured me. "But we don't have to think about it right now. We can just go in and get whatever you need."I nodded, grateful for Lucas's support in navigating the tangled aftermath of my father's life.This was more th
LUCAS POVRevisiting Gregory's office, tucked away in a dusty old building, proved to be a less-than-thrilling experience.The air within the room hung heavy with the scent of aged paper, and the furniture seemed to have absorbed the weariness of countless previous clients.Shana's discomfort mirrored mine, evident in the way she sat in the worn chair, arms defensively crossed over her chest, a slight frown etched on her face.I hated the way it smelled in here.Gregory, a close family friend and lawyer to my father, maintained the same stoic expression that seemed permanently etched into the lines of his face.I couldn't help but wonder if the reason he looked so wore out was because of how dreary this room was. It was a thought that crossed my mind as I observed his stern face."So, it appears your father did have a will," Gregory announced, his fingers rifling through aged paperwork with practiced ease.Shana's skepticism lingered, her arms pulling even closer into her chest as she
The experience of losing my father has been completely eye opening. There are so many things to consider once someone is gone, and it's something people don't really think about.Although, I have a feeling not many eighteen-year old's are having to help plan some sort of memorial or funeral for their father by themselves.Choosing not to host a traditional funeral seemed fitting to me. It was just him and me, and the thought of cremation resonated as the most intimate option. And I had the perfect idea on how to release my father.Over the past few days as I prepared, slowly things got easier. I had come to terms with my father's passing, and realized that although I missed him, this was unfortunately how things must be.He wasn't the greatest father, and he only chose to harm himself and me over and over again. Now, he didn't have any weight on his shoulders. He was free, and I wanted to offer him even more freedom from that pain.Lucas and I currently sat in my car as faint music pl
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