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
LUCAS POVI got Shana in touch with a relator that my father used to use when he started his business. She was a woman in her mid-40s and very knowledgeable about the area where we lived.She promised me that she would be able to get the best deal for Shana when selling the house.Shana and I had only had the small ceremony for her father a week ago, but in that time, I've noticed a big improvement in Shana's mood and overall attitude.She's much more upbeat and livelier. Slowly but surely, she's becoming herself again.I've noticed that she doesn't like being left alone, so she often creeps into my room at night when Grandma Jo is already fast asleep, and leaves before she wakes up.After Grandma Jo's last fit, I didn't want to risk upsetting her again, but at the same time, Shana needed me. And besides, sleeping together was harmless. We weren't doing anything except comforting each other.Today, I was driving Shana to her house where the relator would begin staging the house for po
LUCAS POVI steered the car towards Grandma Jo's house, my grip on the wheel tight with frustration and anger.The entire journey was consumed by the relentless question of why my father was once again pursuing me.What did he want this time? I had made it abundantly clear that I had no interest in him or the family business. The persistent pursuit felt like an invasion, a violation of the boundaries I had tried so hard to establish.The gravel crunched beneath the tires as I jerked the car to a stop in Grandma Jo's driveway, my heart pounding with a mix of defiance and anxiety.The arrival of the ominous black SUV behind me intensified the already tense atmosphere, casting shadows over the familiar surroundings.As I stepped out of the car, ready to confront my father, a sudden force clamped down on my arm.A huge bodyguard appeared, his grip unyielding, and before I could react, another joined the effort, securing my other side."Let go of me! What the hell is happening?" I shouted,
LUCAS POVMy father's eyes bore into mine, unwavering. "Lucas, I know you're dating the White Wolf. I know it's Shana."As he repeated himself, I remained froze, unable to comprehend what he was telling me.The words hit me like a punch to the gut, stealing my breath.How did he find out? Shana and I had been so careful, not even James knew the truth, our closest friend.The only other person who knew was Professor Black, and I wondered if he had somehow let it slip. Did my father bribe him with money? Did he go to my father willingly?But I shook that thought away as soon as it entered my head. Professor Black would never do such a thing.He seemed so shaken up about the wolfless boy he had tried to help in the past. He would never want to jeopardize Shana's safety by revealing her secret.Especially not a secret as big as this.I racked my brain for any other signs I might have missed, any slip-up that could have betrayed Shana's secret.Denial was the first instinct that surged wit
LUCAS POVI clenched my jaw, the protective instinct flaring within me. "You're not going to harm her, Dad. I won't let you."My father rolled his eyes, dismissing my concern with a condescending smirk. "You're so damn stupid sometimes, Lucas. Do you really think I'd do anything to harm the White Wolf? I'd have to be the dumbest wolf of all."His words sent a chill down my spine.There was a predatory gleam in his eyes, a look I had seen before when greed or excitement seized him. But this time, it was different.It was as if he saw something beyond the present, an opportunity or potential he hadn't considered before.He almost sounded... protective over Shana himself. Was it because of the force? Did he feel some sort of connection with her that he hadn't before?"You don't realize what this means, do you?" Kendrick asked, his tone carrying a weighty significance.I narrowed my eyes, wary of his intentions. "It doesn't change anything for me, Dad. I'm not interested in whatever power