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
LUCAS POVMy father's words hung in the air, a looming pressure that threatened to suffocate any semblance of reason.I struggled to calm myself down as my breathing grew deeper.The SUV sped down the road, and with each passing moment, the gravity of the situation tightened its grip on my conscious.He wanted Shana to be my family now? Just because she was the White Wolf?I could see the wheels turning in his eyes. He had some plan up his sleeve, like he aways did. He couldn't help but meddle where he didn't belong."I'll ignore all the stupid things the two of you have done before to defy me," Kendrick promised, his tone laced with a sinister charm. "None of that will matter anymore. We can forget it ever happened.""This changes nothing for me," I argued. "Just because you know she's the White Wolf, I'm not going to go crawling back to you.""Oh Lucas, you still aren't seeing the bigger picture here," my father said, crackling his knuckles. "Think for a second how perfect this is."
LUCAS POVThe revelation hung in the air, a horrible truth that bound Shana's destiny with the desires of a power-hungry father.The Alpha King—the highest authority in the werewolf hierarchy—now knew of Shana's existence, a secret that had been carefully guarded until my father's calculated interference."The Alpha King?" I blurted out, my mind racing to comprehend how this was even possible.It was incredibly difficult for alphas to get in touch with the Alpha King, and here my father claimed to have made contact with him. There was no way he was actually telling the truth."Yes, the Alpha King," my father repeated with an eye roll. "Why do you look so surprised?""How did you manage to get ahold of the Alpha King? Isn't he impossible to—""Lucas, don't ask me stupid questions." My father leaned back in his seat, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "I have my ways, and when I want something done, I get it done."I did an internal eye roll. It was annoying that he was telling the truth. My
The abrupt halt of the SUV left me disoriented, my surroundings blurred for a moment before snapping into focus. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks as I saw Kendrick sitting in the vehicle, his eyes locked onto mine with a sinister intensity.I pushed my hair out of my fair, going into a sitting position when I noticed movement from beside Kendrick. Lucas sat there, his blue eyes piercing and displaying a wide range of emotions. Anger, confusion, worry.I couldn't help but blurt out my thoughts."What the hell is going on?" I exclaimed, my voice edged with a mix of confusion and fear.As I turned, my gaze met Lucas's again, and the knot in my stomach tightened. Why was he in this SUV with his father, and why had they thrown me in here like this?I had just left my meeting with the relator. It had been difficult to go through the house, room by room and recounting all of the memories that I would be saying goodbye to.As hard as it was, I knew it had to be done. Once the house
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