We pulled up to Grandma Jo's house and relief washed over me like a cool breeze.We were finally away from all of the chaos.However, a small part of me was nagging that Grandma Jo's house might not always be safe. Eventually, reporters would figure out that Shana was staying here.I shook my head, trying to tell myself that I would worry about it when the time came.But as we parked, a knot formed in the pit of my stomach. There was an unfamiliar car in the driveway, and it sent a ripple of unease through me.I exchanged a glance with Shana, her apprehension mirroring my own."Do you know whose car that is?" I asked, my voice low with concern.Shana shook her head, her eyes fixed on the figure emerging from the car. "No... I've never seen it before."As the person stepped closer, I recognized him immediately, though his presence only heightened my sense of unease.It was my cousin, Edwin.God, he couldn't have picked worse timing. I wasn't in the mood to deal with him right now. Any
"We should probably go," James said, glancing at Victoria. "You guys should deal with... whatever is going on."As James and Victoria ordered a ride from them to get home, Lucas and I exchanged a worried glance. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on us."I'm kind of nervous," Lucas admitted, his voice tinged with apprehension. "Edwin is unpredictable, and he wouldn't just say that to scare me. He's done something to my father."A shiver ran down my spine at the thought of what Edwin might have done. Despite all our efforts to be safe, it seemed that danger still lurked dangerously close.Although, I must admit that Kendrick was the last person on my mind."We should go check on Kendrick," I suggested, gently nudging Lucas toward the car. "We need to make sure he's okay."Lucas nodded, his expression grim as he climbed into the driver's seat. With a heavy heart, I settled into the passenger seat, the weight of the unknown pressing down on us was suffocating.As we drove in si
LUCAS POVI stood outside the hospital room, watching over my father's frail, sleeping form.My thoughts were a mix of different emotions.After talking with the police for a few hours, Shana and I finally left to visit my father in the hospital. He had undergone several tests and the doctors worked tirelessly to rid him of the poison in his body.Unfortunately, he was in a state of unconsciousness and the doctors couldn't determine when he would wake again.They managed to remove the poison from his body, but he was severely dehydrated and malnourished. He had a tube connected to him that was providing his body with fluids.It was difficult to see my father like this, so helpless and lifeless. It wasn't like the strong, stern man I knew.A part of it scared me. I knew that life should never be taken for granted.After Shana lost her father so suddenly, I realized that the same could happen to me.My father could die... How would I be able to live with myself if that were to happen?T
EDWIN POVThe past twenty four hours had been a whirlwind.Information was being thrown at me left and right, and it felt like I couldn't get a second to myself.Kendrick had hundreds of people working for him and it seemed like all of them required something from me.I couldn't take all of it. I was sick of answering a phone call or attending a random meeting that I knew nothing about.I escaped to Kendrick's office when nobody was looking and took a seat at his desk. It was much quieter here and I was only surrounded by the grandness of his office.Unease settled over me as I let my thoughts wander.This is it. This is what I had always wanted.I had finally taken control of the Busch empire. Obstacles like my cousin and uncle didn't stand in my way anymore.Yet, as I scanned through the endless stacks of paperwork and reports, I couldn't shake the feeling of overwhelming dread that washed over me.Taking over Kendrick's empire wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.The weight of
LUCAS POVAfter I hung up the phone with Edwin, a heavy sense of responsibility settled over me.Despite my reservations, I couldn't ignore the fact that my father's business empire was now in jeopardy, and I couldn't stand by while it crumbled.With a deep breath, I tried to prepare myself for the challenges ahead.It wasn't just about preserving my father's legacy, there was more to it.It was also about honoring the hard work and dedication of the countless employees who depended on this company for their livelihoods. Without a leader, their jobs were at risk.I made my way to the company headquarters immediately.Leaving my father's side made me a little uncomfortable, but I knew that the doctors would be here for him. There was nothing else that I could do for him.As I drove, my mind raced with thoughts of what needed to be done. I couldn't afford to waste any time.Shana sat beside me, wanting to offer her own support. It meant a lot to me that she was here.I was just worried
I stepped through the shimmering portal that Liam created and a wave of familiarity washed over me.I had grown used to the feeling of traveling through a portal. Thankfully, it only felt like a pinch now.The portal led to the entrance of the Ethereal Palace. The grandness of it never failed to impress me, but today, there was an underlying sense of apprehension gnawing at the edges of my excitement.It had been a while since I'd been back to the palace. With graduation, I had been too busy to attend my usual training sessions.Lucas couldn't accompany me this time. He was swamped with responsibilities, and I couldn't blame him. The weight of his newfound role at Busch Enterprises was immense, and I knew he needed to focus on that.He also needed to remain at home in case his father woke up. There were other things that required his attention, so I couldn't blame him for doing what was best.Still, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease at being separated from him.We had been throug
After I received my shot, Liam instructed me to follow him to the training room.My mind was clouded with a strange fog, a feeling of disorientation that I couldn't shake.The injection Dr. Mills had administered left me feeling off-kilter, like I was moving through molasses.I couldn't help but feel like something was incredibly wrong. Whatever Dr. Mills had injected me with had started to weaken my entire body.Fear ran through me as I thought about what it could mean.Had I been foolish to allow the King to inject me with something? I knew I shouldn't trust him after he had already poisoned me once... but surely he wouldn't do something like that again.I didn't understand what the King gained to achieve by harming me.Liam led me into the room and I was shocked to see Prince Alex there waiting for us. Where was the King? I thought I was supposed to be training with him today since Prince Alex was busy.Just as the thought came into my head, it disappeared due to a wave of dizzines
I blinked away the remnants of sleep.My eyes fluttered open, the warmth of sunlight filtering through the lace curtains greeted me.I found myself lying on the familiar couch in Grandma Jo's living room, the scent of lavender and cinnamon lingering in the air.Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to recall the events that led me here, my memory shrouded in a dense fog.Blinking against the brightness, I attempted to sit up, but a sharp pang shot through my head, causing me to wince. Lucas appeared at my side, his concerned gaze fixed on me."Shana, you're awake!" Lucas's voice cut through the fog of my thoughts, and I turned to see him kneeling beside the couch, his expression etched with concern."Lucas?" I croaked, my voice hoarse and raspy. "What... what happened?"I tried to push myself up, but a dull ache pulsed through my head, grounding me back onto the plush cushions of the couch. Prince Alex stepped closer, his expression a blend of concern and urgency.I frowned, shocked to
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