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 arrived at the school gate of Shadow High School ten minutes early, but I chose not to walk inside yet. I hid behind a large oak tree, hoping to shield myself from the judgmental eyes of other students.School had become my least favorite place, a constant reminder of my differences and the painful truth I discovered when I was thirteen—I couldn't shift like other werewolves because I was wolfless.That revelation turned my life upside down in ways I never could have imagined.I became the different one. The wolfless are born with bad luck, they said. And it did feel like a curse.Since then, I could no longer catch up with my peers who had already shifted in terms of physical strength.Werewolves, especially teenagers in school, valued athletic abilities. Slowly but surely, my friends distanced themselves from me, and I became an outsider amongst my kind.I spent a long time getting used to my “difference”, and I realized I should not let my circumstances define me.I channeled m
“I think we should kick her out of here,” the tanned boy suggested as he passed Lucas, his words dripping with contempt. “She’s the wolfless girl. All of her bad luck is going to rub off on the team.”His use of the term "wolfless" made it sound as if I had some kind of contagious disease.It felt like I was being branded as an outcast, someone to be avoided at all costs.And in some ways, I supposed I was.Lucas, with a furrowed brow, looked at me, his deep blue eyes reminiscent of calm ocean waves after a storm.It was evident he was torn, unsure of what to do.Normally, I would have already left to avoid any further trouble, especially in front of such an intimidating audience. I didn't know if it was because of his familiarity or his hesitation, so I decided to say something for myself."You won't even know I'm here," I managed to say to Lucas.There was a friendliness in his gaze that gave me the courage to continue."I'm only sitting here because it's too hot outside. And beside
"What?" I stared at Jessica in disbelief, my heart racing in my chest.The weight of her words bore down on me, filling me with confusion."We've heard the rumors," Jessica said, her voice filled with both amusement and superiority, as she casually pointed to her group of friends surrounding her. “You’ve been keeping yourself pretty busy today. Haven’t you, Shana?”All of her minions stood there, smirks etched across their faces.Shadow High was a hub of gossip and rumors where whispers spread quickly.Every week there seemed to be a different story that students focused on.But as an outsider, I had always remained on the outskirts, unaware of the intricate network of information swirling around me.I had no friends, after all. There was no one to gossip with."What rumor?" I asked in a barely audible voice, feeling a sense of unease creeping up my spine.Rolling her eyes, Jessica took out her phone from her pocket, a wicked smile playing on her lips. “Don’t even pretend like you don
Everyone in the cafeteria looked surprised to see Lucas standing there, but nobody was more surprised than me.He stood tall and almost looked like a fallen angel with his dark hair framing the edges of his face. His bright blue eyes shined as they scanned the students in the cafeteria.My heart skipped a beat as I watched Jessica, unable to contain her excitement, practically throw herself against Lucas."Lucas, you'll never guess it!" Jessica exclaimed, her voice laced with anticipation. "Shana just confessed her undying love for you!"Lucas turned his gaze towards me, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.His piercing blue eyes now locked onto mine, and I could feel myself blush under his scrutiny.He still held my mother's necklace delicately in his hand, his fingers tracing its intricate design.My voice came out louder than intended as I spoke up, desperately trying to clarify the misunderstanding. "No, I never said that! It’s all just a rumor. That’s it,”I looked down at the neckl
My locker had been forcefully opened, evident by the fact that I couldn't even close it anymore.The lock had been wholly mangled and rendered useless, leaving me with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.An overwhelming wave of anxiety swept through me as I realized that whoever had my diary now possessed all my private and personal secrets.The thought of my deepest thoughts, the details of my bullying experiences, the words of encouragement I wrote to myself, and my heartfelt drawings being exposed to the entire school made my heart race.I knew that if someone decided to broadcast it, I would become the laughingstock once and for all.And why wouldn't they share that information?After all, I was the wolfless girl, the perpetual loser, the outcast who was the primary target of bullying.Amidst my panic, a memory flashed in my mind.It was the photo of me and Bear, my only picture of him.A sense of both comfort and concern washed over me as I contemplated the possible conse
"I recognized you from our photo Jessica sent in the group chat," Lucas explained as he carried me to the nurse's office.One of his hands supported my back while the other was perfectly nestled underneath my thighs.I held onto him tightly.“You could recognize me?” I asked with shock. “I mean, I don’t exactly look the same.”Lucas shook his head. “I don’t know how I didn’t notice before.”He looked down at me carefully and I felt like I was glued to his arms. “Your eyes are still the same.”“You mean a dull, boring, brown?” I joked.“Nothing about you is boring, Shana.” Lucas looked away from me and then, continued to walk forward down the hallways.I swallowed, not allowing his words to affect me as much as I wanted them to.Nothing about you is boring.“Where are you taking me?” I asked him.“The nurse’s office,” Lucas replied. “You have a nasty cut on your forehead.”I relaxed in his arms a bit. Our school nurse knew me well since I had been visiting her frequently since the star
This was my first time skipping class to run away from school. As an outcast, I couldn’t afford to be that rebellious kid.But it seemed like Lucas was quite experienced in doing so, thanks to the secret passageway in the school's basement.I couldn't believe my eyes as Lucas led me outside of the school, away from the prying eyes of teachers and fellow students."Where does your grandma live now?" I asked, trying to keep up with his brisk pace as we headed toward a parking lot adjacent to the school campus."The same old neighborhood," Lucas replied casually, glancing back at me. "It's just a short ride away."I scanned the parking lot, wondering which car belonged to Lucas.However, my question was soon answered when I nearly collided with him as he abruptly stopped in front of me.My eyes widened in disbelief as I peered over his shoulder."Please tell me that's not yours," I blurted out, stunned.With a confident grin, Lucas swung his leg over a sleek, black motorcycle, his hands
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