My head ached as I slowly opened my eyes, squinting against the blinding white light that enveloped the hospital room. The soft beeping sound coming from beside me only added to my disorientation.Where was I, and what had happened?Blinking multiple times, I struggled to come to my senses. As my vision cleared, I noticed that my father was standing right at my bedside. His tired eyes and strained expression made him look like he had aged ten years overnight.Beside him was Lucas, who looked just as worried, but his handsome presence still managed to bring me a sense of comfort.Why is my first thought awake about how attractive he is? God, did I hit my head or something?"Hello," I managed to say in a croaky voice, leaving me to clear my throat."You've been unconscious all night, and the first thing you say is 'Hello'?" Lucas reprimanded me, but I could see the smile that was threatening to take form on his lips."Uh..." I stuttered, unsure of what else to say. "Hi?""Shana," my fat
The afternoon sun spilled its golden rays into the high-end boutique as Lucas and I stepped inside, the bell above the door chimed softly.Rows of stunning dresses adorned the store, each one more breathtaking than the last, with fabrics that shimmered and designs that seemed to be plucked from the pages of a fairytale.As I glanced at the price tags, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. There was no way I could afford the perfect dress for Winter Formal in this boutique.Everything here was wildly out of my price range, and I didn't want to be vocal and burden Lucas with my financial concerns.However, it seemed that he could sense my unease without a word from me."I know what you're thinking, Shana," Lucas said, his voice soft and reassuring, his deep blue eyes filled with kindness and understanding."How did you know what I was thinking?" I asked, surprised that he could read me so well."That look on your face," he pointed to the lines of worry on my forehead. "Don't worry about
Lucas POVSeeing Shana in that dress was like stepping into a whirlwind of emotions and reflections, pulling me into a realm I had never experienced before.I'd never seen Shana like that before.Well, at least not in the way that it made me feel...Her confidence in that dress was overpowering, making her even more attractive.I've been around a lot of beautiful women, even some of the most beautiful Alpha females, and never have I felt such stirred feelings deep within me. It was as if a spark had ignited, setting my heart ablaze.I knew it was wrong of me to be thinking about Shana in a way that was more than just a friend. But I couldn't control the way I had reacted to seeing her in that dress.It was as if she was a different person.It felt like my eyes had opened, or maybe it was just the realization finally hitting me that—I liked Shana...more than a friend should.I had come to the boutiques with Shana with no intention of buying anything for myself. But when I saw her rad
Monday morning at school, I was completely caught off guard when I got a sudden call to the dean's office. I had no idea what was going on, but I had a sinking suspicion it had something to do with what happened last week.On my way to the dean's office, I saw Jessica's followers crying in the hallways.This wasn't good.Right as I opened the dean's office door, I saw a stunned Jessica sitting in the seat across from the dean. Next to her was Lucas, looking ever so serious.His eyes met mine as I closed the door. I had no idea what was going on, but I felt relieved to have him by my side."Shana, please take a seat." The dean gestured to an empty seat. "We have some important things to discuss."I followed the dean's orders and took the seat next to Lucas which thankfully, happened to be far from Jessica."Lucas has told me everything. From the constant torment and bullying that Jessica and other students have been putting you through." The dean's face was stern as he watched Jessica
On one hand, I was grateful for Lucas's support and the chance to stand up to Jessica. On the other hand, I was worried that her fathe r's Alpha status would still somehow be able to protect her from trouble.I could see the worry in the dean's eyes, not wanting to escalate the issue further. Possibly, he was thinking about how this would affect the school's reputation.If this was how Jessica got through life, it's no wonder she has terrible behavior. Her mother is just like her, using things to her advantage in order to get her way.Suddenly, the dean's office opened again with more angry-looking parents."What is going on?" one of the parents demanded, pushing their way toward the dean's desk. "Why is my child crying in the hallway claiming they're expelled?""Why is my child being punished?" another parent chimed in, walking further into the room.I looked at Lucas with dread in my eyes. This was not looking good."They're trying to expel your child, too?" Jessica's mother asked t
As soon as James saw what was happening, he rushed forward to the reporters and began adding screenshots from the group chats as evidence to be used."The public opinion will be on our side. That's why I thought having the reporters here was the best option," Lucas said, his eyes gleaming with confidence as he explained our plan. I couldn't help but admire his determination and leadership.What Lucas was implying made perfect sense.If a lot of students had faced the brunt of Jessica's bullying, it meant there would be a groundswell of support against her.The reporters' presence would amplify the issue and put the spotlight on her actions, ensuring that the truth came to light."You're kinda smart sometimes," I teased, knowing full well that Lucas was intelligent and resourceful."Sometimes?" he replied with a mock offended tone. "All the time."As we returned to school the next day, I felt a mix of apprehension and hope. I wondered how our efforts to expose Jessica had impacted the
The anticipation for Winter Formal grew, and my nerves started to get the better of me.I hadn't attended such a formal event in a long time, and the thought of being surrounded by so many people made my heart race.But I was determined to make the most of the night, especially after everything that had happened with Jessica.When the evening finally arrived, I put on my red dress.It was just as beautiful as I remembered and made me feel elegant and confident.I carefully styled my hair, letting loose soft curls that cascaded down my shoulders.I added a touch of shimmering jewelry to my neckline, completing my look with a hint of regal glamour.Looking at myself in the mirror, I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down.Nobody went into these events wanting to stir up drama or make problems. Everyone wants to have fun, so I didn't know why I felt so apprehensive about it.My father was home from work for the evening and offered to take me to the dance. On the drive there, he
I caught glimpses of other couples elegantly dancing on the shimmering snowflake-covered floor.They seemed to effortlessly glide across the dance floor, lost in the grace of the music.I, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel anxious about the prospect of dancing in front of so many people, especially with Lucas, who was such a notable figure at our school.I didn't want to let him down or make him look bad in any way."I have a confession to make," I said to Lucas who was still holding his hand out to me."What's that?" he asked."I can't dance," I whispered quietly, turning to look away, suddenly feeling ashamed."What was that?" Lucas asked, stepping closer to me. "I couldn't hear you.""I don't know how to dance," I repeated louder this time, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I've never danced before.""You're never danced before?" Lucas started to laugh, and I punched his shoulder, prompting him to stop."Why are you laughing at me?! This is serious.""Shana, ev
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