As Lucas repeated his assurance that James and I would always be his best friends, frustration bubbled within me, taking over my train of thought.I couldn't bear to hear him say those similar words again—it was as if he was using them as a shield, a way to justify his actions without considering how they affected us."Stop saying that," I blurted the words out, unable to hold back my emotions any longer.Lucas looked taken aback by my outburst, a frown crossing his face."Shana, what's wrong now?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I'm just—""No, Lucas." I stopped him from saying anything else.I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts."It's just... It's not fair, Lucas," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "You're willing to trade your own lifetime happiness for status and money... I can't understand that."Lucas sighed, "Shana, it's not that simple. It's not like I want things to be this way," he said, his eyes pleading for my understanding. "My father is...
“Of course, I’m not jealous, don’t be ridiculous,” I said, trying to sound casual, but my own words felt off as soon as they left my lips. It felt like I was deceiving not only James but also myself.With a forced scoff, I attempted to hide my unease, pretending to be nonchalant as I stared at the dirt under my nails. "Besides, what would I have to be jealous of, right? I'm definitely not the jealous type."James gave me a small smile, tilting his head as he observed me. "You keep repeating that word, 'jealous.'"It was obvious that I wasn't convincing him. Hell, I wasn't even able to convince myself that I wasn't jealous.God. This was not good.Is that what this feeling is? Jealousy?Is that why I said something so harsh and cruel to Lucas? To hurt him back because I was... jealous?"No!" I blurted out loud, even though I meant to keep it to myself. My true emotions escaped my attempts to keep them hidden."No?" James asked. He was staring at me harder than he was a few seconds ago.
After school, I decided to wait for Lucas during his hockey practice, hoping to catch him before he could disappear again.As the final whistle blew and the Dragon players started to come out of the rink, I spotted Lucas talking to James.My heart pounded with nervousness as I approached the two of them, not knowing what to expect."Hey, Lucas," I said, trying to sound casual, though my nerves were telling me otherwise. I tried to remain strong. "Can we talk for a second?"He looked a bit surprised to see me there. His eyes flickered over to James before panning back over to me."What for?" Lucas asked, his voice cold and empty. "I thought you said you didn't need a friend like me."Hearing him repeat the words made it feel as though a knife had been trusted into my chest.James looked as though he was uncomfortable to be standing in the middle of our conversation. It looked as if he wanted to say something, but I beat him to it."Lucas, I'm so sorry for saying that," I tried to get t
Lucas POVHearing my father bring up Victoria made me mentally roll my eyes. He just had to mention her while Shana was sitting right next to me. I knew this conversation would upset her, given how she reacted when she found out Victoria was my fiancée.Shana was still upset with me for listening to my father’s commands and requests, and rightfully so.I understood why she would be upset, but she also doesn't understand what it was like to live in my shoes.She didn’t know my father like I did.He was a powerful and influential figure in our society, and his expectations weighed heavily on me.It wasn't easy being an Alpha, especially one who was expected to uphold the family's legacy and protect the Busch's name.“I don't need a friend who hides things from me and doesn't trust me enough with what's going on in their life," Shana's words echoed in my mind, causing me to worry.She would be angry with me if I just accepted my father’s command. But going against him was easier said tha
Kendrick turned so quickly if I wouldn’t have blinked, I would’ve missed it. His mouth opened and closed in shock as he processed Lucas’s question.The tension in the room was palpable, and I almost wanted to laugh at how enraged he looked. It was obvious that Lucas never questioned his father—let alone challenged him.The tables were turning, and I couldn’t be prouder of Lucas for finally growing a backbone and saying something to his father.But honestly, I was just as surprised as Kendrick. I never thought Lucas would be capable of talking back to his father.I shot a glance at James who was looking back and forth between Kendrick and Lucas with wide eyes.His eyes locked on mine, and he mouthed, “Did he actually just do that?”I nodded slightly, mouthing, “I think he did. Oh my God!” equally shocked by Lucas's boldness.The only thing missing from this moment was a bag of popcorn to enjoy the scene that was about to unfold.As bad as it was to say that, there was an undeniable se
Once Kendrick declared that last statement, he finally left the restaurant. The tension between the three of us was palpable, and I could practically feel the anger radiating off of Lucas.James probably sensed it too because he was staring at Lucas with concern and caution, as if Lucas might explode into a million pieces. "You okay, bro?"When Lucas didn't answer and kept looking at the door Kendrick just walked out of, James's eyes fell on me. He widened them at me, silently urging me to say or do something -- like he was beckoning me to comfort Lucas."Lucas?" I asked, gently placing a hand on his arm.My gentle touch seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in. His gaze split from the front entrance and returned to us.The way his eyebrows bunched together on his forehead strangely made him look similar to his father.I swallowed, suddenly worried by what Lucas was thinking."Dude?" James asked Lucas again, trying to capture his attention for a second time."What?" Lucas's
The following week at school feels like it drags on forever.That’s probably because Lucas and I aren’t able to train due to the cold weather that’s raging on, and the fact that all of the students at Shadow High have been busy with finals to mark the end of the winter semester.As dreadful as this week has been in all my classes, I’ve been looking forward to the vacation at the beach house which is next week.James has been excited too, and every time I see him he’s gushing about how he can’t wait to spend all day on the beach.Normally, I didn’t go outside too often because the hot weather didn’t agree with me but hearing him talk about it so much made me want to go.Even Lucas seemed excited, which was funny considering he wasn’t happy to be going with just Victoria at first.But as much as Lucas may not have wanted to go, I felt like he deserved some time away from his father and the business. I could tell that things had been weighing on him lately, especially after the argument
Tomorrow is the day we leave, meaning today, Lucas, James, and I are doing some last minute shopping.In our group chat yesterday, James was complaining that he didn't have anything to wear.James: Guys, this is so embarrassing.Lucas: How is it possible that you don't own a pair of swim trunks?James: Lucas, when do I ever go swimming? Do I look like a swimmer to you?Shana: He's got a point, he definitely doesn't look like a swimmer.James: I know I brought it up, but.. now that I'm thinking about it-- it's a little insulting.Lucas: What's insulting?James: Shana said I definitely don't look like a swimmer. Key-word, definitely.Shana: You look like you'd rather be in the kitchen, eating all the contents inside of the refrigerator instead of doing laps in a pool.James: Well, I guess I can't argue with there. I would definitely rather do that. Ugh, now you made me hungry again!The three of us were currently walking around the mall, trying to help James find the "perfect" thing 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