Shana POV"I think I had a realization today too," I said to Lucas as we talked. It was time for both of us to be candid and vulnerable to each other. I didn't want this topic to keep coming up because quite frankly, I was sick of it.I hoped that this would be the last time I ever had to talk to Lucas about this because it just felt like we were going round and round in circles."I don't think I've been fair with you. Your father has been telling you how to live your life, and I realized that in a sense, I was doing the same thing.""How so?" Lucas asked, cocking his head to the side in question."Well, I don't fully understand your lifestyle. I don't know what it's like to be you. I don't know all of the trials you had to go through with Kendrick over the years. I don't know what it's like to be an heir. All I know is that the way he's treating you is wrong.""But you aren't doing the same thing, Shana. You're just sharing your opinion on the matter like a good friend would. You're
Lucas POVI wasn't lying about what I said in my conversation with Shana. I was going to end my engagement with Victoria, and I was going to end it today.I figured the best way to do it would be to invite Victoria and her family over for dinner.When I suggested the idea to my father earlier, he seemed satisfied. His acknowledgment told me that he thought I was finally willing to bond with Victoria's family.That couldn't be further from the truth.We had a private chef elegantly set the table for us, complete with floral arrangements and golden candlelight. This dinner was supposed to signify unity, power, and a step toward a pre-planned. future.But for me, it had a completely different purpose and nobody had a clue.As the first course arrived, I felt an unsettling sense of nervousness as Victoria's parents sat across from me. They were currently talking with my father about a recent business deal hiccup— the usual topic of conversation.I was so incredibly bored, and I couldn't h
Lucas POVMy words hung heavy in the room, the silence that followed punctuated by the rise and fall of furious breaths.A sudden thought crossed my mind. I wondered if it was the best idea to anger a room full of Alphas...My father's face shifted into a mask of disbelief as his hands curled into tight fists.The tension in the air was nearly suffocating."Care to repeat that, son?" my father seethed, his voice barely controlled. Each word out of his mouth was punctuated with anger."I won't go through with the engagement, Dad." I held his gaze, unwavering despite the instinct inside of me telling me to run."Are you out of your damn mind?" his voice finally cracked with restrained exasperation as he shot up from his chair. The sound of the legs scratching against the floor punctuation around the quiet room.He slammed a fist down on the table, making all the cutlery clang together.Stealing a look in Victoria's parent's direction was no less frightening. Their expressions mirrored m
Lucas POVVictoria and I fell silent as the three parents re-entered the room. I wasn't surprised to see that the anger hadn't dissipated. If anything, they looked even more disappointed now than before.The sharp edge to their smiles betrayed their true feelings."Lucas, sweetie, let's think about the benefits of keeping this engagement intact," Victoria's mother's voice was honeyed, laced with calculated kindness. "We realized that we may have been a bit harsh with you from the start. If that's what all of this is about, then we're willing to accommodate things."A bit harsh? That was the understatement of the century.Victoria's parents haven't liked me from the start, that much was clear, and they weren't going to start liking me now either.I knew they were only making this offer because they needed my father's name and business more than we needed theirs. This marriage contract benefits their business more than ours.I exchanged a glance with Victoria who was wearing an expressi
Shana POV"He's still not here yet?" James asked as he entered the cozy little coffee shop the next morning.I was currently nursing a cup of warm coffee, and anxiously looking toward the front door for a few seconds."No, he's not here yet," I said, taking a sip of my coffee. "He's probably running a bit late."James sighed, pulling out the chair across from me. "Well, he better hurry up. I'm dying to hear what happened."James and I spent the whole night worrying about Lucas and waiting for some kind of news. After he called me, he called James, and then James texted me immediately: WTF???!!!All of us had a restless night, worrying and wondering what was going on in Lucas's world.As if he'd just heard us talking about him, the door to the coffee shop jingled, and there he was. Lucas walked inside with his usual cool swagger, but if you knew him well—like I did—you'd be able to see the turmoil that was beneath the surface."Dude, we were just talking about you," James said as Lucas
I jumped, surprised that Kendrick had heard us coming.He wore a permanent glare as his eyes skimmed over James and I. When his eyes met Lucas's, they hardened even further."Didn't I tell you I didn't want you here?" Kendrick's voice dripped with anger and disgust. "You've got some nerve to show your face here again.""I forgot something," Lucas explained, keeping his body tight. "I'll be out of your hands in the blink of an eye."It was clear that he was trying to appear unaffected by his father's overwhelming power.Kendrick sneered and I watched as his fingers tightened around the doorframe. "Why did you bring them with you?""Dad—" Lucas started to say, but his father cut him off with a low growl."Were these two a part of your little rebellious plan to ruin your entire future?" He shook his head. "I told you to avoid them. I told you to spend your time with better—more important friends. Not these rodents..."I stiffened in shock, stealing a glance at James who was flaring his n
Monday marked the return of school after the weekend, and it seemed like the world was shifting back into its familiar rhythm. For Lucas, though, the focus wasn't solely on books and classes.The upcoming hockey game loomed over him.The game casted excitement and nerves on everyone at Shadow High.All week long, there's been a silent buzz amongst all the students about the impending game. It's been the center of all the school's group chats. Actually, Lucas had been the topic of every group chat.Everyone wanted to know if the Dragons would be able to win the game after they lost their previous game due to Lucas's bad mood and conflicting feelings.But as I watched Lucas from a distance during hockey practice, his dedication evident in the sweat glistening on his forehead, his skates slicing through the ice with a determined grace.I had no doubt that he would be able to carry the Dragons to victory in this next game.This game was crucial, determining whether their team would make i
Lucas POVThe days leading up to the hockey game against the Serpents had been a lot of hard work and preparation.I couldn't even remember the last time our team had worked this hard to ensure a win.My team, the Dragons, were more united than ever. And I couldn't help but think a small part of that was due to the sudden shift in my life.Practices were intense, with every player giving their all. I took pride in watching my teammates improve, stepping up their game, and contributing their best efforts.As their captain, I couldn't have been prouder. I also couldn't believe that we could've always been this way if I would've learned to stand up for myself earlier on...I stood on the sidelines, watching the practice unfold."Great job, Sam! Keep up the momentum!" I shouted, my voice carrying over the ice. Sam, one of our smallest, had just executed a perfect slap shot that had our goalie diving to make a save.If you would've seen him play a month or two ago, he would've never been a
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