Lucas must have caught the scent of alcohol as well because he swiftly pushed past me, entering the house first."Lucas, don't—" I reached out to stop him, but as I grabbed his hand, I saw my father emerging from the kitchen.He looked wild, unlike himself. His eyes were bloodshot and glazed over, but there was also an unfamiliar anger burning within them."Dad?" I called out, taking a protective step closer to Lucas.Even Lucas appeared on edge as he locked eyes with my father. It dawned on me then that my father must have sensed Lucas's Alpha presence. Wolves are territorial creatures, and my father, though only a Beta, still possessed some strength.However, Lucas surpassed my father in every way. And at that moment, he stood confidently in the middle of my living room, poised against my father."Dad," I spoke gently, attempting to diffuse the tension. "This is Lucas, my friend. He isn't going to hurt you. He’s just here to make sure I’m okay.”“He stinks,” my father took a deep in
“Shana!” My father growled, clearly frustrated that Lucas had effortlessly stopped him with just one hand. "Who is this... boy?""I’m her friend," Lucas answered before I did.“Friend?” My father sneered. “I could sue you for trespassing and using your Alpha voice abusively.”"I’ve been her friend since we were kids. Do you remember Bear?" Lucas chimed in, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he held my father's fist in a vice-like grip. The strain on his knuckles was evident.My father froze, a look of realization washing over his face. "You're Bear?""I know, hard to believe, right?" I chuckled, hoping to lighten the tense atmosphere. "I almost couldn't believe it myself."Lucas glanced at me with raised eyebrows from the doorway, seemingly curious about my reaction.My father slowly released his clenched fist near Lucas's face, his expression shifting to one of remorse."Dad, I'm sorry I didn't explain this earlier," I said. "I should have told you before Lucas arrived.""It'
The next few days consisted of me readying myself for another day of training. After school, I would wait for Lucas during his hockey practice.If Lucas’s practice ended early that day, he would bring me to his grand estate. If not, we will use school facilities for my training.At first, anticipation coursed through my veins, mixed with a tinge of nervousness. After breaking down in front of him, I was worried that I’d never be able to train like everyone else.I felt weaker, more fragile. Lucas had been kind about it, but deep down, I just hoped he wouldn’t give up on me if I couldn’t deliver excellent results fast.However, every time after I started training, all my worries seemed to fade away.Lucas always greeted me with a warm smile, his blue eyes shimmering with excitement. His genuineness only made me more determined to prove myself. I wanted to push myself further and explore what I was truly capable of.It had been a week of hard work, and I had already noticed a physical c
The sun rose high in the sky as another day of training beckoned. Except this time, I was heading toward my school training session with a mix of conflicting emotions.Training with Lucas was one thing, but training in front of all my peers who judged me was something entirely different.Last time, Jessica slammed me to the floor in front of all my classmates, and I retreated to the hockey rink. I hoped that wouldn't happen again today.But at my last training session with Lucas, he encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in the group training sessions."But you know how much I hate them," I told him with a pout."I know you don't like it, but it'll be good for you to practice there too. Everyone's strength level is different. Everyone fights differently. It's an excellent way for you to work with different techniques and skills."“For you it's just practice, but I don’t have my wolf—”“Shana, you should trust me,” Lucas interrupted. “I have been through countless
The hockey stadium was empty as I arrived to watch the Dragons practice as usual.After school, I started coming to watch them play hockey since Lucas and I headed straight to training afterward. It was easier for us to meet up this way, and while Lucas trained with his team, I sat on the bleachers, observing their movements with keen interest.At first, I had anticipated feeling bored and restless as I waited for Lucas to finish practice.However, as the players glided across the ice, their skates slicing through the surface with finesse, I quickly became captivated.Each maneuver showcased their skill and strategy, offering valuable insights into the art of defense. Though different from the combat training Lucas and I engaged in, there was much to be learned from observing the players' coordinated efforts on the ice.The familiar sounds of skates gliding and sticks striking the puck filled the air, creating a symphony of anticipation and excitement.Taking my seat in the stands, I
“I think pulling me down with you only did more harm to yourself,” I breathed.Lucas's gaze shifted downward, his eyes lingering on my lips. "I'm not in any pain," he replied, his voice low and filled with a hint of mischief. "I'm quite comfortable right now."As our bodies remained intertwined on the ground, a surge of electricity pulsed through me, fueled by the physical contact and the undeniable chemistry between us.I’m quite comfortable right now.Excitement and nervousness mingled within, creating a heady concoction of emotions.Lucas seemed equally affected by the intimacy between us. His hand extended, delicately brushing a stray lock of hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear with a tender touch.My gaze remained locked with his, as if drawn into a hypnotic spell.In that moment, it became increasingly challenging to divert my attention from him. Our bodies pressed against each other, his strength and determination palpable.I couldn't deny the comfort I felt in his
After lunch, it felt as if the atmosphere crackled with tension as students hurried through the bustling hallways. The corridors of Shadow High echoed with animated conversations and the shuffling of feet.I was on my way to my next class period when a voice stopped me in my tracks."Shana!" Jessica's voice sliced through the clamor, instantly capturing the attention of those nearby. With unwavering determination, she closed in on me, flanked by her loyal followers.Whispers filled the air, heads turning to witness the brewing confrontation.My heart raced as I stood face-to-face with Jessica. She was staring at me as if she wanted to cause me physical harm. What did she want with me now?"We need to talk," she said, her voice carrying a sense of urgency."I have nothing to say to you." I tried to walk away, but she swiftly reached out and grabbed my elbow, pulling me back. I yanked my arm free, scowling. "Don't touch me."Jessica's followers snickered at my defiance."I do what I wan
The aftermath of my victorious encounter with Jessica sent shockwaves through the school, igniting a frenzy of chatter and gossip.Videos capturing the intense clash and the moment I punched her precious face spread like wildfire through group chats and social media.It was as if the whole student body had become an audience, and I was thrust into the spotlight of their attention.As I walked through the bustling hallways, the air felt thick with anticipation and judgment.Others exchanged hushed conversations, their gazes flickering with skepticism and envy. I had become the center of the school drama, a character in a narrative I didn't entirely control.The rest of the school day felt like it lasted forever. Thankfully, Jessica asked for a few days off school to heal her eye and I didn’t have to face her right away, but the whispers followed me like shadowy companions, their words dissecting my every move.Friends leaned in closer, their eyes brimming with curiosity and a hint of a