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
"Yeah, she's the girl from his old neighborhood, right?" another girl replied. "I heard she's not even that pretty, and she's so awkward. I can't believe he brought her to the Snowflake Ball.""Ugh, I know! It's like he could have any girl he wants, and he chooses her. What was he thinking?" a third girl chimed in, sounding disdainful.My heart sank as I listened to their conversation. It hurt to hear such cruel remarks about me, especially when I had just been experiencing such a wonderful night with Lucas."Did you see the way they were dancing?" one girl commented. "They looked pretty cozy.""They were a little too cozy for my liking," another girl said with a hint of repulsion in her voice. "I liked it better when Lucas was single.""But they're not dating, are they?"Oh no, not again with these rumors of Lucas and I."Who knows... It's obvious they like each other more than friends."I stilled at the girl's words. Did Lucas and I look like we were more than friends to other stude
Lucas gently took my hand and led me away from the dance floor, guiding me through the crowded dance floor toward a more secluded area.As we walked, I could feel the warmth of his hand in mine which offered some comfort amidst the swirling emotions inside of me.Finally finding a quieter spot, Lucas pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me in a comforting embrace."You can tell me anything, Shana," he whispered, his voice filled with concern. "I hate seeing you upset."I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I didn't want to burden him with the hurtful words I had overheard, but I also knew that keeping it to myself would only weigh me down further."There were some girls in the restroom, and they were talking about me," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. "They said horrible things--""What did they say?" Lucas asked his grip on me tightening as he listened to my words."Just bringing up that I'm wolfless, as usual. But they were also questioning why you would be wit
As Lucas made his way to the stage, I watched him with admiration. A wall of nerves hit me as he took the stage, but it was short-lived. Once he approached the microphone, he looked completely confident.A hush fell over the crowd as everyone was suddenly eager to hear what the school's star athlete and son of a top billionaire Alpha had to say."Good evening, everyone," Lucas began, his voice projecting authority. "I'm sure most of you know that I'm the student body representative, and holding such a title requires me to make a speech for you tonight."My eyes turned to look at the dean who was standing off to the side of the stage. He was watching Lucas carefully, and I wondered if he thought Lucas would say something to get the school in further trouble.But I didn't think Lucas would say anything about the events from the past week since the situation with Jessica had already been handled."Tonight, I stand before you not just as an Alpha, but as someone who deeply cares about thi
Just as everything felt like it would be unbearable, James appeared in the sea of people, making his way over to us."Oh, there's James!" I said to Lucas, hitting his arm to get his attention.James waved at us as he made his way over to our table. He wore a sleek, black suit that fit him perfectly, and I couldn't help but be shocked at how polished and professional he looked.It was weird in a good way – a stark contrast to his usual laid-back and goofy demeanor."Hey, guys!" he greeted us with a grin. "Dang, you both clean up pretty nicely."Lucas chuckled and replied, "Thanks, James. You're looking sharp yourself.""Yeah, who knew James could rock a suit so well?" I teased, earning a playful glare from him."I clean up nicely when I want to," James said, feigning seriousness before breaking into a grin.We all laughed, and the tension from earlier seemed to dissipate. It felt good to be around friends who could always bring a sense of lightness to an otherwise overwhelming night."
My heart sank as I processed the shocking revelation.Lucas had a fiancée, and it seemed like he hadn't mentioned her to either James or me. The surprise on James's face mirrored my own.Shocked, confused, and a little bit angry."Hi, I'm James," he introduced himself, extending his hand to Victoria.It was so like James to still be kind to people even if he wasn't exactly in a good mood at the moment.But Lucas's fiancée barely glanced at him, her attention was solely fixed on Lucas. "What have you been up to? I haven't seen you at any of the Alpha parties or events."Lucas's smile was strained as he said, "I've been busy, Victoria."Victoria? So, that was her name...I tried to think if I'd ever heard her name before, but it didn't ring any bells.And she was also from an Alpha family. I wondered what school she went to."Is it because of hockey?" Victoria asked. "I'm sure it's difficult being in charge of an entire team of wolves."Her laugh was deep and sensual as she said, "Boys
“It’s just that Lucas doesn’t like girls who are all skin and bones.” Victoria’s words played in my mind on repeat.The sting of embarrassment on my cheeks is impossible to hide.As Victoria's cruel words hung in the air, James couldn't hold back any longer.As Victoria's awful words hung in the air, James wasn't able to hold back any longer. He stepped forward, moving to stand beside me, his voice firm and unwavering."That's enough!" he said, his eyes locked with Victoria's. "You've been nothing but horrible the second you walked over here, and I won't let you talk to Shana like that."Victoria scoffed, brushing off his comment as if it didn't matter. "Oh, lighten up, James! I was just having some fun," she said, not bothered by the tension she had caused. "Besides, Shana doesn't look too bothered by my observation, do you?"I glared at her, feeling my fists tightened in my lap. As much as I didn't want to admit that her words hurt-- they did.And how well did she even know Lucas to