“Yesterday, Jessica broke into Shana’s locker and stole her personal belongings,” Lucas explained, gesturing to me. “Specifically, she stole her diary and began to pick on Shana in front of the whole school.”The dean’s eyes narrowed as he listened to Lucas with rapt attention. “Did she now?”“That’s not true!” Jessica shouted with a stomp to her foot.Lucas’s eyes flashed at Jessica. “Shana tried to defend herself, but some students pushed her to the ground and her head began to bleed. That’s why she’s wearing a bandage.” Lucas pointed at my forehead. “She also has bruises all over her ribs because Jessica kicked her.”“That’s ridiculous!” Jessica quipped, still trying to defend herself even though it wasn’t looking good for her. “I didn’t lay a finger on her!”“She’s lying!”“I’m not!”“Enough arguing!” the dean looked back and forth between Lucas and Jessica. “Do you have any proof of what you’re claiming, Lucas?”“I had to take Shana to the hospital yesterday after Nurse Rebecca t

When I woke up in my bed the next morning, I was greeted by an unusual silence.My father must not have come home last night...Instead of feeling concerned for him, however, a sense of relief washed over me. I knew deep down that his absence meant I wouldn't have to deal with the chaos and uncertainty that came with his presence.Today was the highly anticipated hockey game between the Shadow High Dragons and the Moon Crest High Jaguars.Lucas had given me a quick rundown on their team yesterday, emphasizing that the Jaguars were formidable opponents. They held a strong position in the rankings among high school hockey teams."But they're not as good as us," Lucas had said confidently, his grin revealing his competitive spirit.As the hockey season had just begun, the Dragons had been on a winning streak, triumphing in every game so far.However, the possibility of the Jaguars breaking their winning streak made me nervous. The anticipation for today's game was palpable, evident from

I recognized the voice. It was Lucas.As the Alpha's voice resonated through the clearing, commanding submission from the pack, everyone around me froze, bowing their heads in deference.A few individuals, including James, remained unaffected by the commanding tone. It appeared that since they were all Alphas, they possessed an immunity to the influence of other Alpha voices.What caught my attention, though, were the younger children, not yet shifted into werewolves, who also showed their necks to Lucas.It dawned on me that those kids, like me, were wolfless. It puzzled me why I remained immune to the Alpha's voice.Could I have been born without certain wolf genes?The revelation of this peculiarity caught me off guard. Until now, I had never encountered an Alpha voice being used in public. It was considered impolite for Alphas to exercise their vocal influence on Betas, Omegas, and the younger individuals.Yet, Lucas had defied this unwritten rule twice now, using his Alpha voice

“How did you know I had questions?” I asked him.“Shana, I’ve known you since we were kids. I can tell when there’s something on your mind.” He gave me a knowing look.I took a moment to gather my thoughts, grateful for Lucas's willingness to open up despite the emotional weight he was carrying. His offer to answer my questions reassured me, knowing that he trusted me enough to share his secrets."Lucas," I began softly, careful to choose my words, "Your relationship with your dad… It seems strained, to say the least. What happened between the two of you?”Lucas sighed, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the confines of the restaurant. "My dad and I have never seen eye to eye. You already know I’m his illegitimate son from a one-night stand. But he regrets what happened because he already had a family, and I was not accepted by them as his child. My mother passed away giving birth to me, so I grew up with Grandma Jo.”His words struck me, revealing a complex and painful backs

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