Chapter 106

Lucas POV

Professor Black's revelation hung heavily in the air. I had the desire to press him for more information about the unfortunate boy who had transformed into a monstrous creature because of his wolflessness.

"What happened? Can you tell me more?" I asked.

"Sure," Professor Black nodded. "The worst part was when the boy's wolf form was discovered by some bullies at his school."

"Discovered how?"

Professor Black shrugged. "I'm not sure. The boy was experiencing shifts in his form. I think he must've lost some kind of control, and it was revealed to them."

I was quiet for a moment, wondering if anything like that could ever happen to Shana. But I tried to get the thought out of my head. Shana hadn't shown any strange signs of shifting...

Except for those two times when her eyes glowed...

"The bullies claimed this monstrous creature had lost control and harmed them. As a result, the boy was sent to jail, condemned to a life behind bars for as long as he lived," Professor Black continued darkly.

My heart sank as I absorbed the cruel fate of that young boy. It was awful.

Professor Black added, "Of course, the boy denied causing harm to those bullies, but no one would believe him. I'm sure you know how much credibility wolfless have. Unfortunately, it was a painful lie that sealed his fate."

This story weighed heavily on my mind, a stark reminder of the dangers Shana might face as a wolfless. Not only the bullies that she'll encounter for the rest of her life, but the possibility that she might shift into something monstrous...

I couldn't help but feel an even greater responsibility to protect her.

Professor Black leaned forward, his fingers resting under his chin.

"You see, Lucas, the tragic tale of that boy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in the lives of wolfless individuals. Their path with always be filled with challenges that extend far beyond our understanding. You're an alpha, and this society was created to be easy for people like you. But for Shana, it's the opposite."

I nodded, absorbing his words. That was something that had already been made aware to me. Shana and I had talked about how different the two of us were countless times, but hearing it again didn't make it any easier.

I hated that this life was harder for her just because of who she was.

"So, what exactly happened to that boy? Did he ever manage to prove his innocence?" I asked.

The professor sighed, his gaze distant.

"Regrettably, no. Despite his claims of innocence, there was no evidence he could provide to support his case. The authorities and his peers continued to assert his guilt. It was a cruel ordeal for him, and it left a long-lasting scar on the wolfless community."

My fists clenched involuntarily as I felt a surge of anger at the injustice of it all. "Is there any way to prevent something like this from ever happening to Shana?"

Professor Black's expression grew somber. "We can't erase the past, Lucas. We also can't prevent events that we aren't sure will ever happen. But, we can certainly work to make the future safe."

"So, you're saying that Shana needs to be kept safe?"

Professor Black nodded. "The key, Lucas, lies in unwavering support and understanding. I have a feeling you already do this, but be there for Shana, protect her, and ensure she knows that she's not alone. That's the best thing you can do."

Professor Black continued to express his gratitude for my presence in Shana's life. He highlighted that he hoped I would continue to watch over her, and I let him know that I would.

I promised that I would never leave Shana's side, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

With a new sense of understanding and confidence, I thanked Professor Black once more and left for hockey practice. But as I drove my motorcycle there, my thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

---

Arriving at the hockey practice rink, I struggled to focus.

It wasn't long before James, always perceptive and keeping an eye on me, sensed that something was bothering me.

He didn't waste any time probing for the cause of my distraction, and my silence confirmed his suspicions.

James gave me a knowing look. "You've got that 'lost in thought' expression, bro. What's up with you?"

I remained silent as we skated across the ice. I really didn't want to talk about this right now. I needed to separate Shana from hockey. My team needed my full attention right now.

"Is this about Shana?" he asked. "You've been spending an awful lot of time together lately."

I stole a glance in his direction with a frown. "What? Pfft. It's not about Shana."

James raised a brow, not believing me in the slightest. "Dude, don't offend me by lying to my face. It's written all over your face."

I sighed, realizing I wouldn't be able to keep my concerns bottled up from James any longer. "Fine. It's Shana," I admitted.

"Called it." James smirks.

I punched his shoulder lightly. "Shut up."

"What about her?" James asked. "Is it about how she's getting more and more attractive every day and people are starting to notice?"

My head turned in his direction quickly. "What?"

"Bro, don't tell me you haven't heard all the rumors lately," James said. "Ever since you started spending more time with her, people are starting to appreciate how beautiful she is. I don't think they paid her much attention before, except for calling her the wolfless freak."

I hadn't heard any rumors talking about Shana in that way... but James was right. Shana was indeed becoming more attractive with each passing day, both inside and out.

"Maybe someone will swoop in if you don't make your move soon," James stated. "Don't wait too long, Lucas."

The thought of someone else claiming her heart filled me with a sense of unease I couldn't ignore.

I knew I needed to confront my own feelings and be honest with Shana about what I truly felt.

The possibility of her finding love with someone else was too painful to even consider, and I couldn't simply stand by and watch it happen.

After finding out everything from Professor Black today, I felt more connected to her than before.

I couldn’t trust anyone other than myself to protect her.

"All this time we've been spending together, it's made me realize something."

James raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

I skated alongside him, my mind suddenly racing. "I think... I think I might have feelings for her, James."

He grinned. "Well, well, Lucas Busch, finally revealing your feelings for our dear Shana, are you?"

"Yeah, I guess so." I couldn't help but chuckle, despite my nervousness. "But what do I do now? What if she doesn't feel the same way?"

"First of all, you've got to tell her." James slapped me on the back playfully. "You can't be afraid to be honest. And as for her feelings, you'll never know if you don't ask."

I nodded. "You're right. I need to talk to her. Thanks for the advice."

He winked at me. "Anytime, buddy. And don't worry, I'll keep the rest of the team off your back about it... for now, at least."

"What?" I asked. "They've been talking about me and Shana?"

James grinned again. "Everyone's been talking about you and Shana."

As hockey practice continued, my mind swirled with thoughts of Shana.

How could I share my feelings without ruining our friendship? And what if she didn't feel the same way?

These questions tormented me, but I knew I had to find the courage to face them...

I had to tell her the truth.