Chapter 114

The car ride to school after Grandma Jo's incredible breakfast was tense, to say the least.

During breakfast, Grandma Jo had wasted no time in grilling the two of us on every little detail.

I knew she was only looking out for us, and wanted to make sure we were really in this relationship for each other.

“Is this a temporary thing?” she asked. “Or are the two of you serious about each other?”

“Grandma, don’t worry,” Lucas had said. “I’m not just with Shana for a short time. I’m taking this very seriously.”

“Good, you better be.” Grandma Jo nodded. “Shana is a great girl. She’s always been there for you, and life isn’t fair towards her. Just like it isn’t fair to you sometimes.”

“I’m here for Lucas, too.” I glanced at Lucas with a smile. “I know it seems sudden, but we really like each other. We want to make this work.”

Grandma Jo studied the two of us for a second before smiling. “Well then, I’m happy for the two of you. Now eat up! Or your food will get cold. Chop chop!”

Grandma Jo’s words of encouragement ran through my head as we drove to school, and I tried to use them to calm me down.

But my hands fumbled with my skirt nervously, and my heart seemed to have taken residence in my throat. It was an anticipation that I had never felt before. I thought I was going to be sick.

Everything had been great when it was just Lucas and me. I hadn't been afraid of Grandma Jo's reaction because I knew she would ultimately be happy for us.

And sure she had her questions and concerns, but that showed she truly cared for us.

But this? I didn't know how the school would react to the news of the Alpha hockey captain being taken by the wolfless freak.

I knew that people would find out about us eventually, but I didn't think it would happen so soon. I hadn't prepared myself for this yet. I was still getting used to the fact that Lucas was my boyfriend now, and not just my best friend.

God... Even thinking that felt weird.

Boyfriend. Lucas was my boyfriend.

A chill racked through my body as I repeated the word.

I had to shake my head, trying to fight off the disbelief.

How was all of this happening?

As Lucas parked the car, I couldn't help but begin to worry about the consequences.

The two of us sat in the car for a moment, the silence heavy and thick with the unspoken elephant in the room.

I turned to Lucas who looked as if it was just another day. He didn't look stressed or nervous at all. He regarded me with a quirked brow, probably noticing the strain on my face.

"Shana? You okay?" he asked, resting one of his warm hands on my thigh. "Your face is so pale. You look like you're going to be sick."

My voice quivered with anxiety, "Lucas, I'm really nervous about going in there and telling everyone we're a couple now. Everyone is going to be gossiping about us. And what if the bullying starts again?"

Lucas reached for my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "Well, it's a good thing Jessica isn't here anymore."

I frowned at his jest. "This isn't a time for jokes, Lucas. I'm being serious."

"And so am I," he said. "She influenced a lot of people, but I'm not going to let anything like that happen again."

"How can you be so sure?" I questioned. "You can't stop people from doing anything."

He looked at me with unwavering determination and said, "Shana, trust me, I won't let anyone say anything bad about you. If they try, they'll have to deal with me first."

His words made me feel a little better. It was comforting to know that he would be there for me if I needed him. But I was still nervous. I didn't want to drag Lucas down with me.

"Maybe we should keep it a secret for a while, just to avoid all the attention and judgment. I know you hate all the drama."

Lucas seemed taken aback by my suggestion, his brow immediately furrowing. "No Shana. I thought you wanted this. We shouldn't have to hide our relationship just because some people might not like it. It's not something to be ashamed of, and I don't want to keep it a secret."

"Lucas, I've never been in a serious relationship before." I sighed, my insecurities weighing me down. Lucas had so much more experience with things like this, unlike me. "This is all so new, and it scares me. I just want to do everything right."

"This is my first serious relationship, too." Lucas admitted. "And I also want to do everything right, but I think lying isn't the best way to start."

"It's not lying," I said. "We just wouldn't tell anyone we're together."

He gave me a pointed look and I blew out a deep breath.

"Okay, fine..." I chewed on my bottom lip. "I guess that's lying a little bit..."

He nodded, his expression softening. "Look, I get why you're scared, Shana. People have been awful towards you in the past. But that's not going to happen now. You have me by your side."

I swallowed. "This is all so overwhelming. I mean, we only just made it official this morning, and now we're about to let everyone know. Is that the best idea?"

"Yes, it is. But we can take it slow, Shana. If it gets too much for you, we can always go back to being friends. But I believe in us, and I think this first step is scary, but it'll be worth it in the end."

I took a deep breath, my worries still lingering but somewhat alleviated by Lucas's words of encouragement. "You're sure you're prepared for whatever happens? You're sure you want to be with me?"

Lucas squeezed my hand tighter. "I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life."

As he stared at me with those piercing blue eyes, I couldn't help but let myself relax. Lucas was right. Everything would be fine as long as we had each other.

"Alright..." I nodded hesitantly. “When people ask me if we’re together again, I’ll say yes.”

I opened the car door to exit. Slamming it shut, I rubbed my palms on the sides of my skirt, facing the school building head-on.

Lucas surprised me by coming around and taking my hand with a sly, self-assured grin.

I looked down at our intertwined hands and began to panic again.

"Don't freak out," Lucas said. "You look like you're disgusted that I'm holding your hand."

"I'm not disgusted," I replied. "I'm terrified. Do we have to be touching? In front of everyone?"

Lucas laughed, bumping his side into mine as we began to walk forward. I was too afraid to look up, so I kept my eyes glued to the ground.

“Well…that’s an easier way to tell them we’re together now,” he declared, a hint of possessiveness in his tone.

"I want everyone to know you're mine."