Chapter 124

The professor's intense gaze remained fixed on me as if trying to fathom the depths of my experience.

I wondered if he had a wolf himself. Was there any part of my history he could relate to?

He leaned forward slightly, his voice soft but probing, "Shana, how do you feel after the shift?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to put into words all the profound changes I had felt and endured.

My gaze shifted to Lucas, seeking his encouragement. His hand immediately found mine, his fingers intertwining with mine in a comforting gesture that reminded me he didn't view me as a monster.

He squeezed my hand as if urging me to speak.

"I... I feel different," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's hard to explain. There's a strength, a power that surges through me. But it's also a frightening feeling... like I've tapped into something I can't fully control."

Lucas nodded in support. "When Shana shifted, I tried to help her gain some kind of control, but she wasn't able to hear my alpha voice."

"Really?" Professor Black seemed surprised by this. "What did you say to her?"

"I was just trying to speak with her to get her to calm down," Lucas explained. "When that didn't work, I shifted in hopes that being in my wolf form would help, but that didn't work either."

"Fascinating..." Professor Black looked at me again, his eyes getting lost in mine as the wheels behind his head turned.

He was a very peculiar man, and I could tell that all of this was actually interesting to him. He didn't seem to be faking his curiosity.

"Even Lucas in his wolf form wasn't able to help me gain control," I said.

"How did you eventually shift back?" Professor Black asked.

"I... It sounds silly, but I just closed my eyes."

"You closed your eyes?" his eyes squinted as he observed me.

"I squinted my eyes and thought about my human body. I tried to reconnect with all of my human senses. All of the sensations."

"Tell me, Shana," the professor spoke again. "When you were in your form as a white wolf, what was the one constant thought in your mind?"

"Besides the fear and confusion?" I asked. "I kept noticing all of my senses. Touch, smell, sight."

The professor considered my words, his expression thoughtful. "Very interesting. I mean, it's normal for new wolves to consider these things during their first shift. Everything is heightened. However, it's interesting that you experienced the same sort of sensation, and that it eventually helped you return to yourself."

I looked at Lucas wondering what sort of thoughts passed through his mind when he shifted for the first time. I realize I should've probably asked him that sooner. What helped him shift back to his human form?

"Tell me, Shana," the professor continued, "do your parents possess any special talents or skills?"

I shook my head. "No, Professor. They don't possess any special talents or skills that I know of."

The professor fell silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk as he contemplated our situation. His next words were measured and cautious as if he were choosing them with great care.

"I know that I was quite forward with my knowledge of this... situation, but you must keep this a secret," he said finally, his voice low and serious.

"We weren't planning on telling anyone except for you," Lucas said, glancing at me briefly. "We know how dangerous it could be if the wrong people discovered the truth."

"People with higher status in the werewolf community are often the most suspicious," Professor Black was staring at Lucas as he said this. Was he looking at Lucas because he belonged to a powerful alpha family? "Your safety is paramount, Shana."

"Of course it is," Lucas nodded firmly. "I know how dire this is. We're dealing with something that no one has ever dealt with before."

"Unfortunately, you're right about that." The professor adjusted his glasses before clasping his hands in front of his chest. "Not even I know how to deal with something of this magnitude."

Lucas and I exchanged glances, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The professor had confirmed our fears that there were those who might exploit my unique abilities and that he didn't know how to stop them.

The professor then shifted his attention to me yet again. "Where did this happen, Shana?"

"The shift?" I asked, a little confused by what he was referring to.

When the professor nodded, Lucas spoke up, his voice steady, "It happened in my grandmother's backyard."

"Who else was present besides the two of you?" the professor asked again, his tone carrying an edge to it.

"It was just us two, and Lucas's grandmother," I replied cautiously. "Why? Is she safe?"

"Oh, yes. She's safe," the professor nodded. His eyes lit up with interest. "That's just good news. Great news, actually. I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but alphas are able to sense the energy of a white wolf if they're close enough to the source. Lucas, you're the only alpha who was present?"

Lucas nodded. "Yes, Professor. I was the only alpha present. There was no one else."

The professor's satisfaction was evident. "Excellent, Lucas. That works in our favor. It means no one else would have sensed Shana's shift. However, that leaves me to think... Did you experience anything odd when you witnessed Shana shift?"

Lucas hadn't mentioned anything to me, so I was curious to hear what he had to say myself.

Could he sense my shift like Professor Black said he would? And if he did, what did he feel exactly?

"I felt a surge of power... it felt like a portal of power or a power source had opened and I was drawn to it," Lucas explained. "I didn't think much of it because I realized it was coming from Shana. I thought it was just my body's reaction to her shift. I also felt a million other emotions, I was worried for her and confused about what was happening."

"You felt drawn to her?" the professor asked.

"I always feel drawn to Shana," Lucas said nonchalantly. "I didn't think it meant anything different... but the feeling was much more intense. Like I said, I thought it was my body just responding to my confusing emotions."

I tried not to think too much about the fact that Lucas had just admitted he was drawn to me, and he said he was drawn to me all the time.

Now was not the time to be blushing over silly words.

Professor Black nodded as he regarded the two of us. "I'll need to investigate this further."

"Of course," Lucas and I said at the same time.

"What are your plans?" Lucas asked the professor.

As the professor delved deeper into his plans for research, I couldn't help but wonder what he would uncover and what it would mean for me.

The secrecy, the suspicions, and the mysteries surrounding my newfound abilities all weighed heavily on my mind.

And I couldn't help but question if I would be safe in the meantime.