Chapter 31

Rude. I thought about Lucas’s comment, and as much as I hated to admit it, he wasn't completely wrong.

Lately, I had been consumed by my obsession with a new vampire series, binge-watching it non-stop and relentlessly trying to convince Lucas to watch it with me.

But every time I asked, he steadfastly refused.

“There’s nothing wrong with a little TV binge,” I defended myself, pouting playfully.

Lucas laughed. “I’m not saying there is but weigh the options.” Lucas raised up both of his hands, mirroring a scale. “Movies? Or a night of dancing with the best-looking guy in school?”

“Oh my God.” I slapped his hands away with a laugh. “You’re so full of yourself, it’s actually concerning.”

Lucas grinned at the fake-disgusted look on my face. “What? You don’t think so?”

“I’m not going to give you an even bigger head,” I retorted.

“Fine.” Lucas shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “But seriously, don’t worry about a thing. I’ll be with you all night. And since I’m the student body representative, I have to give a speech in front of our entire class.”

“At the formal?” I asked, feeling a sudden mix of emotions.

Lucas nodded, his gaze warm and reassuring. “I need your moral support.”

“So, you only asked me because you needed my moral support?” I couldn’t help but playfully tease him.

Rolling his eyes, he chuckled. “You know that’s not why I asked you. But if I see your face in the crowd while I’m giving my speech, it’ll make me feel a hundred times less nervous.”

“Because I’m your good luck charm, right?” I joked.

He snorted with a laugh. “Yes, Shana. You’re my good luck charm.

I smiled, feeling a sense of pride. “Well, I guess I’ll be there. Since I’m your date now.”

His smile grew wider, genuine happiness shining through. “Good. I’m glad you’re acknowledging it and accepting to come with me.”

“And you’re sure—”

“Would you knock it off?” Lucas teased, shoving my shoulder with his hand gently. “You’re getting on my nerves.”

I laughed. “So, what does your speech need to be about? Do you need any help with it?”

Lucas shrugged. “Maybe, but usually I can just wing these things since I’m naturally skilled at everything I do.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re such an Alpha-hoe.”

“Alpha-hoe?” he smirked slowly. “What the hell is that?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know!” My voice raised. “It’s exactly what you are.”

“I’m not an Alpha-hoe.”

“You totally are,” I laughed. “You’re the talk of the school, everyone wants to be friends with you, and I bet girls are dying to go to formal with you—”

“All of those things out of my control, Shana.”

“Wait, you didn’t let me finish,” I said, stomping my foot for dramatic effect. “You’re also full of yourself. Like to a point where it isn’t healthy.”

He chuckled. “I’m only teasing you. It’s fun watching you get annoyed and roll your eyes.”

I frowned at him. “You’re insufferable.”

As our conversation flowed, a group of girls walked past us, their attention immediately drawn to Lucas. Giggles filled the air, and they flirtatiously twirled their hair as they stared at Lucas intensely. It was almost laughable watching them bat their lashes at him in an effort to get him to notice them.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t resist asking Lucas, “Does that ever bother you?”

He smirked, exuding confidence. “Why would it bother me?”

I groaned, shaking my head in disbelief. “You’re really not helping prove the point about not being an Alpha-hoe.”

Lucas chuckled deeply. “Apologies for being handsome. It’s not my fault I was made this way.”

I paused for a moment, getting lost in my thoughts. How would all those girls react once they found out that Lucas wasn’t available for the Winter Formal anymore?

They’d probably all resent me if they didn’t already.

The thought made me a little apprehensive. Girls have already started to dislike me just for training with Lucas. I couldn’t imagine what they would do once they found out that the two of us were going to a dance together.

Would they see me as a threat, a rival for Lucas’s attention and affection?

That was part of the reason why I never attended any school events. Being branded as a wolfless freak kind of made me behave like an introvert. My home was my safe space. The only place I was free from other people’s judgment and opinions.

But I was so appreciative of Lucas for trying to get me out of my shell. It was clear that he only wanted the best for me and thought highly of me.

His friendship has meant more to me in these past few weeks than I could’ve ever imagined. I feel as though we’re so connected—like yin and yang.

I’ve never had a relationship like the one I do with Lucas. It overwhelmed me with emotion, making me break out into a grin.

"What are you smiling about?" Lucas asked, noticing the sudden joyous look on my face.

"Oh, nothing." I shook my head, turning to look away from him.

"You wanna know what I think, Shana?" Lucas asked as he threw an arm over my shoulder, pulling me into his chest for a tight, comforting hug.

"Not really," I teased, relaxing into the warmth of his body.

I sighed peacefully. Lucas really did give the best hugs.

"You're a very, very," he whispered low in my ear, "very bad liar."

I laughed as I leaned further into his embrace, feeling a surge of contentment. It was in these moments that I realized how lucky I was to have Lucas in my life. His unwavering support and friendship were invaluable, and I couldn't help but appreciate the depth of our connection.

Even though he constantly teased me.

"I was just thinking about the time Grandma Jo baked us oatmeal cookies right before we went to the amusement park," I said, a mischievous glint in my eyes. My smile only widened as I looked up at Lucas and saw the frown on his face.

"Please, never remind me of that day again."

I laughed. "I remember how we went on that one rollercoaster that swung us upside down and you just started throwing up all over—"

"Shana!" Lucas slapped a hand over my mouth to stop me from talking. "La la la. I can't hear you!"

I tried talking over his fingers, but my voice was muffled. Determined to make my point, I nipped at his hand playfully.

"Ow!" He shot his hand back, finally letting me go. "Did you just bite me?"

I grinned mischievously, pleased with my small victory.

Lucas shook his head like he was fed up with me. "You're watching too many movies about vampires. Before you know it, you're going to go around biting people's necks."

“Lucas…”

I heard a small voice behind us.

When we turned back, we saw three girls standing behind us. I didn’t know their names, but all of them were usually the quiet girls at school.

About three steps away, Jessica stood there watching us.

Even though she didn’t stand next to the girls, I had a feeling that they were there because of her.