Chapter 53

As Lucas made his way to the stage, I watched him with admiration. A wall of nerves hit me as he took the stage, but it was short-lived. Once he approached the microphone, he looked completely confident.

A hush fell over the crowd as everyone was suddenly eager to hear what the school's star athlete and son of a top billionaire Alpha had to say.

"Good evening, everyone," Lucas began, his voice projecting authority. "I'm sure most of you know that I'm the student body representative, and holding such a title requires me to make a speech for you tonight."

My eyes turned to look at the dean who was standing off to the side of the stage. He was watching Lucas carefully, and I wondered if he thought Lucas would say something to get the school in further trouble.

But I didn't think Lucas would say anything about the events from the past week since the situation with Jessica had already been handled.

"Tonight, I stand before you not just as an Alpha, but as someone who deeply cares about this school and its students," Lucas continued.

His words captured everyone's attention, and I could see several students nodding in approval.

"I believe that our school should be a place of inclusivity," Lucas continued, his eyes scanning the room. "A place where each student is valued for who they are, regardless of their background or status."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. He had the attention of everyone present.

"In our society, we find that the separation of our status is a constant conversation. As Betas, Omegas, and Alphas--" Lucas's eyes locked with mine. "--or even wolfless... we need to maintain respect for one another."

"Tonight, I want to address something that's been bothering me," Lucas said, his gaze glued to mine.

Nerves took over me again.

"I've noticed the hurtful gossip and judgment that can circulate within our community. It's not just damaging-- it's destructive."

He took a moment, allowing his words to sink in before he continued, "It's important that we lift each other and support one another instead of tearing each other down. There has been a lot of bullying at Shadow High recently..."

I looked at the dean again who appeared to have straightened, listening to Lucas's words even closer now.

"Bullying should never be tolerated. It's painted a negative reflection of all of us and our school. Do we really want to be known for hatred?"

The crowd was silent as they considered Lucas's question. It was clear that his speech was making an impact. He had the attention of everyone in the room, students and teachers alike.

I couldn't help but feel a wave of pride wash over me as I watched him speak.

"Regardless of status, every student here is unique and brings something valuable to our community. We should embrace those differences and celebrate them."

The crowd listened as Lucas spoke from his heart, passionately condemning the negative attitudes that have plagued the school recently.

"And to address a specific matter," Lucas said, his eyes flickering towards me in the crowd, "I want to make something very clear."

Oh no, I thought as my breath caught in my throat.

Why was he singling me out? What was he going to say?

Again, I looked at the dean who was now looking at me, squinting his eyes.

"I didn't tell him to do this!" I tried to convey through my eyes, hoping that the dean would understand me.

I didn't want to cause another scene or create any more trouble than I already have.

"Shana, could you come up here please?" Lucas asked from the stage.

Everyone's eyes in the room fell on me and I felt a blush creep on my cheeks.

Well, this was just great. I couldn't avoid it now.

"Shana?" Lucas repeated, urging me to join him on stage.

Other students soon started to urge me toward the stage as well, and I hesitantly made my way toward Lucas.

When I stared at him, I shot him daggers, threatening. "I'm so going to kill you for this!"

I don't think he was too afraid of me and my glaring face because he said, "Shana here is an incredible person, and she deserves nothing but respect and admiration. Anyone who dares to speak ill of her or question her worth has no place at Shadow High or in our community."

Whispers immediately filled the room at Lucas's heartfelt declaration, and I felt a mix of emotions - pride, gratitude, and vulnerability. He was putting himself on the line for me, defending me publicly, and it meant the world.

"As wolves, we're taught to be loyal and loving to our kind. The behaviors that I've seen go against everything we have learned. We've been putting down our own kind."

"But she's wolfless!" A voice in the crowd shouted out.

I couldn't see where it came from, and neither could Lucas, but he had an answer ready. "Weren't we all wolfless at some point?"

There was a silence again. Nobody could argue with that.

People didn't get their wolves until they turned thirteen. Everyone knew what it felt like to lack that part of yourself for so long. Everyone could sympathize with someone like me on some level.

"I just want us all to think about our actions and push for change. I think we all owe it to ourselves and our school to be better," Lucas said, finishing his speech.

The applause and cheers were loud as he handed the microphone back to the dean, taking my hand as he walked down the stage steps.

While some students liked Lucas's speech, it was obvious that others weren't fans.

Many people threw judgmental glances my way, and I could already see that gossip was starting to formulate. It made me feel increasingly uncomfortable and unable to fully enjoy the rest of the Winter Formal.

I know Lucas had pure intentions to protect and defend me in front of everyone, but I was hoping that it wouldn't have a negative effect.

I smiled nervously, trying to mask my discomfort, but inside, my heart was racing. Lucas held my hand tightly, an anchor keeping me steady and calm, but the weight of everyone's eyes on me was hard to bear.

As we walked away from the stage, I whispered to Lucas, "You didn't have to do all of that."

"Of course, I did," Lucas said. "I wasn't just going to forget it and move on. I'm done playing everyone's game. I'm sick of everyone treating you like a target."

I could see the genuine pain in his eyes for me which only made me feel bad for not acknowledging his kindness. "Thank you for everything you said up there... It may not seem like it, but it means so much to me."

"You worry too much about what others think of you." He looked at me with genuine affection, "And I meant every word, Shana. You are important to me, and I won't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

His words brought some comfort, but the lingering unease persisted. The Winter Formal was supposed to be a memorable night, but it had become a mixed bag of emotions.

The rest of the night felt like it would be impossible to endure now that the whispers and questions had multiplied after Lucas's speech.

It was suffocating, and I wondered if I would ever be able to escape any of this drama.