Chapter 17

“How did you know I had questions?” I asked him.

“Shana, I’ve known you since we were kids. I can tell when there’s something on your mind.” He gave me a knowing look.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, grateful for Lucas's willingness to open up despite the emotional weight he was carrying. His offer to answer my questions reassured me, knowing that he trusted me enough to share his secrets.

"Lucas," I began softly, careful to choose my words, "Your relationship with your dad… It seems strained, to say the least. What happened between the two of you?”

Lucas sighed, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the confines of the restaurant. "My dad and I have never seen eye to eye. You already know I’m his illegitimate son from a one-night stand. But he regrets what happened because he already had a family, and I was not accepted by them as his child. My mother passed away giving birth to me, so I grew up with Grandma Jo.”

His words struck me, revealing a complex and painful backstory. The weight of being an outsider within his own family must have added an extra layer of strain to his relationship with his father.

I knew that Lucas had lost his mother, but I had never asked why or how. I was too young to understand those kinds of complex relationships fully. All I ever knew was that Lucas had Grandma Jo to take care of him, and I never questioned it like the other kids.

Lucas continued, his voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and resilience. "When I was twelve, tragedy struck. Kendrick lost his real wife and child in a car accident. He was heartbroken and, in his grief, realized he still needed an heir. When he discovered I could shift into an Alpha wolf, he took me back to raise me as his own. And I thought that would finally give me a chance to earn his approval."

I listened intently, beginning to understand the intricacies of Lucas's journey and the complicated dynamics within his family. It was evident that he had carried a deep desire for his father's acceptance, fueled by the belief that he needed to prove himself worthy.

"At first, I worked relentlessly to gain his approval," Lucas continued. "I trained rigorously, controlled my weight, immersed myself in business learning — anything I thought would make me more like what he wanted.”

I listened intently as Lucas kept talking.

“Despite my achievements and responsibilities, Dad still sees me as not good enough. He constantly compares me to the child he lost, the one who was forever fourteen. He even hates my passion for hockey."

My heart ached for Lucas, who had poured so much of himself into fulfilling his father's expectations, only to be met with a constant sense of inadequacy. The yearning for approval and recognition from one's parent is a deeply human desire, and it was clear that Lucas still sought that validation.

Placing my hand on his, I offered a comforting squeeze. "I'm truly sorry for everything you've been through, Lucas. It's understandable that you would want your father's approval, especially given the circumstances of your upbringing. Your determination and hard work are admirable.”

“I wished he could see it that way.”

“Just remember that you are more than the expectations placed upon you. Your worth and identity go beyond what your father sees or doesn't see. You deserve love and acceptance for who you truly are."

Lucas seemed to absorb my words, his expression softening with a mix of gratitude and introspection. He thanked me for listening and sharing his story, asking me to keep it between us.

“Of course, Lucas,” I said. “This stays between us. You can trust me.”

“And I’m sorry.” Lucas shook his head. “I wish I could spend the rest of the day with you, but I have to go to the company later. Responsibilities and all.”

Even though Lucas’s father was hard on him, it appeared Lucas still longed to have his father’s approval.

“That’s fine,” I said, offering him a gentle smile. “If you want to still want to hang out, I’m sure there’s a coffee shop nearby where I can read. We could still have dinner later tonight if you want.”

Lucas nodded, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. "You don't mind waiting for me?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "I've got nothing else going on. Plus, we could use some redemption for the day since the mood kind of got killed."

Rubbing a hand behind his neck, Lucas looked apologetic. "I'm sorry about that."

I quickly dismissed his guilt. "It's not your fault. Hey, what if we pay Grandma Jo another visit? James mentioned he wanted to see her again, especially for her delicious cookies."

A spark of excitement danced in Lucas's eyes at the suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea. Let me give them a call and check if they're available."

Once our plan was set, we left the restaurant and started making our way to Kendrick's company building.

"You know, there's a coffee shop—"

"We don't need to go to a coffee shop," Lucas interjected.

"But—"

"If you want to sit and read while I attend the meeting, you can use my office," Lucas offered. "Nobody will disturb you there. They're not allowed to enter without permission."

As we arrived at the sleek and modern black building, it exuded an air of sophistication, a testament to its status as a thriving multimillion-dollar corporation. It was hard to believe that this was Lucas's legacy.

While Lucas attended his meeting, I explored his compact office, taking in the surroundings. Photos adorned the space, capturing Lucas in his younger years and alongside various business partners.

I picked up a picture of him and Grandma Jo, a smile forming as memories of Bear flooded my mind. It was astonishing how I hadn't noticed the resemblance earlier. Those striking blue eyes had always been a shared trait.

A knock interrupted my thoughts, causing me to startle as the door began to open. A woman dressed in a cleaning uniform peered in, visibly surprised to find me there. Her skeptical gaze conveyed her curiosity about my presence.

"Hi," I greeted her with a friendly wave. "Sorry, do you need to clean in here? I'm just waiting for Lucas to finish his meeting."

The woman frowned, evidently unconvinced by my explanation. "You can't be Lucas's friend. He doesn't associate with those without the wolf."

My jaw dropped as she left the room, her words leaving me stunned. I frantically scanned the surroundings, searching for an escape route, but found none.

Soon enough, a security guard arrived, his expression one of displeasure.

"Please," I pleaded desperately. "Lucas knows I'm here. Just ask him! Don't kick me out!"

Ignoring my pleas, the security guard seized my arm and forcefully dragged me out of the office.

"Let go!" I struggled to break free, but his grip was unyielding, so tight that I feared it would leave bruises.

Then, the resounding roar of an Alpha wolf pierced through the air, a sound I had become familiar with. And for the third time, I realized that Lucas had summoned it, all for my sake.