Chapter 27

Flashback - Lucas' First Shift

Lucas' POV

I was fifteen, listening to my father’s laughter coming from the dinner where the other Lycan families had come to visit. I admired my father. I wanted to be like him. He was tough, feared, respected, and a leader.

I sat on the cold, hard ground, my eyes fixed on the darkening sky. The full moon would rise soon. My heart raced, partly because of the impending shift, but mostly because of her. Emma.

"Emma smiled at me today," I said softly, glancing at my little sister, Mara. I felt heat creep up my neck, but I couldn't help it. Emma had been on my mind all day, and I had to tell someone. "I think she might like me."

Mara snickered, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Emma? The werewolf girl?" She leaned closer, jabbing me in the ribs with her elbow. "You've got a crush on a *werewolf*? Oh, Lucas, I'm telling Dad."

My body went rigid. "You wouldn't," I said, my voice tight with worry.