Fell for the Alpha-less Queen

The Calm Before the Storm.

Two afternoons later, Tessa was at the Navoris University library, reading while mapping out ideas for a medical paper.

For most med students, that kind of thing was a pipe dream-many didn't even think about writing research until senior year. But she was only a freshman and already had a clear direction.

Ysabel showed up with two iced coffees in hand.

She spotted Tessa from afar, sitting quietly in the corner, reading. For a long moment, she just stood there, watching.

How could someone look so good just sitting still? Even in silence, she had a kind of glow that pulled people in. You couldn't help but watch her-like gravity.

Unable to resist, Ysabel pulled out her phone and snapped a secret photo, sending it to Landon.

Landon was in the middle of a meeting at Thorne Corp. He hadn't planned to check any messages, but the thought that something might have happened to Tessa made-him open it.

In the photo, his girl sat in the library corner in a white dress, chestnut hair falling over her shoulder. Her eyes were lowered as she read, calm and focused, so gentle it felt like time itself slowed down around her.

Nathaniel sat beside him. It was the first time he'd ever seen this alpha get distracted during a meeting. Curious, he leaned over to peek at the screen, but Landon quickly pulled his phone away.

at? Don't tell me it's a girl?"

Landon muttered, but his fingertips still absently traced the

herself for pleasing her uncle-until the next

grinned ear to ear. Money

and walked quickly over to

took you so long?" Tessa closed her book as she saw

fans at the entrance. They insisted on pictures and autographs-slowed me down," Ysabel

want, I'll ask Landon to get you a

hadn't awakened her wolf yet so she didn't have much in the way of self- defense. If thing dangerous ever

My fans are super chill. Just wanted a few pics and autographs." Ysabel waved her off, then leaned over, peering at Tessa's notebook/"What are you

"A medical paper."

slowly retracted her gaze. Forget it-the world

paper. Gorgeous, powerful, and this driven-how

way too hot

took a sip of the coffee. "Got plans

I actually get to share a stage with