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

but his fingertips still absently traced the edge

pretty proud of herself for pleasing her uncle-until the next moment,

grinned ear to ear. Money handed to

and

her book as she

insisted on pictures and autographs-slowed me down," Ysabel said, sliding one of the iced coffees toward her. "Guess I'm kind of a

If you want, I'll ask Landon to get you a

didn't have much in the way of self- defense. If thing dangerous ever happened,

a few pics and autographs." Ysabel waved her

"A medical paper."

her gaze. Forget it-the world of overachievers wasn't

writing a research paper. Gorgeous, powerful, and this driven-how was

handed it over. "It's way too hot out. Thank god the library's got

a sip of the

eyes lit up, her excitement bubbling over. "1 can't believe I actually get to share a stage with them. It doesn't feel like work at