One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 93 Audrey

I felt like a fish out of water the second I stepped into the upscale restaurant.

The glittering chandeliers and pristine white tablecloths were a far cry from the campus cafeteria where I usually ate my meals. The other patrons, all werewolves, dined in expensive designer outfits. Even the host eyed me up and down as I

entered.

"No humans allowed," the host said brusquely, already waving me away.

I squared my shoulders against the urge to tell him off. "I have an appointment," I said **lly, holding my chin up. "With Claudia Klein."

The host's eyes widened slightly, and he checked his list "Ah Right," he muttered, and I couldn't tell if he was just shellshocked or annoyed that I, a lowly human, had a right to be here today-Twas, after all, meeting one of the most prominent werewolves in our society. "Right this way."

As I followed the host through the crowded restaurant, I could feel eyes on me, and I fought the urge to hunch my shoulders. Had dressed well today, but I still felt out of place-and everyone could tell that I was a human

Finally, we reached a table where Claudia was already seated, looking impeccable in a tailored suit. To my surprise, she stood

and embraced me in a warm hug before I could even speak. I stiffened, shocked by the familiar gesture. We had only spoken in person once before. Although, her arms were strangely comforting.

up

"Audrey! So good to see you," Claudia said, pulling back with a smile. The host, fully pale by now, scurried away without a word.

"It's good to see you too, Ms. Klein," I managed, still a bit flustered from the unexpected hug

"Please, call me Claudia," she insisted as we sat down. "How are you finding the restaurant? It's one of my favorites."

I glanced around, taking in the opulent surroundings. For a moment, I debated mentioning how I technically wasn't allowed here as a human, but I stopped myself. "It's beautiful. I've never been anywhere quite like it'

A waiter appeared almost immediately to take our drink orders. Claudia ordered a glass of white wine, while I stuck with iced tea, not wanting to risk any alcohol-induced blunders

"So, tell me, how are your classes going?" Claudia asked, leaning forward with her elbows on the table. This close, I could smell her floral perfume and could hear the clinking of the bangles around her wrists as she moved.

we chatted. "Professor Brooks' class is challenging, but I'm learning so much," I said, then paused. "And I wanted to say, thank you for- "I know what you're going to say, and I'd rather you not say it, Claudia interrupted with a wave of her hand "That statement that I made was the least I

and soon we were chatting amiably. By the time our food arrived-a salmon dish for Claudia and a pasta primavera for

more al ease.

as she twirled pasta onto her fork, "let's see those

out my sketchbook. I had been working on my preliminary designs for my project with Claudia for weeks now, but suddenly they seemed inadequate.

As the silence stretched on, my

Sep

Chapter 93

to fill the

for the summer line," I explained. "And the asymmetrical hemline is

"Audrey," she began, and my heart sank at her tone. "These sketches...

5

felt my face flush with

up a hand to stop me. "No need to apologize. But I can tell

honesty was the best policy. And besides, even if I had lied, something told me that Claudia would be able to tell. "To be honest, I've been stressing a lot about my senior thesis. I want it to be perfect, but I haven't been able to find a

"You didn't think to ask me to be

me blinking, fully taken aback by the unexpected

be your mentor, Audrey," Claudia said almost matter-of-factly as she twirled some more pasta around

just... Well, we're already working together on this project,

potential in you. I want to see you succeed. In fact, why don't we make this project-she tapped my notebook-"part of your

the floor. "Really? You would do

course," Claudia said with a warm smile. "You have talent, Audrey. I

excitement. "Thank you so much, Claudial This

We spent

the boundaries more. I scribbled notes furiously, already mulling over how to

the meeting flew by all too quickly. As we finished our desserts, Claudia glanced at her watch with

the restaurant, still chatting about design ideas. The afternoon sun was warm on my face as we

assistant send over some resources for you," Claudia said as we shook hands. "And don't hesitate to reach out if you have

saying our goodbyes, I noticed a familiar figure approaching. My heart s**ed a beat as I recognized that sharply tailored suit and those striking gray eyes: Edwin. Quickly, so as not to alert Claudia, I schooled

even though it had been a few days. A part of me realized that we had done something dangerous that