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 could do, you didn't deserve the backhsh that

we were chatting amiably. By the time our

more al ease.

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

on my preliminary designs for my project with Claudia for weeks now, but suddenly they seemed inadequate. With slightly trembling hands, I passed the book to

As the silence

Tue, Sep

Chapter 93

babbling to fill the

breathable fabric for the summer line," I explained.

Claudia closed the book and handed it back to me. "Audrey," she began, and my heart sank at her tone. "These sketches... they're not

5

face flush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry,

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

my lip, debating how much to share. Finally, I decided that 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

eyebrows shot up. "You didn't think

fully taken

as she twirled some more pasta around her fork. “In fact, I might have to insist on it. Unless you don't want

we're already working together on this project, and

the potential in you. I

the floor. "Really? You would do that?" I

with a warm smile. "You have talent, Audrey. I would be honored

couldn't contain my excitement. "Thank you so much, Claudial This means the world to

We spent

push the boundaries more. I scribbled notes furiously, already mulling

glanced

was warm on my face as we stepped onto the sidewalk, and I felt a

as we shook hands. "And don't hesitate to reach

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 my expression into one

Edwin since our date at the planetarium, even though it had been a few days. A part of me realized that we had done

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