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.

into a brief overview of my coursework, relaxing a bit as 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

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

more al ease.

pasta onto her

up as I pulled out my sketchbook. I had been working on my preliminary designs for my project with

flipped through the pages slowly, her expression unreadable As the silence stretched on, my anxiety

Sep

Chapter 93

babbling to fill the

thinking of using a light, breathable fabric for the summer line," I explained. "And the

and handed it back to me. "Audrey," she began, and my heart sank at

5

flush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry,

to apologize. But I can tell something is off. Have you been distracted

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

"You didn't think

fully taken aback by

said almost matter-of-factly as she twirled some more pasta around her fork. “In fact, I might

would be honored 1 stammered. "It's just... Well, we're already

Claudia laughed-a light, tinkling sound that instantly set me at ease. "Audrey, you know how much I like, you, and I can see the potential in you. I want to see you succeed. In fact, why don't

the floor. "Really? You would do

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

so much, Claudial

We spent

input on my designs, pointing out areas where I could push the boundaries more. I scribbled notes furiously,

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

afternoon sun was warm on my face as we stepped

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

a beat as I recognized that sharply tailored

days. A part of me realized that we had