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.

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 backhsh that you got over the

we were chatting amiably. By the time our food arrived-a salmon

more al ease.

as she twirled pasta onto her

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

unreadable As the silence stretched on,

Sep

Chapter 93

babbling to

breathable fabric for the summer

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

5

felt my face flush with

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

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 been stressing a lot about my senior thesis. I want it to be

didn't think to ask me to be your

me blinking, fully taken aback by the unexpected question.

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

"No, I-I would be honored 1 stammered. "It's just... Well, we're already working together on this project, and

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 we make this project-she tapped my notebook-"part of your senior thesis? I would be happy to mentor you

floor. "Really? You would do that?"

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

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

We spent

ideas for my thesis. Claudia offered valuable input on my designs, pointing out areas where I could push the boundaries more. I scribbled notes furiously, already mulling over how to implement her advice into my next designs. I wanted our next meeting

all too quickly. As we finished our desserts, Claudia glanced at her watch with a sigh. "I'm afraid

on my face as we stepped onto the sidewalk, and I felt a little drunk even though I hadn't had

for you," Claudia said as we shook

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 my

we had done something dangerous that night, and it seemed that he had come to the same conclusion. So we hadn't spoken, even though it wrenched my