One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 202 Audrey & Edwin Audrey

The cafeteria buzzed with the familiar sounds of lunchtime as I made my way through the line, tray in hand. Students passed by, groups of friends laughing and chatting, the scent of food wafting through the

air.

A

It felt surreal to be back on campus after everything that had happened-like stepping back into a world of normalcy that I had almost forgotten amongst the chaos. I didn't even feel like I was really here, even now, but rather watching everyone else go about their lives through a pane of glass.

"Well, if it isn't the elusive Audrey Klein," Tina said, lifting her head as I approached our usual table by the sunlit window. "We've been so worried about you. How are you doing?"

I forced a smile, setting my tray down and sliding onto the bench next to Avis and Gavin. "I'm okay," I said, although the words felt hollow even to my own ears.

Betty's dark eyes searched my face. "We heard about your mom. Is she...?"

I swallowed hard in an attempt to push the lump in my throat down. "She's still in a coma," I admitted shakily. "But the doctors say she's stable now."

Tina reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "We're here for you, Audrey. Whatever you need."

Avis nodded in agreement, her blonde curls bobbing. "Absolutely. You don't have to go through this alone."

Their concern was touching, and I felt a breath escape that I didn't realize I'd been holding. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it." "How's Edwin holding up?" Gavin asked innocently as he took a bite of his pizza. My chest tightened in response to that. It was still fresh, still... painful. Just last night, we had had a conversation that I never wanted to have. It felt like a dream, but it was real, and I had made my decision. "Edwin and I... we're taking a break."

The silence that followed was deafening. I could practically hear the gears turning in their heads as they processed what I had just said.

"A break?" Betty finally sputtered. "But you're mates! How is that even possible?"

I sighed, pushing my food around on my plate. My appetite was suddenly gone. "It's not a permanent thing," I explained. "We just... I just need some space right now."

"Space?" Avis asked.

told him that I needed more time. It had been one of the hardest things I had ever done, but I knew it

happened recently..." I trailed off, unsure of how to even begin, to explain. "Edwin's protective instincts went into overdrive. He... he made some decisions that hurt me, even though he

frowned. "What kind of

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that we're sort

shot up. "Fighting?"

+5

just trying to take care of me, but it's

'break' mean, exactly?" Tina asked, making air quotes with

nothing that severe. I've moved back into my dorm for the rest of the semester. We're still mates, and nothing can change that. But we're not going to

glances, clearly trying

what

from your mate could

know. But this is what I need right

again. I stared down at my uneaten pasta, fighting back the tears that were threatening to come. It was true; being away from him would weaken

for me, for Audrey, I knew it was the right thing to

feeling the weight of the little box containing the ring shifting back as I closed it. The velvet box seemed to mock me, a reminder of what could have been- what should have been- I hadn't gone and let my fear and overprotectiveness get the

inside of me. "You were

compared to the ache in my chest where Audrey should have been.

counter and swinging her legs and chattering away

muttered out loud, running a hand through my hair. "I know

growled in agreement, pacing restlessly in my mind. "You have to fix it," he demanded. "I need my mate

sent Audrey away to the cottage, he had been utterly furious; and now the thought of being away from her for the