One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 208 Audrey

"Mr.

Black."

The sight of the man almost made my heart stop in my chest. I hadn't seen him in person since that awful interview last summer when he had implied that I should sleep with him if I wanted his mentorship for this very project. His lip curled slightly as I approached, his eyes raking over me with undisguised disdain; no doubt he actually blamed me and not his own despicable behavior for the fact that he had lost his business with Brooks Designs. "Audrey Thatcher," he said, his voice dripping with contempt.

Despite the urge to curl into myself, I managed to square my shoulders, determined not to let him see how much his presence rattled me. "It's actually Klein now," I corrected firmly. Audrey Klein." The female

The male judge, an older woman with kind eyes and salt-and-pepper hair, chuckled-there was a placard in front of her seat with the name 'Rebecca Daniels' written on it. "I would have expected it to be Brooks by this point," she said. I felt my face flush, heat creeping up my neck and in my cheeks. Mr. Black's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with malice. "Ah. Yes, I hear congratulations are in order. To find one's fated mate at such a young age, particularly a mate as wealthy and successful as

Alpha Brooks, is quite impressive. Almost... unbe/

His insinuation made my blood boil, and I could feel my wolf stirring for the first time in weeks, a low growl echoing in the back of my mind. "Is it so hard to believe that he's my mate?" I asked, unable to keep the edge out of my voice. Mr. Black merely shrugged, then gestured to my silver streak and the silver accents on my outfit. "I also hear you are purported to be the Silver Star."

Before ! I answer, the third judge, a middle-aged man with a placard reading 'Edward Fuller', rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, how very fortuitous. Have you shifted yet? Supposedly the Silver Star, once shifted, possesses many amazing abilities." Judge Daniels chuckled again. "I've heard the same thing. Audrey, I broke my wrist a few years back and it still aches-I don't suppose you could heal it for me?"

Mr. Black practically leered. "A very useful skill indeed."

I swallowed hard, fighting to keep my composure. The taste of copper filled my mouth as I bit the inside of my cheek. "I haven't shifted yet," I admitted, annoyance flaring hot and wild in my chest.

ere I was, about to present my thesis, and all they cared about was my mate and my supposed abilities. But I forced a smile, determined not to let my irritation show. "But once I do shift, Ms. Daniels, I'll be happy to help you with your pain." The female judge beamed. "Well then," Mr. Black said, leaning back in his chair, "why don't you begin your presentation, Miss... Klein?"

room seemed to shrink around me as I spoke, my voice echoing slightly in the small space. I detailed my design process, explaining how each element of the gown represented

said, gesturing to the slides on the screen, "represents the threads of fate that have woven through my life, bringing me to where I am today." As I spoke, I could feel Mr. Black's eyes boring red-hot holes into my head. His gaze was like coal, black and bitter.

to let

"The moth represents transformation... Just as the moth undergoes a metamorphosis, so too have I transformed throughout my journey." Judge Daniels nodded encouragingly, while Judge Fuller scribbled notes. Mr. Black, however, remained impassive, his eyes cold as

neared the end of my presentation, I moved toward the covered mannequin. "And now, I would like to reveal the final piece," I said, my hand on the sheet. With a flourish, I pulled it away, unveiling the gown I had poured my heart and soul into creating. The judges gasped as they

a moment. "If you could wait outside, we will call you

room. As I closed the door behind me, I caught one last glimpse of Mr. Black, his eyes

waiting for me, jumped up from her seat, her red curls bouncing with the sudden movement. "Well? How did it I it go?" she

walls too close around me. I swore, even with the door closed, that I could still feel Mr. Black's eyes on me. "I... I don't know," I finally

in, the creep who

nodded as I

pace,

feeling sick to

me, Tina. What if he convinces the

friend. "It'll be fine. Mr. Black is just one judge. out of three. Your work is amazing, Audrey. They would

T

if Mr. Black's influence was enough to sway the others? What if my

sit still. Tina tried to distract me with small talk, but I could barely focus on her words. All I could think about was whatever he was saying behind that door... And how

with a soft creak. Judge Fuller appeared in the doorway, gesturing for me to come back in. "We're ready

shaking legs, I followed him back into the

Black still wore that infuriating smirk on his