One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 217

Edwin

I set down the last of Audrey’s bags by the front door, the faint floral scent of her perfume wafting up from the bundle of clothes inside. It was a familiar, comforting smell-one I had sorely missed having around the apartment these past couple of months, although I wouldn’t admit just how much the lack of it kept me awake at night.

Audrey sighed and plopped down on the sofa, tilting her head back against the cushions. “I think that was everything,” she said as she glanced at the clock on the mantle; well past midnight. Another late night, and it showed. She looked exhausted.

“Perhaps you should tell me now if you’re planning on another break,” I said, turning to face her with a smirk. I meant it as a joke, but Audrey’s face fell slightly, guilt flashing in her eyes.

Her silver streak almost seemed to dim a bit as she looked down at her feet. “Edwin, I-”

f

I held up a hand, chuckling to lighten the mood. “I’m just teasing you, love. I’m proud of you, you know. For taking that initiative in asking for a break when you needed it. It clearly paid off.”

And that was the truth, too; I had a lot of respect for what she’d done. It’s not easy, making decisions that might harm your relationship for the sake of yourself and your mate. I knew that firsthand. And now Audrey knew what it was like, too.

My mate’s tense shoulders visibly relaxed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Oh. You really mean that? You’re not just saying that?”

“Of course I mean it,” I said, sitting down next to her. “You passed your thesis with flying colors, and stopped Black from ruining it for you. And you seem… happier now that you took that time to yourself.”

Audrey nodded, looking relieved. “I am. And I think… I think we both learned a lot from it.”

I couldn’t argue with that. The past couple of months had indeed been difficult, filled with constant longing and worry, but they had also taught me some valuable lessons about respecting my mate’s autonomy.

I never wanted to make her feel like she wasn’t in control of her own life ever again. And I’d be damned if I let that happen again, especially if I was planning to marry-

“Edwin,” Audrey crooned, leaning against me, her eyelids already fluttering closed, “I’m so tired, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to make it to the bedroom…”

“Fear not.” I grinned and gathered her small form into my arms, rising and carrying her to bed.

Later that night, I sat in the armchair by the window with a glass of whiskey in hand as I watched Audrey sleep. The amber liquid caught the moonlight, creating dancing patterns on the wall-but it wasn’t nearly as spectacular as Audrey’s hair.

the soft glow streaming through the curtains. With her hair

Radiant. Serene. So… untroubled.

than to climb into bed with her and tuck her sleeping form close against my body, fall asleep to the sensation of her warmth seeping into my skin. But tonight, I

like a constant shadow,

than a distant threat a band of rogues who made a grave mistake by sending a few scouts to terrorize my mate in the forest. But they

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message in her

Crescent’s borders and send a few threatening-looking wolves on patrol near the

they had come for Audrey a second time. I wasn’t about to give them a third

cue, my phone buzzed in my pocket. The vibration seemed too loud in the quiet room, so I slipped out quietly, not wanting to

I moved

to be concerned, Alpha. I found rogue hair in Audrey’s carpet.

free hand clenching into a fist around my whiskey glass. “So they really did

just as you said, and left that note when they realized she

mind growled, furious at the threat to our mate. But now

increase security,” I said after a moment. “I want a constant guard rotation around Audrey at

“Of course, Alpha.”

talking about,” I continued, my voice hardening. I glanced back towards the bedroom, where Audrey continued to sleep peacefully, blissfully unaware.

of the line, then Charles chuckled softly. The sound was unexpected. “Speaking of future Luna… have you

couldn’t see me. My eyes darted to the drawer where the ring was hidden-so close to where Audrey slept. “Not yet,” I admitted quietly. “I’m planning to propose

“May I ask why?”

hand through my hair. “I want her to graduate and get settled first. And… I don’t want her to feel

said. “Because of what you found out about the Silver Star’s

he couldn’t see me. “Yes. The research suggests she’s unlikely to shift until we’ve had an official mating ceremony. The

more than to make Audrey my Luna, to give her that missing piece that might help her shift and

“I love her, Charles. I want to marry

softening. “But perhaps you’re overthinking this. Audrey loves you too. She would understand your