Chapter 188
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “I work for him,” I muttered, avoiding his gaze.
“That’s not what I mean,” Jack persisted, leaning forward. “His scent is on you, Erin. Not around you. On your skin.”
Amy kicked him under the table, shooting him a warning glance. “Ignore him,” she said brightly, turning to me. “How’s that geneties project coming along? Professor Wilson is brutal with grading.”
Grateful for the change of subject, I launched into a detailed explanation of the project requirements, deliberately avoiding mentioning Bradley’s involvement. Inside, my wolf paced anxiously, uncomfortable with the lies by omission that seemed to be piling up around me.
Later that afternoon, I had no choice but to meet Bradley in the small study area tucked away in a corner of the library. The space was designed for group projects – small enough for privacy but still visible through glass walls to discourage inappropriate behavior.
I arrived first, arranging my notes meticulously on the table, placing my bag on the chair beside me to prevent Bradley from sitting too close. When he appeared, he was carrying a stack of research materials, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
“You’re early,” he commented, setting down the books and sliding into the chair opposite me.
“I like to be prepared,” I replied, keeping my voice even. “I brought the data from our last session.”
We worked in silence for several minutes, the scratch of pens and rustle of pages the only sounds between us. Then, as I reached for a reference book, Bradley’s hand moved toward mine – whether by accident or design, I couldn’t tell.
My wolf reacted before my mind could process what was happening. I jerked my arm back violently, knocking several books to the floor with a loud thud. My chair scraped against the hardwood as I pushed it back, putting more distance between us. A low, almost inaudible growl rose from deep in my throat.
Bradley’s eyes flashed with hurt before quickly masking it with composure. “I was just reaching for the genetics textbook,” he said calmly, though we both knew it wasn’t entirely true.
“Sorry,” I muttered, not feeling sorry at all. My wolf was practically bristling beneath my skin, rejecting his proximity.
Bradley studied me for a long moment. “You’ve changed, Erin. Not just the transformation. Something else.”
I bent to retrieve the fallen books, using the moment to compose myself. “We should focus on the project.”
“Is it him?” Bradley pressed, his voice dropping. “Has Derek claimed you already?”
That’s none of your business,” I said sharply, too sharply. “We’re here to work on genetics, not discuss your brother.”
–
Something flashed in Bradley’s eyes – anger, frustration, perhaps even jealousy – but he nodded slowly. “Fine. Let’s start with the hereditary traits section.”
is eyes on me For the rest of our session, Bradley maintained a professional distance, focusing only on the project materials. But I could when he thought I wasn’t looking, studying me like one of our genetic specimens, searching for changes, for signs of his bromer’s influence.
The bus was half–empty as I made my way toward Stone Group later that afternoon. I settled into a seat near the back, spreading out the files 1 needed to review before my meeting with Derek.
Just thinking about seeing him again sent a flutter through my stomach – nervous anticipation mingled with dread. How would he receive me after yesterday? Would he still be angry?
Chapter 188
My phone screen lit up suddenly, displaying a message from an unknown number. I glanced around instinctively, my enhanced werewolf scanning for anyone watching me. The bus carried only a handful of passengers, none paying me any attention.
With a growing sense of unease, I opened the message: Little wolf cub, do you think the Alpha would like knowing his Soul Bond is seekin other options behind his back? Wolf eyes see far, be careful with your choices. The Moon Goddess doesn’t favor traitors.)
My chest tightened, my pupils dilating with sudden anxiety. Who could have sent this? Who knew about Derek and me? About Bradley?
a nervous habit I’d never quite broken. As the bus went over a I deleted the message with trembling fingers, then ran a hand through my hair speed bump, I bit my lower lip hard, debating whether I should tell Derek about this. About everything.
The moment the elevator doors opened on the executive floor, I sensed something was wrong.
Several employees who had been talking quietly stopped mid–conversation, their eyes darting nervously to me and then away. One female werewolf employee unconsciously lowered her head slightly – a instinctive sign of respect to a higher–ranking wolf.
My wolf stirred, sensing the tension and fear permeating the air. I walked toward the coffee area where several staff members were huddled, whispering. My fingers drummed a nervous rhythm on the marble countertop as I approached.
“What’s going on?” I asked, keeping my voice steady despite my wolf’s growing agitation.
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