One Night With My Alpha Professor

Audrey

“If you feel the need to assault me in this dress again, at least give me a five minute warning.”

Edwin’s lips curled up into a sly smirk in response to my teasing as we pulled up to the venue, although the reddened tinge to the tips of his ears wasn’t lost on me.

The charity gala was held in a historic art museum smack dab in the center of the city, all tall marble columns and enormous windows with golden light spilling out onto the sidewalk. A heavy wooden door opened and closed as droves of finely-dressed gala attendees poured in, expensive sports cars idling at the curb.

“I know I shouldn’t, but I feel so out of place,” I mused as our driver put the car in park. Just looking out the tinted window at all of the other wealthy men and women made me feel like a pauper.

Edwin shot me a look as he opened the car door and helped me out. My dress was long enough that I had to pick up the skirt with one hand just to walk up the red carpet.

“You’re the Silver Star everyone’s been talking about,” he said, placing his hand on the small of my back, “And you’re the heir to Silverbite. And the future Luna of Crescent. You have more of a right to be here than some other people, that’s for certain.”

I felt my stomach twist somewhat at the vague mention of Edwin’s parents, who would no doubt be in attendance tonight. I hadn’t seen his father since…

“Well, I still feel out of place,” I said, although it was hard not to notice the stares and whispers I was already getting.

As we made our way into the bustling gala, I couldn’t help but think how ironic it was; as a human, my silver streak essentially labeled me as a racist heretic.

But as a werewolf, sauntering into a public event fully clad in silver with my streak on prominent display… No one seemed to bat an eye. Not in a bad way, at least.

“The Silver Star’s resistance to silver poisoning is very symbolic,” Edwin explained through our Mindlink, noticing my confusion. “Wearing silver as a human is sacrilege, as a werewolf it’s frowned upon, but as the Silver Star, it’s like a beacon.”

I frowned in confusion at that. “Quit speaking in riddles.”

Edwin sighed, his hand slipping up my spine to guide me through an awestruck cluster of guests. I flashed a tense smile as we passed, to which their eyes widened in response-as if a celebrity had just noticed them.

“You’re the one werewolf who cannot be harmed by silver in the same way the rest of us are,” Edwin replied. “For that, among other things, people see you as a sign of hope; and therefore, you’re given certain… privileges.”

Before I could answer, Edwin stopped and grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. He handed me one, gently clinking his glass against mine. “Sip. It’ll help.”

The bubbles tickled my nose, but it really did help. After a few sips, I found my nerves easing somewhat. I turned, my shoulder brushing against Edwin as we looked around at the thick throng of people,

The gala really was magnificent; the soft strains of a string quartet carrying across the crowd, glittering chandeliers casting a warm amber glow over the polished floors, golden accents every which way you looked.

Off to one side of the room, there were clusters of round tables topped with pristine white tablecloths, around which many of the older attendees had gathered. Buffet tables piled high with delicious food-glistening pastries, miniature roast quails, fresh bread and decadent pastas-lined the far wall.

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Just as I felt my stomach begin to awaken in anticipation, I heard the whispers.

“It’s the Silver Star…”

“Has she really shifted?”

“Her eyes seem to glow silver whenever they catch the light… she must have shifted.”

“Ah. The Silver Star. We meet again.”

The sound of that last voice caused both Edwin and I to turn, and instantly, I felt my muscles coil with tension.

Stella.

Edwin’s mother.

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Her pale blonde hair was exactly as I remembered, those cold eyes sweeping over me from head to toe as if appraising me all over again. She wore an icy blue gown that fell to her ankles, severe sleeves coming to a point at the back of each hand.

The ice queen in all her glory.

“Mother,” Edwin said stiffly, his arm tightening around my waist. “Where is Father?”

Stella’s face hardened even more, if that was even possible. “He’s still licking his wounds. Thanks to your little mate.”

I felt my wolf bristle annoyedly in response to that, but I pushed down the urge to bite out a retort. I really wanted to say, “I hope the wounds are deeper than the wounds he gave your son,” but I didn’t.

Instead, I forced a tiny smile and said, “Give him my regards.”

Stella’s cold eyes snapped to me, her upper lip curling back slightly to reveal two white fangs.

But then her face… softened somewhat. Not in a kind way, but in understanding. And maybe even a hint of amusement.

“I hear you finally shifted. Took you long enough.”

“She worked very hard to do it,” Edwin quickly replied before Stella could begin questioning. “So we’re celebrating tonight. Which reminds me…” He turned to me and c****d his head toward the dancefloor, a silent question.

I nodded and forced another smile, grateful for the chance to slip away without causing a scene. He looked at his mother. “It was good seeing you, Mother.”

If Stella took offense to our abrupt exit, she didn’t show it, and instead walked away with nothing more than a grunt in

response.

Edwin’s arm was warm and sturdy around me as he guided me away. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

I nearly laughed out loud. “Not as bad as it could have been, I guess,” I replied, although I wondered what would have happened had my mate not deftly pulled us out of the conversation.

Polishing off the last of our glasses of champagne and setting them on a passing tray, we made our way onto the dancefloor. Edwin pulled me in once we were tucked safely into the crowd of dancers, the sounds of the quartet nearly lost amongst the chatter of voices and skirts rustling.

Only then did I let out the breath I’d been holding.

“I take it we’ll be doing a lot more of this in the future,” I sed, glancing around as we moved to the music.

Edwin shrugged and nodded at the same time. “I suppose so. Personally, I never cared for these sorts of things, and avoided

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them whenever I could. But now that I have a date like you-” he twirled me, sending the glimmering lights spinning in a blur around me, then pulled me back flush against him- “I suppose I can endure it.”

My cheeks flushed, but I retorted, “I love a good party.” I glanced around at the other nearby dancers, many of whom were staring and whispering. “But not typically when I’m being stared at like an expensive piece of artwork.”

My mate chuckled somewhat, a deep rumble that vibrated against my chest. “They’ll get used to your presence. It’s just a bit of a novelty right now, that’s all. But…” His eyes flashed, and a tiny smile ghosted across his lips. “Maybe we should give them a bit of a show, at least.”

Before I could answer, I was being twirled again-only this time, instead of reconnecting with a sturdy chest, the room was tilting as I was tipped backwards, a warm arm slipping around the thinnest part of my waist.

I think I may have felt the furry little tips of my wolf ears slip out from between the strands of my hair as Edwin kissed me deeply, passionately, in front of everyone.

By the time he set me upright, my neck was flushed with a mixture of excitement and embarrassment.

But I didn’t have the chance to come up with a witty remark, because suddenly, I was blinded by bright white lights.

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