Chapter 7 : The Alpha’s Dilemma

Ren leaned against a tree just beyond the edge of the university campus, the bustling activity of students and faculty swirling in the background. His sharp senses picked up fragments of laughter, snippets of conversation, and the rhythmic clicking of heels against the stone pathways. None of it mattered. His focus was solely on her.

Through the large windows of the anthropology building, he spotted Elena, her silhouette illuminated by the soft afternoon light. She was seated at her desk, her head bent over some papers, a faint frown of concentration on her face. He couldn’t look away, the pull toward her as magnetic as it was maddening.

She’s beautiful, his wolf murmured, its voice tinged with both reverence and impatience. Ours. Why are we not with her?

Ren exhaled sharply, his hand flexing against the bark of the tree. Because she’s not ready, he replied silently. And neither am I.

The festival encounter had been a shock - an intoxicating, bewildering moment that had left him reeling. And then to see her again at the lecture hall… It had taken all his control not to cross the room and claim her right then and there. But what would she have thought? A stranger barging into her carefully ordered life, declaring her his mate?

It was reckless, he knew, coming to her university again today. But he couldn’t help himself. He needed to see her, to learn more about her. Not just because of the bond, but because of the mystery surrounding her. She wasn’t fully human - his wolf was certain of it - but her wolf was buried, distant, as though something had suppressed or hidden it.

Why? The question gnawed at him. What had happened to her, and why had the Moon Goddess chosen her as his mate?

Ren’s gaze shifted as a group of students passed nearby, their chatter light and oblivious to his presence. He straightened, pulling back into the shadows as one of the students stopped near the entrance to Elena’s building.

“Professor Thompson?” the young man called, waving as Elena appeared in the doorway.

“Yes, David?” she replied with a warm smile, her tone patient.

“I just had a quick question about the assignment,” David said, holding up a notebook.

Ren’s wolf growled softly, a possessive edge in its tone, but Ren silenced it. She’s a teacher. It’s her job, he reminded himself, though the casual interaction sparked an irrational flare of jealousy.

He watched as Elena patiently explained something to the student, her hands gesturing gracefully as she spoke. Her passion for her work was evident, and it made him admire her all the more. She wasn’t just beautiful - she was intelligent, driven, compassionate.

When the student finally left, Ren hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the shadows. He didn’t approach her directly. Instead he walked toward a small café across the street, positioning himself at an outdoor table where he could observe without being obvious.

For the next hour, he watched as Elena interacted with students and colleagues, her movements graceful and unhurried. He noted the way she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was deep in thought, the way her smile brightened when she greeted someone she knew.

But there were moments, too, when her expression faltered - brief flashes of uncertainty or distraction that made his chest tighten. Was she thinking about him? About the strange encounter they’d shared?

When she disappeared back into the building, Ren leaned back in his chair, his thoughts racing. He needed answers. He couldn’t simply linger on the edges of her life, hoping to understand her through observation alone.

His wolf growled softly in agreement. Talk to her. Get close.

Ren’s lips quirked into a wry smile. Easier said than done. She’s human - or at least she thinks she is. How do I explain what we are without scaring her away?

The sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts. He turned slightly to see a young woman approaching, her expression curious and a little wary.

“Hi,” she said, her tone polite but uncertain. “I couldn’t help but notice you’ve been here for a while… Are you waiting for someone?”

Ren straightened, offering a disarming smile. “Just enjoying the atmosphere,” he said smoothly.

The woman hesitated, then nodded, her curiosity lingering. “Well, if you’re looking for the best coffee, the vanilla latte here is unbeatable.”

“Thanks for the recommendation,” Ren replied, his tone polite but dismissive.

The woman lingered for another moment before walking away and Ren exhaled softly. He couldn’t afford distractions - not when his every thought was consumed by Elena.

As the afternoon stretched on, Ren finally made his decision. He rose from his seat and crossed the street, his steps purposeful as he entered the building where Elena worked. He didn’t head straight to her office - instead, he sought out one of her colleagues, a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair who appeared to be grading papers in a nearby lounge.

“Excuse me,” Ren said, his tone friendly. “I was wondering if you could help me.”

The man looked up, his expression curious. “Sure. What do you need?”

“I’m interested in Professor Elena Thompson’s lectures,” Ren said smoothly. “She gave a fascinating talk this morning, and I’d like to know if she’s teaching any upcoming seminars or classes that are open to visitors.”

The man smiled, clearly pleased by the interest. “Professor Thompson does have a talent for captivating an audience,” he said. “She’s leading a seminar on comparative mythology next week. It’s a bit niche, but if you’re interested in folklore, it’s worth attending.”

Ren nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

He left the building shortly after, his mind alight with possibilities. The seminar would give him another opportunity to see her, to learn more about her world. But he couldn’t ignore the urgency gnawing at him - the need to understand why she was his mate, and what her hidden wolf meant for their bond.