Chapter 38

RYKER’S POV

I glanced up from my notes, and I noticed Isabelle dozing off again at her desk, my sharp gaze softening.

Her head was resting against a stack of books, her breathing slow and steady. For someone who had boldly claimed she was ready to wake up early everyday to follow the schedule, she seemed very unprepared.

“Lady Isabelle,” I called out firmly, but she didn’t stir, her eyes remained shut as her chest rose and fell softly.

I approached her, hesitating for a moment before gently nudging her shoulder. “Wake up.” I whispered

Instead of waking up, she murmured something barely audible and then turned and leaned against my arm, her head settling there as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

She mumbled some inaudible words sleepily and then she was dozing off again.

I froze, my body stiffened. I tried to gently pry my hand off from beneath her head without waking her. But she only snuggled closer, her soft breaths brushing against my skin.

For two hours, I stood there, motionless. The sound of my own heartbeat pounded in my ears.

I told himself I stayed still only because waking her would interrupt her much-needed rest. But deep down, I couldn’t deny the strange, unfamiliar warmth blooming in my chest.

ISABELLE’S POV

When I finally stirred awake, the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was Ryker standing stiffly by my side, his arm held tightly in my grasp.

“You’re still here?” I asked groggily, rubbing her eyes as I blinked.

Ryker stepped back immediately, and pulled his arm free from my grip. “You fell asleep,” he said, clearing his throat. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”

I looked at him, a hint of amusement flickering in my eyes. ‘What an idiot,’ I muttered under my breath.

I sat up abruptly, stifled a yawn and stretched my arms above my head. “Anyway, what were you saying before I went to sleep?”

Ryker’s expression immediately morphed back to his usual stern demeanor. “If you can’t stay awake during lessons,then you shouldn’t waste my time here teaching you.”

I sputtered at his sharp tone, his gaze boring into one with seriousness.

“I…I..” I stammered, trying to come up with a good excuse but nothing came to mind.

“It's very clear that you are not taking your studies seriously.” He growled. “I'm giving you these homeworks and I want them done before afternoon.”

He slapped a large stack of paper in front of me. I stared at the homework and back to him in amazement

I groaned. “You’re punishing me for being tired?”

“I am only ensuring you take this seriously,” he replied, pushing the thick stack of documents closer to me. “Complete these by the afternoon. I have a case to investigate.”

I eyed the pile with horror. “This is inhumane, it's impossible for me to finish all these with such a small time frame”

He raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps if you started focusing on your studies, you would be able to finish it.”

I opened her mouth to give him a sharp retort but stopped and looked down at the documents with a grimace.

I stared at the mountain of work in front of me and groaned. “This is ridiculous,” I muttered.

My wolf chimed in. ‘You wanted to impress him. This is what you get.’

“Don’t remind me,” Isabelle grumbled, picking up the first document.

As I started working through the assignment, I found myself thinking about Ryker. Despite his rigid demeanor, there was something about him that fascinated me. Ryker was a challenge—one she was determined to conquer.

After a few minutes working through the assignment, I looked up with frustration.

Ryker was already prepared to leave, but I called after him, just as he was about to step out of the door. “I don’t want to study anymore.”

He paused, turning back to face me. “So you're giving up already?”

Ryker crossed his arms, shutting the door and advancing towards me. “Explain something to me?” he muttered, his expression tightened. “How is it possible you were able to wake up so early at the crack of dawn to see General Kael off, but you can't do that for this lesson.”

I blinked, surprised by the sudden question and the sudden change in his tone. “What about Kael?”

Ryker’s voice remained calm and low, but there was an edge to it, something that looked almost like jealousy.

“I saw you the other morning, waking up early to see him off. Yet you can’t seem to manage the same effort for these lessons.”

I stared at him, biting my lower lips between my teeth. “You saw me?”

His steely gaze didn’t waver. “Yes.”

For a moment, I really didn’t know what to say in response .Then I sighed, shaking my head. “I have my reason.”

Ryker hesitated for a moment not responding immediately,

“I see,” Ryker said finally, his tone neutral. But it didn't sound convincing at all.

“You don't believe me.” Isabelle asked, my voice tinged with frustration.

“It's very obvious you are not serious about this lesson,” Ryker said, gesturing to the stack of documents on her desk. “Finish the assignment by the time I return. Then we’ll talk.”

I groaned but nodded. “Fine. But don’t think I’m doing this because I want to study law. I’m doing it because I want to spend some time with you and get to know you.”

Ryker’s gaze softened for a brief moment, his jaw clenched as he stared at me in disbelief.

“I’m serious,” I said, my voice louder now. I hesitated, taking a deep breath “I didn’t agree to this just to learn about the pack law. I’m here because of you.” I confessed in one quick breath.

His expression remained unreadable, “Explain,” he said after a moment.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “When I heard you were willing to teach me, I thought it would be a good excuse to spend more time with you. I wanted to get to know you better. The law part was just... an added bonus.”