Leo
(On the day they took him to the lab)
Willow keeps looking back as she exits the garden, and I stare at her in disbelief. She doesn’t realize how brave she is and how she saved my life.
Professor Malino walks her out, and when she comes back, she tosses a bag on the grass of the wildlife section of the garden.
“I will be in the students’ lab when you are done.” She says before walking out.
I shift to my human form, my body feeling stiff after so many days as a wolf, and I get dressed.
I pick up Trillium, the rabbit and rub her head before exiting the garden. Thereafter, I press the button to close the doors of the garden lab.
I walk into the students’ zoology lab where Professor Malino is sitting on a high chair and scrolling through her phone. Then, I stand next to the door, and she turns to face me.
“Professor M, why did you bring clothes that fit me?” I say while looking at the grey tracksuit I’m wearing, surprised that it is the perfect size for me.
“When I saw the videos, I immediately recognized your wolf.” She smiles.
“They posted videos?”
“Students saw Willow walk to her dorm room with a wolf following her. They had to take videos, and she had blood all over her clothes. Poor students were scared.” She chuckles.
“That was my blood.”
“What happened? I was worried. I almost called the police when you didn’t show up to teach your classes. I couldn’t find you when I called, and you weren’t at any of your apartments.” She sighs.
“You know how much I don’t like police officers. They snoop.”
“Leo? Are you still continuing with that business?” She raises her eyebrows, her voice laced with the disappointment of a parent.
“I don’t have a choice.”
“Don’t you get paid enough?” She furrows her eyebrows.
“I do.”
“Don’t you make money from the products you make?”
“I do,” I mumble.
“Then what’s the problem?”
“The problem is Mike. Limbicus is good for his businesses, and he won’t just let me drop him. You have no idea how guilty I feel. Every time I make it, and every time I make the delivery.”
I wince when Willows image comes to my mind. The image of her at the hospital, crying for her brother.
“You need to come up with a plan, Leo. You are not a coward.”
“I know.”
“Then try to do the right thing. I’m here if you need any kind of help.” She nods towards a chair, and I walk over to sit next to her. She gently squeezes my hand, making me feel a little emotional.
Ever since my mom passed away, she has been the only one who has been like a parent to me. She has shown me maternal love. She scolds me when I need scolding and comforts me when I need comforting.
“I will do the right thing, professor.”
“So, what really happened in the forest?”
I tell her every detail of what happened, from the moment my father saw me at Carkeek Park.
“Willow blackmailed Alpha Hunter. I have never seen the mighty alpha so helpless. I sent him a mind link to laugh at him, then he blocked my mind links.” I say after telling her everything.
“You are still as mischievous as ever,” she laughs.
“It was funny, but I feel like I would’ve died if it wasn’t for Willow."
“She is fierce!” She nods.
“She is very feisty. Isn’t she?” I can’t help but smile.
“She is willing to sacrifice anything for you. Well, I mean for your wolf.”
“Speaking of sacrifices, how are we going to stop her from coming to see me? Do I really have to shift every time she says she wants to come see me?”
“For now, yes.” She shrugs.
I groan and she chuckes.
“Professor M?”
“Yes?” She smiles encouragingly.
“There is an image I struggle to get out of my head. Alpha Hunter was so upset when he saw me lying on the ground. He apologized, saying my mother would have been disappointed in him, but after I healed, he returned to his cold demeanor."
“He is your dad, and he loves you. Give him time.”
“But, I despise him.” I say under my breath.
“I know, but I have a feeling that the two of you will fix things.”
“I doubt it. I can’t stand being around someone who thinks less of humans and hybrids.”
“Is this because of Willow? Is she your mate?” She eyes me curiously.
“No, she is Liam’s mate.”
“What?” Her jaw drops.
“What is it?” I glance at her, surprised by her strong reaction.
“Nothing, I’m just... Shocked.”
“Imagine how the pack would react to this.”
“Alpha Hunter would be mad that the fated mate of his chosen son is human." She shakes her head. "You shouldn't act fast. You have to be strategic about it.”
“I know.” I smirk, feeling relieved that she is not judging me. After all, Professor Malino hates scheming and schemers.
“So, the poor human girl is going to be used as bait? You don’t like her? Even a little?” Her eyes gets filled wuth sympathy when she asks me, and I feel the guilt that I have been trying to ignore.
“I really don’t know, you know. I think I kind of like her, but I won't let her distract me.”
"I wish she was a wolf.” She purses her lips.
“Why?”
“So your father would accept her.”
“Even if she was a werewolf, she is not my mate, and I don’t answer to my father. That’s the best part about not being part of that ridiculous pack.”
“But people sometimes choose their mates. Don't forget that you are a wolf, you still need your pack, and one day you might take your rightful place as an alpha.”
“I told you, I hope Jessica would be the one to take her rightful place one day. That’s what I want to fight for.”
“We both know your dad would never allow a woman to be an alpha.”
“I know, I'll be ready for the battle. I have to go prepare myself for class. My students miss their lecturer.”
“Always working,” she exhales.
“Just like you?” I raise a brow.
“That’s why you are my son, but you need to relax when you can.”
“I’ll try. Gotta go to my apartment to freshen up and head to my classes.”
I kiss her on the cheek before leaving her in the lab.
My phone rings when I arrive at my apartment, and Mike’s name appears. I ignore it, and he sends a text immediately.
‘You should send me my stuff, or your sister is going to mysteriously disappear.’