My Professor Is My Alpha Mate

Lila's POV

Skank.

My drawing of Enzo had the word “skank” written in black paint. The entire painting was completely ruined.

But this was nothing compared to all the art that Cassidy-Ann and her artists worked so hard to create. Her entire gallery was completely destroyed. It would take months to get everything back the way it was.

My heart ached for her.

Cassidy-Ann was crying in the background as she spoke to the police officers and Enzo stood behind me as I stared at the painting.

He was oddly comforting considering he wanted nothing to do with me and everything to do with Connie. But I allowed him to stay nearby because, for some odd reason, he still brought my wolf immense comfort.

"Who would do such a thing?” Val asked in a choked-up voice. “You worked so hard on this painting...”

I didn't have an answer for her.

This was my very first painting of Enzo, so attached to this painting were memories.

I couldn't tell if they were calling me a skank, or Enzo. But if I had to guess; I would say they were talking to the artist.

“You can paint another one... can't you?” Cassidy-Ann asked, stepping beside me. “A better one.”

I didn't have a voice to speak; I cried so much today that I was afraid I would burst into tears again if I even tried to speak.

“You shouldnt be seeing this...” Enzo said, his tone low and only for my ears. “Let me take you back to your dorm.”

I didn't want to go back with him; he stepped closer to me, but I stepped away from him in return. I couldn't even look at him.

"Do you have any idea who would want to do that to you?” He asked curiously.

I thought about it for a moment, but then shook my head.

“No... Officer Ken said they weren't going to rest until they figure out who did this. I guess I just have to trust them...” I said as I sighed. “I could always see if my father would look into it as well. He's a great detective.”

“That's a good idea. If anyone can figure this mystery out, it's Alpha Bastien,” Brody said with a bright smile. His smile always seemed to light up the room; even though he wasn't my mate, Val seemed to have relaxed as well.

He was right though; my father would be able to figure out who vandalized the studio quickly. I made a mental note to call him later and ask for his help.

But for right now, I needed to get to class.

“I should go,” I told him. “I need to get to art class.”

"Okay..." he said, standing to his feet just as I did. “But hey, if you need any help creating a new painting, let me know. I don't mind helping you.”

“You know how to paint?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.

“Well, no,” he laughed. “But if you need a new muse..." he paused and grinned.

It would be nice to have a fresh face for my painting. Plus, I didn't really want to face Enzo long enough to paint him again.

This might actually workout.

Later, Brody met me in the art room after my art class finished for the day.

Brody sat in one of the chairs that I set up and for a moment, he looked a little uncomfortable and awkward.

It made me laugh.

“Just relax,” 1 told him as I sat in front of the canvas. “We are going to be here for a little bit.” Enzo's POV

I asked Cassidy-Ann and some of her artists for a favor after Lila left the exhibit with Officer Ken. I wanted to give Lila something incredibly special as a token of my apology. I just hoped that she would accept it.

I looked at the clock and knew that Lila would be in the art room at this hour. Her art class ended a little while ago and typically she enjoyed staying after class and doing some extra work.

The art Professor usually gave her the keys to lock up.

She should be alone right now and that would be the perfect time to give her the gift. I stared at the large canvas I had covered in a sheet.

Grabbing it, I headed straight across the campus to the academic center; I traveled to the art wing of the center until I reached the classroom that I knew Lila was in.

I could smell her scent lingering outside the door and it made my wolf go crazy.

But as I opened the door, I froze, staring at the scenery before me, stunned, and fuming.

Lila was there, in her seat with the canvas in front of her... but her muse in the seat on the other side of the canvas.... was none other than Brody.