My Professor Is My Alpha Mate

Lila's POV

I took a step away from the door. I wasn't surprised by what I had just heard. But I suppose I was a little disappointed.

I'm sure Enzo was probably thinking the same thing; that I didn’t belong at this school. That I caused nothing but pain and destruction wherever I went.

I hurt my combat partner and friend.

I wouldn't blame her for never forgiving me.

I could hear the murmurs continuing in the arena, but I didnt stick around to listen to the rest. Enzo's POV

"How could you say that when you know what my mother is, Connie?” I asked in disbelief.

Her face fell slightly.

“Your mother is different... she’s—"

“Lila is top in her class,” I said, interrupting her words. “She's incredibly intelligent and great at what she does. I don't think she meant to hurt anybody. Just like my mother would never hurt anybody.” "Why are you protecting her, Enzo?” Connie asked, peering up at me with large and worried eyes. "As many years as I've known you, you've never once stood up for anyone like this. You didn't even tell the cops about her.”

“Do you know who her father is? He would have my head if anything happened to that girl.”

That wasn't the reason I was protecting her, but Connie didn't need to know that.

"You saw what happened today. Imagine if that happened again? To someone else? Next time, it could be fatal.”

“Look, Connie. I understand your concerns, but this is my class still and I protect my students, just like I protect my pack.”

“Faulty wiring with one of the tools we were using,” I answered without hesitation. “Just as I told the police, it was a complete accident and product failure. There will be a lawsuit against the manufacturer.”

I pulled out a business card and handed it to one of the doctors.

“Give me a call and keep me updated on her condition,” I said, turning away from them.

"Yes, Alpha,” they all said in unison.

Lila's POV

“Your father is heading to the hospital now to check on her condition,” my mom breathed into the phone.

I clutched the phone close to my ear as I curled up in bed.

“I don't want you to worry too much about this until we know everything,” she continued softly. "Oh Mom... it was just so awful,” I said in return. “I can't believe I did that...”

“It was because you lost control of your emotions. What got you feeling that way, Lila Bean?”

I couldn't tell her the truth; I couldn't tell her it was because of my jealousy toward Connie and her relationship with my mate. My heart squeezed painfully in my chest at the very thought of it.

“I guess I just got in my head a little,” I said; I was aware that wasn't an answer, but she didn't press any further.

"You should get some rest,” she sighed. “It's been a long day and you won't do any good if you're sleep deprived.”

She was right; I was exhausted, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to sleep. Not until I knew if Becca was going to be okay.

Rachel wasn't back yet, which meant she was off with the guy she’s been seeing these last few weeks.

"Good night; I love you,” I said to my mom.

“I love you, Lila. Forever and always.”

I hung up the phone just as more tears ran down my features. I sniffled and wiped them away with the back of my sleeve when my phone started to ring again.

I didn't recognize the number, but I answered it anyway. It could have been the hospital or something,

"Hello, is this Miss Lila?” A woman said on the other end of the phone.

"Yes, speaking,” I answered, trying not to sound too broken.

“Hello, this is Cassidy-Anne, I'm the owner of the Higala Art Gallery. How are you doing this evening?”

I sat up in bed quickly.

“Hello, Miss Cassidy-Anne. I'm well. How are you?"

“I'm good as well. I apologize for calling at this late hour, but I couldn't wait to reach out and speak to you for myself. I received your submission and I'm taken aback by the glorious portrait of Alpha Enzo you have created. I must ask, why did you create a painting of him?”

I scrambled to find the right thing to say.

“The project topic assigned to me was to paint a role model who wasn't family. Alpha Enzo is not only the best combat and shifting professor at the Shifting Academy, but he’s also the youngest Alpha. He works the hardest out of everyone I know because he has a reputation to build and uphold. He's part of the Alpha Committee and works alongside my father and my father always has something positive to say about Alpha Enzo. It would have been foolish of me to choose anyone else as a role model.”

“That's such a beautiful thing to say and I must say, I'm incredibly impressed,” Cassidy-Anne said in awe.

“Thank you so much.”

“I am pleased to inform you, Lila, that I would like to feature your painting in the next art exhibit I am holding this weekend. Congratulations and I can't wait to finally meet the artist behind the portrait.”