To Mark Her

A lunch miss Penelope? 2

Murmurs spread throughout the classroom as Mrs. Florence abruptly left the room after calling out Penelope's name. Dread quickly washed over Penelope, causing her to tremble slightly as a sense of dizziness consumed her. "What did you do?" Alice whispered to Penelope, concern evident in her voice. Penelope shook her head, expressing her confusion and uncertainty.

Edna's fallen expression soon transformed into a malicious grin as she relished in the horror on Penelope's face. Before she could throw a taunt, however, Miranda's glare silenced her immediately. "Go, I'll pay for the test," Miranda said, offering Penelope a comforting rub on the back. Alice and Alexa, Penelope's other friends who were twins, shot disapproving looks at Miranda. "We'll pay for her, go girl," the twins whispered, encouraging Penelope to face whatever awaited her.

With their supportive words echoing in her mind, Penelope hastily made her way after the Dean, trying to discreetly spit out the blood gathering in her mouth as her heart raced uncontrollably. The curious and judgmental gazes of other students followed her every step as she exited the classroom, along the hall. It was understandable; when the Dean personally summoned a student, it generally indicated trouble.

As Penelope walked through the corridors, her mind became a whirlwind of desperation and prayer.

Oh heavens, help me.

Throughout her entire academic journey, she had been cautious and disciplined, avoiding any situation that could jeopardize her education and future.

Finally entering the hall of the Dean's office, Penelope was startled by the presence of five intimidating, towering men standing guard around the door. Her heart sank as she wondered what kind of trouble she had stumbled upon. The men's narrowed eyes scanned her, and she could feel a sense of danger emanating from them. Nervously, she waited outside the room, anxiously anticipating the Dean's instruction.

"Come in, Penelope," Miss Florence said, waving her inside. Penelope hesitantly stepped forward, her footsteps faltering when she saw a tall man with dark hair facing away from her, engrossed in his phone. As she nervously approached, her heart nearly jumped out of her chest when the man turned to face her. It was the stranger she had saved the other night. Instantly, her legs grew weak, and her breath became ragged. What had he said to Mrs. Florence?

"Have a seat, child," Miss Florence offered, and Penelope cautiously sat down. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see a slight smile tug at the side of the man's lips. Feeling her palms sweat, she clasped her hands tightly together, unable to meet his gaze. Her mind raced, wondering who this mysterious man was and what his connection to the Dean might be.

"Here she is, Mayo—," Miss Florence started to say but was quickly interrupted by a cold glare from the man. It was evident that he didn't want his identity revealed.

"Luthan is fine, Miss Florence," the man said in a low tone, causing the older woman to break into a sweat. "Can you leave us for a moment? I would like to talk to her," Luthan added, sliding his phone into his pocket.

"Of course, sir," Miss Florence quickly responded, standing up and hastily making her way to the door. Penelope watched in disbelief as the fear reflected in the woman's eyes. She couldn't help but wonder who this man was to have such power over the dreaded dean, demanding privacy for their conversation.

Gulping nervously, Penelope realized that the man was staring at her, his gaze piercing through her. The room fell silent as she waited anxiously for him to speak.

"Look at me!" he snarled, his voice carrying a hint of agitation. Startled by the sudden outburst, Penelope reacted instinctively, quickly rising from her chair in a state of panic. Her eyes widened, and her heart raced, the fear pulsating through her veins.

Luthan immediately regretted his reactionary behavior. He hadn't intended to snarl at her, but the overwhelming scent of blood had triggered his primal instincts, leaving him terrified that she might be injured. His initial assumption was the smell of blood was from the Dean, who had earlier sliced her palm with an apple knife.

Who had hurt her? His jaw ticked.

"I-I'm sorry..." he quickly stammered, his tone reflecting genuine remorse. He hastily apologized, realizing the fear he had inadvertently caused. His wolf growled in disapproval, not liking how he had reacted to her, adding to his feelings of guilt. As his gaze fell upon her lips, noticing the cut and the trickle of blood, he also caught sight of the bandage on her palm. His heart skipped a beat with worry. Could those men have caused her harm? Moved by a desire to protect and help, Luthan took a step towards her, seeking to close the distance. However, Penelope instinctively stepped back, creating a physical boundary between them. Luthan sighed in frustration, his intent of reassurance met with resistance.

"I'm not going to hurt you. Why would I even hurt you when you saved my life yesterday? Please, sit. I just want to know why you're hurt and bleeding," he implored, his voice laced with sincerity and concern. His eyes, reflecting a genuine desire to understand, met Penelope's gaze. Realizing the sincerity in his words and demeanor, she made a conscious effort to calm her racing heart. Taking a deep breath, she reluctantly eased herself back into her seat, still maintaining a cautious distance.

As her nerves began to settle, Penelope's attention shifted to Luthan's physical presence. He stood before her, towering in height and possessing a formidable build, with broad shoulders that emphasized his strength. And then she noticed his features, he had inky hair and high cheekbones, straight nose... He was preternaturally handsome!

Luthan slowly pushed his chair closer, closing the physical gap between him and Penelope. She couldn't help but give him a wary look, a trace of apprehension in her eyes. "You are such a scaredy kitten," he playfully remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. He continued to nudge his chair closer, drawn to her presence. Penelope remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

Clearing his throat, Luthan introduced himself. "I'm Luthan, and I think I've heard your name more than twice. And I'm guessing you are Penelope?" he asked, his brow raised in curiosity. Penelope nodded in confirmation, acknowledging his observation. Luthan let out another sigh, his hand tugging at the collar of his shirt. It felt peculiar that he had developed such a strong desire to hear her soft voice. Gathering his thoughts, he inquired, "How did you get hurt?" His eyes were fixated on her lips, unable to tear away from the sight.

Blushing under his intense gaze, Penelope felt her stomach flutter. She instinctively attempted to tuck away strands of her blonde hair that slipped onto her face, seeking to regain a sense of composure. Luthan's watchful gaze never wavered, captivated by her every movement. "It's just a little accident, sir," she responded softly, the words leaving her lips with a hint of nervousness. Luthan perceived the emotional boundary she was erecting, causing his inner wolf to whine in disapproval.

Resting his chin on his palm, Luthan continued to stare at Penelope. His voice held a note of reassurance as he insisted, "Trust me, Miss Penelope. I have all the time in the world to listen to the details of this accident." His gaze lingered on her exposed laps, losing himself in the sight. The short gown she wore made it evident that she was attempting to sit decently. Luthan's breath hitched, feeling the rush of blood shifting towards his c**k, while his inner wolf growled with desire.

Fuck!

"I tripped". Came her short reply, "I lost my footing and tripped".

Luthan furrowed his brow. "I think I need to inform Mrs. Florence to check the holes in the tiles in your classroom," Luthan said, raising a brow, fishing for answers. But when she didn't speak, only nodding in agreement, he grumbled softly. He wanted to hear the little kitten speak more often.

"Here," he said, fishing out a handkerchief from his pocket, intending to clean off the blood on her lips. Somehow, the sight was turning him on, and his wolf began to pace restlessly.

Penelope's heart skipped a beat, and gulping and Luthan's gaze traced the contour of her neck and an inexplicable desire to lick that spot took hold of him.

Penelope, who was struggling to breathe from having this strange man so close, froze on seeing him try to wipe away the blood from her lips. She slightly jerked away, feeling a mix of surprise and discomfort. "I'm fine, I can do it. Thanks," she said politely, not wanting to inconvenience him.

She could pick up the expression of displeasure on his face and couldn't help but give a wry smile at his frustration. Luthan let out a sigh, feeling his thoughts twisted and turned by this petite nurse. He couldn't understand the effect she was having on him; it was as if his usual clarity of mind had been clouded.

As an alpha, many packs sought him out for protection, alliance, and respect. He and his wolf commanded dominance and attention, yet here he was, feeling captivated by this innocent-looking nurse. The realization startled him. He had never been one to settle down or commit. He had no interest in having a mate or a wife, and he had always preferred women who were more slutty. But somehow, this nurse was challenging his perspective.

The girl had mesmerizing green eyes that seemed to suck in his soul. He had never pursued strangers or engaged in one-night stands. His wolf, too, had never shown interest in anyone before. But now, all he and his wolf seemed to want was to strip her naked, and explore every delectable inch of her.

Penelope cleared her throat, pulling Luthan out of his daydream. He groaned inwardly, realizing that his thoughts had led to a growing bulge in his pants. Hurriedly, he shifted in his seat, trying to discreetly adjust himself.

"Nice to see you, sir. I have a class to run to and a test to write," Penelope said politely, standing up from her chair. Luthan felt a pang of panic. They hadn't even had a chance to speak much, and now she was leaving. Even his wolf within agreed with his disappointment.

Standing up as well, Luthan mustered a smile. "I'm sorry I cut our time short, but can you do me one more favor?" he asked, searching her pretty face for a trace of hesitation.

Penelope's brows furrowed slightly, a frown appearing. "Uhm... Sure," she nodded, her curiosity evident.

Luthan's smile widened. "Can I steal you away for two days? I just want to have lunch with you," he requested, his voice filled with a touch of pleading he had never experienced before. His heart raced as he awaited her response, his breath catching in his chest.

He observed her stunned expression as she fought to compose herself. She looked adorable, he thought, biting slightly on her cut lips. His breath hitched at the sight. Suspicion crossed her eyes as she squinted at him, and then she blurted out, "Who are you?"

Luthan chuckled, caught off guard by her sudden question. "I'm just a businessman, love, and I just wish to have lunch to show my gratitude," he responded, winking at her again. He partially lied; he was indeed a businessman, but he was also the mayor of this great city. He didn't want to scare off this intriguing human girl who had started to captivate him.

After a moment of contemplation, Penelope nodded, her lips forming a small smile. "Okay," she breathed out, seeming to have warmed up to him in some inexplicable way. With a quick "Bye," she hastily left the room, her cheeks adorned with a faint blush.

Luthan watched her departure with a satisfied smirk, but his delight was short-lived as he witnessed who had entered the office.