Bound by the Alpha's blood

Chapter Three The professor

Monday morning came with gray skies and rain drizzling.. Antonia ran across campus, coffee in hand, heading to her first class of the day – History 101.

"Save you a seat?" Maxine texted.

Antonia smiled and typed back: "Yeah. I’ll be there in 2 mins."

She got to the lecture hall just as the clock hit 9:00 AM. Maxine waved from the middle row, and Antonia made her way over hurriedly.

"You’re late," Maxine whispered.

"I Overslept. My dad's coffee maker is from the Stone Age." Antonia whispered back.

"Good morning, everyone."

Antonia froze at the sound of the deep, familiar voice. She looked up to see Ethan Mallory standing at the podium, wearing dark jeans and a button-down shirt, looking completely peaceful.

"No way," she whispered.

"You have got to be kidding me," Maxine said beside her.

"I'm Professor Mallory, and I'll be teaching History 101 this semester." Ethan's eyes looked through the room, pausing when they landed on Antonia. "Professor Jenkins had a family emergency, so I'll be filling in for him."

A girl in the front row raised her hand. "Are you, like, qualified to teach history?"

The students began murmuring, but Ethan just smiled. " I have a PhD from Columbia university with six years teaching experience. Any other questions about my credentials?"

The girl sunk back into her seat. She was embarrassed.

"Good. Now let's talk about the syllabus."

As Ethan talked about the course outline, Antonia couldn't help but stare. What were the odds that the mysterious man from the gas station, who she saw at the bonfire, was now her history professor?

"This is weird, right?" she whispered to Maxine.

"Crazy weird," Maxine agreed.

“But how….? Antonia was lost for words.

“I am as shocked as you are, but can we just get through the class?" Maxine replied.

Antonia nodded.

After class, Antonia packed her bag slowly, watching as students left the class. Maxine noticed.

"You coming?"

"I'll catch up with you. I need to ask about the reading assignment."

Maxine looked concerned. "Be careful, okay?"

Antonia shrugged her shoulders. "It's just a question about the class."

“Alright, fine. Catch you at the dorm.’’ Maxine said and left.

Once everyone had left, Antonia approached the podium. Ethan looked up from his table.

"Antonia, right?" he said, as if he didn’t remember her name.

"Yes. I didn't know you were a professor here."

"I wasn't, until yesterday." He sat on the desk, with his arms crossed. "Just helping out an old friend, that’s all."

"Hmmmm ." She wasn’t convinced.

He smiled.

"You show up at a bonfire where I happen to be, and now you're teaching my class. Are you stalking me.’’

"Careful, that’s quite an accusation."

"Am I wrong?" Antonia fixed her eyes on him. She was serious about getting an answer.

He studied her for a moment. "What if I said I was interested in getting to know you?"

"I'd say that's inappropriate, Professor Mallory." His question caught her off guard.

"I see." He stood up. "Was there something you wanted to ask me about the course?"

His sudden shift to formality felt like a brick wall between them. For some reason, it didn’t sit well..

She was silent for a short moment.

"I was just wondering how strict you are about deadlines," She said.

"I am very strict. Anything else?"

"No, that's all." She turned to leave, but then stopped. "Why are you really here, Professor Mallory?"

Ethan shrugged his shoulders. "Things happen for a reason, Antonia. I’m sure you’ll find out soon."

"Hmmm."

"Yeah" He replied.

She shook her head. "This is crazy."

"Is it?" He took a step closer. "You have never felt an instant connection with someone?"

The intensity in his eyes made her heart beat fast so she panicked..

"I have to go."

"Antonia…"

"See you on Wednesday, Professor Mallory."

She hurried out, her thoughts in turmoil. Outside, Maxine was waiting. She changed her mind about leaving Antonia all alone.

"Well? What did he say?"

Antonia was shocked to see Maxinne. "What are you…?’’

“Oh please I couldn’t leave you alone. Now spill.’’ Maxine said as she waved her hand to dismiss Antonia’s concern.

“Nothing. Just... professor stuff." Antonia couldn't explain the strangeness with him.

"You look anxious. Did something happen?"

"No. It's just hot in there." Antonia lied.

Maxine didn't seem convinced but she let it go anyways. "Let's get lunch. I'm starving."

At the campus café, Antonia ate her salad slowly while Maxine chatted about her morning classes. Her mind kept drifting back to Ethan.

"Antonia!!!," Maxine said, waving a hand in front of her face. "You haven't heard a word I've said."

"Sorry. I guess I’m just distracted."

"By our new, suspiciously hot history professor?"

Antonia felt her cheeks warm with a blush. "He's not that hot."

"Oh please. Every girl in that class this morning was practically drooling."

"Not me." Antonia denied it.

"Liar." Maxine didn’t believe her. "But seriously, it's weird he suddenly showed up as our professor, right after meeting you."

"Coincidence."

"If you say so." Maxine took a bite of her sandwich. "Did you know he never teaches undergraduate classes? He's usually with the graduate students."

"How did you know that?" Antonia asked, surprised.

Maxine shrugged. "It’s a small town. People talk."

Before Antonia could press further, her phone buzzed. It was a text from her dad. "Need anything from the store? I’m making dinner tonight."

She smiled and replied. "Just coming home for dinner would be nice, Dad."

"So," Maxine continued, "are you free this weekend? There's a party at Tyler's place."

"I don't know Maxine. Parties aren't really my thing anymore."

"Because of what happened at your old school?" When Antonia looked surprised, Maxine quickly cleared the air. "You mentioned something about it last week."

"Yeah. It's just... hard to trust people now." Antonia replied.

"Not everyone's an asshole like your ex."

"I know that, but….."

"But nothing. Come to the party. I'll be there the whole time. I promise."

Antonia sighed. "I will think about it."

Later that afternoon, as she walked to her car, Antonia saw a familiar face leaning on a black SUV in the faculty parking lot.

Ethan was talking to the stern looking man from the bonfire and their conversation was heated.

She hid behind a column, watching. The other man was using his hands forcefully, while Ethan stood with his arms crossed, constantly shaking his head.

Finally, the other man threw up his hands and walked off. Ethan remained by his car, running his hand through his hair in frustration.

As if he felt someone looking at him, he suddenly looked in her direction. Antonia stepped back quickly, but it was too late. Their eyes met across the parking lot.

Ethan's facial expression changed from irritation to something softer. He waived his hands in greeting.

Antonia waved back even though she hesitated for a while, then rushed to her car.