My Professor Is My Alpha Mate (Lila) novel Chapter 40

Lila’s POV

Today was the big day; my art piece was going to be shown to hundreds of people and I had never been more nervous in my entire life.

My heart was racing rapidly in my chest as I stared myself over in the mirror that hung in my dorm room.

I wore a casual evening gown and kept my hair down and slightly curled at the bottoms. I wanted a more business casual look. Rachel wore her usual ripped jeans and black gaming blouse with her pixie-style hair dyed purple.

I liked her style; it was the opposite of my style and I think that’s why we got along so well.

I pressed the palm of my hands to my stomach, feeling a wave of nausea forming in my throat.

“Are you excited?” Rachel asked with a wide grin.

“I’m terrified,” I admitted. “And also, a little guilty… I just wish Becca could be here too.”

“Don’t feel guilty. What happened to her wasn’t your fault. Plus, she’s going to be fine. She woke up yesterday, remember?” Rachel reminded me.

It was true that Becca was going to be okay, and I was relieved to hear that when my father called me yesterday. It could have been bad. It also seems as though she has no memory of what happened.

“You’ll have to take a lot of pictures for her,” Rachel said with a shrug. “I’m sure she would love to see them.”

“Yeah, I’m planning on visiting her later this evening,” I said, turning away from the mirror. “I want to see for myself that she’s truly okay.”

“I can come with you if you’d like.”

I shake my head, giving her a thankful smile.

“I think it’s something I need to do by myself,” I tell her.

She nods with understanding as she stands from her bed.

“We should go to the exhibit though. It’s starting soon and everybody is probably already there,” she said casually. She draped an arm through mine and pulled me alongside her.

I took a deep breath, ignoring the nagging feeling I had in the pit of my stomach.

The art gallery was bigger than I could have ever imagined. It didn’t take long for us to get there because it was only a couple of miles from the academy.

Instantly, I saw my mom and dad both smiling proudly at me as they rushed toward me. There were so many people that I felt overwhelmed. But I knew they weren’t just here for me; there were so many other pieces of art to enjoy and mine was only a small part of it.

But I saw my friends and family right away and they were all here for me.

My mom wrapped her arms around me and held me close; I hadn’t seen her since our time in the forest when she was training me on how to control my powers.

“Congratulations,” my father said, reaching his arms out to hug me as well. “I’m so proud of you!”

“Have you talked to Becca?” I found myself asking him, keeping my tone low.

He nodded but his face was unreadable.

“We will talk about it later, but for right now, Cassidy-Anne wishes to speak with you.”

I couldn’t wait to meet her too, but I couldn’t help but wonder what it was my father wanted to talk about.

“Lila!” Brianna says as she runs over to me, hugging me tightly. “I just saw your painting! It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks, Bri,” I chuckled.

“I want to see it,” Rachel said, stepping toward Brianna who smiled and grabbed onto her arm.

“Come on, I’ll show ya!” Bri said, pulling Rachel along with her.

I couldn’t help but laugh at my two best friends.

Cassidy-Anne was talking casually with some people as we approached, but when she saw me alongside my father, she quickly dismissed those she was talking to.

“You must be Lila,” Cassidy-Anne said. “It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

“I’m the one who’s honored,” I said, bowing my head slightly to her. “I’ve always loved your work. I can’t believe you chose my portrait.”

“I would be stupid if I didn’t,” she said, and then she lowered herself, so she was at eye level. “And I’m not stupid,” she winked.

A smile spread across my face.

“Thank you so much,” I said.

“After seeing your painting, I’ve decided that I really want you to work for me,” Cassidy-Anne said with a twinkle in her eyes. I gasped at her words, staring at her in disbelief. “You’d start off as my assistant and then work your way to the top. I think you have what it takes to be the next big artist in the world. Of course, you will be compensated for your hard work, and we can work around your school schedule.”

“I… I don’t know what to say,” I breathed, staring between her and my father. This almost felt undeserving after what happened this past week, but I was in such awe I could hardly form words.