One Night With My Alpha Professor novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81
Audrey
I sat hunched over at my sewing machine, carefully guiding the delicate silver fabric under the needle. The Equinox Masquerade was just days away, and I was determined to make a statement with my gown. I had spent weeks sketching designs, sourcing materials, and now, 4**ly, bringing my vision to life.
The dress was a masterpiece of silver and midnight blue; I had been inspired by the night sky, and wanted to embody that with my gown. The bodice was a deep, rich blue adorned with tiny crystals that sparkled like the stars in the sky. The skirt flowed out in alternating layers of shimmering silver and gold, meant to be reminiscent of the yellow moonlight dancing
across the water’s surface.
As I finished the last seam on the bodice, I held it up to admire my handiwork in the dim light of my lamp. The intricate beadwork caught the light, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the walls of my dorm room. I could already picture myself moving on the dancefloor, the crystals catching the moving lights of the masquerade.
“Perfect,” I murmured to myself, a tiny smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
Next, I turned my attention to the mask that would complete my ensemble. It was a delicate piece, crafted from the same midnight blue as the bodice and edged with silver filigree. I had spent hours painstakingly attaching each tiny crystal and feather, not wanting to cut any corners.
With steady hands, I carefully glued another small crystal to the mask’s edge. The adhesive was tricky to work with, but I had learned through trial and error that it was the only thing strong enough to keep the decorations in place all night.
“Just a few more,” I muttered, reaching for another crystal.
As I worked, I couldn’t help but imagine the finished product in my head. The mask would just cover the upper half of my face, but the crystals would catch the light in such a way that it would be difficult for anyone looking from afar to make out my identity. Perfect for a masquerade. Perfect to feel like someone else, just for a little while.
Maybe I could even convince myself that I wasn’t Audrey the human, but rather a werewolf just like everyone else.
A werewolf who didn’t need to dye her silver hair black.
Once the crystals were in place, I moved on to the feathers. Each one had to be placed perfectly, creating a delicate frame around the edge of the mask. It was painstaking work, but the result would be worth it.
Once I was finally satisfied with the mask, I set it aside to dry and turned back to the dress. The bodice was complete, but the skirt still needed work. But as I got started on the first layer, I realized with a sinking feeling that I was running low on the
silver fabric.
Frowning, I rifled through my supplies, hoping to find an extra piece I had forgotten about, but came up empty-handed.
“Dammit,” I said out loud, glancing at the clock as I ran a hand through my hair. The campus storeroom would still be open for another hour. If I hurried, I could make it there and back before it closed.
Grabbing my keys and student ID, I headed out into the crisp evening air. The campus was quiet, most students already settled in for the night or holed up in the library studying. I liked nights like this; they were peaceful.
As I walked, though, my mind wandered to the upcoming masquerade and although I tried to ignore the thought, I couldn’t help but wonder if Edwin would be there.
The thought made my stomach twist. Our last interaction had been so awkward, and I still wasn’t sure how to face him.
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Chapter 81
Surely he wouldn’t be there. I told myself. Professors rarely came to these events; and knowing Edwin, he would likely rather die than go to a masquerade.
I was so lost in thought that I almost didn’t notice the group of faculty members gathered near the science building. But one familiar, tall, broad-shouldered figure in a tweed blazer made me stop in my tracks: Edwin.
Almost as though sensing my presence, he turned to face me.
Without thinking. I ducked behind a nearby tree before he could see me, my heart pounding. I wasn’t ready to face him yet, not after our last interaction. The embarrassment of that day came flooding back, making my cheeks burn.
I peeked around the trunk, watching as Edwin said goodbye to his colleagues. To my horror, he started walking in my direction. I pressed my body flush up against the rough bark, praying he wouldn’t notice me,
But of course, luck wasn’t on my side. Edwin stopped just a few feet away with a confused expression on his face.
“Audrey?” he called out, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine-I hadn’t heard it outside of his lectures-and my dreams-in a while now. “Is that you?”
Realizing I had no choice but to reveal myself, I stepped out from behind the tree, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. “Oh, hey,” I said, forcing a smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my act. “Were you… hiding behind that tree?”
“Hiding? Me? No, of course not,” I laughed nervously. “I was just… leaning against it. You know, enjoying the evening air.”
Edwin’s eyes narrowed slightly, and I could almost hear the gears turning in his head. His gaze seemed to linger on my hair for a moment too long, and I resisted the urge to touch it self-consciously. My roots weren’t showing, right? I had only just dyed them-
“Right,” he finally said slowly. “Well, it’s good to see you out and about. How have you been?”
The concern in his voice made me feel guilty all over again. “I’ve been… good,” I said, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “Busy with the masquerade preparations and all that.
Edwin nodded. “Ah yes, the masquerade. You’re making your own gown, I take it?”
Tam
“Good. I’d expect nothing less of you. I’m sure it will be spectacular.”
“Thanks,” 1 mumbled, looking down at my feet. An awkward silence fell between us.
Finally, Edwin cleared his throat. “Listen, Audrey, about our last conversation-
“Oh, would you look at the time!” I interrupted, glancing at my watch. “I really need to get to the storeroom before it closes. It was nice seeing you, Edwin!”
Before he could say another word, I darted around him and practically ran toward the art building. I could feel his eyes on my back as 1 retreated, but I didn’t dare to look back.
Only once I was safely inside the art building did I finally stop to lean against the wall, catching my breath. “Smooth, Audrey, I muttered to myself. “Real smooth.”
I took a moment to compose myself, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment from iny encounter with Edwin. We hadn’t spoken since that last argument, and that day hadn’t been my proudest moment, I had been angry, cornered.
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Chapter 81
Too harsh with him, that was for sure.
And now, I was too stubborn to admit my fault.
Shaking my head. I pushed those thoughts aside. I really did have to get to the storeroom before it closed.
I made my way down the quiet hallway, my footsteps echoing slightly in the empty building. Finally, I reached the storeroom. The old wooden door creaked as I pushed it open, revealing rows upon rows of shelves stocked with every art supply imaginable.
I breathed in the familiar scent of paint, clay, and fabric as I stepped inside. The storeroom was dimly lit, with only a few flickering fluorescent lights illuminating the narrow aisles. It was eerily quiet, the silence broken only by the soft hum of the ventilation system.
Navigating the maze of shelves, I finally found the section dedicated to textiles, where my fingers trailed over bolts of fabric in every color and texture imaginable as I wandered. I let out a small sigh of relief.
I always felt at ease here, there was something comforting about being surrounded by so much fabric, the way that it absorbed all sound, the various patterns stark in the dim light.
After wandering the aisles for a few moments, I came upon the bolt of silver fabric I had been using-only to find that the spot on the shelf was empty.
“Great,” I whispered, placing my hands on my hips and looking around. With my time constraints, I’d need to pick something else out for the final layer of my dress. Something that matched well enough to make it work
Eventually, I found an enticing bolt of shimmery blue satin fabric and carefully pulled it from the shelf. It was heavier than I expected, and I had to use both hands to maneuver it onto a nearby table.
Pulling a swatch out of my pocket, I examined the fabric under the light to ensure that it would go well with the fabric I had already been using. I unrolled a section of the bolt, running my hand over its smooth surface.
It was perfect-the exact shade and sheen I needed to complete my dress. I could already imagine how it would catch the light as I moved, creating the illusion of flowing water or moonlight.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost didn’t hear the soft creak of the door opening behind me.
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