AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nod and sink into one of the leather chairs opposite his desk.
"Thank you for meeting with me, Dr. Morgan," I manage, proud that my voice doesn't betray the nerves coursing through me.
He sits back down. "Not at all. I’m the one who insisted. Your research is important, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress."
I pull out my notebook, flipping it open. I launch into an explanation of my work on the Flipped Classroom Model, grateful for the familiar territory. As I speak, I can't help but notice how intently he listens, his gaze never wavering from mine.
Dr. Morgan leans forward, his elbows on the desk, fingers steepled. "Interesting. Have you considered how this might apply to students with attention difficulties?"
I blink, surprised by the question. "Actually, yes. It's a personal interest of mine." I hesitate, then decide to share a bit more. "I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. It's part of why I became a teacher – I wanted to help kids who struggle like I did."
Something flashes in his eyes – recognition? Understanding? Before I can decipher it, he speaks. "I admire that, Ms. Mitchell. Using your own experiences to help others is commendable."
There's a warmth in his voice that makes me flush. I duck my head, pretending to consult my notes. "Thank you. It's... it's not always easy to talk about."
"I understand more than you might think," he says softly.
I look up, meeting his gaze. There's a vulnerability there that I've never seen before, and suddenly, I'm seeing past the intimidating professor exterior to the man beneath.
"You do?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
He nods, leaning back in his chair. "As a young shifter, I had... difficulties in school. Controlling my impulses, sitting still. It was a challenge, to say the least."
My eyes widen. I've never considered that shifters might face similar struggles. "How did you cope?"
A wry smile touches his lips. "With great difficulty, at first. It took years to develop the self-discipline I needed. But it also gave me a unique perspective on education and learning styles."
I find myself leaning forward, fascinated. "Is that why you became a professor?"
"Partly," he admits. "I wanted to make a difference, to help students who don't fit the traditional mold."
The realization hits me like a thunderbolt. We're more alike than I ever imagined. This man, this shifter who I've been so wary of, understands a fundamental part of me in a way few others do.
Just then, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, intending to silence it, but the name on the screen makes my blood run cold.
Mark.
My ex-boyfriend. The reason I'm so wary of shifters in the first place.
I must have made a sound because suddenly Dr. Morgan – Lucas – is on his feet, concern etched on his face. "Sarah? What's wrong?"
I shake my head, trying to compose myself. "It's nothing. Just... an unwelcome message."
But my hands are shaking as I try to put the phone away, and I can feel the color draining from my face. Lucas rounds the desk, crouching beside my chair. His proximity should make me nervous, but instead, I feel an inexplicable sense of safety.
"Sarah," he says gently, "you don't have to tell me, but if someone is bothering you, I want you to know that you can trust me. I'm here to help, not just as your professor, but as... as a friend."
I look into his eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity and concern. And something else, something that makes my heart race for an entirely different reason.
"It's my ex," I whisper. "He's... he's a shifter. And he doesn't like to take no for an answer."
A low growl rumbles in Lucas's chest, so quiet I almost miss it. His hand reaches out, hesitates, then gently cups my cheek. His touch is warm, comforting, sending tingles across my skin.
"You're safe here," he says, his voice low and intense. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Sarah. Not him, not anyone."
I should pull away. I should maintain professional boundaries. I should remember all the reasons I've been afraid of shifters, of getting close to anyone again.
But I don't.
