CHAPTER 7: What Are You Doing Here?

Raymond stepped out of the room like a man who owned the building. His strides were steady, his expression unreadable, and yet students melted out of his path without needing a word. Some drifted into corners, pretending to be engaged in conversation. Others simply crossed to the far end of the corridor, too wary to brush against him.

He didn’t stop until he reached the porter’s office. The porter, with his perpetually dull eyes and bored expression looked up. A flicker of recognition passed through those lifeless eyes, and without a single question, he understood.

The warden.

With a quiet creak, he pushed open a door cleverly concealed behind the wall of shelves. At first glance, it looked like nothing more than the background of the office. To the untrained eye, one wouldn’t even suspect a passage was there.

“Thanks, Thomas,” Raymond murmured.

He slipped through, into a different world. The hidden office gleamed. Polished wood, expensive furniture, neatly arranged books in tall shelves. The air carried the crisp scent of lavender polish. Behind a grand desk sat a woman in a sharply tailored suit. She didn’t look up at first, her pen moving over documents.

“To what do I owe this meeting?” Her voice was smooth, controlled. Then her head lifted, her gaze pinning him like a hawk’s. “Your scent is stronger.”

Raymond sank onto the couch in the corner, crossing one leg over the other. His dark eyes gleamed as he answered lightly, “I think it’s that time of the month.”

Her lips pursed. “You should take your pills, Raymond.”

He ignored her concern. “Why did you assign me a roommate?” His voice was even, but the edge beneath it was unmistakable.

The warden, Agnes, let out a short laugh, finally leaning back in her chair. “You’re just asking? I assumed you would’ve thrown her out already. How’s the new arrangement?”

“Answer the question, Agnes,” he said softly, almost threateningly.

She rolled her eyes, unamused. “You already know. But fine. She was accepted late, very late and all other rooms had been allocated. Yours was the only one left unshared.”

“Oh, wow. How… adorable,” he said sarcastically, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

“I don’t like it,” he muttered after a pause, the humor draining away. “You know what happened last time.”

Agnes’s expression sobered. “I know. But bear with it. This is Adonis’s doing. She wasn’t supposed to be admitted at all.”

His jaw clenched. “Then at least fix the room. We need separate beds. That should’ve been handled before she even stepped in.”

Agnes sighed. “I only learned of her admission when it was too late. We’ll handle it. Sam’s out of town, so expect the new bed by the end of the week.”

“Arghh,” he groaned, rising to his feet. “I don’t like this.”

“Take your pills, Raymond and be nice to the lady,” she reminded again, her tone firm, almost motherly.

He rolled his eyes, lifted a dismissive hand, and strode out.

He didn’t return upstairs. His body hummed with unease, his wolf clawing for freedom beneath his skin. Without hesitation, he slipped outside, into the embrace of the trees. The forest swallowed him whole, shadows wrapping him like a cloak. He tore off his shirt as he ran, giving in to the inevitable.

In a fluid motion, his body shifted, bones snapping and reforming, until a massive black wolf padded forward on powerful limbs. The night welcomed him, the wild setting him free.

...

Morning came, and Alicia stirred awake, hair in disarray that looked more like a bird’s nest than anything human. She sat on the bed for a moment, groggy, before jolting upright at the time flashing on her phone.

“Oh, crap!”

She stumbled into the bathroom, catching her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes narrowed at her own messy state. She dragged her hands down her face, muttering, “I’m going to be late today.”

Toothbrush in hand, she scrubbed furiously, her movements sluggish with leftover sleep. She rinsed, splashed water on her face, then pushed herself into the shower, forcing the drowsiness away. By the time she stepped out, steam clinging to her skin, she felt marginally alive.

She dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, both pulled from the closet. No makeup , it will be too much effort. Tossing her books into her bag, she rushed out of the room.

Down the stairs, she slowed when she noticed a queue at the far corner of the floor. Curious, she approached a girl in line.

“Hey, what’s this queue for?” she asked with a hopeful smile.

“Breakfast,” the girl answered shortly.

Her eyes widened. “Wait, do we have to pay?”

The girl gave her a look like she’d asked the dumbest question in the world. “No. Meals are covered here.”

“Oh my God,” Alicia groaned, slapping her forehead. “I can’t believe I’ve been paying for my food at the cafeteria this whole time.”

The girl shrugged, uninterested, and moved forward with the line.

Alicia joined in, shaking her head at her own ignorance. When it was her turn, she discovered a full dining room where food was served daily. She nearly smacked herself again. But her stomach was screaming, so she loaded up her tray with rice with curry sauce, chicken, two eggs, and juice.

Tray in hand, she scanned for a seat. Eyes looking everywhere, not bothered about people glancing at her. She almost slid into an empty table but froze.

There he was.

Raymond, at the far end of the hall, eating alone as though the world itself had to orbit around him.

Her lips curled into a mischievous grin. She adjusted her tray and marched toward him, completely oblivious to the obvious stares she drew. Who dared approach Raymond uninvited?

“I see you aren’t dead,” she quipped, plopping into the chair across from him, her sly smile widening.

Raymond didn’t even glance up at first. “What are you doing here?” His tone was flat, his fork spearing a piece of meat.

“To eat, obviously. Dumbass.” She shoveled a spoonful of rice into her mouth and chewed loudly, just to annoy him.

His lips twitched in the faintest snicker. “I thought I wouldn’t have to see you this morning. Guess luck isn’t on my side.”

“Where were you last night?” she asked casually, sipping her sauce. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

“None of your business, Alicia.” His voice was sharper this time, his gaze locking on hers for a brief second.

“If you say so…” She leaned back, drawling lazily. “But don’t come crying to me if she breaks your heart.”

That earned her nothing but a cold look before he went back to his food.

Alicia pouted. No reaction? How disappointing. She resumed eating, nibbling on her chicken.

Raymond finished first. He stood, adjusting his shirt.

“You leaving already? Bye, roomie,” she called with a mocking sweetness.

To her shock, he actually smiled, an unfamiliar, disarming curve of his lips. “Catch you later.”

She blinked at him, stunned. What was that for?

She tried to eat faster. By the time she finished her meal, most students had cleared out. She rushed across campus, determined not to miss her next class.

But fate had other plans.

She collided hard with someone, books scattering across the floor.

“Sorry!” Alicia bent down immediately, scooping up fallen textbooks.

Another pair of hands moved quickly, and when they both straightened, Alicia’s breath caught.

Long hair framed a delicate oval face. Brown eyes sparkled with warmth. Her body carried effortless grace. Alicia found herself staring far longer than appropriate.

'Why is this place crawling with gorgeous people?' she mused

The girl smiled, breaking the awkward silence. “Hey, I’m Tracy.” She extended her hand.

Alicia shook it quickly. “I’m Alicia.” Her laugh was awkward.

“I’m sorry, Tracy. I’m late for class. Catch you later!”

Before Tracy could respond, Alicia bolted down the hall, leaving her standing there, still smiling.