The Encounter in Class

Lily tapped away at the keyboard of her laptop, her fingers moving with practiced ease as she furiously took notes during her Werewolf History class.

It was her second week on campus, and she was already adjusting to the pace of being a student at Moonshine College.

She didn’t mind being a sophomore in a class full of juniors and seniors, and she was actually enjoying her time here.

The professor was talking about the origins of the first Werewolf Packs, their alliances with the moon goddess, and the rise of Alpha bloodlines.

Lily had always been a history freak, and the study of werewolf history had been one of the most interesting subjects she had ever encountered.

She was so immersed in her notes that she almost didn’t notice the door opening.

A loud voice echoed through the classroom, disrupting the flow of the lecture.

"My bad, professor," the voice said with a distinct, unapologetic tone.

Lily’s head snapped up, and for a moment, her eyes locked onto the door.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Lily clenched her jaw, trying to stay focused, but she couldn’t stop the flash of irritation that gripped her.

The professor’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“And you are…?” He had an edge in his tone, clearly annoyed by the disruption.

Lily’s eyes narrowed as she watched the latecomer stand confidently in the doorway.

He was tall, with messy brown hair, and his posture exuded arrogance.

He didn’t look at all remorseful for being late.

He casually walked into the room and leaned against the desk at the front.

His air of indifference was palpable, and it made Lily’s blood boil.

“Ethan,” he replied coolly, smirking as he glanced at the professor. “I’m Ethan Grey. I’m sure we’ve met before. Don’t you remember me?”

The professor’s expression flickered between disbelief and irritation.

“Right. You’re the one who always manages to walk in late and make everyone wait.”

Ethan didn’t seem fazed by the professor’s scolding.

“I have a lot on my plate, sir. Busy life, you know?”

Lily rolled her eyes internally, not wanting to get too involved in their back-and-forth.

Ethan’s arrogance was annoying, and she wasn’t interested in entertaining him any more than she already had.

“Take a seat, Mr. Grey. And let’s try to avoid further interruptions.”

Lily prayed that he wouldn’t sit near her.

She wasn’t in the mood to deal with him today.

But of course, he didn’t listen.

Ethan walked across the room, his smirk never fading as he casually plopped down at the desk beside her.

He was too close for comfort.

She could practically feel the heat radiating off of him.

His presence was like a magnetic pull she couldn’t shake off.

Lily immediately stiffened, a wave of irritation washing over her.

She didn’t want to deal with him. Not now, not ever.

“So,” Ethan’s voice was low, his tone taunting. “The girl who slapped me yesterday. What’s your name again?”

Lily gritted her teeth.

“I think you know my name already.”

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping an octave.

“Oh, I know your name. I’m just curious about that little gesture from yesterday. You slapped me pretty hard, you know?”

Lily didn’t even bother to turn and look at him. She kept her focus on the professor.

“I’m not apologizing,” she said coldly. “You almost ran me over with your car. I don’t think I owe you an apology for anything.”

Ethan chuckled darkly.

“Well, I’ve forgiven you, Lily. I think that’s more than you deserve.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “But don’t worry, I’m a gentleman. I won’t hold it against you.”

Lily felt a shiver run down her spine.

She hated how comfortable he sounded, how casual he was about it.

“I don’t need your forgiveness,” she retorted, trying to hide the nervous energy that was building within her. “I didn’t ask for it, and I don’t want it.”

He smiled like he had won some kind of game, but Lily wasn’t playing.

The class went on, but Lily’s focus was divided.

She could feel Ethan’s presence beside her, his eyes occasionally flicking to her, a subtle reminder that he was still there, still trying to engage her.

His voice was the only thing that kept breaking her concentration.

“So, Lily,” he started, once again invading her space. “What’s it like being a Luna? I bet it comes with a lot of responsibilities. It must be exhausting having to juggle everything. Don’t you ever want to get away from all that pressure?”

Lily’s fists clenched under her desk.

The nerve of him.

“You really don’t know when to quit, do you?” She snapped, her patience wearing thin.

“No, I don’t,” he said with a sly grin. “And I really like it when a woman challenges me.”

Lily’s heart raced.

Her emotions were a mix of irritation and something she couldn’t quite place.

She hated the way he was talking to her.

He was crossing all the lines she had set up.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class, but before Lily could pack up her things and escape, Ethan was on her like a hawk.

“So, about lunch,” he said, his voice suddenly smooth. “How about we grab a bite? I’m sure you’re hungry after all that learning.”

Lily’s face twisted in disgust.

“I’m not interested, Ethan. Stay away from me.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Are you sure about that? I think you’re just playing hard to get.”

“I’m not playing,” she said firmly. “I have two mates, Alphas, and I’m their Luna. You should get that through your head. I’m not interested in you.”

Ethan chuckled again.

“But that’s just it, Lily. I’m interested in you. And I’m not going to let your little mates scare me off.”

Lily’s patience was stretched to its limit.

“You don’t know who you’re messing with.” She tried to pull away, but Ethan’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist.

The action was quick and smooth, almost like he had planned it.

Lily froze, her eyes widening with shock as she met his smoldering gaze.

“Let go of me, Ethan,” she said, her voice low and dangerous.

But Ethan was already leaning closer, his body pressed up against hers.

“Come on, Luna,” he whispered, his lips grazing her ear. “You can’t honestly tell me you’re not the least bit curious about me.”

Lily was too stunned to speak. Just as she was about to pull away, a voice broke through the tension in the air.

“Lily.”

She turned to find Lucas and Liam standing near the door, their expressions dark and angry as they glared at Ethan.