Page 3 of Ruined Wolfsbane

Luckily, it isn’t for another hour. I have time to talk to Professor Grimm.

“Me too! We can walk there together. I’m gonna stop by the café first, though.” Rory flashes me a quick grin as she stands, slinging her bright pink backpack over her shoulder. Her bag is covered in more glitter than anything even Ava owns. The bright pink and sparkles fit her, though.

My own bag is just a plain cognac-colored leather satchel. It’s nothing special, but it does what I need it to.

“Sorry. I need to talk to the professor before my next class.” I offer a half shrug, hoping she knows I’m not blowing her off. Not that it matters, I guess. I don’t exactly have time for friends.

“We’ll see you there, then! I’ll make sure to save you a seat.” Rory’s smile doesn’t dim at my refusal. With a skip, she heads toward the door. Snagging her brother’s hand, she offers me a wave and another grin before leaving.

Seeing their sibling dynamic makes my chest ache. I miss Ava something fierce. It’s hard having her so far away, but it’s for the best that she’s at boarding school—the best for her, at least.

Rubbing my chest to try to get rid of the tight feeling, I make my way down the classroom’s polished wood stairs.

Everything about Wolves Hollow University screams expensive. The stone buildings have soaring arches and slate roofs. Leaded glass windows overlook scenic cobblestone paths and mature trees. Uniformed students have perfect hair, designer shoes, and an air of superiority. It’s clear WHU is only for the best of the best.

After all, my stepfather can only have his household seen attending top-tier schools. It doesn’t matter that I don’t want to go here or that I don’t fit in. All that matters to my stepfather is appearances.

I reach Professor Grimm as he finishes talking with another student, and he swings his captivating gaze toward me as I approach. I feel the blood rush to my cheeks from being under his scrutiny.

Cursing my pale skin, I look down to gather my thoughts before speaking.

He beats me to it. “What can I do for you, Miss…?” Professor Grimm’s voice is even more arresting up close. His smooth, deep timbre curls around me and draws me in. I’m also overwhelmed by his clean masculine scent. He smells like old pines and cold ocean spray. For some reason, it smells like home.

“Briar Wylder, sir.” My voice comes out strong and steady, masking the nerves I’m trying hard not to show.

Professor Grimm is intimidating. Even leaning casually against the edge of his desk, he’s still at least half a foot taller than me. At five foot eight, I rarely feel dwarfed by anyone, but Professor Grimm makes me feel tiny.

“Um, I wanted to ask you about accommodations. I’ve discussed it with the dean. He said asking my professors was the easiest way to get them. So, I thought I would check with you.” As I pause to suck in a breath, I mentally facepalm. I’m nervously word vomiting all over Professor Grimm.

Good going. Ramble uncontrollably at the hot professor. That will totally show him you’re not a brainless idiot.

Oh shit, I so do not need to be calling Professor Grimm hot, even in the privacy of my own thoughts.

That’s just asking for trouble.

Besides, the poor guy probably has a ton of students fawning all over him. I bet it’s annoying as hell. The last thing I want is to be yet another irritating, faceless student.

Locking all my unhelpful thoughts away, I look back at Professor Grimm. “I have auditory processing disorder. It makes it hard for me to understand and retain spoken information or follow oral directions. I want to get permission to record your lectures. Listening to info multiple times helps me remember better.”

Rubbing his thumb over his full bottom lip, Professor Grimm considers what I said. “I’m not usually a fan of letting students record lectures.” My stomach drops at his refusal. Before I can protest, he continues. “In this case, I’ll make an exception.” Professor Grimm runs his hand through his hair, making it even more disheveled. Blowing out a breath, he fixes his startling forest green eyes on me. “Am I correct in assuming you’ll struggle with oral participation in my class?”

My cheeks redden for a different reason this time. I know what people think of my auditory processing struggles. That I’m stupid. Slow. Lazy. I’ve heard it all. You’d think I’d be used to it by now. Somehow, the uncreative barbs manage to cause damage even today.

“Yes, sir.” I duck my head to avoid the judgment I know I’ll see on his face. Before I lower my gaze, I swear his eyes flash with heat.

“Look at me when I speak to you, Miss Wylder.” At his sharp tone, I snap my eyes back to his. His deep voice ordering me around makes a shiver crawl up my spine. “Participation isn’t a large portion of your grade, but it does make up around fifteen percent. Give me a few days to think of alternative assignments to oral participation. I’ll have something figured out by Friday. I appreciate you informing me so we can work together to help you succeed.”

At his kind words, tears prick the corners of my eyes. How long has it been since anyone other than Ava has shown me a shred of understanding?

Too long, apparently, given the breakdown I’m about to have.

Before I can embarrass myself any further, I quickly thank Professor Grimm and rush out the door.

CHAPTER 2

XANDER

As I watch Briar Wylder’s shapely ass leave my classroom, it sinks in just how well and truly fucked I am. She has no idea who she is to me or my brothers.

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