The stone archway of Brooks University still stood solemn and dignified as Emily stood on the steps, feeling worlds away. Three years ago she spent her college years here, now returning as a journalist, her first stop was to interview Professor Morris—an animal behavior expert.
The phone appointment went smoothly, but now she felt a twinge of unease. This unease turned into tangible nervousness when she saw that familiar black sports car in the parking lot.
"Damn," Emily cursed under her breath, unconsciously fixing her hair. Why was he still here?
As if answering her question, Lucas Stone walked out of the administration building, sunlight outlining his perfect silhouette. His suit was impeccably tailored, every gesture emanating innate elegance and arrogance. He stopped, his golden-brown eyes locking onto Emily.
Emily felt her heart race, swallowing a sudden dryness. Damn, she hated this physiological response—it had been the same all four years of college. No matter how much she despised his character, her body always had its own ideas.
"Grey?" Lucas approached, his voice deep and magnetic, "What a... pleasant surprise."
"Stone," Emily responded coldly, "Thought you'd left campus long ago to inherit the family empire."
Lucas' lips curved slightly: "Occasional lectures, guiding the younger generation." His gaze fell on the press credentials on her chest, "The Urban Observer? Congratulations."
"Save the pretense." Emily moved past him, "I'm in a hurry."
His fingers lightly touched her arm, stopping her. That touch penetrated her clothing like an electric current into her skin.
"You're investigating those attack incidents." Not a question, but a statement.
Emily looked at him in surprise: "How do you know?"
"Small town, news travels fast." Lucas leaned in, his breath brushing her earlobe, "Don't dig too deep, Grey. Some secrets bite back at those who seek them."
His proximity made Emily feel dizzy, either from his cologne or the threat concealed in his whisper. She forced herself to step back.
"Is that a threat, Stone?"
"A warning," his gaze darkened, "Out of... concern."
Emily scoffed: "For four years of college you couldn't even remember my name, now suddenly you're concerned about me? Spare me."
Lucas's expression became complex: "I always remembered your name, Emily. It's just... some distances must be maintained."
In the sunlight, she noticed his eyes flash golden for an instant, gone in a blink.
"Whatever," Emily turned to leave, feeling his gaze following her.
Professor Morris's office was filled with specimens and ancient books. When Emily showed him the photos of the claw marks, the old professor's face grew grave.
"These aren't from any known species, Ms. Grey," he removed his glasses, voice trembling, "At least not any normal species. Your necklace... it's special."
"An heirloom," Emily instinctively touched the wolf-head pendant.
"Be careful in your investigation, child," the professor said meaningfully, "Some legends survive millennia because they contain truth."
Leaving campus, Emily saw Lucas standing by his car in the distance, his gaze burning. She quickened her pace, her heart rebelliously accelerating. What did that arrogant man know? And more disturbingly, why did his warning make her both fearful and excited?