Page 22 of Knot Your Romeo

It was the hints of something complex and layered underneath the suppressants. And it’s not the scent everyone can smell. That scent is like a blend of honeyed sweetness with a dash of citrus.

That scent is obvious.

It’s also false.

What isn’t so obvious to everyone else are the notes I’ve never encountered before. The notes I’ve studied. Her secret scent is heavily masked with professional-grade suppressants, the kind that cost serious money. Money I don’t know how she affords.

Fascinating.

“Good morning, everyone,” I begin, settling into my familiar rhythm. “We have a lot to get through today. We’ll be continuing our exploration into secondary biological systems that affect some alphas and omegas.”

Jolie leans forward slightly, genuine interest replacing her earlier anxiety.Good.This is exactly the kind of information that could help her understand whatever situation she’s dealing with.

I continue my lecture, but part of my attention remains fixed on the undercurrents in the room. Romeo Silver is glaring atJolie from his seat in the back of the room. And like she feels his eyes on her, she glances over her shoulder. He keeps his eyes focused on her, not looking away.

When class ends, Jolie packs her things quickly, clearly trying to escape before Romeo can corner her. But as she pushes out her chair, his voice stops her cold. “Jolie.”

She freezes, her shoulders tensing.

Everyone thinks I’m a Beta, and that’s how I act as I busy myself with organizing my papers, but every instinct I have is tuned to their interaction.

“We need to talk,” Romeo says, his voice low but carrying an alpha authority that makes most Omegas comply automatically.

“I don’t think we do,” Jolie replies, and I’m impressed by the steadiness of her voice despite the anxiety rolling off her in waves.

Romeo’s smile is tight, his eyes wild. “We do.”

“What do you need to talk to her about?” Cerise asks, sliding her arm around Romeo’s waist.

“Nothing important.” He wraps his arm around Cerise and quickly leaves without another word.

Jolie’s hands tremble slightly as she finishes packing her bag. When she notices me watching, she forces a smile.

“Everything all right, Miss Masters?” I ask, keeping my voice gentle.

“Fine,” she says quickly. “Just adjusting to everything.”

“Romeo can be intense,” I say carefully. “Don’t let him intimidate you.”

Surprised that I’ve noticed flickers across her expression. “I won’t.”

“If you need someone to talk to. I’m always around.”

She smiles. It’s bright and beautiful and makes her entire face light up. “I’ll remember that.”

The rest of the morning passes in a blur of classes and administrative duties, but I can’t shake off my concern about Jolie Masters. During lunch, I walk past the windows that overlook the main campus quad, pretending to review lesson plans but actually watching for any sign of the drama I sense brewing. I don’t have to wait long.

Romeo appears near the student center at noon, looking around and moving with that predatory grace that marks him as an apex alpha.

He’s changed from his practice gear into expensive casual clothes that probably cost more than most teachers’ monthly salary.

But it’s not his appearance that catches my attention—it’s the way he scans the quad like a hunter seeking prey. He finds what he’s looking for near the library steps.Jolie Masters.

Jolie sees him too, grabs her bag and disappears from view, as Cerise Hamilton, along with her cheerleader friends’ watch.

Romeo doesn’t follow Jolie, but approaches his girlfriend and her group. There’s tension in his movements that suggests he is nervous about what his girlfriend saw.

I’m too far away to hear their conversation, but their body language tells the story clearly enough. Cerise reaches for Romeo with obvious affection, but he steps back, putting space between them. Her smile falters, confusion replacing the calm confidence she usually wears like armor.

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