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Outside the bathroom, Kassia heard the distinct sound of a wolf barking, and she froze.

Had something happened?

Or maybe they were running late and the professor was telling her to hurry—-

No, wait a minute.

Didn’t the professor tell her yesterday how Lyccans had an extraordinary sense of smell? Wouldn’t that mean the professor would possess exceptional hearing, too?

She watched her face whiten on the mirror as the truth hit her, and she moaned in embarrassment.

Oh my God, the professorhadheard her!

When she finally joined the professor, she had her serious face on, her back straight, and her movement stiff. She absolutely didn’t want to give the professor any chance to tease her.

They left the suite in silence, but when they entered the elevator, Kassia couldn’t help sneaking a glance—-

The wolf was gazing her way, as if knowing it was only a matter of time before she did. When their eyes met, the wolf...howled.

Kassia was no expert on wolves, but she had a pretty nasty feeling the wolf’s constant barking was the Lyccan version ofROFL.

“Shaddap,” she muttered ungraciously, but this only made the wolf how longer.

At the lobby, the professor’s chauffeur immediately stepped forward, bowing his head as he greeted her good morning.

“G-good morning,” Kassia stammered, the man’s display of deference making her so nervous she forgot about holding a grudge against the professor. She found herself sidling next to the large wolf, not realizing how her actions made other guests at the hotel gaze at her oddly. How could a young woman be so visibly awkward with a limousine driver when she was foolhardy enough to have a huge wolf-like dog as a pet?

When they were inside the limousine and the vehicle started to move, the wolf immediately padded towards her and licked Kassia’s hand, as if comforting her.

She said morosely, “I’m being silly, I know. But I’m just not used to being treated like royalty.” As the wolf laid its head on her lap, she sighed, continuing, “I grew up in a farm, Professor. The only time people bow there is when they’ve been declared winners of the Town’s Biggest Tomato in the annual fair.”

The wolf didn’t bark or raise its head, but in a way its silence felt like an answer already.You’re not being silly,the comfortable silence between them said.

Chapter Four

As the limousine drove past scenic views of the highway, Kassia absently stroked the wolf’s head from time to time, unconsciously seeking the lush feel of its fur. A full half hour had passed when another truth came to her, and she exclaimed, “I’m no longer afraid of you in this form.”

The wolf lifted its head this time, its green gaze gleaming in approval.

Kassia let out a laugh, unable to help it. “I’m so happy!” On impulse, she bent down and threw her arms around the wolf’s neck. “I’m not afraid!”

The wolf nuzzled her hair in return, and when it stretched once again on the seat while laying its head on her lap, Kassia sighed happily. “It’s like having the most magnificent beast as a pet—-”

The wolf bared its fangs.

She hastily wiped the smile off her face. “Sorry, Professor.” Closing her eyes, Kassia only meant to avoid the sight of the professor’s frightfully sharp canines. Instead, she fell asleep completely.

She woke to the sensation of the wolf nuzzling her hair, and yawning, she gave the wolf a sleepy smile. “Sorry I slept on you.”

The wolf shook its head.It is no bother.

Pushing herself up, Kassia saw through the windows that they had already reached the school.

Her heart sank.

School meant they had to part since they were professor and—-

No, wait – she was forgetting something again.