ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 6

Mark had been dead serious when he said he wanted to know Danielle's ideal type.

He knew she had dated before—he had seen her with a few people around campus or at events. At first, he hadn't thought much of it. But the more he saw her with someone else, the harder it became to ignore the twinge of jealousy simmering in his chest.

And from his careful observations (definitely not stalking, he told himself), Mark had come to a solid conclusion.

Danielle was easily drawn to people with strong sex appeal.

His alpha pride swelled at the realization. If that was what she liked, then good—because he had that. Proven and tested.

But even with that confidence, Mark was waiting for the right time to confess.

It wasn't just about his feelings. It was about his sister, too—who would definitely beat the shit out of him if he got reckless. More than that, he needed time to process everything, to be sure of what he felt.

Because the truth was, Mark had known from the very first moment he met Danielle that he would like her.

The only problem? Back then, he was still in a relationship with someone else.

At the time, that omega had been everything to him. She had consumed his thoughts, made him forget everything and everyone around him. Mark had been convinced she was the one. His potential mate.

And, honestly, he wasn't wrong. They had been compatible in every way that mattered. But then, something happened—something big. And no matter how much they had tried, they couldn't hold on.

Letting go had nearly broken him.

The only reason he survived those years after was because of his support system—his family, his friends. They had pulled him back from the wreckage, helped him find his footing again.

And somewhere along the way, Mark started noticing Danielle again.

The omega who smelled like fresh dew and honeysuckle.

It was a scent so light, so natural, that it made him turn his head every single time. It perfectly complemented her—her fair complexion, her bright, sunny personality.

She became something to him.

A quiet hope. A compass.

Danielle didn't know this, but Mark had long since started calling her that in his head. His compass. His guidepost.

And if it weren't for his inner alpha growling at him not to give up, Mark might have.

Still, he wasn't sure if she felt the same pull he did. The connection.

Maybe she did. Maybe she didn't.

Either way, Mark had one thing to be grateful for: fate had placed them in the same classroom for four years now.

That was enough for him.

Because just by being in the same space, he could feel her presence.

Just by sitting a fair distance away, he could watch over her.

And, sometimes, stop her from getting into trouble.

"Stop that."