ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 7

Another day arrived, and it was as if nothing had happened yesterday—or maybe the students were simply smart enough not to bring it up again.

Still, Danielle received plenty of concerned glances, hushed whispers, and reassuring smiles. She appreciated their silent support, grateful that no one directly touched on the subject.

Mark was already in the classroom when she and Chenle arrived. As soon as she settled into her seat, her phone vibrated. Instinctively, she checked it.

Mark Lee
Are you okay?

It was the same question she had been asked countless times this morning. But because she felt deeply indebted to him, she politely responded.

Danielle
Yes, thanks for asking.

A few seconds later, his reply popped up.

Mark Lee
That's good.

Danielle stared at the message, tapping her fingers on the desk. What was the best response to that? Normally, she wouldn't bother replying—she wasn't one for excessive texting. But there was this lingering sense of obligation toward him. He had helped her, protected her, and whether it was just his duty as student council president or something else, she felt compelled to at least be courteous.

Surely, the students could always rely on him, with or without a problem.

Yet, something about the way he held her yesterday lingered in her mind. His touch had been careful but firm, his scent a protective barrier against the chaos around her. She had known Mark for four years, and in all that time, not once had he ever upset her, not even over the smallest thing. If anything, her inner omega purred in quiet comfort whenever he was near.

Her phone vibrated again, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced down, eyes widening slightly.

Mark was calling her.

Startled, she instinctively turned in his direction. Their eyes met across the room just as he looked down at his phone, abruptly ending the call. Another message lit up her screen.

Mark Lee
Can I ask you something?
Hey?
Danielle
Elle

Mark Lee had a missed call.

Danielle
Sorry, I was spacing out.

Mark Lee
Are you really okay?

Danielle
Clingy, huh?

Mark Lee
What.

Danielle chuckled quietly, glancing at him again, just as he started typing another message.

Mark Lee
So, I'm going to ask you...

Danielle
Yes, I do.