Well Beyond

17

Jasper and I settle into a routine quickly. Despite the chaos of his responsibilities and my preparations for culinary school, being with Jasper feels surprisingly natural. We agreed to keep our relationship, whatever it is, strictly casual. He loses himself in his duties, while I focus on my upcoming classes with excitement and a touch of nervousness.

On the morning of my first day, I get ready with anticipation and gratitude. It was sweet of Jasper to help me get into this program and let me stay in the kingdom for free. He even got me a new phone.

Per usual, though, I'm sure his intentions weren't entirely pure. No Alpha's ever are. Even Beta families like my own had their complexities and hidden motives for getting what they wanted.

I walk through the kingdom, phone in hand, following the directions to the school. The air is crisp and the sky is a clear blue, making the morning feel even more invigorating. A smile breaks across my face as the signage comes into view.

Castello University, College of the Culinary Arts

I pause for a moment, taking in the sight of the grand entrance. The building is impressive, a mix of modern design and classic architecture that exudes prestige. The campus is bustling with students, each seemingly absorbed in their own world of studies and aspirations. I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of excitement and determination.

As I step through the gates, I can't help but reflect on how much my life has changed since I first met Jasper. I think back to the day we met and how far I've come since then. Despite everything, I've managed to carve out a little slice of happiness and opportunity for myself.

My first class is Introduction to Culinary Techniques, held in a state-of-the-art kitchen that smells of fresh herbs and spices. The instructor, Chef Delgado, is a seasoned professional with a no-nonsense attitude and a passion for teaching.

"Welcome to your first day of culinary school," Chef Delgado begins, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Here, you will learn not only how to cook but how to think like a chef. This journey will be demanding, but it will also be incredibly rewarding. Now, let's get started."

We dive right into the basics—knife skills, kitchen safety, and the fundamental techniques of cooking. I immerse myself in the tasks, relishing the challenge and the newness of it all. By the end of the class, I'm exhausted but exhilarated, already looking forward to the next lesson.

During lunch, I find a quiet spot on campus and call Jasper to tell him about my first day.

"Hey," I say when he picks up. "Guess what? I survived my first class."

He chuckles. "Of course you did. How was it?"

"Amazing. The teacher is kind of tough, but I feel like I'm going to learn a lot."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that," he replies warmly. "You deserve this."

We chat for a few more minutes before I head to my next class, Advanced Baking Techniques, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The classroom is another state-of-the-art kitchen, filled with gleaming stainless steel countertops and an array of baking tools that spark my curiosity.

Students are already gathering, setting up their stations and chatting excitedly. As I make my way to an empty station, I notice a young woman standing nearby. She has dark brown curly hair that cascades down her shoulders in a wild yet elegant manner. Her outfit stands out immediately—she wears a dark academia ensemble, complete with a black turtleneck, high-waisted plaid skirt, and a pair of vintage oxford shoes. A pair of round glasses perched on her nose completes the scholarly look. Gently, she slides an apron over her clothes before clipping her hair back, leaving a few curls free to frame her face.