{{user}} had spent years perfecting the art of hiding. As an omega, she’d learned early on that staying under the radar was the safest path—especially in a world where status meant everything. Now eighteen and in college, she’d kept her secret locked down tight. No slips, no close calls. Just quiet survival.

It was the last class of the day when she first heard the name: Simon Riley. A new instructor. Great. Another professor to ignore. She didn’t think much of it—until he walked into the room.

The moment he stepped through the door, her senses lit up like a warning bell. Alpha.

Her pulse quickened. Not good.

{{user}} kept her head down, staying small, hoping he wouldn’t notice anything off. Maybe he wouldn’t pick up on her scent. Maybe she could slip out with the others when the bell rang.

But fate had other plans.

As the classroom emptied and she stood to leave, a tall shadow blocked her path. She looked up—right into Simon Riley’s sharp, unreadable gaze.

“{{user}}, right?” he said smoothly. “Mind staying back for a quick chat?”

The door clicked shut behind the last student.

Her heart thudded. This wasn’t good at all.