The Luna and The Beast

Library meeting

Maya POV

“But what about economic growth?” Maya countered, her voice steady and clear, cutting through the quiet auditorium.

The professor’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Continue.”

“Well,” Maya said, sitting straighter, “if a company wants to expand and offers a significant financial incentive to acquire unused land, it creates jobs, infrastructure, and boosts the local economy. It’s beneficial for both sides.”

Gabriel leaned forward, his expression sharp. “And when that expansion encroaches on long-standing communities that rely on that land to survive? Are profits worth displacing them?”

“Communities evolve,” Maya shot back. “Adaptation is key to survival.”

“You know, this morning’s discussion had me thinking,” the professor said, pacing the front of the lecture hall. “The clash of ideas we witnessed is exactly what this course is about: legal conflicts with no easy answers.”

She paused, surveying the room. “Which is why I’ve decided your midterm will be a Mock Legal Dispute Presentation. You’ll be divided into pairs and assigned real-world environmental law cases. One of you will argue for corporate development, the other for land preservation.”

Her gaze locked on Maya and Gabriel. “Starting with… Miss Lopez and Mr. Hatchett.”

Maya wanted to protest, to say she couldn’t work with him! That would mean long night in the library together, or worse, in one of their dorm rooms.

“Before you protest or decline, I want to remind you all that this counts for half of your grade.” The professor said, ending the protests that erupted throughout the lecture hall.

“This project will be due six weeks from today, giving you ample time for research, drafting legal briefs, and preparing your final presentation,” the professor announced firmly. “I expect professional-grade work. Consider this your introduction to real-world legal negotiations.”

Six weeks. That was not a long time. Maybe they could both work separately and hope for the best?

“That will be all today, class dismissed,” The professor said, grabbing her briefcase and leaving the hall while the students started rising from their seats.

Maya followed her friends but when she reached the door, Gabriel was leaning against the wall right next to it—his hands casually stuffing in the pockets of his leather jacket. His dark brown hair was gelled back—Goddess, he looked so hot.

Maya shook her head, shaking out the thoughts her wolf clearly put into it.

“Maya,” He called out to her when she tried pretending she hadn’t seen him.

“We need to talk about the assignment.” He stated. Her friends stopped, their eyes darting between the two of them.

“Should we wait?” they asked her. None of them knew what was going on between her and Gabriel, and she wanted to keep it that way.

“No, go ahead, I’ll catch up to you,” She smiled, hoping they would leave. They shrugged and left.

“What are you doing with those stuck-up barbies anyway?” Gabriel suddenly asked her, catching her off guard.

“What? They’re my friends.” She snapped.

“Are they?” He asked, before shaking his head. “Never mind. We should talk about the assignment.” He said.

“Can’t we just both do our parts separately?” Maya asked, her tone clipped.

Gabriel’s jaw tightened briefly, but he forced an easy smirk. “Sure—if you’re aiming for a mediocre grade.” His gaze softened for a moment. “Look, I know you don’t want me as your mate. But this project matters—to both of us. Let’s not screw it up just because things are... complicated.”

Maya crossed her arms, her gaze steady. “Fine. But this is about the project—nothing else.”

Gabriel nodded slowly, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Whatever you say.”

Her wolf stirred at his confident tone, but she pushed the feeling down. This wasn’t about him—it was about her future. She wasn’t about to let anyone, not even her fated mate, ruin her perfect plan.

The professor is forcing me to work with Gabriel on a project. Maya texted Adrian on the way to her next class.

Relax sweetheart. Let him do all the work and just focus on the rest of your classes. Adrian replied. Maya frowned. She wasn’t like that. She took her school work very seriously. When she didn’t answer, another text from Adrian came through.

What I meant to say was, I know how much you care about your grades, and I didn’t mean to downplay that. I just hate seeing you stressed. You’ve got so much on your plate already, and I’m here for you—whatever you need.

Maya let out a breath of relief, a small smile tugging at her lips. He understood her so well.

She continued her classes for the rest of the day, taking a break to have lunch with Adrian.

“I don’t like it…you spending time with him. Before you know it, you’ll be giving in to the mate bond,” Adrian said, visibly shuddering. He’d ranted to Maya numerous times about how a fated mate bond took away free will.

“Don’t worry, the only mate I want is you,” she reassured him, leaning over the table and brushing her fingers against his.

Adrian stood, motioning for her to follow him. He pulled her into the men’s room, backing her against a stall. Their lips collided in a heated kiss.

His hand slid under her shirt, grazing the edge of her bra. His thumb flicked over her n****e, drawing a soft moan from her lips.

“Why don’t you let me mark and mate you?” he groaned, nipping at her marking spot.

Maya’s hand tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, but when she felt his teeth graze her skin, she snapped out of her lust-driven haze and pushed him back gently.

“Adrian, stop. You know why we can’t. My parents wouldn’t be happy about it,” she sighed, still catching her breath.

“What are you talking about? Your dad loves me,” Adrian murmured against her throat, his fingers lingering as he struggled to control his wolf.

“I know, but my mom…she wants me to wait a few months, to think about everything. But don’t worry. I know what I want, and I’m sure that we’ll survive her little trial.” She said, caressing his cheeks. He smiled at her, and nodded.

“We will,”

After classes, Maya returned to her dorm room, hoping to unwind before meeting Gabriel. She was dreading the time they'd have to spend together—every interaction risked strengthening the bond she was determined to ignore.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. A notification from her campus messaging app lit up the screen:

Gabriel Hatchett: Library. Study room 3. 8 PM.

Short and direct—classic Gabriel.

With a resigned sigh, she gathered her things and headed out. When she arrived, she spotted him instantly. He was seated at a large table, dark hair slightly mussed, sharp features softened by the warm glow of the study lamp. His intense focus on the papers spread before him only made him more striking.

Maya swallowed, cursing her wolf’s reaction. He looked... annoyingly perfect.

Gabriel glanced up, catching her staring. A slow, knowing smirk spread across his lips.

"Didn’t think you’d show," he said, voice low and smooth. He slid a hand through his hair, only making him look more rugged.

Maya forced her shoulders back, stepping into the room with all the confidence she could muster.

"Let’s just get this over with," she shot back, closing the door behind her.