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Chapter 8

Anthony's POV

My sleep had been restless, disturbed by the weight of uncertainty that had settled upon my shoulders. The search for Daisy, my missing mate, had become an all-consuming obsession, overshadowing everything else in my life. Her absence had created a void that nothing could fill, and the questions that plagued my mind were relentless.

In the early hours of the morning, as the first light of dawn broke through the curtains, I was jolted awake by the shrill sound of my ringing phone. Startled and disoriented, I fumbled for the device, my heart racing as I answered the call. The voice on the other end was one I recognized immediately – it was Matt, a trusted ally and a friend who had played a crucial role in my life.

"Anthony," Matt's voice carried a sense of urgency, cutting through the grogginess that had clung to me. "I've found something."

His words were like a bolt of lightning, electrifying my senses and banishing the remnants of sleep. The promise of information, of a possible lead in the search for Daisy, filled me with a surge of hope and dread.

"What is it, Matt? Tell me," I demanded, my voice laced with a mixture of anticipation and frustration. The search for Daisy had led us down countless dead ends, and each new piece of information was a double-edged sword, offering hope and disappointment in equal measure.

Matt wasted no time in getting to the point. "I managed to find out the university where Daisy is currently studying. She's a student at Woodland University, Anthony."

Woodland University. The name sent a jolt of recognition through me, as it was a prestigious institution known for its excellence in academics. The knowledge that Daisy was there, pursuing her education, brought a rush of emotions. But it also raised a myriad of questions, such as why she hadn't reached out to me and why she had disappeared in the first place.

The news stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, and I struggled to contain the turbulent mix of hope, anxiety, and anger that coursed through my veins. The fact that Daisy was within reach, attending a university not far from where I was, ignited a fierce determination in me. I needed to find her, to understand why she had left, and to bring her back into my life.

But there was another thought that began to take root in my mind, one that I couldn't ignore. If Daisy was studying at Woodland University, it presented an opportunity, a chance to be near her, to watch over her, and to ensure her safety. I couldn't let her slip through my fingers again.

"Matt, I need another favor," I began, my voice a low growl of determination. "Is there any way you can help me make arrangements to get a job at Woodland University?"

The request hung in the air, heavy with significance. It was a bold move, and I knew it would be met with challenges and complications. But I was willing to face them all, for the chance to be close to Daisy, to protect her, and to uncover the secrets that had driven her away.

Matt hesitated for a moment, his voice laced with concern. "Anthony, it won't be easy. University positions are highly competitive, and the process can take time. Are you sure about this?"

My response was unwavering, a reflection of the depth of my determination. "I'm sure, Matt. I'll do whatever it takes."

The conversation with Matt left me with a sense of purpose, a renewed energy that propelled me forward. The knowledge of Daisy's whereabouts was a beacon of hope, and the opportunity to be near her, even in a different capacity, was a chance I couldn't pass up.

As the sun continued its ascent in the sky, I began to make arrangements, reaching out to contacts and exploring potential job opportunities at Woodland University. It was a complex and challenging process, but my resolve was unshakable. I was determined to bridge the gap that had separated us, to uncover the truth of her disappearance, and to bring her back into my life.

The days that followed were filled with a whirlwind of preparations and interviews, as I navigated the competitive world of academia. It was a different path, a far cry from my previous role as Alpha, but I was willing to adapt and embrace the challenges that lay ahead.

Despite the uncertainty and the obstacles, I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism. The prospect of being near Daisy, of watching over her, and of being ready to offer support when she was ready to return was a driving force that fueled my determination.

The first day I stepped onto the campus of Woodland University was a day fraught with anticipation and trepidation. I had made the decision to take on a new role as a professor, a path far removed from my previous life as an Alpha. It was a change that had been driven by my relentless search for Daisy, my missing mate.

As I entered the university, the grandeur of the institution seemed to loom around me, a stark contrast to the natural surroundings of the Pack that I had left behind. The halls were filled with the chatter of students, the energy of a new academic year palpable in the air. I couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnection, as if I were a stranger in a foreign land.

The first class I was scheduled to teach was a momentous one, and it was difficult to ignore the nerves that stirred within me. I had spent countless hours preparing, ensuring that my knowledge and materials were up to date. But it was the emotional turmoil that gripped me most, the knowledge that Daisy could be among the students I would encounter.

As I entered the classroom, the students filed in, their faces a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. I took my place at the front of the room, my heart pounding in my chest as I awaited the arrival of my students. The first day of class was always a whirlwind of introductions and information, and I couldn't afford to be distracted.

But then, as if the universe itself conspired against me, she walked in. Daisy. The sight of her, standing at the threshold of the classroom, froze me in place. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as our eyes met. The recognition in her gaze mirrored my own, and it was as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of us.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave, a rush of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. Daisy was here, in the same room, within my reach. The longing that had plagued me for so long surged to the surface, and it was a struggle to regain my composure. I couldn't afford to let my emotions get the better of me, not when I was in a room full of students.

I forced myself to break the gaze, to look away and regain my focus. It was a Herculean effort, but I couldn't let my emotions jeopardize my role as a professor. I had to push through, to continue with the class, to act as if seeing Daisy again was just a coincidence, a twist of fate.

As I began the lecture, my voice carried a sense of detachment, a mask I wore to conceal the maelstrom of emotions that raged within. I couldn't afford to show weakness, not when I had a class to lead. But it was a battle, a constant struggle to keep my thoughts in check.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class, and the students began to gather their belongings and file out of the room. I stood at the front, my gaze fixed on the door, waiting for a chance to speak with Daisy. I needed answers, I needed to understand why she had disappeared, and I needed to find a way to bring her back into my life.

But as she passed by me, a scent reached my nostrils. It was the unmistakable scent of a male, and it set my wolf on edge. The primal instincts within me stirred, threatening to break free. I had to struggle for control, clenching my fists and closing my eyes to regain my composure.

When I finally opened my eyes, Daisy was already gone, vanished into the sea of students. I had missed my chance, and the frustration and anger welled up within me. It was as if fate was toying with me, giving me a glimpse of what I longed for and then snatching it away.

I couldn't afford to lose control, not in the middle of the university, and I took a deep breath to steady myself. The scent that lingered in the air was a puzzle, one that I needed to unravel. Who was the male that had crossed paths with Daisy, and what connection did they have to her?

The first day of class had been a tumultuous one, filled with emotions and challenges. It had brought me face to face with Daisy, a moment I had longed for, and yet it had also raised new questions and mysteries. The path ahead was uncertain, but my determination to find answers and to bring Daisy back into my life remained unshakable.

As I watched the students file out of the classroom, I knew that the journey had only just begun. The complexities of our past, the secrets that had driven Daisy away, and the challenges that awaited us were all part of the intricate tapestry of our lives. The future was uncertain, but I was willing to confront it head-on, to uncover the truth, and to ensure that our love would endure.

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