My stomach drops. Until now, I’d put his comments down to him simply being a dick, but he’s being outwardly discriminatory. He obviously holds a grudge against omegas, and I’m being targeted for my designation.
If Sabs were here, she’d throw a fit. If it were Kady, she’d reel off all the legislation he was breaking and threaten to sue. If Delilah were here, she’d probably have a clever, rational comeback to catch Grub out. Gram could muster up animpassioned speech about omega rights on the spot. But I’m not like my Stella sisters or Gram.
“Faye.” When I stand, Amora grabs my arm to hold me back. “You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s fine,” I murmur.
Clearly, Professor Grub gets his kicks from these kinds of power trips, and right now, I don’t know what else to do. I know his actions are wrong, but he’s my teacher, and my future rests on this course, so what other choice do I have? Maybe if I do what he asks, he’ll tire of tormenting me.
I make my way to the front of the class, my cheeks flaming in humiliation. Just as I’m about to bend down, a growl comes from behind me. “Stay where you are, Faye.”
I spin to see my gorgeous, nerdy alpha standing tall with his teeth bared, glaring in Professor Grub’s direction. I’ve never seen Ren angry before, but judging by the blazing look in his eyes and the smell of burnt parchment, he’s absolutely seething.
Ren steps in front of me, creating a human shield between me and Professor Grub. “I’ve been recording your class today, Professor Grub.” Ren holds up his phone like it’s a weapon. “I’ve documented at least three violations against SVU policy and the Omega Rights Act.”
Professor Grub’s mouth opens and closes like a stunned goldfish. “Well, look here, Mr. Brooks,” Professor Grub garbles, knowing he’s been caught. “I think you’ll find you’ve taken this the wrong way.”
“You can’t argue with the evidence,” Ren scowls. “And I’m sure Dean Rivers will agree that yourteaching styleis not a good fit for SVU.”
“You wait here for one minute!” Grub points at him with a shaking finger. “You can’t throw around baseless accusations. This is my class!”
“And this is my omega.” Standing his ground, Ren motions to me. “Nobody talks to Faye or any other omega like that. Omegas have worked too hard and fought for too long to be treated with such disrespect.” He wraps his arms protectively around my waist. “We’re leaving. Now.”
He marches us from the greenhouse, not letting go of me until we’re outside in the fresh air, and I realize that I’m trembling.
“Are you okay, baby?” Ren pulls me into his chest, his paperback book scent instant slowing my galloping heart.
“I-I think so.”
Ren steers me away, leading us down a quiet road to stand under a large blossoming tree, while he types furiously on his cell phone with his spare hand.
“You will never have to be taught by that monster again.” He puts his hands on my shoulders. “I can’t believe they let someone like him run a class.” He shakes his head, softening his voice. “Why didn’t you tell us what was happening? We could have helped.”
“I guess I didn’t want to believe that someone I admired so much was an omega hater.” Shame floods through me, wishing I’d spoken up before now. “And maybe because part of me was embarrassed.”
“No one speaks to you like that, Faye. No one,” Ren states firmly. He parts his lips to say more, but his phone beeps, so he checks it. “That’s Cole. I sent him all the evidence, and he’s on his way to meet with the dean right now. Grub will be out of SVU by the end of the day.”
“I still can’t believe you did that.” I bite my lip. “You were supposed to be on the other side of the greenhouse.”
“Something felt off after what Carmen said.” Ren shrugs. “I thought I’d listen in for a few minutes, and I’m glad I did. Icouldn’t stand back and watch him humiliate you. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I am now.” I grin up at him, getting lost in his mesmerizing blue orbs. “Because of you, alpha.”
Now that I’m over the shock, I can’t deny how sexy it was to see him defend me like that. My mild-mannered alpha has a dark side.
“Fuck, Faye,” he groans as my perfume blooms. “Your scent makes me go crazy.”
“What you did was the most alpha thing I’ve ever seen.”
He leans to whisper, “As much as I’d love to bend you over right here and show you how much of an alpha I really am, SVU has strict rules against knotting in public spaces.”
“But I need you, alpha.”
“What my omega wants my omega gets.” Ren grabs my hand, pulling me farther down to the road to where Frank is parked. “I asked Frank to wait for us as I thought we could go to Forestville for lunch after you finished.”
As Frank gets out to open the door for us, Ren fishes out his wallet.
“Take an early lunch, Frank.” Ren hands him a fifty. “There’s a cafe you’ll like just around the corner. Leave the keys.”
