Chapter 176
176 The Exams Begin
Aubrey’s POV
When I first learned I was infected–though only a latent carrier–I still endured every torment the Lupine virus had to offer.
To keep my nerves from deteriorating, I forced myself to exercise four hours a day, pushing my body until I was drenched in sweat, just to slow the inevitable collapse.
But the Lupine virus makes every movement hurt. It’s like fighting a losing tug–of–war–exercise wakes the body up, but the virus tears it down. Every step I took felt like walking through knives. In the beginning, I ran while crying, on the verge of breaking apart. When the pressure grew unbearable, I even felt the urge to lash out at the world.
That Alpha Henry could maintain this kind of composure now… he was stronger than I had been.
I pressed my lips together and decided not to dwell on his request for a kiss from yesterday. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Findnøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
Right now, he had no luxuries left to enjoy. Life pressed down on him, illness gnawed at him, yet he carried the weight of leadership while hiding his condition from the ambitious alphas of neighboring packs.
Over time, it would be impossible for his mind not to crack under that pressure. If finding some small comfort in me could help, then so be it. He wouldn’t truly cross the line anyway.
With that thought, I headed to school.
Today was my graduate–level skip exam, as well as the term finals for all students. The day started with two major subject categories, and because I was a full–spectrum medical research major, my exam load was heavier than most.
Today’s tests were in pharmaceutics and pharmacology, each with multiple subfields. The schedule was. grueling–starting right after the first class and running until nightfall.
After the first class ended, I was ready to head for the exam hall. When Tammy heard I had six exams today, she practically shouted, “Aubrey, why do you have to take so many more than everyone else?!”
“I’m only a sophomore,” I explained, “but I’m sitting for the graduate program jump. And since I registered for the full medical research track, naturally I have more categories to cover. If I pass them all, Professor Jensen will take me as his student.”
“The… the full track?!” Tammy’s eyes widened. “Medical research has what, eight or nine departments? You’re taking all of them? What kind of brain do you have?”
Her voice was a bit too loud, and a few students who hadn’t left yet glanced over with curiosity.
Not wanting to draw attention, I said quickly, “All right, I need to get going. Wish me luck?”
“Mm! You’ve got this! You’re the best!” Tammy gave me a thumbs–up, her voice brimming with certainty.
I smiled faintly, then remembered something and handed her a file.
“I have to rush between exams today, so could you turn in this research assignment for me? Just give it to Professor Martin–once he hears my name, he’ll understand.”
It was the first time I’d ever asked someone for help, and Tammy looked almost flustered with honor . She
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176 The Exams Begin
hugged the file to her chest. “Don’t worry! I’ll handle it!”
I nodded and headed to my first exam without a second thought.
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Finished
By the time I’d finished the last test, it was already dark. Outside the school gates, a classmate from my exam hall approached. He’d apparently heard of my reputation and wanted to ask about a question he’d been uncertain on. When he realized my answer was different from his, he groaned in despair.
“Knew it–I got it wrong!”
I let a small smile touch my otherwise cool expression. “You’re that sure I was right and you were wrong?”
He flushed, eyes darting everywhere but at me. “Of course. Everyone knows you’re a genius. Even a top wolf doctor like Fray treats you differently…”
Then he hesitated. “But… I have to ask–Mariana really isn’t that mysterious wolf doctor’s student? It’s just … people keep saying she is. And she’s been telling everyone she might invite him to visit the school someday.”
My brows drew together. “Oh?”
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