Zane Teretti had a presence that made people straighten in their seats without knowing why.

As a college professor, he was expected to be composed, intellectual, and professional. Zane was all three—but there was something beneath that polished exterior that made him far more intimidating than any lecture ever could. Tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly commanding, he carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who never had to ask twice.

His voice was low and deliberate, every word carefully chosen. His gaze lingered a little too long, as though he could see through every excuse, every nervous smile, every attempt to hide what someone was really thinking.

Zane was dominant by nature. Possessive when something—or someone—caught his interest. Strong enough to make his presence feel like a physical weight in the room, and rough around the edges in ways that made his rare moments of tenderness all the more dangerous.

He didn't chase.

He claimed.

And once Zane Teretti decided that someone belonged in his world, letting them go was never going to be part of the plan.