Page 11 of Spike

"Just needed some space, Nitro. You can't go playing big brother on me all the time,” I said.

He sighed, a mix of frustration and concern on his face.

"You know it's not just about that. We're family, Spike. You don't have to carry everything alone,” he pointed out.

I grunted, not in the mood for a heart-to-heart conversation.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just drop it,” I said.

To be honest, I had more to say, but the sweetest scent hit my nose, diverting my attention.

Sensing someone was looking at me, I turned on my stool and set my eyes on the most gorgeous man I'd ever laid eyes on.

Frightened brown eyes set in a thin face met mine. He had a mop of honey-brown curls I immediately wanted to run my fingers across.

Weird. I never thought that about anyone before. He smelled a little of vanilla and wolf musk, and when he gazed at me, I wasn't sure how to describe it.

He was looking at me like I was either going to eat him right up or I was his savior. Either way, I didn’t mind either options.

The air in the bar seemed to shift as he approached. His presence was magnetic, drawing me in. I couldn’t even focus on what Nitro was telling me.

For a moment, it felt like the universe had conspired to bring our worlds together.

He tentatively took a seat beside me at the bar. I wasn’t sure what to do—should I offer a friendly smile or introduce myself?

Dating had never been high on my list of priorities. Back in Moon Burrow, my MC brothers and I never lacked additional company, but this situation seemed different.

I had a feeling this lost wolf wasn't just going to end up being a one-night stand. There was a certain potential between us, an unspoken connection that even my grizzly recognized.

His hands fidgeted with the edge of his jacket, and he seemed overly nervous. There was a story in those eyes, and I was curious to find out what it was.

As the bartender approached, the newcomer spared me a shy smile, and I couldn't help but wonder what had brought him into my orbit.

Since he hadn’t said anything yet, I finally decided to break the silence.

"Spike," I said, offering a brief nod.

He seemed to relax a bit at the introduction.

"Gray," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation.

“Nitro,” Nitro unhelpfully added, giving me a thumbs up. I rolled my eyes; subtlety wasn't Nitro's strong suit.

Gray looked at Nitro and then at me, a little confused.

“What’s up with those names?” Gray asked, furrowing his brows.

Nitro chuckled, clearly enjoying the chance to be the center of attention.

"Spike, Nitro, and the rest of the guys at the MC go by road names," I explained. "It's a tradition, a way of marking our identities in the club. Keeps things simple, you know?"

Gray nodded, seeming to grasp the concept.

"Got it, road names. I guess I'm the odd one out here then,” Gray said.

He laughed, and it wasn't even a good laugh—sort of awkward and cute. But for some reason, I found it endearing.

As his laughter filled the air, I couldn't help but wonder what cosmic alignment had occurred for the universe to send this cutie my way.

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