Page 15 of Swipe Right on the Alpha
“Just getting to know your boy,” Theo said, winking at Aiden. “He’s smarter than he looks.”
“Thanks?” Aiden laughed, leaning slightly into Dylan’s touch.
“Food’s ready,” Dylan said, steering Aiden toward the expansive back deck where a massive grill was producing mouthwatering aromas.
The meal was impressive—steaks cooked to perfection (most surprisingly rare), an array of sides, and flowing conversation that grew more animated with each round of drinks. Aiden noticed that Dylan’s friends ate with surprising gusto, especially the men, who consumed portions that would challenge competitive eaters.
As the evening progressed, Aiden observed more peculiarities: the way the group seemed hyperaware of each other’s positions, how they occasionally tilted their heads as though listening to sounds Aiden couldn’t hear, and most notably, how they all deferred to Dylan in subtle ways—waiting for him to eat first, seeking his opinion before making decisions, positioning themselves around him in what almost seemed like a protective formation.
After dinner, as twilight settled over the property, someone suggested moving to the fire pit in the expansive backyard. Comfortable seating surrounded a large stone pit where Marcus was building an impressive blaze.
“So, Aiden,” Nora said as they settled around the crackling fire, “has Dylan taken you running yet?”
Dylan tensed beside him. “Not everyone enjoys trail running, Nora.”
“I’m more of a yoga and occasional gym person,” Aiden admitted. “Though Dylan’s trying to convert me to the ‘joys of nature.’”
“You should join us sometime,” Liam suggested with enthusiasm. “Our monthly runs are legendary.”
“Monthly?” Aiden repeated, a pattern clicking into place. “Let me guess—during the full moon?”
A strange silence fell over the group, broken only by the crackling fire. Dylan’s body had gone rigid beside him, while Theo seemed to be suppressing laughter.
“It’s tradition,” Elena finally said, her tone carefully neutral. “The full moon provides natural light for night running.”
“Very practical,” Aiden said slowly, looking between their faces. “Though it seems like there’s more to it than that.”
Dylan cleared his throat. “More drinks? I think we need more drinks.”
As Dylan escaped to the house, Theo slid into the vacant seat beside Aiden. “So observant,” he murmured, too low for the others to hear. “Has he told you anything about his… monthly activities?”
“Just ‘family obligations,’” Aiden replied, equally quiet. “What am I missing here? Some kind of pagan ritual? Secret society? Because the full moon thing is definitely a pattern.”
Theo’s smile was enigmatic. “Not my secret to tell. But keep paying attention—you’re closer than you think.”
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of drinks, stories, and increasing comfort. Dylan’s friends seemed to be evaluating Aiden, but he got the sense he was passing whatever unspoken test they were administering. By the time they were sayinggoodbyes, Elena was extracting a promise for Aiden to join them for dinner again soon, while Theo hugged him with surprising strength and whispered, “He’s happier with you than I’ve seen him in years.”
In the car heading back to the city, Aiden found himself processing the evening. “Your friends are… interesting.”
Dylan glanced over, expression wary. “Too much?”
“No, just… there’s something you’re all not saying. Like you have this shared understanding I’m not part of.” Aiden turned in his seat to face Dylan fully. “What’s with the full moon fixation? And why does Theo keep calling you ‘alpha’? And don’t say it’s just a nickname, because everyone treats you like you’re in charge.”
Dylan’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “It’s complicated.”
“Try me,” Aiden challenged. “Because I’m starting to come up with some pretty wild theories here.”
A ghost of a smile touched Dylan’s lips. “Like what?”
“Well, given the full moon obsession, the pack terminology, the territorial behavior, and the way you all can apparently hear and smell things normal people can’t…” Aiden paused for dramatic effect. “I’m thinking either cult or werewolves.”
Dylan’s laugh sounded slightly strained. “Werewolves? Seriously?”
“It would explain your growling during sex,” Aiden teased, though part of him was watching Dylan’s reaction very carefully.
“Maybe I just really enjoy sex with you,” Dylan countered, reaching over to place a hand on Aiden’s thigh. “Speaking of which, your place or mine tonight?”
The obvious deflection wasn’t lost on Aiden, but the heat of Dylan’s palm against his leg was distracting enough that he decided to table the interrogation… temporarily.
