Page 13 of Swipe Right on the Alpha
DYLAN: Just remember they’re important to me. And a little… different.
The cryptic warning was typical Dylan—hints of something unusual without clear explanation. Over the past month, Aiden had compiled a mental list of Dylan’s peculiarities: the restlessness during the full moon, the occasional too-quick movements, his uncanny ability to hear or smell things beyond normal range, and the intense possessiveness that emerged during intimate moments.
At this point, I’m half-convinced he really is some kind of supernatural creature,Aiden thought with amusement as he selected his outfit—premium dark jeans, a forest green button-up that Dylan had once said brought out his eyes, and fashionable but comfortable shoes suitable for a casual barbecue.
Mason appeared in his doorway, leaning against the frame with arms crossed. “Another night with Mountain Man?”
“Meeting his friends this time,” Aiden replied, running product through his hair. “Apparently it’s a big deal.”
“You’ve been seeing this guy for what, a month? And he’s just now introducing you to his friends?” Mason’s tone held clear skepticism. “Red flag, dude.”
“Says the man whose last boyfriend didn’t know your last name for six weeks,” Aiden countered. “Dylan’s just private. His friends are like family to him.”
“And you’re… what? Actually into him? Like, relationship into him?” Mason’s surprise was understandable—Aiden’s dating history since becoming an influencer had been deliberately casual.
Aiden paused, considering the question seriously. “Yeah,” he admitted finally. “I think I am.”
“Wow.” Mason looked genuinely shocked. “And the content angle? Your followers are already creating conspiracy theories about why you’re being so secretive about him.”
It was true. Aiden’s oblique references to “Mountain Man” without detailed stories or photos had his audience in a frenzy of speculation. His engagement numbers were actually up, the mystery driving interest in ways his previous oversharing never had.
“Some things are private,” Aiden said simply. “This feels… different. Important.”
Mason studied him for a moment before nodding. “Good for you, man. Just… be careful, okay? You still don’t know much about this guy.”
More than you think,Aiden thought, remembering Dylan’s body pressed against his, the whispered confessions in the dark, the way he seemed to truly see Aiden beyond the carefully constructed online persona.But also less than I should.
Chapter 8
Dylan’s SUV was idling outside Aiden’s building at precisely the agreed time. As Aiden slid into the passenger seat, he was greeted with a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, Dylan’s hand coming up to cradle the back of his neck in that possessive way that never failed to send heat through Aiden’s body.
“Missed you,” Dylan murmured when they finally separated.
“It’s been three days,” Aiden laughed, though he’d felt the absence just as keenly.
“Too long,” Dylan said simply, pulling back into traffic. “Nervous about tonight?”
“Should I be?” Aiden asked, studying Dylan’s profile. “You’re being weirdly cryptic about your friends.”
Dylan’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. “They’re… intense. Especially Theo. They’re excited to meet you.”
“Because I’m an influencer?” It was a concern Aiden couldn’t quite shake—that Dylan’s friends would see him as a curiosity or content creator rather than a person.
“Because you’re important to me,” Dylan corrected, reaching over to squeeze Aiden’s knee. “They can tell.”
“Tell what?”
Dylan’s eyes remained fixed on the road. “How I feel about you.”
The simple statement hung between them, charged with unspoken meaning. They hadn’t put labels on what was developing between them, though their connection had intensified with each meeting. Aiden found himself reaching for Dylan’s hand, interlacing their fingers in silent acknowledgment.
The drive took them to a sprawling property on the outskirts of the city—not as remote as Dylan’s cabin but definitely private, with several acres of wooded land surrounding a large, modern home. Three other vehicles were already parked in the circular drive.
“Whose place is this?” Aiden asked as they approached the front door.
“Technically mine,” Dylan said, looking slightly embarrassed. “Family property. I prefer the cabin, but this is better for gatherings.”
Before Aiden could process this new information about Dylan’s apparently significant real estate holdings, the door swung open to reveal a man about Dylan’s age with an easy grin and the same outdoorsy build, though leaner and slightly shorter.
