Page 33 of Swipe Right on the Alpha
“Maybe,” Aiden said thoughtfully. “Not immediately when we return, but… eventually. If he’s still asking questions, still noticing changes.” He turned in Dylan’s arms, expression serious. “Would the Council actually approve it? With everything else going on?”
Dylan considered carefully before answering. “Your status as my mate gives the request significant weight. And having a trusted human ally who understands your situation could be valuable, especially if the political climate continues to deteriorate.”
The reminder of potential trouble ahead sobered them both. Reports from home had grown increasingly concerning—boundary testings, political maneuverings, and rumors of more progressive packs facing challenges from traditionalist factions opposed to human integration.
“One problem at a time,” Aiden said finally, forcing lightness back into his tone. “First, we survive Lake Como, then the transatlantic flight, then the welcome home party. Supernatural politics can wait at least that long.”
Dylan smiled, though concern lingered in his eyes. “Always the optimist.”
“One of us has to be,” Aiden countered, leaning up to press a kiss to Dylan’s jaw. “Besides, we’ve faced worse. Accidentally downloading a supernatural dating app, discovering werewolves exist, navigating a mate bond—compared to all that, pack politics should be a breeze.”
The joke earned him a genuine laugh and a kiss that quickly deepened into something more heated. Through their bond, Aiden could feel Dylan’s desire building, accompanied by the protective possessiveness that always intensified when discussions of returning home arose.
“We have two hours before we need to pack,” Dylan murmured against Aiden’s lips, hands already sliding beneath his shirt with clear intent. “Any ideas how to pass the time?”
Aiden grinned, allowing himself to be pulled into Dylan’s lap with ease. “I might have a few suggestions,” he replied, fingers threading through Dylan’s hair to tug gently in the way he knew drove his mate wild. “None of them suitable for my social media channels.”
“Good,” Dylan growled, eyes taking on that amber glow that still sent thrills through Aiden’s body. “Some things are just for us.”
Chapter 18
The full moon hung low and bright over the forest surrounding Dylan’s cabin, its light filtering through the trees to create dappled patterns on the forest floor. Aiden moved with growing confidence through the familiar paths, his enhanced senses—a gift of the mate bond—allowing him to navigate the darkness with ease.
They’d been back in the States for just over a week, the welcome home celebration finally concluded, pack business tentatively sorted into manageable priorities. Tonight was their first opportunity for a tradition they’d established during their European travels—the monthly full moon run, Dylan in his full wolf form with Aiden keeping pace alongside.
The changes to Aiden’s physiology from the mate bond had been subtle but significant—enhanced stamina, improved night vision, accelerated healing, and a general vitality that made keeping up with a werewolf not quite as impossible as it would have been before. He couldn’t match Dylan’s speed or endurance completely, but he could participate in ways no ordinary human could.
A rustle in the undergrowth ahead announced Dylan’s return from his perimeter check. The massive black wolf emerged from the shadows, amber eyes glowing in the moonlight as he approached Aiden with familiar grace. In full wolf form, Dylan was impressive—larger than any natural wolf, with powerfulshoulders and an intelligence in his gaze that was unmistakably more than animal.
“All clear?” Aiden asked, reaching out to run his fingers through the thick fur at Dylan’s ruff.
Dylan nudged Aiden’s hand with his muzzle in affirmation before turning to lead the way deeper into the forest. Their bond remained active regardless of Dylan’s form, allowing a communication that transcended the need for words—impressions, emotions, and simple concepts flowed between them with natural ease.
As they moved through the forest together, Aiden reflected on the strange, wonderful journey that had brought him here. One year ago, he’d been a professional dating disaster, turning his romantic failures into content for hundreds of thousands of followers. Now he was running under a full moon beside his werewolf mate, integrated into a supernatural world he hadn’t known existed, his life transformed in ways he could never publicly explain.
Yet his career continued to flourish, albeit in evolved form. His European travel content had attracted new followers and sponsorship opportunities. His occasional relationship insights—carefully edited to exclude supernatural elements—resonated with an audience that had grown alongside him. He’d even signed a deal for a second book, this one focused on finding authentic connection in a world of superficial interactions.
The irony wasn’t lost on him—finding his most authentic connection through an accidental supernatural dating app.
Dylan paused in a small clearing, turning to look back at Aiden with an invitation clear in his posture. This was part of their monthly ritual too—a moment of playful chase that satisfied Dylan’s wolf instincts while allowing Aiden to embrace the freedom of running without human constraints.
With a grin, Aiden darted forward to tap Dylan’s nose before spinning away, calling over his shoulder, “Catch me if you can, Alpha!”
The joyful growl that followed him through the trees sent pleasant shivers down his spine. He ran without fear, knowing Dylan would never truly lose track of him, their bond a constant awareness of each other’s location and wellbeing.
When Dylan finally caught him—always a foregone conclusion—it was with gentle precision, herding Aiden against a broad tree trunk and pressing his large form against him in wolfish triumph. Aiden laughed, breathless from the run, hands coming up to bury in thick fur.
“I think I’m getting faster,” he claimed with mock seriousness. “You barely caught me this time.”
The impression that flowed through their bond was clearly amused disbelief, accompanied by a wave of affection so strong it made Aiden’s chest tight with answering emotion.
“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, wolf-man,” Aiden said, scratching behind Dylan’s ears in the way he pretended to dislike but secretly enjoyed. “Just wait until these mate-bond enhancements fully kick in. I’ll be outrunning you in no time.”
Dylan’s response was to lick a wet stripe up Aiden’s cheek, making him sputter in protest. Before he could retaliate, Dylan was backing away, form already beginning to shift. The transformation was fluid and efficient—bones reorganizing, fur receding, the wolf form giving way to human in a process that still fascinated Aiden despite having witnessed it countless times.
Within moments, Dylan stood before him fully human and completely naked—a state that, despite the chill night air, seemed to cause him no discomfort. Werewolf body temperature ran significantly higher than human norm, a trait Aiden had come to appreciate during cold nights.
“You’re getting faster,” Dylan acknowledged, closing the distance between them again. “But I’ll always catch you.”
