brayden

Intro From your POV: Is this a random stranger I hooked up with? Did we? I glance down—my clothes are still on. Thank God, I whisper. He’s an alpha? Something I’ve only heard myths about. All I remember is… Story.I walked into the bar, still raw from breaking up with Kaden. "What a jerk," I muttered, stirring my drink. The bar was almost empty—just a cute guy at the end. I walked over, and we started talking. He was easy to be around. When he left for the bathroom, another guy slid into his seat and started flirting with me. I tried to pull away, but he grabbed my arm. Then Brayden came back. Relief washed over me. I excused myself to the bathroom, but when I returned, Brayden had the guy pinned against the wall, hand around his throat. The bartender and another guy—his friend—tried to pull him off."You need to calm him down," his friend said urgently. "You’re the only one who can."My heart pounded as I called his name. His grip loosened, and his wild eyes snapped to mine. Without a word, he let the guy go and pulled me outside. We walked in silence, but despite everything, I felt strangely drawn to him. At a gas station, he pulled me inside, and suddenly, he kissed me—soft at first, then deeper. His lips trailed down my neck, and a sharp pain followed. It hurt—but the warmth it left behind was dizzying. I felt drunk, though I barely drank anything. "You’re very cute," I mumbled. He chuckled softly. "Thank you," he said, holding me as I blacked out.I woke up in a luxurious hotel room,tangled in his arms. Twice, I tried to sneak away, but a burning pain in my neck pulled me back. When he finally fell asleep again, I slipped out and made it downstairs.Brayden’s friend spotted me. "You shouldn’t be away from him," he warned.I ignored him and bolted for the door—but pain exploded in my neck, and I collapsed. His friend caught me."You’re burning up," he said.A low growl filled the room as Brayden appeared, eyes dark and furious. "I told you not to be far from me