Page 16 of Swipe Right on the Alpha (Fur Real Love #1)

The gathering was in full swing by the time Aiden arrived with his friends. Dylan’s city house—a spacious modern structure with enough room to accommodate pack gatherings—was filled with music, conversation, and the tantalizing aroma of Theo’s legendary cooking.

Dylan met them at the door, his face lighting up at the sight of Aiden in a way that still caused butterflies in Aiden’s stomach. He greeted Aiden with a brief but possessive kiss before turning to welcome the newcomers with careful restraint of his more wolfish tendencies.

“Mason, good to see you again,” Dylan said, shaking hands with Aiden’s roommate. “And you must be Olivia, Sam, and Jess. Aiden’s told me a lot about all of you.”

Aiden watched with amusement as his friends registered their first impression of Dylan.

He’d shown them photos, of course, but Dylan’s physical presence—the height, the muscles barely contained by his dark button-up shirt, the intensity of his amber eyes—tended to have an impact in person that images couldn’t capture.

“So you’re the reason Aiden’s been disappearing every weekend,” Olivia said, recovering first. “Can’t say I blame him.”

Dylan smiled, the expression warming his usually serious features. “Come in. Everyone’s excited to meet you.”

As they moved into the main living area where both groups were beginning to mingle, Aiden felt a momentary apprehension.

The werewolves were making visible efforts to appear normal—restraining their enhanced strength when shaking hands, moderating their usually tactile behavior, carefully sipping drinks instead of consuming them with typical wolf enthusiasm.

Mason leaned close to whisper in Aiden’s ear. “You didn’t mention they were all ridiculously attractive. Is being hot a requirement to join this friend group?”

Aiden smothered a laugh. “Genetic luck,” he said, which was true in a way Mason couldn’t possibly understand. Werewolves naturally possessed physical vitality that humans found appealing—an evolutionary advantage for a species that sometimes needed to integrate with human communities.

Sofia approached with a tray of sangria glasses, offering them to the newcomers with a gracious smile. “Welcome to our home,” she said, her slight accent adding elegance to the words. “This is my special recipe. Quite potent, so pace yourselves.”

Aiden accepted a glass, knowing now to sip slowly.

The first time he’d tried Sofia’s enchanted sangria, he’d gulped half a glass and found himself experiencing euphoria so intense it bordered on hallucinogenic.

Dylan had later explained that supernatural metabolism processed magical ingredients differently than human physiology—a lesson Aiden had learned the hard way.

As the evening progressed, Aiden observed the careful dance between the two worlds.

His human friends gradually relaxed as the magical sangria worked its subtle effects, while the werewolves grew more comfortable calibrating their behavior appropriately.

Conversation flowed easily between the groups, finding common ground in shared interests rather than focusing on differences.

Theo, naturally, appointed himself cultural ambassador, regaling Aiden’s friends with slightly sanitized versions of pack stories. “—and then Dylan, Mr. Serious Alpha himself, fell straight into the creek because he was too busy giving orders to watch where he was walking!”

Dylan rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “Theo enjoys embellishing for dramatic effect.”

“It’s not embellishment if it’s true,” Theo countered. “You should have seen him, soaking wet and still trying to maintain dignity while fish were literally swimming around his ankles.”

The laughter that followed was genuine, bridging the hidden divide between human and supernatural in a way that warmed Aiden’s heart. This was what he’d hoped for—his two worlds finding harmony despite the secrets necessarily maintained.

Later, as Aiden was helping Dylan retrieve more wine from the cellar, he found himself pressed against the cool stone wall, Dylan’s body a heated line against his front.

“You look too good in that shirt,” Dylan murmured, nuzzling the sensitive spot below Aiden’s ear. “Been wanting to do this all night.”

Aiden tilted his head to allow better access, a response that had become instinctive. “We have guests upstairs,” he reminded Dylan, though his body was already responding to the attention.

“They’re fine,” Dylan insisted, his hands finding their way beneath the aforementioned shirt. “Theo’s telling embarrassing stories about me, Sofia’s sangria is working its magic, and no one will miss us for five minutes.”

“Five minutes?” Aiden teased, fingers threading through Dylan’s hair. “Not very impressive, Alpha.”

The challenge had its intended effect—Dylan growled softly, his eyes taking on that amber glow that indicated his wolf rising closer to the surface. “Careful what you ask for,” he warned, teeth grazing Aiden’s neck in a way that sent shivers down his spine.

Their mouths met in a hungry kiss, familiar yet still thrilling after months together. Aiden surrendered to it willingly, his body arching into Dylan’s touch as strong hands explored with possessive intent.

When Dylan suddenly froze, Aiden was momentarily confused—until he registered the sound of footsteps on the cellar stairs.

“Aiden?” Mason’s voice called. “You guys find that wine yet? Theo’s threatening to start telling childhood stories about you if we don’t get more alcohol soon.”

Dylan stepped back with visible reluctance, adjusting his clothing with a frustrated sigh. “We’ll continue this later,” he promised, voice low enough for only Aiden to hear.

“Count on it,” Aiden replied, quickly rebuttoning his partially opened shirt before calling out, “Down here, Mason! Just, uh, trouble with the cork!”

Mason appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his knowing smirk indicating he wasn’t fooled by the excuse. “Uh-huh. ‘Trouble with the cork.’ Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

“Shut up,” Aiden muttered, grabbing two bottles from the rack. “How’s it going up there? Any disasters yet?”

“Actually, everyone’s getting along suspiciously well,” Mason reported. “Olivia and Elena are exchanging yoga techniques, Sam’s deep in conversation with Marcus about conservation policy, and Jess is flirting shamelessly with Liam, who seems both terrified and delighted.”

“That sounds about right,” Dylan said with a small smile. “Liam’s the youngest in our… group. Still learning the social graces.”

Mason’s expression turned more serious as they headed back upstairs. “Your friends are intense, man. In a good way, mostly. But they all watch you like you’re the center of their universe. It’s a dynamic I’ve never seen before.”

Dylan and Aiden exchanged a quick glance, communicating silently in a way they’d developed over months together.

“We’ve been through a lot together,” Dylan said carefully. “Created strong bonds.”

“And they all just naturally accepted Aiden into the fold?” Mason pressed. “No hazing, no skepticism about his intentions?”

“They trust my judgment,” Dylan replied simply.

Mason looked between them, clearly sensing layers to the conversation he couldn’t access. “Well, whatever you all have going on, it seems to be working. I’ve never seen Aiden this grounded before.”

The observation hung between them as they rejoined the gathering, Aiden feeling a complex mixture of emotions at his friend’s perceptiveness.

The secret of Dylan’s nature created an inevitable barrier between his human friends and the full truth of his relationship, a reality he was still learning to navigate.

As the night progressed, Aiden found moments to observe both groups interacting, noting the careful accommodations made on both sides.

The werewolves restrained their natural physicality and pack behaviors, while his human friends accepted the occasional oddities—references to enhanced senses or unusual traditions—with the assumption they were merely inside jokes or quirky habits.

It wasn’t perfect integration, but it was a beginning—a template for how Aiden might balance these worlds if he chose to fully commit to life as a werewolf’s mate.

The thought no longer terrified him as it once had.

Over the past months, he’d witnessed the reality of pack life beyond the initial shock of supernatural revelation.

He’d seen the loyalty, the support system, the deep connections that transcended ordinary friendship.

There were challenges, certainly—supernatural politics, the responsibilities of Dylan’s alpha position, the necessary secrecy—but the benefits were equally significant.

Near midnight, as the gathering showed no signs of winding down, Aiden found himself on the back deck with Dylan, taking a moment of quiet together while their friends continued socializing inside.

“This is going better than I expected,” Dylan admitted, his arm around Aiden’s waist as they looked out at the moonlit garden. “Your friends are… accepting.”

“They don’t know they’re accepting werewolves,” Aiden pointed out wryly. “That might change the equation.”

Dylan’s expression grew more thoughtful. “Does it bother you? The secrets? Not being able to share everything with them?”

It was a question Aiden had been considering for months, with increasing urgency as his relationship with Dylan deepened. “Sometimes,” he admitted. “Especially with Mason. We’ve never had secrets before.”

“And with your followers? Your content?” Dylan pressed gently. “I know that’s been a challenge too.”

Aiden leaned into Dylan’s solid warmth, considering his response. “That’s been… an adjustment. My brand was built on oversharing, on turning my dating disasters into entertainment. Finding something real, something private I want to protect… it’s changed how I approach everything.”

“For the worse?” Dylan asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

“No,” Aiden said with certainty. “Actually, my engagement is up. Turns out mystery is compelling content too. My followers are invested in the Mountain Man saga precisely because I’m not showing all the cards.”

Dylan’s arms tightened around him. “And if we… took the next step? Would that change things for your career?”

The careful phrasing didn’t disguise the significance of the question. They’d been circling the mate bond discussion with increasing frequency, both aware of Aiden’s lingering hesitations despite his clear commitment to their relationship.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Aiden admitted.

“About what a future content strategy might look like if we completed the bond. I could pivot—focus more on lifestyle content, relationship insights from someone who found lasting commitment, travel features from our adventures together. Less about the disasters, more about the journey.”

“You’ve given this serious thought,” Dylan observed, surprise evident in his voice.

Aiden turned in Dylan’s arms to face him directly. “Of course I have. Did you think I wasn’t considering it? The bond, the future, all of it?”

“I didn’t want to pressure you,” Dylan said softly. “I know it’s a massive decision—changing your entire life trajectory, committing to the supernatural world, the pack responsibilities that come with being an alpha’s mate.”

“I know what I’d be signing up for,” Aiden assured him. “I’ve had a pretty thorough education these past months, between you, Theo’s inappropriate oversharing, and those supernatural guidebooks Sofia lent me.”

A small smile touched Dylan’s lips. “And you’re still here.”

“I’m still here,” Aiden confirmed. “More than that—I’m happy here. With you, with the pack, with this weird double life we’re building.”

Dylan’s hand came up to cradle Aiden’s face, thumb brushing his cheekbone with tender reverence. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

Aiden covered Dylan’s hand with his own, heart racing with the magnitude of the moment. “I’m saying I’m ready. For the bond, for whatever comes next. I want this—I want you, all of you, wolf included.”

The joy that transformed Dylan’s expression was breathtaking—pure, unguarded happiness that made him appear younger, lighter than Aiden had ever seen him. “Are you sure?” he asked, voice rough with emotion. “Once done, it can’t be undone. You’d be mine—ours to each other—for life.”

“I’m sure,” Aiden said, surprised by his own certainty. “I love you, Dylan. Wolf and all. The rest is just details we’ll figure out together.”

Dylan pulled him into a kiss that conveyed everything words couldn’t—gratitude, joy, promise, and a possessive certainty that sent heat coursing through Aiden’s body. When they finally separated, both breathing heavily, Dylan rested his forehead against Aiden’s.

“The full moon is in three days,” he murmured. “Traditionally, that’s when bonds are strongest. If you’re certain—truly certain—we could complete the ritual then.”

“Three days,” Aiden repeated, excitement and nerves battling in his stomach. “That doesn’t give me much time to prepare.”

Dylan’s smile turned slightly predatory. “The preparation is… mostly physical. And something tells me you’ll enjoy it.”

The promise in those words sent a pleasant shiver down Aiden’s spine. Before he could respond, the deck door slid open, and Theo’s head poked out.

“Sorry to interrupt whatever monumentally important conversation is happening—and judging by your expressions, it’s a big one—but your friend Olivia is challenging Elena to an arm-wrestling match, and I thought you might want to intervene before supernatural strength becomes an issue.”

Dylan sighed, reluctantly releasing Aiden. “We’ll continue this conversation later,” he promised, voice low enough for only Aiden to hear.

As they followed Theo back inside to handle the potential exposure risk, Aiden found himself filled with a strange, bubbling happiness.

The path ahead wouldn’t be simple—supernatural mate bonds, pack responsibilities, career adjustments, and the ongoing challenge of balancing two worlds—but for perhaps the first time in his life, he was entirely confident in his choice.