Chapter 1: Moonlight Encounter
The city streets were unusually quiet that night. Nyla tightened her coat around herself as she walked, her mind still buzzing from the move and her first week in the city. She had expected a calm life, but something in the air felt… off.
A sharp noise drew her attention—a grunt, followed by a thud. Her heart jumped.
She ran toward the sound, turning a corner, and froze.
A man was sprawled against the alley wall, blood seeping from a cut on his arm. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and exuded a presence that made the hairs on her neck stand. Something about him screamed… danger.
"Oh my gosh!" Nyla gasped. She took a cautious step closer. "Are you… are you okay?"
The man groaned, attempting to push himself upright but failing. His amber eyes flickered open, sharp and commanding. "I'm fine," he said, his voice rough but calm.
"You're… bleeding," Nyla protested. She crouched beside him, fumbling to pull her scarf from her neck. "I can help!"
He waved her off weakly, trying to stand. "I don't… need help."
"Clearly you do," she said firmly, tying her scarf around his arm to stop the bleeding. "You can't just lie there!"
For a moment, he stared at her, unamused, almost confused. His chest rose and fell rapidly, and Nyla realized just how tense he was. There was something… different about him, a raw energy that set her on edge, yet drew her in.
Just then, a car door slammed and a young man in a sleek suit appeared. "Sir! Sorry we're late! We ran into… some trouble on the way," he said, panting.
The alpha male's jaw tightened. He glanced at Nyla, standing there, wide-eyed and holding his bleeding arm. A hint of annoyance—or maybe something else—flashed across his eyes.
"Leave it," he said curtly. "It's fine now."
The secretary hesitated, unsure. Nyla's hands were still on his arm, and she finally met his gaze. Something in that amber stare made her heart pound. He wasn't just a man—he was danger wrapped in control, and somehow… completely human, too.
As the secretary guided him toward the waiting car, Nyla stepped back. Her hands trembled slightly, and her mind raced. Who was he? Why was he hurt? And why did she feel drawn to him despite the warning bells screaming in her head?
She didn't know it yet, but this night was only the beginning.