THE ALPHA'S HIDDEN FLAME

The rain poured harder, soaking my clothes until they clung to my skin. My shoes squished with every step as I moved deeper into the alley, my breath visible in the cold air. The man at the corner turned slightly, his voice deep and calm as he spoke into the phone. “Tell them I’ll handle it myself,” he said, his tone sharp enough to slice through the sound of rain. When he hung up, silence fell, except for the rain hitting the ground. Our eyes met. “Lost?” His voice was low, almost a growl. I hesitated. “No. I just… needed to rest for a moment.” He took a slow step forward, his gaze narrowing as if trying to recognize me through the downpour. The dim light from the street lamp flickered, revealing the scar on his jawline, familiar, but impossible. “Do you always wander into dark alleys at night?” he asked. I swallowed hard. “Do you always talk to strangers like they owe you an explanation?” He chuckled, but there was no humor in it. “You have fire,” he murmured. “But fire burns fast when it’s cold out here.” The air between us thickened, heavy with something I couldn’t name, fear, curiosity, or maybe destiny. “I don’t need your help,” I whispered, my voice trembling as much as my hands. “Maybe not,” he said, stepping closer until I could see the faint gold flicker in his eyes—wolf eyes. “But you’re in my territory now. And no one walks away from that.” My heart pounded. “Who are you?” He leaned in, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my ear. “Someone you shouldn’t have run from.” he said. The cold rain poured harder, drenching every inch of my trembling body. My hair clung to my face as I tried to catch my breath. My legs were numb, my hope slipping like water through my fingers. “Excuse me, sir…” My voice cracked as I forced myself to speak. He turned off the phone that still pressed to his ear. “I’ll call you back.” His gaze dropped to me, eyes narrowing slightly. “ How can I help you?” “I—I got lost. I don’t have any money… Maybe you can help me?” For a moment, he only stared. The silence made my skin crawl. Then, finally, his lips curved into a smile. “Of course. I’ll help you.” I exhaled shakily. Finally, there are still good hearts left in this world. But before I could even thank him, his hand shot out, fingers digging into my arm. “I’ll give you money—however much you want,” he said, voice suddenly thick with something dark. Fear flooded my veins. I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened, his nails biting into my skin. “Thank you… but I’m not interested anymore,” I said sharply, trying to keep my voice steady. He chuckled—a low, mocking sound. “Where are you going, beautiful? Don’t be shy. I’m willing to help you… in other ways.” “I don’t need your help, you pervert! Let me go!” “Why so angry? It’s still early,” he murmured, leaning close. The stench of alcohol hit me like poison. “Come with me. I’ll take you home.” I spat at him, with my breaking voices, “Go to hell!” His expression twisted with rage. “You’ll regret that.” He yanked me forward, whispering against my ear, “I want to taste you in bed.” “Let me go, you crazy bastard!” Desperation fueled me. I lifted my knee hard into his groin. He howled in pain and loosened his grip long enough for me to run—only for my foot to slip. I crashed to the concrete. Pain exploded in my knees. “Ahh—!” The man recovered fast. He grabbed my ankle, dragging me backward. “Stop running! I can pay you, woman!” “Let go of me!” I kicked, but his hand was iron. Then came the slap. Hard. Stinging. My vision blurred from the impact. “Don’t make this hard, b*tch! You’ll see what I’ll do to you!” Tears mixed with the rain. I was shaking, breath shallow, my voice gone. Leonardo… even if you’re a monster, please—save me. The drunk man pulled a silver dagger from his pocket, its blade glinting under the stormlight. “Have mercy. Please… let me go,” I begged, my voice breaking. He smirked. “Let me take you first.” The world froze. I screamed. And then— “Let go of that woman.” That voice. Deep. Cold. Terrifyingly familiar. We both turned. Leonardo stood resolutely in the downpour, his figure slicing through the tempest like a sharp blade. His eyes, now devoid of humanity, glimmered with a golden hue, radiating an intense fury. Tension radiated from him; his jaw was set tight, and his fists were balled in a fierce grip. The man pressed the dagger against my neck, his voice low and threatening. “Don’t get in my way! I found her first, and I’m willing to pay for her.” Leonardo’s face remained calm, not a flicker of fear in his eyes. “You should just walk away while you still have the chance.” “Or what?” the man shot back, venom in his tone. “I’ll end her life before you even think about moving closer.” I shook with fear, my voice barely whispering. “Please… I don’t want to die.” “Shut up,” the man snarled. I then became aware of it—the deep, resonant growl emanating from Leonardo’s chest. It was the unmistakable sound of his wolf. The drunk’s smirk faltered. His grip is on the dagger shook. Leonardo took one step forward, eyes blazing. "You just made the worst mistake of your life.”