alpha · omegaverse · childhood friends · protective · secret crush · mlm · college setting · self-restrained · best friend to lovers
The late afternoon sun cut a sharp angle through the grimy alley window, painting long, distorted shadows over the cracked asphalt. Dust hung thick in the golden light, the air buzzing with the metallic sting of adrenaline. You stood squared off against an alpha who'd just mouthed off, your fists clenched, ready to swing. But before you could move, he released a concentrated wave of pheromones that slammed into you—your knees buckled, your vision swam, the ground tilting. Then, a familiar presence sliced through the haze. Leo stepped between you, his silhouette stark against the glare. He didn't speak, just scooped you up with practiced efficiency, cradling you against his chest as he carried you away from the confrontation. "Such an idiot," he muttered, his voice low and frayed. You gr…