Chapter 2

Kael

The bass thumped through my body as I worked behind the bar, mixing drinks and wiping down counters. It was another typical Friday night shift at Club Nocturne, the hottest underground wolf den in Mexico City. It was quite an achievement, to be honest.

I glanced over at Lila, my bartending partner tonight. She flashed me an exaggerated wink before leaning over the counter to flirt with some guy who looked barely old enough to drink. Classic Lila — always playing games.

My attention drifted around the dimly lit space packed wall-to-wall with writhing bodies moving to the pulsing beat. Strobe lights flashed off polished chrome fixtures and mirrored surfaces lining every wall. In one shadowy corner, I spotted Javier, our resident troublemaker, making out sloppily with some random omega while his girlfriend glared daggers from across the room. Classic Javier, I thought.

Rolling my eyes, I focused back on polishing the glasses, determined to ignore Javier's antics. It was difficult to do that, but not impossible. Then I noticed him sauntering over towards me, a cocky smirk plastered across his stupid face. Uh-oh. I wanted to be anywhere but here.

"Hey there, pretty boy!"Javier called out, loud enough to draw stares."How 'bout you make me your special cocktail?"

"I'm gonna need ID first,"I shot back with sarcasm in my voice, knowing full well he was already wasted."And maybe a breath mint."

Javier scoffed, reaching past me to snag a bottle of top-shelf tequila. Before I could stop him, he had popped the cork and started chugging straight from the neck. I just hoped that my boss wasn't anywhere around here.

"Dude! Put that back!"I hissed, glancing around. If the manager caught him stealing booze again...

But Javier just laughed, spraying droplets everywhere as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand."Relax, Kae-Kae. Live a little!"

Gritting my teeth, I snatched the half-empty bottle away and shoved it under the counter."Not worth losing my job over, man."

Javier shrugged, clearly unimpressed."Whatever, bro. You're no fun anymore anyway."

With that parting jab, he stumbled off to find fresh trouble elsewhere, leaving me fuming. Some nights I wondered why I put up with his bullshit.

Lost in irritated thoughts, I almost missed spotting something odd happening near the back hallway. A small cluster of shady-looking characters huddled together, casting furtive glances around before ducking through a nondescript door marked Employees Only. My curiosity piqued, I craned my neck for a better view, trying not to be obvious. After all, I didn't want them to find out.

Who were these guys? And what kind of business did they have going on in the restricted area?

Before I could ponder any longer, a sharp whistle cut through the din, drawing my gaze back to the main floor. There, standing near the entrance, was the most striking alpha I'd ever laid eyes on. Tall, dark-haired, and built like a tank, he exuded raw power even from afar. His piercing green eyes seemed to bore into mine as if he could see right through me.

I didn't know why he was looking at me, but he was.

I felt myself flush under his intense scrutiny, my pulse quickening despite myself. Get ahold of yourself, Kael! Maybe he was only checking out something else behind me.

Shaking off the sudden rush of attraction, I busied myself with restocking liquor bottles, keeping my head down. The last thing I needed was to get mixed up with some dangerous alpha looking for a quick hookup or easy prey.

As I worked, lost in thought, I couldn't help noticing the mysterious stranger making his way toward the same back hallway where those suspicious dudes had disappeared earlier. My stomach knotted with unease. This didn't feel right somehow.

Forcing myself to focus, I continued prepping drinks for the growing line of thirsty patrons crowding the bar. Just another night, just another dollar...

A few minutes later, the alpha emerged alone from the shadows, expression unreadable. Our gazes locked for a brief moment before he turned sharply on his heel and strode out, vanishing into the throng of gyrating bodies.

What the hell was all that about? Part of me wanted to follow, to uncover whatever secrets lurked beneath the surface of this place. But wiser instincts held me back. Best not to poke my nose where it didn't belong. I had enough problems of my own to worry about.

Like how to pay rent next month now that my deadbeat dad skipped town again, leaving me holding the bag for his gambling debts. Or how to avoid getting sucked back into the streets when things got really tight. Shitty omegas like me never catch a break.

Sighing, I braced both hands against the sticky countertop, letting my head hang low between my shoulders. Maybe I should've listened to Momma and gotten the fuck outta years ago instead of clinging to the false hope that life would magically improve someday. At nineteen, I was still stuck in the same goddamn cycle of poverty and struggle, only now without her guidance to keep me grounded.

"You alright?"Lila asked beside me, concern etched on her pretty features.

I lifted my head, forcing a brittle smile."Yeah, fine. Just tired is all."No use burdening her with my sob story tonight.

She nodded, but I could tell she wasn't convinced."Well, chin up buttercup! We're almost at quitting time."

Lila always knew what to say to snap me out of a funk. That's why we made such an awesome team — she balanced out my brooding tendencies without even having to try.

Just then, a deep voice interrupted us:"Excuse me miss, can I get a drink over here?"

We both looked up to see a burly alpha looming over the bar, leering at Lila. She rolled her eyes before turning to flash him a megawatt grin."Of course, sir! What'll it be tonight?"

The guy leaned forward, invading her personal space as he spoke over the music."Whaddya think, sweetheart? Surprise me..."

His tone dripped with insinuation, sending warning bells ringing in my head. I stepped closer to protect her, ready to intervene if necessary. Lila shot me a subtle look, silently communicating 'I got this.'

Smiling sweetly, she reached for a highball glass."One surprise coming right up!"

While she worked on mixing a complicated cocktail, the creep took advantage by openly ogling her ass. Anger simmered hot in my gut, fingers curling reflexively into fists. If this douchebag tried anything...

"Here you go!"Lila chirped, sliding the finished drink across the polished wood.

The alpha scowled, reaching reluctantly for his wallet. He slapped a crumpled bill onto the bar top."Keep the change,"he sneered.

Lila pocketed the cash with a polite nod, ignoring his rudeness. As soon as he wandered away though, she let out a disgusted snort."Ugh, what a pig!"

"I know, right?"I agreed."If he tries pulling that crap again..."

"Oh please,"she laughed, waving one hand."You know I can handle myself. You're the one who needs protection around here!"

She punctuated the jab with a playful punch to my bicep. I rubbed the spot ruefully, pretending to be offended."Hey now, watch the merchandise!"

Our banter helped ease the tension, allowing me to relax slightly once more. Just another typical Friday night after all. Nothing I couldn't handle.

But then I spotted the imposing figure from earlier — that handsome alpha — re-emerging from the shadows near the back exit. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him moving so fluidly through the crowded room, all raw power and barely restrained energy coiled within his muscular frame.

Who was that guy anyway? And why did every cell in my body seem to come alive whenever our eyes met?

Before I could ponder further, he abruptly changed direction, heading straight toward the bar with singular intent. Towards me. Heart hammering against my ribs, I froze like a deer in headlights, unsure whether to flee or stand my ground. Both weren't good options.

This close, I could make out the sharp angles of his chiseled jawline and aquiline nose, the fullness of his sensual lips curved into a slight smirk. Up close, he was even more devastating than I'd first thought possible.

He came to a stop mere feet away, those piercing green eyes boring into mine with unsettling intensity. The air seemed to crackle between us, charged with some inexplicable force I couldn't begin to understand.

"Can I help you, sir?"I managed finally, proud of how steady my voice sounded despite the adrenaline surging through my veins.

For a long moment, he simply stared, gaze roving down my face and lingering briefly on my mouth. When he spoke, his rich baritone sent shivers racing along my spine:

"A whiskey neat... and your name."

It wasn't phrased as a question, but rather a command delivered with authority. I swallowed hard past the sudden lump lodged in my throat, mind whirling. Who did this guy think he was?

Still, something about him drew me in like a moth to a flame, daring me to step closer to the edge of danger. Against my better judgment, I found myself replying:

"It's Kael. One whiskey coming right up."

As I turned to grab a tumbler, I could feel his eyes tracking my every movement, searing into my skin like a brand. It took every ounce of willpower not to squirm under the weight of his scrutiny.

Pouring a generous measure of amber liquid, I slid the glass across the counter until it stopped just shy of his waiting hands. Our fingertips brushed ever-so-briefly during the exchange, electric sparks zinging up my arm at the contact.

What the hell was wrong with me? This was no random customer looking for a quick hookup. There was something else going on here, something dark and dangerous lurking beneath the surface of those mesmerizing eyes.

And yet, instead of running screaming in the opposite direction, I found myself leaning forward almost imperceptibly, drawn in by the sheer magnetic pull emanating off his powerful frame.

"So..."I ventured, pulse thrumming rapidly beneath my skin."Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?"