It was the wrong thing to say. The alpha puffed up, furiously indignant, and came at Chad like he actually stood a chance. Chad evaded the attack with ease, pinning the alpha to the walland twisting his arms behind his back all while holding onto his helmet.
“I’m going to let you go now,” Chad said, his voice pitched low. “But if you keep fighting me, I won’t hold back. Do you understand?”
After a second, the alpha nodded. Chad stepped back, releasing his hold on the alpha.
“Sorry,” the now thoroughly cowed alpha mumbled. He was looking at the ground, and Chad knew from bitter experience how humiliated he felt.
“You having a really shitty day, or are you just suicidal?” Chad asked. He made sure his body language was relaxed and nonthreatening.
“Just… shitty day, I guess.”
“Well, I hope it gets better. I’m Chad, by the way.” Chad held out his hand for a shake. The alpha stared at it for a second, then hesitantly reached out and grasped it.
“I’m Topher.”
“Nice to meet you, Topher. Do you live here in the building?”
Topher blinked, then nodded. “Yeah, on the second floor. You?”
“Just moved in a week ago,” Chad said. He let go of Topher’s hand and walked around him, figuring he should end things on a good note. He looked over his shoulder as he started walking up the stairs. “It was nice to meet you, Topher.”
The look on Topher’s face said that he didn’t quite believe that, but he didn’t argue. Chad turned back around, and was almost at the top when Topher called out.
“Hey Chad!”
Chad turned around, where Topher was looking up at him. “Yeah?”
“I’m sorry about… you know. Thanks for being cool about it.”
Chad couldn’t be more than two years the other alpha’s senior, but he felt older.Experienced. It was a nice contrast to how he’d felt a few nights ago.
“No problem. I appreciate the apology.”
Chad was about to turn around, thinking their interaction was over, when Topher spoke again.
“So you’re new in town?”
Chad nodded, then walked down a few steps so that Topher wouldn’t have to crane his neck so much. “Yeah. I just started working for Tank Security, and they’re headquartered here. What about you?”
“I’m finishing up my first year of grad school. I’m studying computer science.”
“That’s cool. You like it?”
Topher shrugged. “Usually. I’m having some trouble getting an internship for the summer. It kind of sucks, hence the shitty mood.”
Chad was a little surprised. Topher looked like a total jock, and not at all what Chad pictured when he thought computer science. He reminded himself that he shouldn’t be so quick to stereotype people.
“Well, good luck with that.” Chad said. He had no experience landing a job. He’d joined the Army and then been recruited to Tank Security.
“I’m heading out to meet some of my friends from school. You’re welcome to join us?” Topher phrased it like a question. “I’d like to buy you a beer, you know, to apologize.”
Chad studied Topher, wondering if the other alpha was coming on to him. It never would have occurred to him before meeting Peter Tank, but now he couldn’t help but wonder.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“That would be cool. Let me just put away my helmet and move my bike,” Chad said, interrupting Topher’s embarrassed apology. “Hey, do you know if I’m allowed to park my bike in the parking lot? I don’t want to get towed.”
Topher blinked, processing Chad’s acceptance of his invitation, and then he grinned. “You can, sure. Every apartment comes with a designated space. Just make sure you have a valid parking sticker.”
