Chapter Seven

Author’s Note: This story is set in an alternate universe, in an imaginary town and country, and during an ambiguous time period.

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Kazir stood by his bike, his eyes scanning the park as the cycling club gathered, chatting in small groups. He had arrived early, as usual, to mingle and socialize before the group ride through town. But today was different. Adisa was coming.  

It wasn’t that Kazir was nervous—he wasn’t, or at least he told himself he wasn’t—but there was something about having Adisa join the group that felt oddly personal.  

Adisa, with his larger-than-life charisma, had this way of effortlessly fitting into spaces. It made Kazir wonder how their little cycling community, which had always felt like his safe haven, would change with Adisa around.  

Kazir’s thoughts were interrupted when he spotted Adisa approaching. The alpha was easy to spot with his broad shoulders and easy stride, a relaxed smile on his face as he waved from across the park. Kazir lifted his hand in a quick wave, feeling a flicker of warmth at how genuinely happy Adisa looked. That was Adisa’s superpower. He always appeared happy. He wondered if the man was ever displeased with anything. Ever.  

“Hey, Kazir!” Adisa greeted cheerfully as he arrived, the customary invigorating fragrance of subtle, tangy oranges wafting into Kazir’s nose. “This is a great spot. You guys have an amazing setup.”  

Kazir nodded, feeling the members’ eyes on them. “Yeah, we’ve been meeting here for years. Let me introduce you to everyone.”  

He led Adisa over to the group, and the introductions began.  

As expected, Adisa quickly made friends, his charm as natural as breathing. He shook hands and made small talk, and within minutes, everyone seemed to be laughing and chatting with him like he had always been part of the group. Kazir stayed on the sidelines, observing quietly. It didn’t surprise him—Adisa was good at this. Socializing came as naturally to him as cycling did to Kazir.  

It wasn’t long before one of his friends, a male beta named Jaay, sidled up to Kazir and playfully nudged him. “That’s Adisa, huh? The new guy you mentioned?”  

Kazir nodded, already knowing what was coming.

“He’s gorgeous. And so friendly!” Jaay gushed, his eyes twinkling as he watched Adisa from across the way. “I mean, obviously, he’s an alpha, right? I could tell the second I saw him.”  

Kazir felt a flicker of discomfort. He wasn’t used to people openly talking about second genders in this way, especially since he had spent his whole life hiding his own status. He gave an awkward laugh, feeling out of place in the conversation. “Yeah, Adisa’s… something.”  

Jaay laughed. “He’s single?”  

Kazir raised an eyebrow, feeling the weight of the question. “Uh… I… I wouldn’t know. We don’t discuss such matters.” And they had only known each other for less than a week!  

Jaay’s gaze lingered on Adisa’s broad back as he chatted with a few members a few steps away from them. He leaned in and whispered, “Super hot. I like him a lot.” He winked.  

Kazir, feeling awkward, let out a small laugh. “Yeah, he’s a cool dude.”  

Jaay chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Glad to hear it.”  

He smiled at Kazir and made his way towards Adisa and his small entourage and started chatting him up. Kazir watched, feeling extremely uncomfortable. Adisa didn't seem to detect Jaay’s flirtation or his lascivious eyes.  

Which was good because Kazir felt burdened, as if he had invited him into a lion’s den.  

He hadn’t expected this behavior from his cycling members. His friends. But they had never been exposed to an attractive, available alpha.

Alphas did change everything, huh? 

The group set off soon after, weaving through the streets of the town, the steady rhythm of pedaling grounding Kazir in the moment.  

As they rode, he couldn’t help but notice how easily Adisa kept pace, chatting with various members of the group as they cycled through town. Adisa’s enthusiasm and openness made his earlier feelings of discomfort start to fade. 

After the ride, the group made their usual stop for a local sweet treat; they went to a small café near the park and got freshly made smoothies. As everyone sat around sipping their drinks and chatting, Adisa continued to win over the group, his infectious laughter echoing through their conversations. Jaay was as close to him as he could get without crawling into his lap. The sight almost made Kazir laugh.  

When it was time to part ways, Adisa and Kazir lingered for a moment by their bikes. The others had started to leave, but Adisa turned to Kazir with a bright smile.  

“I had a great time today,” Adisa said, his tone sincere. “Your group’s really friendly. I can see why you’ve stuck with it for so long.”  

Kazir smiled, feeling a little more relaxed now that the day was winding down. “Yeah, it’s a good group. I’ve been with them for a while.”  

Adisa nodded, adjusting his helmet. “I’d love to make this a regular thing, if that’s okay with you—and the others, of course. I’m trying to switch up my workout routine, and this was a lot of fun.”  

Kazir hesitated for a moment but then nodded. “Yeah, that’d be fine. You’re welcome anytime. As long as you’ve got a bike, it’s open to everyone.”  

Adisa’s smile widened, his eyes glinting with excitement. “Awesome. I’ll see you here next Saturday then.”  

“Not before I see you on Monday at work.”  

Adisa laughed at his lame joke, and it was genuine. His chest swelled with warmth.