Before Adam could even finish the thought of seeing Maximilian, the man moved.
One clean, decisive shift through the aisle, like the space had already agreed to open for him and was right in front of Adam.
Adam felt the pressure of an alpha's presence creeping up behind him, too close, too curious, a faint tilt of attention that made Adam's skin prickle beneath the hoodie. Someone's hand brushed his sleeve, and he shuddered at the thought of an alpha feeling the heat and trying his 'luck.'
Adam's body reacted with a humiliating, instant flare of heat, and that half-second of vulnerability was all it took.
Max's fingers hooked into the front of Adam's hoodie - right below the collar, fabric bunching in his fist - and he yanked Adam back with controlled force.
Enough to make the contact behind him miss.
