There are many things I recall in my life that gave me goosebumps. I remember when my father surprised me with a dog for my tenth birthday, when I shared my first kiss at the age of thirteen, and during my first heat, although that had been terrifying to go through alone. I also remember getting goosebumps the day that I got my power. It isn't as grand as people who can save lives or fight crime. Being able to create illusions sounds interesting but it hasn't served many purposes in my life.

However, the most important time I had goosebumps was the night I met Darren. He was taller than me but not by much. Considering I am tall for an omega, that was to be expected. I was sitting down at a coffee shop after a long day at school. I saw him the moment he walked into the shop.

Of course, that tall, dark, and handsome vibe was something I'd heard about in my life. I've read enough books to know it appealed to many omegas. I wasn't immune to that vibe.

He placed his order and I sat there with a textbook in my hands, trying to hide my face behind its pages. He must have noticed me first though for as soon as the barista called his name aloud, he was making his way over to my table with a confidence I didn't know someone to possess.

"May I sit here?" he'd asked with a pleasant ring to his voice that almost sounded as though it could melt butter. And I sat there mutely nodding my head while motioning to the chair across from me. But he took the chair directly beside me instead. He sat so close to me that I swore I could feel the heat coming off him that night.

He looked over my shoulder at the textbook and shot me a warm smile.

"Is that a good book? I was never much of a fan of schoolwork," he'd admitted. It would take a moment for me to look away from his face and back to the book.

"I'm not really following it, to be honest," I told the alpha with a sheepishly embarrassed tone. I was supposed to be studying and yet I was distracted. Even if the distraction was an overly muscled, dark-haired alpha with the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen.

"Maybe your mind should be on something more interesting then," he suggested just as he placed his takeout cup down to offer his hand in a greeting shake. 

"I'm Darren Alcott. May I have the pleasure of your name?" Darren would ask and it was only then that I would pick up his cinnamon scent as it wafted toward me at full force.

"Evan Draper," I replied, almost stumbling through my own name! My cheeks would heat up and an uncertain smile graced my lips. Would this be endearing?

I remember the sound of Darren's chuckle and how he called me 'cute'. It wasn't something I had experienced often. Being around alphas before, they had never taken an interest in me as Darren had. The instant feeling of desire that had bloomed in my chest wasn't something I could easily ignore. We would talk for hours that night, staying so late that the shop workers were annoyed we were still talking. We would exchange phone numbers and have been dating ever since.

It was only three years ago, but it feels as though we've known each other for longer. Darren works as a rookie cop while I'm still stuck at the gas station job I've had since I was seventeen. I know that people say life isn't a race and that things happen as they're supposed to. But the feeling that I'm not living to my fullest potential does hurt at times. Maybe that just means I'm in a rut of sorts. Darren tells me I don't need to change and that I'm fine the way I am. 

When I think back to the night we met, there is one thing that confuses me. I remember thinking he was extremely attractive, but there's something off about that. It almost feels as though there's something missing or something has been removed. The feeling is difficult to explain, but I know something isn't right… What could have changed my memory or perception of that night?

* * * * *

"I'm home," I call out into the darkened apartment. It isn't normal for it to be so dark. Darren should be home by now. As I hang the strap of my shoulder bag over a hook, the light in the living room flicks on. My eyes blink rapidly to adjust to the sudden brightness just as Darren stands from the chair under the floor lamp.

"Babe, what're you doing? You could make me blind doing that," I joke while rubbing at my eyes.

"You're late," Darren says with an authoritative and demanding tone. I wince before trying to shrug it off. 

"By only 5 minutes though. I can start dinner now?" 

Just as I turn toward the kitchen I feel the wind knocked from my lungs as I'm pushed against the wall. My eyes widen as I see Darren staring down at me. He's only two inches taller than me, but the feeling of his gaze makes him tower over my body. His hands are gripping my upper arms tightly with an intensely irritated look in his eyes, I'm certain he's going to berate me.

Only a few seconds later and his lips are pressing to mine harshly. I know they'll bruise by tomorrow as Darren is rarely gentle. A strangled sound comes from the back of my throat which seems to irritate Darren more as he bites down on my bottom lip hard. 

"I don't need dinner so we should go straight to dessert." His tone is suggestive as his eyes dance over my face and down my body. A soft whimper comes from me and I nod my head in defeat. Resistance is indeed futile when Darren is like this.