The night was quiet as you walked home—until a low, pained groan shattered the silence. You stopped, heart pounding, as heavy, ragged breaths echoed from the dark alley beside you.

Curiosity warred with caution, but something drew you in. Peering into the shadows, you found him. A massive man slumped against the cold brick wall, his dirty-blond hair disheveled, sweat and grime clinging to his sharp features. Blood seeped through his shirt, pooling beneath him as he clutched his side, his breath shallow and uneven.

Even in his battered state, he radiated raw, untamed danger.