From Ashes to Alpha

The private room in the upscale coffee shop was a cozy retreat from the bustling city.

The skyscraper of "Silver Moon Group" can be seen from outside the window, the most prestigious building in the city, its name gleaming brightly at the top.

Amelia and I sat across from each other.

The waiter approached, setting down a steaming Americano in front of Amelia and a rich, creamy cappuccino in front of me.

As he placed the cups, I interrupted, "Could you bring me five more sugar packets, please?" Amelia raised an eyebrow, her eyes following the waiter as he nodded and left.

"James, do you really need that much sugar?" Amelia asked, a mix of amusement and disbelief in her voice.

"Life is too bitter, Amelia. I'd rather my coffee be sweet," I replied with a grin, tearing open the first packet and pouring it into my cappuccino. "Besides, it's not like I'm trying to impress anyone with my coffee connoisseurship."

Amelia chuckled, shaking her head. "You're such a child. Do you think adding sugar will make everything better?"

"Absolutely," I said, reaching for the second packet. "It's a small pleasure in a world that's often anything but."

She sipped her Americano, the bitter aroma filling the air. "I prefer to face the bitterness head-on. It makes the sweetness of life all the more rewarding."

"Spoken like a true wolf," I teased, adding the third packet. "But not everyone can handle the raw edge of life like you."

Amelia's eyes sparkled with a challenge. "Maybe you should try it sometime. You might find it's not as bad as you think."

I stirred my cappuccino, the spoon clinking against the ceramic. "I'll stick to my sweetened version, thank you. It's my way of finding balance."

The waiter returned, placing the additional sugar packets on the table. I thanked him and continued to sweeten my coffee, one packet at a time. Amelia watched me with a mix of curiosity and exasperation.

Amelia rolled her eyes. "You're hopeless."

I nodded, feeling the warmth of the coffee spread through my chest. "Exactly. And who better to have by my side than a strong, independent wolf like you?"

Amelia smiled, her expression softening.

"So, James, how was it today at "Fang Alley" ?" Amelia asked, her eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity.

I leaned back, a satisfied grin spreading across my face. "It was... exhilarating. You know, I used to be a nobody there, someone everyone could push around. Today, I got to see those same people looking at me with envy. It felt amazing."

Amelia rolled her eyes, a small, exasperated smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You really are something, aren't you?" she muttered, more to herself than to me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, a bit confused by her reaction.

"Did you notice anything about the shops? Did you observe what kind of businesses they were running?" She leaned forward, her tone a mix of challenge and expectation.

I scratched the back of my head, feeling a bit sheepish. "To be honest, I didn't really pay attention. I was more focused on the... atmosphere."

Amelia's eyebrow arched. "The atmosphere? James, you're here to work, not to daydream. Did you at least notice the shop of the guy who said hi to you? You know, the one with the prosthetic arm?"

I thought for a moment, trying to recall the details. "Um, I think he said something about incense or... something like that?"

Amelia's patience seemed to snap. She playfully punched my arm. "Incense? Incense your head off, more like it! That's a weapons shop, James. A weapons shop!"

"Ow, okay, okay!" I rubbed my arm, laughing. "I guess I need a bit more training in observation."

She sighed, shaking her head. "You do, but it's not just about observation. It's about being aware. If we're going to survive in this world, you need to start paying attention to your surroundings."

I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed but also determined. "I get it. I'll try harder. It's just... I've never had to do this before."

Amelia's expression softened, and she reached out to place her hand on mine. "It's okay. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. But remember, when we're out there, every detail could mean the difference between life and death."

"I'll keep that in mind," I promised, squeezing her hand back. "Thanks, Amelia."

I asked Amelia:"What about you? Did you find anything interesting?"

Amelia leaned back, a sly smile on her face. "I visited a couple of shops. One sells rare books and artifacts, and the other is a black market pharmacy. Both places could be useful for us."

"Rare books and artifacts? That sounds like something out of a novel," I said, intrigued.

"Sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction," she replied, her eyes gleaming. "But the pharmacy is where I found something truly valuable."

"Like what?" I asked, leaning in a bit closer.

"A potion that can help us stay alert and focused," she explained. "It's not cheap, but it could be a game-changer for our missions."

I nodded, impressed. "That's great. We'll definitely need all the help we can get."

Amelia's smile widened, and she patted my arm. "You're learning, James. I'm proud of you."

I felt a warm sensation in my chest, my heart beating a bit faster. "Thanks, Amelia. I'm glad I have you to help me navigate this... new world."

She looked at me, her eyes softening. "We're in this together, James. No matter what."

I nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and resolve. "Yeah, we are."

"Silver Moon," she said, looking out of the window.. " The company is a gold mine, and there are a lot of people who would love to see it fall."

My tone revealed concern: "So you must have a strong sense of crisis."

"Today, we went to "Fang Alley". There are many hooligans there. But these gray forces are exactly what I want to cooperate with. When necessary, maybe they can be of great help." Amelia said calmly.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "And you need... me?"

"Yes, James. You," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I can't risk my family's reputation by getting involved in any of this. But I need someone who can handle it, someone I trust."

I felt a mix of surprise and flattery. "Why me? I'm just a... "

She smiled, a rare and genuine expression that made my heart skip a beat. "You're more than that, James. You're someone who has the skills and the heart to do what's necessary. I've seen it. You've been through enough, and you know how to navigate the shadows."

I shook my head, still not fully grasping the implications. "This is a big ask, Amelia. You're talking about dealing with some serious players. What makes you think I can do it?"

"Because you're different," she said, her eyes locking onto mine. "You're a fighter. And you have a sense of justice that won't let you turn a blind eye to what's happening."

I couldn't deny the truth in her words. "What do you need me to do exactly?"

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I expected nothing less." She reached into her bag and pulled out a sleek, black smartphone and a set of car keys. "Your 'welcome package.' The phone is encrypted, and the car is parked in the basement of this building. It's yours to use."

I took the phone and keys, my fingers brushing against hers. The touch sent a shiver down my spine. "So, you were pretty sure I'd say yes?"

"Pretty sure," she admitted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I couldn't think of a reason why you'd refuse. Not when it comes to something this important."

I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a mix of pride and unease. "You've got a way of making me feel like I have no choice."

"That's because you don't," she said, her tone serious. "Not really. But I'm glad you're with me, James. Together, we can do this."

She stood up, her movements graceful. "For now, just enjoy the rest of your coffee. I'll be in touch."

I watched her leave, the door closing softly behind her. The room felt suddenly empty, the jazz music a lonely echo. I took a deep breath, the scent of the coffee grounding me.

And as I sipped my coffee, I couldn't help but think about the woman who had just walked out of the room. Amelia.

She was a force to be reckoned with, and I was starting to realize that she had a way of making me feel more alive than I had in years.