Read From Ashes to Alpha :: The Edge of Prosperity(2/2)

I turned back to look at her. She shifted slightly, her hand reaching out as if searching for me in her sleep. A pang of protectiveness shot through me. I had always been the one who needed saving, but now, I felt a burning need to be her shield, to make sure no harm ever came her way again.

Quietly, I tiptoed to the corner where we had stored our meager supplies. There wasn’t much—a half-empty water bottle, a few scraps of bread, and Mia’s guitar, which she’d propped up against the wall.

I picked up the guitar, running my fingers lightly over the strings. It was old and worn, but it had been her lifeline, her way of expressing the pain and hope that words couldn’t capture. I wondered if I could ever be as strong as she was, as resilient.

The sound of rustling fabric made me turn. Mia was sitting up, rubbing her eyes sleepily. “James?” she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. “What are you doing?”

“Just thinking,” I said, setting the guitar down gently. “About us. About how we’re going to make it.”

She smiled faintly, her eyes still half-closed. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

Her confidence was infectious, but I couldn’t shake the knot of worry in my chest. “Mia, I… I don’t know if I’m strong enough for this. For you.”

Her expression softened, and she stood, crossing the room to stand in front of me. She reached up, her fingers brushing against my cheek. “You’re stronger than you think, James. You’ve always been. You just need to believe it.”

Her touch sent a shiver through me, and I leaned into it, closing my eyes for a moment. When I opened them again, she was looking at me with such intensity that it felt like she could see straight into my soul.

“I believe in you,” she said softly. “And that’s all that matters.”

Her words were a balm, soothing the raw edges of my fear and doubt. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. Her warmth seeped into me, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t feel so lost.

“We’ll find a way,” I whispered into her hair. “Together.”

She nodded against my chest, her arms tightening around me. “Together.”

The world outside was still harsh and unforgiving, but in that moment, with Mia in my arms, I felt like we could face anything. Her strength was mine, and mine was hers.

And as the sun rose higher, casting its light into our little sanctuary, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them side by side.The faint sound of footsteps echoed down the alley, snapping me out of the moment.

I tensed, my instincts kicking in as I pulled Mia slightly behind me. The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by low, guttural voices that sent a chill down my spine. My heart pounded in my chest, and I could feel Mia’s breath quicken against my back.

“James,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “What’s going on?”

I didn’t answer, my eyes fixed on the entrance to the alley. Shadows shifted, and two figures emerged—rough-looking men with scars on their faces and a predatory gleam in their eyes.

They paused, their gazes scanning the alley before locking onto us. One of them grinned, revealing a row of yellowed teeth.

“Well, well,” he drawled, his voice dripping with menace. “What do we have here? A couple of strays?”

My fists clenched at my sides, and I could feel the faint hum of my wolf instincts stirring beneath the surface.

I hadn’t shifted in years—not since my powers had been sealed—but the primal urge to protect Mia was overwhelming. I stepped forward, blocking her from their view.

“Leave us alone,” I said, my voice low but steady. “We’re not looking for trouble.”

The second man chuckled, a harsh, grating sound. “Trouble’s what we do best, kid. And you’re in our territory.”

Mia’s hand gripped my arm, her fingers trembling. “James,” she whispered again, her voice laced with fear. I could feel her pulse racing through her touch, and it only fueled my determination.

“Run,” I said under my breath, not taking my eyes off the men. “When I say go, you run.”

“No,” she said firmly, her voice stronger now. “I’m not leaving you.”

The men advanced, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators circling their prey. The first one lunged suddenly, his hand reaching out to grab me.

I reacted instinctively, sidestepping and shoving him hard against the wall. He grunted, but the second man was already on me, his fist connecting with my jaw. Pain exploded across my face, and I stumbled back, my vision swimming.

Mia screamed, and I heard the sound of her guitar clattering to the ground. The first man recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing as he came at me again.

I swung wildly, my fist connecting with his stomach, but it was like hitting a brick wall. He laughed, grabbing me by the collar and slamming me against the wall.

“Not so tough, are you, pup?” he sneered, his breath hot and foul in my face.

I struggled against his grip, but my strength was no match for his. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mia dart forward, picking up a broken bottle from the ground.

She swung it with all her might, smashing it against the man’s head. He roared in pain, releasing me as he clutched at the wound.

“Run!” Mia shouted, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the opposite end of the alley.

We sprinted, our feet pounding against the cracked pavement. The men’s shouts echoed behind us, but we didn’t look back.

Adrenaline surged through my veins, and I pushed myself to keep up with Mia, her hand tight in mine. We turned a corner, then another, until the sounds of pursuit faded into the distance.

Finally, we stopped, gasping for breath as we leaned against a dumpster in another narrow alley. Mia’s face was flushed, her eyes wide with fear and determination.

She looked at me, her chest heaving, and then she smiled—a small, shaky smile, but it was enough.

“You’re not the only one who can fight, James,” she said, her voice trembling but proud.

I stared at her, my heart still racing, and then I laughed—a short, disbelieving laugh. “You’re incredible, Mia.”

She stepped closer, her hand reaching up to touch the bruise forming on my jaw. “We’re in this together,” she said softly. “Always.”

Her words echoed in my mind as I pulled her into a tight embrace. The world outside was still dangerous, but in that moment, I knew we were stronger together. Whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them side by side.