Read From Ashes to Alpha :: sign up for a boxing match

I stood at the edge of the bustling city street, the noise of the traffic and the chatter of passersby creating a symphony of urban life.

The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the buildings and the people. From a distance, I saw a sleek, black convertible approaching, its engine purring smoothly.

It was understated, but I knew it was expensive. Amelia, always the epitome of wealth and attitude, had surprised me with her choice of vehicle.

As the car slowed to a stop in front of me, I felt a wave of heat rush to my cheeks.

I couldn't help but wonder if everyone around us was assuming the worst—that I was just another pretty face she was showing off. I hesitated, my feet feeling rooted to the ground.

"James, get in the car. " Amelia called out, her voice a mix of impatience and something else I couldn't quite place. Her eyes caught mine, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to fade.

I swallowed hard, trying to push aside my insecurities.

"Coming," I replied, my voice a little too eager. I walked around the car, the sound of my footsteps echoing slightly on the pavement. The smell of fresh asphalt and exhaust mingled with the crisp evening air.

Opening the passenger door, I slid into the seat, the leather cool against my skin.

The interior was as luxurious as I expected, but the simplicity of the exterior made it all the more intriguing. Amelia revved the engine, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Ready for a little adventure?" she asked, her eyes glinting with excitement.

I nodded, trying to match her enthusiasm. "Absolutely. Where are we headed?"

"It's a surprise. Trust me," she said, her tone light, but there was a hint of challenge in her words. I looked at her, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

The way she said it made my heart skip a beat.

The car pulled away from the curb, and I felt the wind in my hair as we sped down the street. The city lights began to twinkle, and the noise of the day gradually gave way to the quieter, more intimate sounds of the night.

I turned to Amelia, the cityscape behind her, and the golden glow of the sunset lighting up her profile.

"You look... different today," I commented, my voice trailing off as I searched for the right words.

Amelia glanced at me, her smile widening. "Different how?"

"More... grounded, maybe? I don't know, you just don't seem as... untouchable," I explained, feeling a bit vulnerable for putting my thoughts out there.

She chuckled, a sound that was both warm and a bit mocking. "Is that a good thing?"

I thought for a moment, the city lights reflecting in my eyes. "Yeah, I think it is."

Her gaze softened, and she reached over to touch my hand, her fingers lingering. "Good. I wanted to show you a different side of me tonight."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as her touch sent a jolt of electricity through me. "I'm really looking forward to it."

She nodded, her eyes back on the road, but I could feel the tension between us. The car turned a corner, and we headed toward a part of the city I had never been to before.

The buildings grew taller, and the streets became more deserted. The air was cooler here, and the scent of the ocean began to mix with the city aromas.

"Amelia, where exactly are we going?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"A place that will make a man out of you," she replied, a sly smile curling her lips.

I felt my face heat up, the blush creeping from my neck to my cheeks. "Are you serious? You want to take me to one of those places at night?"

"Oh, James," Amelia laughed, the sound rich and melodic. "You always jump to the wrong conclusions. I'm not talking about that kind of place."

"Then what kind of place?" I pressed, my voice tinged with embarrassment.

She reached over and patted my knee, her touch sending a shiver down my spine. "You'll see. Just trust me, okay?"

I nodded, my heart thudding against my chest. The car glided smoothly through the streets, the city lights reflecting off the wet pavement.

Amelia fished around the side of her seat and pulled out an old, leather-bound book. "Here, catch this," she said, tossing it to me.

I caught it, the weight of it solid in my hands. The cover was worn, the title embossed in gold: <The Lunar Codex>.

"What's this?" I asked, running my fingers over the title.

"It's a book I've had for a while. It tells the story of our kind," she explained, her tone serious now.

"Your kind? You mean...?" I trailed off, not sure if I wanted to finish the question.

"Shifters, James. Werewolves. It's all in there," she said, her gaze steady on the road ahead.

I opened the book, the pages yellowed and filled with intricate handwriting. "It looks... ancient. How did you get it?"

"It was passed down through my family. My grandmother gave it to me before she... passed away," Amelia said, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"I'm sorry," I murmured, feeling a pang of sympathy.

"Don't be. She lived a long and full life. Besides, she always said it would be better to pass it on to someone who could use it, rather than let it gather dust," Amelia said, her voice regaining its usual warmth.

The car came to a halt outside a dilapidated garage, its rusty gates creaking in the wind.

The contrast between Amelia's sleek, high-end vehicle and this rundown spot was stark, almost comical. I glanced at her, a mix of curiosity and unease swirling in my gut.

"James, we're here," Amelia said, her voice steady but her eyes hinting at a challenge.

I nodded, slowly opening the door. The moment I stepped out, the heavy scent of oil and metal filled my nostrils, mingling with the faint smell of sweat and blood.

The garage was more than what it seemed; it was an underground boxing arena, a place where the real world's rules didn't apply.

"Follow me," Amelia commanded, her heels clicking on the cracked asphalt as she led the way.

We entered through a side door, and the noise inside was a stark contrast to the quiet outside.

The air was thick with the sounds of grunts, the thud of fists hitting flesh, and the cheers of a rowdy crowd.

Inside, the place was dimly lit, the few overhead lights flickering intermittently. The walls were lined with old boxing posters, some faded and torn.

There were a few rows of seats, most of which were occupied by rough-looking men and women, all eyes on the ring in the center.

The ring itself was surrounded by ropes that had seen better days, and the floor was stained with what I hoped was just water.

Amelia walked up to a burly man with a thick beard and a leather apron, who was marking down names in a tattered notebook. He looked up, his eyes narrowing as he saw us.

"Evening, Victor. This is James. He's ready to sign up," Amelia said, her tone confident.

Victor's gaze shifted to me, sizing me up. "New blood, huh? You got the guts, kid?"

I was full of confusion and hadn't come to my senses yet.

What exactly are we signing up for?

Amelia answered for me first: "Sure. Always ready for battle."

"Alright, you'll be up against Mike. He's a big one, weighs about 180 pounds. Tough as nails," Victor warned, his voice a low rumble.

Amelia stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "James, you just need to win three fights here. After that, the Jones family can support you in any way you need. This is your chance to prove yourself."

Can I survive under the fists of a 180-pound strong man? I am so bitter inside.

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