Chapter 1

Autumn

It was closing time, and the cars in front of the big window of the bakery had dissipated to a slow trickle, as well as the light rain. I sighed. I forgot my umbrella, and I would have to walk 2 blocks home when I got off.

I worked for Mr. Smith, an old, 90 year old man whose family had owned the bakery for 4 generations. He had never been closed, even during the war, because his wife kept it open for him when he was gone. They still had the old fashioned brick oven, and they still loved to make the bread like his forefathers before. It was the only place this side of town where you could get anything like it, and he was teaching me the trade.

“Remember, Autumn, if those guys show up, just give them what they want and call me, my son can give you a ride home.” He said seriously, giving me the keys for the first time.

His son, Jerald was the first not to take over the bakery. He didn’t want to because over the years, the mafia had begun to muscle ‘protection money’ out of Mr. Smith. Every Friday, $500.

With Mrs. Smith sick, he would stay, but I insisted that he go to the hospital for her. She was 82, and was the love of his life.

I had the envelope set to the side. I sold the last of the bread, except mine, and a customer picked up a cake order, but time went slowly after that. I watched the road, but no one came, so I figured, at 12am, to close.

There was a single loaf of bread Mr. Smith made for me, as a thank you for staying late, and I put it in a plastic bag with the money. I turned off the lights and locked up. I took the money with me so if someone broke in, I would have it, and there wouldn’t just be cash in an envelope sitting on the counter.

I locked the door and walked in the rain in a rush. The pitter patter soaked my long auburn hair and got into my gray eyes. I silently cursed myself for just washing it this morning. The nicely kept road slowly became more dirty, and less kept. The streets became more ragged, and I had to step over a few large cracks in the sidewalk. I turned the corner, almost home, right at the edge of the Razer Heights subdivision. I was soaked, and I didn’t stop to check my bread, it was too late for that. There were no more cars on the road, but I swore I know I had heard something.

It sounded like a growl, from a big stray dog, so I thought, maybe it smelled the probably soaked bread.

It sounded like it was inside the last alley I needed to pass to get to my apartment. The hair on the back of my head stood and I gulped. I liked dogs as much as anyone else, but I didn’t want to get attacked. I didn’t live in a great part of town, and every once in a while I would swear I saw strays, but never this close.

“Crap” I mumble to myself, run walking past the alleyway.

“What’s in the bag, princess?” said a low voice, I swear I could see neon green eyes glowing from the alley. Even worse than a stray dog… a mugger!

I turned to run, but my arm was put in a vicelike grip before I could take 3 steps. I got dragged into the alley, and I dropped my bag, scattering the soaked bread crumbs, and money all over the ground.

Without saying anything he threw me aside and took the money. I slammed into a wall, and fell down, but I scrambled to get up. On shaky legs I ran as fast as I could. My heart beat out of my chest, taking the opportunity to fumble for my keys in my pocket. I ran without looking back, hearing snarling. The man must’ve gotten attacked by the stray, and I wasn’t waiting around to see who won. I bolted up the stairs, all 10 flights without thinking about the elevator, and down the hall, making it to my apartment. I unlocked the door.

I latched my lock, now inside, and caught my breath. I had never had to run like that before, and I was thankful that he didn’t decide to come after me. I threw off my clothes and got in the shower… knowing I can’t call the police, because of the questions they would ask. I audibly grunted. I am probably going to lose my job and have to move back home... I can’t lie to Mr. Smith! He was the only man in this town to give me a chance when I moved from Sapphire City.

I hated that place. It was a small secretive town with small dreams, and I wanted to own a business someday. I had thought that maybe I could have earned enough to get Granny’s Best, Mr. Smith’s store, but now I’ll never get that chance.

But what if I lied? I would regret it if the mafia guys came in the morning, demanding money they ‘already got,’ but then again what if they didn’t? They never came. Maybe they got arrested….? I got out the shower, disgusted with myself about what I had thought and still scared for what would happen tomorrow.

I slipped on my pajamas. I dried my hair and got into bed, knowing I would get no sleep tonight. I jumped to the feeling of crackling paper.

There was the money, in a fresh paper envelope on the bed. There was a note attached to it.

Goosebumps formed on every inch of my body. Someone had broken into my house!

I whipped around looking for any way they could’ve gotten into this 30 story building. There was nothing. The windows were closed, the door was locked… and I looked back at the note. I noticed the incredible penmanship.

Don’t worry about tomorrow, little human. I will protect what is mine.

-Alpha

What a weird note… and name… the same as the Mayor of my hometown, I thought.