Taming My Ruthless Alpha

Chapter 2

As I stepped into the restaurant, my throat felt parched, and a flicker of anxiety coursed through me at the thought of being let down if my colleagues weren’t there as promised.

“Amelia!”

The sound of my name being called immediately drew my attention, and a wave of relief washed over me when I spotted my colleagues gathered at a table. Mr. Harold, Emma, Andrew, Leo, and even Claire were all there, their faces beaming with warm smiles.

Claire was the one who had called out to me, her hand waving enthusiastically in the air to catch my eye. “What are you doing over there? Come on over!” she urged, beckoning me to join them.

With a smile spreading across my face, I made my way toward them. “Sorry I’m late,” I said as I approached their table, taking a seat next to Emma. “I had a bit of trouble getting around. It’s my first day here,” I added.

The surprise on their faces was evident. “You came to work on your first day here?” Emma exclaimed, disbelief coloring her tone. “You mean you came straight to work on your first day in Galveston?”

I nodded, brushing off the concern. “Yeah, I didn’t have anything else planned today, so I figured I might as well come in,” I said with a casual shrug.

They exchanged glances, a mix of astonishment and admiration. “We’re quite shocked to hear that,” Mr. Harold finally remarked. “But it’s good to know you don’t procrastinate. That will save me from facing Mr. Zahn’s wrath,” he chuckled softly.

The others nodded in agreement. “Yeah, she won’t be a problem in our team,” Andrew mused. “Did you move here just for the job, or do you have any family or friends around?”

I shook my head before he could finish. “No, I don’t have anyone. I grew up in an orphanage,” I replied flatly, aware that my words might elicit pitying looks. I despised that feeling, but it was a part of my story I couldn’t change.

I noticed the subtle shift in their expressions, a flicker of admiration sparkling in their eyes instead of the pity I had expected.

"You must be incredibly strong to have come this far in your life all on your own," Leo said, a warm smile breaking across his face.

I scratched the back of my neck, feeling a bit out of my element with such compliments. "Thanks," I replied, a hint of shyness creeping into my voice. "Um, enough about me. I want to hear about you all too!" I added, eager to redirect the spotlight away from myself.

"I'll go first, since you all seem a little dull," Claire declared with a cheeky grin, earning her a chorus of playful death glares from the others. "Okay, okay! Not dull—happy? Is that better?" She rolled her eyes, her smile still bright. "I’ve lived here my entire life. I’m not as adventurous as you, willing to pick up and move to a new city, though I sometimes wish I could," she sighed wistfully.

"Please, you can barely handle being the receptionist without us, and yet you talk about starting fresh somewhere far away?" Leo teased, his voice loud enough for everyone to chuckle.

Claire shot him a narrowed glance. "That’s exactly why I’m here," she grumbled, a playful annoyance in her tone.

Mr. Harold chose that moment to clear his throat, drawing our attention. "I’m from Virginia," he said nonchalantly. "My mother moved here when I was still in diapers, so I've been around ever since," he added with a casual shrug.

The conversation flowed easily, warmth enveloping us as we shared our stories and laughter, creating connections that felt both undefined and yet so genuine.

"Wow, it’s clear that the four of you share a strong bond," I remarked as we enjoyed our meal together. Observing their relaxed demeanor, I was struck by the absence of any hint of awkwardness, despite the fact that they were colleagues.

"It's a small town," Andrew replied with a warm smile. "We've been around here for quite some time, so it’s natural for us to grow close to those we know well."

Emma nodded, "Yeah, not to mention we’re in the same pack—uh, I mean, department!" She flashed a sheepish grin while the others exchanged knowing glances and gentle shakes of their heads.

I nodded in understanding. "That definitely explains the camaraderie," I said, feeling a sense of warmth at the healthy dynamic they shared. It was refreshing to witness such a supportive working environment.

As we chatted about various topics over our meal, the atmosphere felt light and enjoyable. Eventually, we wrapped up our evening. Mr. Harold generously picked up the tab for all of us, playfully insisting that we work hard tomorrow in return for his kindness.

"Do you need a ride home?"

I shook my head at Andrew's generous offer. "No, I can manage. Besides, I’d like to explore a bit on my way home. You know, to get familiar with this town," I explained, not wanting to come off as rude.

He nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. Just try not to linger around after nine. I don’t mean to spook you, but it can be a bit dangerous."

"I'll keep that in mind," I replied, waving goodbye to all of them.

As I watched them walk away, I let out a contented sigh. It genuinely felt good to be in their company. I just hoped this sense of warmth would linger. I knew it was only my first day with my colleagues, so I tried not to get too hopeful, but I couldn’t help but yearn to be part of their toxic-free circle.

I let out a weary sigh and pivoted on my heels, heading in the opposite direction. As I walked, I took in my surroundings, noting the grocery shops that dotted the street. I knew I would be spending some time there soon, so I made a mental note to stock up my refrigerator tomorrow.

But for tonight, all I craved was rest.

The grueling bus rides from Dallas to Galveston were to blame for my overwhelming exhaustion, and I could feel the fatigue weighing heavily on me.

As I strolled past a pharmacy, I slowed my pace. I could sense a headache looming on the horizon, a consequence of my fatigue, so it was best to grab some ibuprofen or paracetamol for the night. Without a second thought, I stepped into the store, making my way directly to the counter.

"Yeah, I don’t know if it will work on you," I overheard the pharmacist saying to a man who stood with his back to me.

"It is not for me," the man replied, his deep voice carrying an air of authority.

The pharmacist regarded him cautiously, "If that's the case, then one should take two pills before food. Preferably at night." Her gaze shifted to me, and a warm smile broke across her face. "Yes, Miss, how can I assist you?"

I took a step closer, noticing that the man in front of the counter seemed to tense up.

"I—Um, do you have anything for headaches and sore muscles?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I tried to ignore the imposing figure before me.

From the corners of my eyes, I observed the man lift his head toward the ceiling and take a deep breath, an action that seemed to draw the air from the room itself.

"Of course. Let me grab it for you," the pharmacist interjected, pulling my attention back to her. I redirected my gaze just in time to see her move towards the towering shelves filled with various products. "Oh, it appears it's not here. Let me check the inventory for you. It shouldn't take more than five minutes," she added before disappearing behind a door.

I stole a glance at my watch, the seconds ticking away, when my gaze unintentionally returned to the man standing before me. My heart raced as I found him staring directly at me, his intense gaze locking onto mine.

His eyes conveyed an astonishing sense of disbelief, as if he could hardly comprehend my presence in that moment.

Typically, I would have recoiled or perhaps even exited the store, but my feet felt anchored to the ground, as if he wielded some sort of unexplainable power over me.

For reasons I couldn't fathom, my heartbeat quickened, and despite my best efforts, I couldn't tear my gaze away from those striking green eyes.

In that instant, I truly recognized how incredibly handsome he was. His piercing green eyes were framed by thick lashes and well-groomed brows. His nose was straight, and his lips were full and inviting. Jet-black hair was styled in a way that enhanced his appeal, making him even more captivating. He stood tall and lean, exuding an aura of strength that was hard to ignore.

He could easily waltz into a modeling agency and capture countless opportunities with that striking presence.

I continued to watch him, noting how his expression shifted to one of hopefulness as he took a step closer to me.

"There you go, miss," I heard the pharmacist say, and with a final glance, I managed to pull my gaze away from that incredibly handsome stranger.

Quickly, I approached the counter to retrieve my medicine, being careful not to accidentally brush against him. "Thank you," I murmured, my fingers fumbling as I pulled out my card, eager to complete the transaction and escape the intensity of that moment.

"Do you have a membership here?" the pharmacist inquired, a friendly smile on her face. "If not, you can sign up. It's free, and you earn points!"

The heat of the man's gaze still lingered on the side of my face as I responded, my heart racing. "I'll set that up another time. I’m in a bit of a rush right now," I replied, tapping my card against the machine while my entire body tingled with an unfamiliar excitement.

I couldn’t quite understand why I felt so flustered.

With the medicine in hand, I turned and walked briskly away, determined not to look back at him, my heart racing in my throat. It wasn’t until I stepped outside that I finally exhaled, realizing I had been holding my breath.

What had just happened? For the first time, a stranger had wielded such power over me with just a glance!

I shook my head, trying to dispel the fluttering sensation in my stomach, and made my way toward the bus stop. Since Galveston is a small town, I had a nagging feeling that this wouldn’t be the last I’d see of him. Our paths might cross again someday.

I just hoped he wouldn’t make me feel that way again. If we were to meet again, I wished it would be in a more crowded place—somewhere I could feel a little more secure.