Three Alphas, Fated To One, Played By One, But Mated To One

Chapter 121: A New Beginning

The bell above the door chimed softly as I stepped inside.

The noise of the city dulled instantly, replaced by a warm and calm atmosphere.

The cafe was filled with soft music, low conversations, and the aroma of roasted coffee beans.

I scanned the place quickly and immediately spotted him.

He was sitting in a corner with his laptop open on the table and a cup of coffee on the side.

He had delicate features and a handsome face. However, he was so low-key that he might as well have been the most ordinary person in the cafe.

Nothing about him screamed danger, genius, or anything out of the ordinary.

If I didn’t know better, I would have mistaken him for a normal nerd there for a study session or something.

I left my suitcase by the counter and had the barista put it away for me.

Then I walked slowly towards the table in the corner until I stopped in front of it.

"Shadow?" I called out quietly and he immediately looked up.

His eyes were sharp, nothing like the nerd I assumed he was at first glance.

He was also observant and he did it quickly and discreetly without leaving a trace.

If I didn’t have Lizzie, I wouldn’t even have noticed that he was observing me.

After a moment, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Ghost." He called out my code name smoothly and I didn’t have any doubt it was indeed my mentor.

"It’s good to finally meet you," he said.

"You too."

He gestured to the seat across from him.

"Sit."

I did as I was told and sat down opposite him.

"You’re younger than I expected," he said.

"You’re not."

That made him chuckle slightly.

"Fair enough."

"You look like you’ve been through something." He said after a moment of silence, but I didn’t respond.

He wasn’t asking a question anyway.

He was just stating a fact and he was right.

After all, I had just left my mate that morning and walked for hours before I could get a taxi.

It would be strange if I looked okay.

Since I didn’t explain, Shadow didn’t push for a response.

"What’s your plan?" he asked, going straight to the point.

"Did you find a place for me to stay yet? I want it to be secure and private. If possible, away from other people."

I knew my requirements were unique and probably hard to fulfill. But I couldn’t live comfortably among humans.

I could work with them but when it came to the place to live, it must fulfill the needs of a werewolf.

What if I shifted unexpectedly one day and Lizzie emerged? I couldn’t take that risk.

"I have already found the perfect spot for you. Your company has also been registered and I have the documents with me. You can start operations at any moment." He assured me and I was thrilled.

If I could start work right away, that would be a blessing.

"That’s great. I didn’t expect you to be so efficient. Thank you, teacher." I was truly grateful for all his efforts.

"I gather that you’re not just visiting," he said.

"No."

"You’re staying around for good."

"Yes."

He leaned back into his chair, studying me.

"Running from something?"

I met his gaze and held it for a full minute before replying.

"Walking away."

Running away and walking away were two completely different things. I had chosen to walk away from everything because I chose myself.

That seemed to satisfy him.

Because he didn’t ask again.

"Alright," he said. "Whatever you need, I can help."

"I’ll pay."

"I know you will."

A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

Even though we haven’t known each other for long and were meeting in person for the first time, I could say that Shadow was the person who knew me best in the world.

Even Karl, who had been my friend for three years, didn’t know me so well.

"I have a few properties in mind," he continued. "They are isolated, in a secure location, and no neighbors live too close."

"That’s good." I said with a smile.

I would be happy if I could settle down immediately.

"I’ll send you the details."

"Can I get them today?" I asked curiously.

"Of course you can."

After discussing the housing problem, we began to talk about technology and networks.

We talked about new emerging code languages and other things.

By the time we came back to our senses, hours had already passed.

When we walked out of the cafe, it was already late in the afternoon.

Shadow suggested going to look at the houses and I agreed.

I stood on the sidewalk for a moment, looking around.

People walked by without knowing that inside of me was an animal that could tear them to pieces within seconds if ever released.

They were completely ignorant yet looked so free I became envious.

I wanted to walk into this kind of future.

A future that no one else but me could control.

"Welcome to your new life," Lizzie said softly.

A faint smile touched my lips.

"Yeah."

I adjusted my grip on my suitcase and started walking.

Shadow walked beside me carrying a bag with a laptop inside.

We headed to the real estate company near the place we were meeting.

"The owner of this real estate company is an acquaintance. They will give you a friendly price for my sake." Shadow introduced me to the company and I was impressed.

He may be a hacker, but the guy had connections.

"Thanks for taking the trouble." I really didn’t know how to thank him.

If not for his help, I wouldn’t know what to do and I most certainly wouldn’t have the courage to walk away from that oppressive place.

"No need to thank me. Talking to you has given me so many insights I would probably have another breakthrough in my career. By the way, when do you plan on visiting the sites I have selected for the company?" Shadow changed the subject.

I had noticed long ago that he didn’t like me thanking him.