Alpha Rage: Bred to rule

Chapter 3: Fate at work

Rage returned to their military barracks after six o'clock in the morning. Unlike before, he seemed to be in a much better mood. Running always helped him with his mental health. His colleagues were all up and about, getting ready to grab breakfast at the galley.

He noticed the unusual silence. "What's with the long faces?"

"Man, Gunny came here and told us our reassignment will be delayed. He said the higher-ups told him to tell us we could have the week off. We're not sad," Knox grinned. "We're delighted we can have the weekend off! Isn't that awesome? I'd take another vacation any day. Who knows? We might be stationed in Iran again. Months of sadness over there, Rage. You know what I'm talking about. Ray here is visiting his old folks in Big Stone Gap in Wise County, and according to my research, the town is at the foot of the Appalachian Trail. We can finally go mountain hiking!"

"But before that," Ray interrupted them, "I want to show you Big Stone Gap and its nightlife. We'll use my car. Get your gear, Rage. It's time to unwind."

Rage chuckled after hearing the name of the place for the second time. "Big Stone Gap, huh? Why does that name sound funny to me?"

Ray smirked. "Hey, be careful. This is my hometown we're talking about, and the girls there—they're fine. But you have to be respectful. My parents are devout Catholics, and they reminded me not to besmirch the good old family name."

Knox laughed. "We'll remember that, and to see is to believe. I am sure Rage is more interested in hiking than meeting anyone there."

That was true. At 24, Rage dipped his foot in the dating pool occasionally due to peer pressure. Unlike Knox and the other two, his dating life is boring. He was not up to it, and though he was sure of his gender preference, he hadn't found that woman who would take his breath away yet. He is not a hopeless romantic, but he knows what he wants, and he knows himself more than anyone else. She hasn't shown up, and he's not in a rush either.

Standing at 6'1, he was considered a fine specimen. He had a well-built body, a chiseled jaw, bushy brows, and piercing blue eyes. Many female soldiers expressed their desire to date Rage, but only a select few ended up on his bed. As expected, he did not feel anything aside from a remedy for a painful loin after a night of booze and flirting.

He shook his head as he began to pack his bag. "Like you said, to see is to believe."

After logging out of camp, the four of them left for Big Stone Gap. There were not many of them left; after receiving the weekend off order, everyone suddenly had plans. The drive was supposed to take more or less five hours if they drove nonstop, but they took little detours along the way to pick up hiking essentials and food. Rage's appetite went from subtle to crazy as he consumed food good for four people in one meal. They joked about how fast he burned his carbs.

They arrived at Ray's hometown around six in the evening. Big Stone Gap is a charming little town, and Ray's house is a cozy bungalow. His family was warm and welcoming, and they all enjoyed the company of his parents and boisterous siblings. Ray's parents were so glad they could spend time with their son again before he got deployed. After a sumptuous dinner, all four of them decided to explore the town's nightlife.

"You boys, be careful out there, okay?" Ray's mom reminded them as they jumped into the car. Her apprehension was evident. "This year, the town's got more visitors, and they're not very nice, Ray. Stay out of trouble."

Rage envied the bond Ray had with his mother. For someone who grew up with his Meemaw, though her love was adequate, he always wondered how it felt to have a mother. He always had this soft spot for mothers, and Rage didn't like the worry etched on the woman's face.

"Don't worry, ma'am. We will stay out of trouble." He promised sincerely.

"Mom, we're seasoned military men," Ray snickered and showed off his biceps. "We can handle ourselves pretty well."

"Oh no, young man," Ray's mother replied, and there was a slight tremble in her voice. "You're here for a weekend off and not to look for problems. Remember our motto: Don't be a problem and----"

"Don't be a problem," Ray mumbled. "Yes. Yes."

"Ma'am, I will ensure we won't stumble upon any problems tonight," Rage assured the woman with a smile.

"Thank you, Rage." She was relieved and waved them goodbye.

They arrive at the town's sole provider of nightlife, aptly named Stone Pub. It was a small establishment smack in the middle of town, and all four entered to experience Big Stone Gap's beer and chips. It was ten past nine, and locals were sipping their choice of booze to end the weekday. The energetic track of R&B music provided a more dynamic vibe. Ray seemed proud of his hometown and was pretty popular among locals, judging by the amount of time he stopped to shake hands or hug. They found a little nook near the billiard table and were soon having the time of their lives, drinking beer and playing pool.

And then he saw her---- Rage's breathing stopped as their eyes met. At that particular moment, nothing else mattered. Just her.

She entered the pub with her friends, and there was something about the small smirk and the seriousness in her eyes that caught Rage’s attention. The woman had no ounce of dainty in her, her confidence oozed. She wore a gray top that hugged her upper curves, worn-out jeans, work boots, and chestnut hair in a high ponytail. Something about her screamed bada**, and Rage couldn't keep his eyes off her as she made her way to the bar. The bartender seemed to know her because he nodded at her as if they were old pals.

"Whoa," Knox followed his gaze. "Congratulations, this is the first time I have seen you look at a woman with lustful eyes."

Rage quickly averted his eyes and drank his beer. "Huh? What are you talking about?"