The Alpha's Hybrid

Four

PHOENIX

"Nixy? Earth to Nixy!"

Someone whispered, sending cold shivers down my spine. I turned abruptly to see Caleb staring at me, his green eyes blazing with worry.

"Oh, Caleb. I didn't see you there," I murmured, shaking my head to clear my thoughts.

Caleb raised an eyebrow. "Scrubbing tables isn't part of your job description."

"Oh, come on. You've helped me more times than I can count. I owe you," I said, trying to finish up before he grabbed the sponge from my hands.

Caleb sighed. "Fine. Do what you want. I'm heading out. Dinner later? My treat."

"Sure. Let me just finish this."

---

It was past nine when I finally got home. I dug through my backpack for my keys, let myself in, and headed straight for the shower.

I let the hot water wash over me as the events of the day replayed in my mind. I fought to keep the tears in, but seeing Mom like that always broke me.

I stared at my reflection in the foggy mirror. Dull green eyes stared back. Fiery red hair tumbled past my shoulders—so different from my parents' brown. Mom used to love brushing it.

Now she couldn't even open her eyes.

I shook off the thought and collapsed into bed, the promise of seeing her tomorrow the only thing pulling a smile to my face.

---

I woke up the next morning groaning. Sunlight teased my sleep-laden eyes. I reached for my phone to check the time—and scrambled upright.

I was late for work.

Then I checked the calendar.

Saturday. No shift.

I breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed back into bed. The day stretched before me, empty. I decided to clean the house. Mom and I used to do it together every Saturday.

Now the rooms just felt empty. Too big for just me.

The attic was a graveyard of old memories. Boxes of Mom's clothes. Photographs I'd taken down to spare her grief. Dad's things, stacked and forgotten.

I was almost done when I found it—a small, ancient box tucked away in the corner. Intricate carvings covered its surface, symbols I didn't recognize. It smelled of age, but it felt... important.

I was about to open it when my phone rang.

"Nixy!" Caleb's voice was frantic.

"Hi, Caleb."

"I need your help." His words tumbled out in a rush. "That Alpha from the Blood Red Pack—the one Alpha Rain is negotiating with? He's here. They're coming to my restaurant for a late lunch. I'm a mess. I can't even get the menu right. Please—"

"Okay. Give me fifteen minutes. I'm on my way."

I grabbed the strange box and headed for the door, my curiosity about its contents momentarily forgotten.

Caleb breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Nixy. You're a lifesaver."