Born For The Alpha

It took her a few seconds to make her decision and she ended up leaving the jewelry where it was. She did not think it wise to tag along, a constant reminder of the current puzzle in her life, be it a prank or not.

Arda exited the bedroom and stepped onto the corridor. On either side of the corridor, there were shut doors to the other rooms in the house.

When she emerged at the living room, she saw Jacob at the dining table studying the morning paper with a cup of coffee before him.

He looked fresh from a bath and wore loose grey slacks beneath a white vest. He smiled at the sight of her but she threw him a pout as she drew closer to the table.

“You promised to make me breakfast.” She reminded him. “You promised.”

“Calm down. You didn’t even say hi to me.”

“I’ll greet you when I see my breakfast.” She said as she came to stand beside him.

“And some folks envy me for living with you girls.” He said with mock bitterness. “If only they know what I’m going through.”

“Drama king.”

“You look amazing. Luke will melt at the sight of you.”

“Thanks but quit changing the subject.”

“What makes you think that your food isn’t ready? Do sit down.”

Arda drew out a chair beside him, sat down and placed her backpack on the floor.

“Good girl.” Jacob praised and laid down the newspaper on the table before rising and venturing towards the kitchen, which was just right around the corner.

Whistling a happy tune, he returned shortly with a tray bearing toasted bread and scrambled eggs, which he placed before her on the table. Her face lit up with a smile and he winked at her.

“This food smells and looks amazing. Thanks and now I can say good morning.”

He laughed. “Good morning. You are welcome.” He responded and sat down to his newspaper and coffee.

“Where is Karina?”Arda asked. “I guess she has gone to the gym?”

“You have guessed correctly.” was Jacob's response.

“Okay.” Arda said and dug into her food while he drained his coffee and continued reading.

“Anything interesting?” she asked.

the surrounding forests have intensified. There is concern that wolves or some dangerous animals might soon be the death of

offhandedly. Then he showed her the page he was

The headline questioned. The article was brief. Residents around the urban forests have reported insistent howlings in the woods at night. We hope that

so dramatic.”

“I agree.” she said.

and rose up to his feet. “Anyway, I have to go and prepare for campus.” He said. “Good luck with your Project Supervisor. I hear

nothing, although she had a whole

instead. “Enjoy

“You too, Arda.”

living room, she quickly finished her meal and moved the empty dishes to the kitchen. She walked back

could already see the early shimmering rays of the morning sun on the verge of breaking through the sky. It looked like the sun was going to be all out today she thought, not regretting her choice

Arda shared with her friends was one amongst several residential

fences made of woods and fitted with drive in garages by the side.

before the house and let herself inside her car, a

on the dashboard, which told her that it was 8:20am. Great, she would not be late. Kicking off the car, she pulled it

as populated as major cities but it had the required structures –the way posts of civilization that formed a city; parks, schools, religious structures, museums, libraries, banks, ATM stands, tall corporate buildings, stores,

the University campus. The marquee in front of the

with people going about their business in the premises; Freshmen walking, uncertain, determination lurking within, other experienced students moving confidently, graduating students like her, anxious, focused on their thesis, cliques of students hanging together, talking, laughing, serious

cars in the parking space and ventured towards the administrative building, her

the door of her supervisor’s office, the tag on it announcing proudly, Professor of History- RAY WILSON. She gave

a notebook. He was a handsome man in his early forties. A smile lit up his face at the sight of her

large and airy despite the brawny office furniture fitted inside. One section of the office was a library of its own and had a

the Dean of Student Affairs, The Registrar,

He said

you and good morning

I thought

“Okay, Sir Ray.”

she smiled, coming to stand

Let’s

down on one of the seats across his table and retrieved a printed sheet of paper from a file inside

were Urban Legends, Responsibilities Distribution in Iron

please.” He said

which one have you

told him and watched him arch

Why did you

because it