A stands for Alpha

(sample) The Wolf Of The Institution Chapter 1

I felt my energy draining as I repeatedly hit the tattered punching bag. It looked one breath away from breaking but that didn't stop my assault on the bag. I'd stop when it broke or when it was time for me to get ready for work. I've been at it with the bag for about two hours now. If you asked how long I'd been down here, that would take me a second to answer. All I knew was that my body was reaching its discomfort point. Part of me felt like I should stop and call it a day, but I won't stop because if I don't keep pushing, my tolerance won't keep growing and that can't happen. Before I could ponder the thought any longer my alarm went off breaking me out of my trance. I huffed and turned it off grabbing a towel to wipe some of the sweat off my forehead. I grabbed my phone and made my way up the stairs of my current home. The house wasn't anything special on the surface; it was a standard two bedroom one bath. It's actually pretty spacious. I wish the kitchen was a little bigger but it's not the end of the world. The downstairs though, that's a different story. The institution has to ensure each agent in a cover home has everything they may need for every scenario. I can't technically call it a basement. The subfloor has a couple rooms. It has two interrogation rooms, both are fully soundproof, there's also a small arsenal the size of a storage closet. I don't need very many weapons compared to a human cover.

There's the training room of course and last but definitely the coolest is an underground vehicle garage. I say vehicle because there is a pickup truck, jet-ski, motorcycle, sedan, and a four wheeler. Something for each terrain. There' are also a series of escape routes in case of emergency. Only two of the six tunnels are car accessible, while the others you have to walk through since they're flammable or too small. The flammable ones are not that fun, I'll be honest. Only one tunnel leads to the institution, and it's not even the main one. To get to the institution through the tunnels you have to walk through the main one eventually it will lead you to three separate tunnel routes. Only one of them is correct, one just leads you to the nearest exit and the other kills you. We don't know how, none of us have ever chosen the wrong tunnel but I imagine it's swift. They have to keep a low profile so they can't afford any more flashy or loud deaths. But we only used the tunnels for emergencies just like the cars. If I use a car from the underground garage, I have to take whichever tunnel is closest to my destination since they're supposed to remain secret to not gain too much attention. I have a car parked above for regular use or missions. I checked the time it read at 12:08, I swore and hurriedly showered to leave. Every agent in a cover home was required to have some type of job. It leaves fewer questions about how we afford things. To the people of Shepherdstown, West Virginia I'm Everly. A fairly normal girl with a slight attitude problem. To the institution I am agent 121 my code name is devil's nightmare. The name Devils Nightmare still makes me cringe. James set it for me as a prank when we didn't like each other.

"Welcome to Tony's diner my name is Everly and I'll be your server today. Can I start you off with some drinks?" I said my memorized speech and wrote their drinks. They thanked me and I went to fill up their cups.

"It's busy today." James huffed beside me.

"It's Wednesday and the high schoolers usually have a game." I replied.

"I know but can't they like, go home and cook." He whined, and I chuckled.

"You say things like this then complain about me getting all the good tables." I said as he rolled his eyes at the remark.

"I like money, not people." He responded while grabbing his table's food and making his way to them. I grabbed the cups and did the same. I took their orders then hung it up for the line cooks. My ears perked at the sound of footsteps. I shared a look with James. I smirked, and he rushed to put his plates down. We both made a beeline for the door. I listened to the pattern of feet and figured there were twelve pairs of adult feet and the sound of smaller pitter patterns following behind.