Agent 003

Eye opening threats

I woke up to the soft light seeping through the curtains, Anastasia's warm body still curled up next to mine.

For a moment, I just lay there, watching her breathe, her face peaceful in a way that almost made me forget who I am. Almost.

The day slipped into motion, and soon we were sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast.

Well, I was eating—Anastasia was busy entertaining Wolf, our tiny ball of energy, who was determined to chase his own tail into oblivion.

"He's small," she said, laughing as Wolf pawed at her leg, his enthusiasm unmatched.

"Don't let him hear you," I teased, sliding a cup of coffee across the table to her. "He thinks he's the king of the house already."

Anastasia grinned, taking the cup from me. "I can't wait to take him on walks. People will be so jealous."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "They'll probably try to steal him."

"Not a chance," she said, her eyes sparkling. "He's ours."

The way she said it—so sure, so full of warmth—it made my chest tighten. She always made everything feel... right. Even when nothing in my life ever really was.

She started talking about plans for the day—maybe a walk in the woods, maybe just lounging at home. I tried to focus on her words, but my phone buzzing on the table broke the moment.

I glanced at the screen. A text. The agency.

"Be right back," I muttered, standing up. Anastasia nodded, barely looking up from her plate.

I headed upstairs, closing the door to my room behind me. Reaching into the drawer, I pulled out the small, untraceable phone and brought it to my ear.

"Agent 003 speaking." I said, my voice low.

"Agent 003, this is Agent 002," Mark's voice came through, sharp and urgent. "We've got a situation. Men from a rival mafia are surrounding the woods near your location. The Serpents are aware and heading your way, but you're not to interfere. Stay in the house. Keep Anastasia distracted."

"Do I take them out if they make a move?" I asked, already running through a dozen scenarios in my head.

"No. The Serpents would notice. You can't risk blowing your cover. Stay inside. If they attack, I'll signal. Until then, stay out of it. Keep safe."

"Understood," I replied, ending the call and tucking the phone back into the drawer.

When I returned to the kitchen, Anastasia looked up and smiled at me like nothing in the world was wrong. Like we didn't have a pack of wolves circling just outside.

I smiled back, sitting across from her and trying to ignore the buzzing in my head. Just keep her distracted. Keep things normal.

Wolf was busy chasing his tail again, his energy unrelenting.

"You think he'll live up to his name?" I asked, reaching over to ruffle his fur.

Anastasia laughed, watching him. "He's already got the spirit of a wolf. Look at him go."

I smiled, leaning back in my chair. "Just don't let him start howling at the moon."

She giggled, mimicking a little howl. Wolf barked in response, his tail wagging furiously.

"Great. Now you've taught him," I said, shaking my head.

She scooped Wolf into her lap, holding him close as he wriggled. "He's perfect. What do you think we should do today?"