Alpha Landon

Althea

I’m making my way through the tall grass, ignoring the sting and itch on my legs. My thighs are burning from the effort.

Landon’s figure is getting closer, but he stumbles, his ankle caught in a long piece of grass. He trips and falls face first into the field.

Every time I see him, I can’t help but smile. It’s not just our friendship that makes me happy, but the deeper feeling that’s been growing for five years now.

As far as I can tell, he only sees me as a friend. I’m pretty sure he always will. But I still cherish every moment we have together, while we’re both still unmated.

I can’t help but laugh as I flop down next to him. He sits up, rubbing his forehead. He looks at me through his thick-rimmed glasses, giving me a lopsided smile.

His smile seems to light up the world more than the massive globe slowly lighting up the sky. The grass sways around us in the slight breeze, brushing against my covered arms.

“You’re so graceful,” I tease, letting my laughter fade. He straightens his thin, lanky legs in front of him. He’s wearing shorts, which is unusual for this time of the morning.

His fashion sense has always been a bit off, but the quality is always top-notch.

Landon often complains about not being as strong or attractive as the other guys he went to school with.

He’s a bit too skinny, his eyes can sometimes seem too lifeless, and his hair never stays in one place for very long.

But popular or not, I see Landon as an incredibly generous, sweet guy whose ego isn’t tied to the size of his biceps.

This is where my best friend Landon and I always meet up—in the grass paddock at the edge of pack territory.

Today, though, he doesn’t seem as excited about whatever happened in the palace he lives in. Usually, the news is thrilling and gives us a good laugh.

The idea of living in a palace, surrounded by opportunities like Landon has, seems like a dream.

But it’s his reality, and sometimes I wish I could experience his stories firsthand. Too bad I wasn’t born into an Alpha family like he was.

“So, are you excited for tonight?” I ask curiously. Tonight is his nineteenth birthday party, and the day he will become my new Alpha. He sighs and looks off across the paddock.

I know him well enough to know he’s distracted. And Landon being distracted is never a good sign.

For years, he’s been looking forward to this day. I don’t blame him... Imagine being able to do what you want, rule a pack, and become stronger.

I know this will change our friendship, especially since his need to find a mate to help him rule the pack will become more urgent.

“Not really,” he mutters, running a hand through his soft brown hair so it flops over his forehead. I’ve always loved his hair, especially the way it shines under the warm sun.

I’m the only one who notices the way those few strands of golden hair intertwine with the rest. I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed, just observant.

“Why not? This is what you’ve been dreaming about since you started school,” I say honestly. He’s always told me he was bullied at school for being skinny and weak.

Everyone told him he would never become Alpha because he’s too weak.

That kind of talk hits him hard, and now I can tell he’s getting more anxious and overthinking things. He doesn’t need to, though.

“I’m not Alpha material,” he sighs, picking at the grass by his side. I tilt my head, then shake it. He can’t be serious. I watch him form a pile in front of him.

He knows his way around the pack and has been capable of ruling one since he turned 13. Even his father believes in him, and his father scares everyone in this pack.

“You know you will phase, right? Think of everyone who won’t,” I say. I’m stuck in my awkward body forever. And I know that once he shifts, I’ll be just a sad memory of his childhood.

I can see the girls flocking to him, wanting a piece of their Alpha, while I sit on the sidelines, unnoticed.

“Yeah...” he drawls.

“And when you become Alpha, I can see you more, right?” I ask, punching his shoulder. Landon’s father is strict and doesn’t like that he has a girl for a friend.

Just like my father doesn’t like Landon’s company for me. Some days I wish people would be less negative toward us.

It’s not socially acceptable for boys and girls to be friends. Especially at our age, where finding a mate should be our main focus.

“Of course, it’s just... well, my father said I’ll be super busy. And as soon as I phase, I’m supposed to find a mate,” he mutters, sighing deeply. I feel a pang in my heart.

It still hurts to hear him talk about mates. I know he doesn’t mean to hurt me, he’s just clueless.

The thought of him with a mate makes my heart sink.

“Well, then you’re just going to have to find a mate who doesn’t mind us being friends,” I say, giving him a smile. He nods. We both know how unlikely that is, even if we don’t say it out loud.

“You’re going to forget about me... when you find your mate,” Landon says gently, taking off his glasses. I can’t imagine a life without my little Landon.

I watch him clean the lens with his shirt. I can’t believe he would think for a second that I would ever leave him. He’s more likely to leave me for some beautiful girl.

“I never will, you’re my best friend,” I insist. He smiles and ruffles my hair. I love it when he does that... I silently savor the moment.

“Good. And you’re mine,” he says. I let out a deep breath. You’re mine.

“So, you’re going to be my Alpha,” I say, giggling. His deep brown eyes light up at my words. That’s it, I know he’s excited about becoming Alpha, and he can’t hide it.

He puts his glasses back on. It’s a big deal, considering the Power pack is sometimes considered the leading pack. We’ve stopped wars, or we’ve won them.

“Now you’ll have to obey me,” he teases. I pretend to groan in disappointment. That doesn’t sound too bad, actually.

We’re sitting in silence, watching the sun rise.

This is my favorite time of day. Not just because I get to be with Landon, but because everything feels so open, so free. No one’s around to judge us.

Further into the pack, things aren’t as bright and colorful. Army camps are a regular sight within the Power pack.

“Has your dad picked out a mate for you yet?” Landon asks out of the blue. I lay back, covering my face with my hands. Of course he has. That’s all he seems to care about these days.

A nice, proper mate who’s simple, normal.

“His name’s Jake. He’s a total jerk, goes through girls like they’re disposable,” I mumble. He’s the son of my dad’s friend. My dad trusts him, so I guess that means I don’t get a say.

“Well, I guess I should go get ready for tonight,” Landon says, standing up quickly and brushing himself off. I don’t want him to leave.

I know he needs to get ready, but I cherish every moment with him. A few more wouldn’t hurt.

I’m not sure if he’s upset by what I said, but he usually doesn’t leave so suddenly.

I watch him go, picking his way through the tall grass.

I sigh, running a hand through my thick hair, wishing time would stop. Wishing Landon wouldn’t change. Wishing we didn’t have to find mates.

I walk slowly back to my house. Street fights are common around here—some people just can’t keep their fists to themselves. So when I don’t see any, I’m surprised.

“Why’s it so quiet?” I ask, tossing my coat onto a chair. My dad’s at the dining table, wolfing down the breakfast my mom made for him.

They’re both in fluffy robes, their feet in slippers. Breakfast is a family affair, and it’s a chore. Their mundane conversations get old fast.

“Everyone’s getting ready for the Alpha’s son’s birthday,” my dad says, picking up a newspaper. I push my hair out of my face and sit down.

My dad knows exactly who’s taking over as Alpha. His dislike for Landon is something I can’t understand.

“He’s not just the Alpha’s son, he’s Landon. And he’s my best friend,” I snap. My dad rolls his eyes and takes a sip of his extra-strong coffee. It’s early, but he has the day off work.

Apparently, Landon’s birthday is a public holiday.

I still remember how we met.

My dad was curious about why the palace was throwing such a big party. Landon was turning seven, and the festival was open to the public. My dad dragged me along, and that’s when I met Landon.

We’ve been best friends ever since he stole my ham sandwich.

“I’m sure he won’t mind you meeting your new mate at his party,” my dad says, watching as I take a piece of toast from my mom.

I only eat toast for breakfast, especially when it’s slathered in butter.

“I’m not mating with Jake,” I say, biting into my buttery toast.

“No, not Jake. Cyrus. He wants to go to the Wisdom pack, so he’s smart,” my dad announces, clearly proud of his discovery. Great, another nerd who’s obsessed with the laws of physics.

Just great...

“No, thanks.”

“Give him a chance, you’ll like him,” my dad says, giving me a crooked smile. Maybe if I meet this guy, my dad will back off. And it’s Landon’s birthday, not mine.

My dad’s determined that I find a mate this year, and sometimes it’s easier to just let him have his way.

“Fine, okay. Look, Missy wants me to come over to get ready,” I tell them, quickly excusing myself from the boring conversation. I grab my coat and head out.

Ever since I graduated, my parents have been less strict about where I go and when. Thank God...

It’s still early, but I’m tired of my dad’s attitude about this whole mating thing. I understand he wants me to mate with someone successful, but I should get a say.

After all, I’m the one who has to spend the rest of my life with him.

It’s not a long walk to Missy’s. I left my dress there earlier, so no matter what, my dad had to let me go. Missy’s a good friend.

She helped me out in high school, and even though she doesn’t know me as well as Landon does, she’s really cool and easy to talk to.

Her house is a cute little cottage with a well-kept garden. My family’s garden is overrun with weeds and vines—my mom prefers cooking to gardening.

I walk up the path and knock on the door.

Missy answers, a big smile on her face that makes me a little nervous. She pulls me inside and slams the door behind us.

She drags me to her room so fast I barely have time to say ‘hi’ to her mom, who’s baking in the kitchen.

She’s a really excitable person and hopes to one day move to the Freedom pack and find a mate. She doesn’t feel like she belongs here, and I don’t blame her.

“I’m so excited,” Missy squeals, closing her bedroom door behind us. I’ve always been jealous of her room—it’s so spacious and modern.

She flops onto her bed, grabs a glossy magazine from under her pillow, and flips it open.

I sit down next to her, a little wary. Biting her lip, Missy holds the magazine up to my face, pointing at a picture of a girl.

“I’m going to do your hair like this,” she declares. I touch my thin black hair, wondering if it’ll even hold that fancy updo.

“Uh, I don’t think that’s going to work...”

“Oh, come on, Althea, let me try,” she begs.

I groan as she yanks a comb through my hair, getting rid of every knot.

By the time she’s done, my scalp is sore and my eyes are watering a little. I watch her try to do a few small braids before she changes her mind.

“I’m meeting my potential mate tonight,” I say casually, watching Missy’s eyes widen. Her eyes always light up with excitement whenever I mention mates.

She’s aware of my dad’s intentions and my long-standing crush on Landon. She’s convinced we’re destined to be together, but I keep telling her it’s a long shot.

“I always knew you two would end up together. Your kids will be so beautiful!” she exclaims, her fingers still playing with my hair. My eyes go wide. Sex with Landon? I haven’t given that much thought.

The idea makes me squirm uncomfortably.

“His name isn’t Landon. It’s Cyrus,” I correct her, my tone flat. Her face drops.

“Oh...but you and Landon...he’s going to look even more attractive tonight,” she insists. I roll my eyes. She knows me, knows that I value personality over looks.

The party is set to kick off after midnight, so Landon can shift in the privacy of his own home, surrounded by his family.

He tried to persuade me to join, but his dad doesn’t think much of me. Besides, midnight parties are pretty much the norm for us werewolves.

“That means every single she-wolf will be all over him tonight. He’ll eventually forget I exist, and by then, I’ll need to find a mate,” I sigh, fiddling with the edge of my fingernail.

Moving on from a crush I’ve had on Landon for years won’t be easy on my heart, so I’m trying to brace myself mentally.

“Good thing your best friend is a matchmaking whiz who won’t let you leave that party until you confess your feelings to that clueless boy,” Missy declares, jabbing a hairpin into my hair with a bit too much force.

I wince, biting back a string of curse words I’d love to let fly.

Time will tell, fate will do its thing. I’m not a member of the Purity pack, but I’ve convinced myself that he’ll choose whoever he thinks is the best fit for him.

I just hope it’s me...