Best Friends to Mates

Chapter Three

A Year Later!*

I rushed through the forest, paws running across the leaf covered ground. Autumn was approaching fast, and the cool breeze felt good against my fur.

The orange, and red hues were beautiful against the setting sun. I stopped running, and sat down on the tall rock that overlooked the training grounds. I could see everything for miles from up here.

I wanted to capture the sunset from my secret place, one last time before leaving later tonight. This rock has been my go-to place, especially when I needed time to myself.

For the past year, I have come here almost everyday to watch the sunset. I loved the beautiful colors that spread across the vast sky as the sun went down. It calmed me in a way that I couldn't explain.

I would, undoubtedly, miss this place. At first, I was beyond hesitant to come, but the longer I was here, the more I liked it. Of course I missed my family, and I couldn't wait to see them; but being here has taught me so much about myself.

Thatcher's face popped into my head, and I sighed. I knew that this time away would cause distance to grow between us. I knew it the moment my dad told me that he was sending me here.

It actually didn't begin to happen until a few months ago. Thatcher called less, and only answered his phone every once in a while. I know that his new Beta duties have made him extremely busy, but I honestly dont think that is the reason why. Amy is the reason why.

When my brother, Levi, took over the Alpha title from my father a few months ago; Thatcher was asked to be my brother's Beta. I always knew that Thatcher would be the Beta of our pack one day. He is an incredible warrior, and dedicated to our pack. He is the perfect man for the position, and I know that he takes his duties seriously.

Thatcher turned eighteen a few months ago, and gained his wolf. It made me sad that I couldn't be there for his first shift; but it hurt me more that he couldn't be here for mine. I wanted Thatcher to be here more than anything, but unfortunately, he wasn't allowed to come.

Thankfully, the Alpha of this center allowed for my parents to come, and be with me for my first shift. I honestly don't know what I would have done if they weren't here with me that day. I was a nervous wreck.

I haven't talked to Thatcher since his birthday, and after a couple tries of calling him, I gave up. My parent's tell me that he has been super busy with his Beta duties, but I know that he could accept my call at some point. Instead, he chose to ignore me completely.

Pain flashed across my heart at the thought of Thatcher. Amy succeeded in wedging distance between Thatcher and I. Ever since the day Thatcher introduced us, I knew she was a snake in the grass. I could tell by how she would act friendly to me when Thatcher was around, but the moment he was gone, she turned into the wicked witch of the west.

Of course, I never confronted Amy about it. She knew that I wouldn't say anything to her from fear of Thatcher never speaking to me again; and of course, she used that to her benefit.

A loud howl brought me out of my thoughts. The sun was now almost set, and the sky was growing darker by the minute. I let out a loud howl in return, letting the Alpha of this center know that I was okay.

I jumped up, and dashed back through the woods, towards the center. My wolf took full control, and I took a back seat, watching through her eyes.

My wolf, Adira, flew through the woods. Dodging trees quickly, she bounded towards the training center at full speed. Trees flew by in a blur as her speed increased.

Adira loved to run, and she was incredibly fast at it. She has outran every she-wolf here at this center multiple times; earning the nickname, The Blur. Of course this only boosted her ego even more.

The center came into view as we got closer to the edge of the trees. Adira slowed down to a trot as we neared the tree that covered our clothing. Once at the tree, Adira yipped once before allowing me to take back control. I shifted back into my human form, shivering as the chilly breeze flew past my bare body.

I quickly pulled on my clothes, and walked towards the entrance of the center. Some of the trainers stood out front, scrambling around as they tried to figure out our departure plans.

Spotting Liana, I walked swiftly over to her. She was talking with another she-wolf that I had spoken with a few times. I waited paitently for my friend to finish her conversation.

Liana turned towards me, and smiled. "Did you have a good run?" She asked. I nodded, giving her a small grin back. Liana knew about my evening tradition to watch the sunset. She joined me a few times, but never fell in love with it like I had.

"Yes, I did. I'm going to miss the sunsets here, that's for sure." I replied, glancing in the direction of the setting sun. It was almost fully set now, casting darker shades of blue and purple across the sky as the night slowly crept in. I sighed, knowing that I would never watch the sun set here again.

"You'll find a better place to watch your sunsets back home." Liana smiled widely, trying to cheer me up. I gave her a weak smile back. I would miss this place more than I had previously thought; it was my home for over a year.

"I'm going to miss your late night stories." I teased. Liana laughed, before pulling me in for a hug. She has grown to be one of my closest friends, and has been there for me through all of my hardships since coming here. Liana comforted me when I was beginning to realize how much Thatcher, and I drifted apart. I could never repay her for being there for me like she was.

"I will call you every night, and tell you one, if you want." Liana winked playfully. I squeezed her tighter, hoping that we wouldn't lose touch with each other. "And don't worry, we will always be friends." Liana smiled.

"I hope so, Lia." I replied.

Alpha West walked out of the front double doors, calling out to us. All attention turned to him as we waited for instructions on what to do next. It was just like the first day we all arrived here; waiting around out front to be told what to do. I met Liana that day, and we instantly connected as friends. Even better, later on we discovered that we were bunk-mates.