Best Friends to Mates

Chapter Four

"Can I please have everyone's attention!" Alpha West called out, his voice deep and demanding, as all Alpha's sound. After everyone quieted down fully, Alpha West continued.

"I just want to talk with you all one last time before you leave here today." Alpha West's eyes scanned along the crowd as he spoke. "You all have grown and progressed so much over the last year. It's been an amazing opportunity to witness your growth and help you learn your unique abilities. Some of you, we have been with you when you shifted for the first time; some of you came here with your wolves already. No matter if you had your wolf or not, though, as you all started from the same point. You worked together and learned together as a unit, and I'm sure some of you have made connections that will remain with you even after you leave here today."

"I just hope that the trainers, and myself, have impacted your lives in a good way. I hope you all have learned new things about yourselves during your time here, and I want you all to use your knowledge gained here once you return home. It has been an absolute honor meeting and training you all." Alpha West smiled brightly at everyone.

Clapping erupted along the crowd as Alpha West finished talking. Some of the girls were even crying. We all hollered out towards Alpha West, cheering for the amazing Alpha that he had been to us all over the last year.

"I'm glad to have met you all. I hope you all succeed in your future duties." Alpha West replied one last time before waving goodbye to everyone. After saying goodbye, he walked back into the center.

The trainers began to scramble around again as cars and busses arrived to take everyone back to their packs and regions. Liana and I said our goodbyes to some of the girls we had grown a friendship with and exchanging numbers with those that we wanted to keep contact with.

Of course, we didn't have our cell phones the entirety of this training course and only got them back today. Luckily, I charged my phone for a bit before everyone had to leave our dorm rooms. I exchanged numbers with Liana earlier this morning, and we promised each other to stay in contact. I really hope that we do, because Liana is somebody I consider a very close friend.

When my name was called by one of the trainers, I knew that my car had arrived to take me back home. Liana had tears in her eyes as we pulled each other in for one last hug.

"Promise to text me as soon as you're home!" Liana demanded as we pulled away from our hug. I nodded with a smile, trying to hold back my own tears.

"I will, mother." I teased, making Liana laugh. She shook her head, grinning at me.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Pryn!" Liana exclaimed, squeezing me once again in a hug. I squeezed her back once more, only pulling away when the trainer called my name again.

"I will text as soon as I'm home!" I hollered back at Liana as I walked to the car that would take me home. Liana waved, and my heart hurt as I saw the tears streaming down her face.

I waved one last time before sliding into the backseat of the black SUV. The driver, one my dad chose specifically for me, drove off from the center. I turned and watched out the back window, only looking away once I could no longer see it.

A heavy sigh escaped me as I lowered myself into the seat. My drive back home would be long, and I silently thanked the goddess that I had charged my phone before leaving.

I checked my phone, wanting to see all of the messages I had gotten while away. A few from my mom, telling me how much she missed me. A couple from my brother, and even my dad. I smiled as I read the group texts from my family, laughing at my brother's teasing. I was excited to see my family.

My heart stopped as I scrolled down my texts more. I had four messages from Thatcher. My stomach knotted as I tried to talk myself into reading the messages. Why I felt so afraid was a mystery to me, but I couldn't help the nervousness in my stomach as I psyched myself up to read his messages.

I took a deep breath before quickly clicking on Thatchers chat. My eyes scanned over the last messages between the two of us, texting as I was on my way to the center. My eyes trailed further down, reading the new messages that he sent me only a few months ago.

I miss you, Tessy.

I need you.

I wish you were here, Tessy.

I'm sorry.

Tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I read the four messages he sent me over the span of a few weeks. I noticed that the messages were after his birthday, and after he quit answering my calls.

I felt sick to my stomach as I reread the messages over again. I badly wanted to call Thatcher just to hear his voice, but I knew better than to even try. Amy had probably blocked my number or something and probably wouldn't let him talk to me.

I shut my phone screen off before tossing it onto the seat beside me. I laid my head back and closed my eyes. I knew that the entirety of the ride, all I would be able to think about was Thatcher. I needed to get my mind off of it before I drove myself crazy.

I was terrified of going home and having to face the reality of losing my best friend. Between his Beta duties and his girlfriend, Thatcher probably won't have any time for me; if he even cares about me anymore.

When Thatcher stopped calling and answering his phone, I knew then that I was no longer a priority to him. I knew that once Thatcher found his mate, all of his time and attention would go to her, and I accept that, it's normal for werewolves; but I always believed that he would still make time for me. I guess I was wrong, and that kills me inside.

I missed the time when Thatcher and I were younger, and we spent every day together. Back before he met Amy, and I was the only girl he cared about spending his time with. I know that sounds selfish, and maybe even a little childhish, but I can't help it. Thatcher has been my rock, and my everything for years; and now he doesn't even seem to be my friend anymore.

I forced tears back, and tried to push the thoughts away. I didn't need to cry or be upset the entire ride back home. No matter what is going on between Thatcher and I, I'm still excited to go home and see my family. I truly missed them so much.

I got myself as comfortable as I could, laying back against the door to spread out more. Luckily, the driver wasn't much of a talker, so I could sleep without interruption.

After laying still for a while, I fell asleep.