Alpha Loves Alpha

Chapter 7:

Xavier:

This was my favorite event, the 3200 meter race. I knew I was the fastest here. Last year, as a newly appointed Alpha, I was still able to beat everyone.

All Alphas had to compete in this event in their wolf form. I could see Alpha stretching. Our race in the woods was close, but I wouldn’t let that happen today. For a female she was fast, but now she was competing against five male wolves. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wound up being last.

They called us to our marks. I stood at the start line in anticipation. My wolf loved a good run, especially when we went as fast as we could go.

“Get set!”

I could feel the intense focus of, not just the wolves competing, but the crowd as well. They were sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting to see which Alpha was the fastest.

“Go!”

We all propelled forward. The crowd roared with excitement, everyone cheering for their favorite Alpha. Without the eyes of a wolf we would all look like a blur running around the track, using our Alpha speed.

I was so focused on the task at hand that I barely noticed the crowd. Alpha was on my tail, followed by Sterling and Derrick. Unsurprisingly, Tobias and Daniel trailed behind.

I knew Alpha would give it all at the beginning of the race. She didn’t want to lose to me again, but that seemed to backfire on her. Derrick and Sterling caught up to her and eventually surpassed her.

I could hear her growling. She wasn’t pleased. It was her fault for using all her strength at the beginning, but she still managed to stay ahead of Tobias and Daniel.

I projected forward, increasing my speed. I could hear Sterling panting from behind me. He must have been speed training, because he was not this fast at the last Summit.

Sterling ended up catching up to me. We were side-by-side with two hundred meters to go.

I maxed out my speed and kept pushing forward. He wasn’t able to keep up, but was able to stay withing a few seconds behind me as I crossed the finish line.

I turned to see Alpha sprinting ahead of Derick at the last second, locking in third place.

Tobias crossed the finish line a few seconds after, followed by Daniel.

My wolf stood with pride as the crowd cheered, yelling my name.

“You look like a cocky asshole,” Alpha mind linked to me.

I chuckled at her remark. “You’re just mad that I beat you again.”

She rolled her eyes and huffed. “The Blind Build is next. I know I’m a better commander than you, so I’m not worried,” Alpha said with a laugh before she headed towards the changing rooms to shift.

I wasn’t concerned at all. The Blind Build is designed to see how well an Alpha is able to lead their Betas and Gammas. A structure is built out of blocks based on a diagram only the Alpha can see. We have to be able to explain to our team how to arrange the blocks to create the picture. The first team to make the structure accurately wins.

Once everyone was shifted and dressed, we gathered with our team at our designated tables. Each one had a container full of wooden building blocks that were in different shapes. They were mostly made up of squares and rectangles, as well as several triangle pieces.

Queen Selena handed a map to each Alpha. I glanced at the paper. We had to build a three-dimensional castle. It was made of mostly squares and rectangles to form a brick pattern, with a couple of gaps made to look like doors and windows. The castle was made with four layers, then topped with the triangle pieces to make the peaks of the towers.

“Okay, Teams! Start building,” King Edward commanded.

I started barking out orders. Edgar was efficient as usual, but Strauss seemed to lack vision. He couldn’t picture what I was trying to convey to him.

I groaned in annoyance. “Come on, Strauss. Ninety degrees!” I was losing my temper fast. “Edgar help him out!”

“Tate, that’s not what I said,” Sterling sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger.

At least I wasn’t the only one getting irritated.

“That’s right! We’re almost done guys! Good job, Sun Pack!” I could hear Alpha cheering her men on. “Use the triangle pieces for the top. Yes! Just like that.” I saw the smile on her face. She was practically giddy. She looked nice with a smile on her face. I wish it was intended for me.

“Alpha Xavier, what are the next instructions,” Edgar asked, pulling me from my thoughts of Alpha.

“Uh…” I looked down at the diagram, trying to find where I left off. “Take that rectangle piece-”

“All done,” Tobias yelled towards the King and Queen. I looked over and saw the picture perfectly executed, with all four layers of the castle built with the triangle topper pieces properly placed.

How did he do that? I had just finished the third layer!

I looked at each table. Alpha’s team was only missing the last few peaks, while Derick had just started the third layer. Sterling’s was only two layers high, and Daniel managed to get half way through the fourth layer.

I sighed in defeat. How could Alpha make it farther than me? I’ve been in charge for the last six years. All missions have been executed properly. No rogues were able to take charge of my pack, and we had a lot of attacks. I knew how to command my men. I doubt she even saw anything close to a fight, let alone an attack on her land.

“What do you call that? It’s barely a fort,” Alpha mocked. I growled at her remark and walked away.

I couldn’t waste any energy bickering with her. We were four events in and I already lost half of them. I needed to win every single one. There was no way I was going to give up my rank.

The next two event were Long Jump and High Jump.

Edgar managed to beat everyone by six inches in the Long jump, followed by Derrick and Tate, leaving Juan, Saphir, and Daniel in the last three places.

During the High jump Strauss had placed in second, resulting in Mark as the winner. Tate was awarded third, followed by Mason in fourth. Georgio was fifth, with Troy in last place.

With two more events left I pulled Strauss aside. “We need this win. I’m not risking us losing our place. Are you sure you can do this?”

“Yes, Alpha Xavier. I won my Middle school Archery Championship. No need to worry.” He shrugged me off in a carefree manor.

I couldn’t see any concern in his brown eyes. I trusted Strauss with my life. I know when he’s set on something he’ll accomplish it.

He was the first to compete. He was given three arrows. The goal was to get all three closest to the bull’s eye.

He shot one and hit the lower part of the outer ring. He looked over at me to see my disapproval. “It slipped,” he chuckled.

The next arrow landed in the same ring on the top part of the target. He scratched the back of his head. “I guess I’m a little rusty,” he laughed nervously.

I sighed. I should have known. He was always a jester, never taking anything seriously.

“Last arrow. Here we go,” he said eyeing the target. He focused in and released the bow. The arrow sailed through the air landing just outside the center circle.

My wolf growled. Sometimes I wondered why I kept him around. He was always goofing around. Did he take any of his Beta duties seriously?

He walked over to me with a sheepish grin. “It’s been awhile. I guess I haven’t picked up a bow since then.”

“Strauss, you know how important this is. Not everything is a f*cking joke!” I sighed and walked away. I was competing in the last event and I needed to cool off and focus.

Alpha:

I saw the way Xavier had chewed out Strauss. He looked a little defeated. I walked over to him.

“Hey, Strauss. Did I hear you were champion at your Junior High,” I asked.

“Don’t make fun of me, Alpha. I don’t need it right now,” he said, sulking.

“I wasn’t. I just thoughts it was cool. Why did you stop?”

“I was considered a dork, and thought that girls would like me better.”

“You’re so cute!” I reached up and tussled his dreadlocks. He look bemused at my action. “Don’t worry about what people think. If they make fun of you for it, then their not the kind of people you want to be friends with. My father used to always tell me that. I was made fun of in school, because everyone thought a girl couldn’t be Alpha. But I proved them wrong.” I gave him a smile.

“You’re a smart woman.” He returned my smile with a devilish look. “Are you sure you won’t consider becoming our Luna? I think Xavier could benefit greatly from it.”

I laughed at him. “He is a bit of a brute, but I don’t think I can change that man. He’s too stubborn.” My statement got a laugh from Strauss. “How about I settle for being your friend?” I stretched a hand out to him.

He took my hand and shook it. “Deal. But I will still try to convince you.”

“You can try, but I’m not easily convinced.”

Strauss chuckled at me. “Somehow I’m not surprised.”

“Alpha from the Sun Pack is up next,” announced King Edward.

“That’s my cue.”

I walked to the shooting range and surveyed the distance. The wind was non-existent and the ground was flat. It was optimal conditions with nothing to effect the trajectory of the arrow.

I focused on the task at hand before taking my stance. I nocked my arrow and set my bow. Taking a deep breath in, I aimed for the bull’s eye. I released an exhale as I discharged the bow string. The arrow sliced through the air and hit the center of the target.

I didn’t realize how quiet the crowd had gotten, before they irrupted with shouts and clapping. I could hear a large amount of them shouting my name.

I wasn’t sure how members from the other packs would respond to me. When I was introduced at the beginning of the ranking they seemed surprised. I even heard a few gasps. As my team and I competed in the events, I noticed that more people seemed to be rooting for us.

Their acceptance and cheers gave me more determinations. I had to keep the rank my father worked so heard to earn, but this wasn’t just for him. I wanted this for me too. I needed to prove to myself that my father was right to choose me as his successor.

I wanted respect from all the Alphas. I had seemed to earn it from everyone, except Xavier. I wanted to prove to Xavier that I wasn’t the weak woman he thought I was. Mate or not, his respect meant a lot to me. Today I was going for gold.

I focused and shot my second arrow. It whipped through the air hitting the center, just left of my first arrow. My last shot flew a little low and his just bellow the bull’s eye. I let out a curse, unhappy with my results.

“Damn, Alpha. At least give the rest of us a chance,” Sterling chuckled.

“I’m here to win,” I said triumphantly.

I watched as Justin went next. He seemed a little unsteady. This was his first time taking part in the ranking. Despite his nerves, he managed to get one in the center, but his other two shots hit the outer edge of the bull’s eye.

Derick clapped him on the back. “Good try, Justin. We’ll work on it for the next Summit.”

Sterling followed. All three of his arrows hit around the first ring, resulting in him getting last place.

“You’ll have to teach me your tricks, Alpha,” he said with a wink.

“If I show you all my tricks you might beat me next time. I can’t afford that.”

He shrugged. “Can’t blame a man for trying.”

I could see Xavier on the other side of the field, trying to restrain himself. I thought he would barge over here and give Sterling another ear full. To my surprise, he didn’t.

Tobias’ arrows formed a cluster near the bull’s eye, but didn’t manage to get any in. He cursed and thew the bow on the ground.

“It’s okay, Tobias. You’ll get them next time,” I said with a smile.

He pulled me over to the side. “To be honest, Alpha, I don’t think they’ll be a next time for me.” I gave him a confused look. “I’m planning on letting my son take over.”

“How come?”

He held a sadness in his eyes. “I can’t seem to keep up with these young Alphas anymore. It’s time for me to retire.”

“I’m going to miss you at the next Summit.” I gave him a hug.

When we parted he said, “I’ve convinced Daniel to do the same. That stubborn bastard doesn’t want to let go, but we both know it’s time.”

“Promise you’ll both visit with Luna Sara and Luna Maria.”

He nodded. “I’ll even bring some old photos of your parents. You won’t believe some of the stuff your old man used to wear. But it was the eighties. What can I say?”

We both laughed. “I’m looking forward to that.”

We both watched as Daniel stepped up. He was the last to compete. He got all three arrows to land in the center, securing his win for the event.

I could hear Xavier curse from the other side of the field. He was surprised by Daniel’s accuracy.

“Better get your act together, Pup,” Daniel laughed at him.

Xavier just growled and walked over to the three hundred foot climbing wall. It was our final event. A competitor from each team would race each other to the top.

Xavier, Justin, Sterling, Troy, Juan, and I were selected for this event. We all took our places on the start line.

The King commanded us to begin. We took off racing to the wall and began to climb. I grabbed any handle I could and pulled myself up higher. I didn’t have bulging muscles like most of the men, but my light weight seemed to be an advantage.

I managed to take the lead, but I could see Xavier catching up to me. Within several feet he was able to reach me. Our motions seem to sync up.

I couldn’t let him win another event. I wanted to wipe that arrogant smirk off of his face. I gathered all the strength I could and gained the lead once again.

I could hear Xavier huffing behind me, but I didn’t bother to look back. I had a few more feet to go.

I continued climbing as fast as I could, keeping my grip tight as I pulled myself up. I made it to the top and rang the bell just before Xavier.

I shouted and cheered over my victory. I looked over the wall to the roaring crowd and waved.

Looking over at Xavier, I felt bad when I saw the look of failure on his face. I wanted to sooth him and tell him he tried his best, and that it’s okay he didn’t win. But I couldn’t let myself be that weak

As an Alpha I will conquer many, and I can’t have sympathy for them. Even my mate.

The sad look on his face still bothered me. I looked away before I did something foolish like run over and hug him.

I saw Sterling walking toward me. “Congratulations, Alpha! That was impressive. I thought Xavier was going to overtake you. Where did you find that strength?

“When I want something I have to have it. I don’t let anything stop me.”

I heard Xavier scoff. I saw a glance of hurt before he jumped down from the top of the wall.

“Don’t worry abut him. He’s a sore loser,” Sterling said.

I put on a fake smile. I felt like it must be more than that. I hated that Xavier was upset, especially over something I did.

It was time for the King and Queen to announce the ranks. All of the competitors stood on stage. The crowd waited in anticipation. They wanted to know the results as much as we did.

Alpha Edward addressed the crowd. “Thank you all again for coming to join us. I hope you enjoyed watching the competition as much as my mate and I have. I will give the honors of announcing the ranks to Luna Selena.” He gestured for her to step forward.

“Thank you, Darling. Our colorless rank is the Midnight Pack.” Daniel looked upset by the rank, but bowed with grace. “Our next rank goes to the Black Star Pack.” Tobias looked distressed by his rank. I would be too if I were him. He dropped a whole rank.

“Next we have the Red Lightening Pack.” Sterling looked pleased. He had a huge smile on his face as he flexed his muscles to show the crowd how strong he was.

“In Blue we have the Dawn Pack.” Derick didn’t seem surprised. He didn’t gain a rank, but at least he didn’t drop in rank either.

The realization hit me that I stayed in the top two. A giddy feeling crept over me. I could be the top pack. My team had performed well in majority of the events. We even place number one in a couple of them. I’d love to see the look on Xavier’s when I won.

Everyone held their breaths, waiting for Queen Selena’s next words

“Darling, why don’t you announce the winner? You deserve it.”

“The honor is all yours, Sweetheart. Please, I love to hear your voice,” King Edward insisted.

She giggled at his sweet words. “You are too kind, My Love.” Luna Selena smiled at Alpha Edward.

You could see the love held in each other’s eyes. It was exactly how mates should be. My heart sunk a little at the realization that Xavier and I would never have a bond like that. I tried to push the thought away.

I looked to the King and Queen. They had decided that Luna Selena would give the results. Their banter had the crowd on the edge of their seats, waiting for the final results.

“The pack in the White rank is…” She looked over the audience with a smile before saying, “The Sun Pack!”

The crowd cheered for The fire Pack, shouting Xavier’s name. I was a little perturbed by the results. My pack had done well. I wanted the gold. I thought I’d be fine with the same rank, but a part of me was angry. I deserved top rank after all my efforts, and there was only one way of doing that.

 “I challenge Xavier of the Fire Pack to a duel!”