Alpha Loves Alpha

Chapter 6:

Alpha:

I could tell Tallia was upset by the discovery of my mate. She was quiet the entire walk to her room, and she was never one to kept to herself. She insisted she was fine, but I could see the worry on her face.

We took a relaxing shower before cuddling in her bed, watching her favorite movie and snacking on junk food. She fell asleep halfway through the film. I cleaned up, tucked her into bed, and kissed her goodnight.

I headed to my room. I needed the alone time to process what happened and to prepare for the ranking tomorrow.

I was about to put the key in the door when I heard footsteps. I glanced over to see Xavier walking to his room, barely giving me a glance.

He entered his room and shut the door with a bang.

I sighed. Of course he was mad. I practically rejected him in front of a whole ballroom of people.

What made him think he could drop information like that and expect me to leave everything behind? I have a life and a pack to take care of. I can’t give all of that up.

I heard his door creak open. I turned to see his hand tossing my shoes out of his room, then slamming the door.

So much for us being civil. My gut reaction was right. How could things work between us?

I’ll admit. When he called me his mate it made sense. The way his touch made me feel alive. Our tango was so in sync, there’s no question it was because our bodies already understood each other’s movements. Even during our race in the forest our strides matched.

But calling me his and demanding that I listen? That’s something I could never do. He would want to own me and rule over me. I am an Alpha. I could never follow somebody else’s lead. I was destined to be a leader.

I’ve made up my mind. I will have to reject him.

Xavier:

It was the last day of the Alpha Summit. Everything I trained for the last five years would be put to the test. I had to keep my The Fire Pack in gold. Losing my spot is not an option today.

I could hear the doorbell ring. I answered and saw a servant on the other side with three t-shirts in gold. I thanked him and closed the door.

Each team got a shirt with the color of their current ranks. At the end of the Ranking there would be a ceremony where we would ceremoniously receive the color of your new rank. Before the shirts were given an Alpha could challenge another to increase their rank.

I wasn’t concerned. I had performed well last time and could easily beat all of them.

I pulled on my gold colored shirt, then went to Strauss’ room. I rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. I rang it a few more times, before it opened.

“Are you ready to win today?”

Strauss gave me a smirk. “I’ve been exercising all night.”

A maid popped out from behind him. “Excuse me.” She bowed then headed down the hall.

I rolled my eyes at him.

“Hey. Not all of us have a Luna to fulfill our needs,” he chuckled.

I gave a haughty groan. “Neither do I. I was rejected, remember?”

“She didn’t reject you yet.”

I didn’t want to think about that anymore. I threw the t-shirt at him. “Just get dressed. Meet me on the field in fifteen minutes.”

I walked over to Edgar’s room. He answered on the first ring. “Good Morning, Alpha Xavier.” He insisted on being formal at all times, even when it was just the two of us.

“Morning. We’re meeting in fifteen minutes in the courtyard.”

“Yes, Sir.” I handed him the shirt and went to head downstairs, but paused when Edgar spoke up. “Sir?”

I turned to him. “Yes?”

“Is Alpha Alpha going to be our Luna?”

I grit my teeth at his question. Was everybody going to ask me about this? “As of right now, I’m not certain.” I walked away from him.

I needed another run. Something to get me out of my head. I had some time before meeting Strauss and Edgar. I dropped my clothes off at the changing rooms to shift and headed to the forest.

I blazed through the woods. Jumping over stumps and weaving through trees. The energy of the earth seemed to cleanse me, the air filling my lungs and calming me. Now that I was soothed I slowed my pace to a trot.

Suddenly, I could hear the panting of a wolf, then I smelled her. My lips curled at Alpha’s scent. Despite being angry with her I still found myself wanting to run to her, nuzzling her neck to inhale more of her.

I saw her wolf run parallel to the trail I was on. She looked so care free, like the events of last night didn’t matter to her. It lit fire within me. If I meant this little to her and we were supposed to be mates, then there’s no reason I should dread on the subject.

But mates or not I was going to beat her in every event I could.

It was time to meet my men, so I left the woods to change and headed to the field.

We were the first of the packs to arrive. I preferred to be one of the first there, so I could survey the competition. There was a large field set up with an obstacle course, a climbing wall, and a track, with designated areas for high jump and long jump.

A stage stood with a score board, where the King and Queen would make announcements and reward the ranks at the end of the event. Bleachers lined the area for spectators. Guards were placed everywhere for security purposes, due to the fact that rogues were allowed to watch as well.

This was a rare time when rogues were allowed to enter a pack’s territory. It was the only time they could join a pack if they wanted to. If a rogue liked how an Alpha and their team performed they could request a meeting and discuss the possibility of entering their pack. There would be a trial period of sixty days. If the Alpha felt that they were a good fit then the rogue would be welcomed into the pack.

Of course Alpha and her men arrived shortly after we did. I ignored her.

“Hey, Strauss. How’d that maid treat you last night,” Mason asked.

“Bro, the curves on this girl! Mmmh! She’s fine!” He gave him a knowing look. “I might have to find her after this.”

Mason chuckled. “Finally someone that speaks my language.” He pointed to Saphir. “I thought this guy was going to be a virgin the rest of his life.”

Saphir rolled his eyes. “I was waiting for my mate. No point in falling for someone when I’m destined for another.”

“Why not have a little fun before being forced to be with one woman,” Mason asked.

“That’s what I’m saying,” Sterling exclaimed, walking towards us with his Beta Lena and Gamma Tate in tow. “Xavier and Derick are mated of now. They’re no fun!”

“Do you see any form of claim on her,” I gestured towards Alpha. “I don’t need a Luna, anyway.”

Derick arrived with his men, Beta Mark and Gamma Justin. “Are you rejecting Alpha?”

I could see her glance at me from the corner of my eye. I opened my mouth to speak when Daniel cut in.

“I thought you were the Luna, Pup,” he said with a chuckle.

My wolf growled in response, itching to attack. “I’m an Alpha through and through, and I’ll be kicking your ass today.”

“We’ll see about that,” Tobias said with a smirk. “I have a new Gamma this time. He’ll give you a run for your money.”

The crowd began to grow. Most of the bleachers were full with Silver Moon Pack members, but members of any pack were allowed to attend. Those that couldn’t could view it at home through a live feed.

The King and Queen arrived in casual attire. Alpha Edward wore a knit sweater with beige slacks and a silver moon amulet to represent his pack. Luna Selena wore a flowy dress that had all the colors from each pack in vertical stripes and with a silver sunhat that covered her head.

The King did not take part in the events, because no one could compete with a wolf that had the magic of the Moon Goddess.

King Edward ascended the stairs, walked towards the microphone, and began the announcements. “Welcome, Everyone. Thank you for attending. I hope you all enjoy the events. Please cheer for your Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Only the strongest can achieve the highest rank. For any rouges that have attended, Welcome. I hope you find a worthy pack to join. Let me introduce our competitors!”

“We have the returning champions, Xavier, Strauss, and Edgar of The Golden Fire Pack.” We stepped forward and stood proud.

“Our newest Alpha, Alpha with Saphir and Mason from The white Sun Pack.” She blew a kiss to the crowd, probably aiming for Tallia. My wolf growing at the thought.

Many looked surprised. Apparently, word hadn’t got out about the female Alpha.

“Derick, Mark, and Justin of The Blue Dawn Pack.” They smiled to the crowed. I could see Molly holding up a sign with Alpha Derick written in large letters.

“Tobias, Georgio, and Juan of The Red Star Pack.” They waved to the cheering crowd.

“Sterling, Lena, and Tate of The Black Lightening Pack.” Sterling waved his arms in the air, gesturing to the crowed to get louder.

“And our final contestants, Daniel, Lester, and Troy of the Midnight Pack.”

“Let the games begin! First up we have the Tug-O-War. Our competitors will get into two teams with three packs on each side and go head-to-head.”

“Let’s win this thing,” Sterling said, giving me a high five.

“We got this,” Derick said.

I looked over to the other Alphas. “Sorry, Alpha. You can’t beat the three amigos.”

She laughed. “No apology needed, because we won’t be losing.” She wrapped an arm around Tobias and Daniel and gave me a grin. “Don’t cry when we beat you.”

“You’ll be carrying the team. Everyone knows those old dogs aren’t as strong as they used to be. And a woman doesn’t have the strength to beat our packs.”

“Don’t underestimate me. My pack will beat yours during every event.”

I could see the determination in her green eyes. I’m going to wipe the smirk right off of her face. “We’ll see about that.”

Derick, Sterling, me, and our betas and gammas held one end of the rope, while Alpha, Tobias, Daniel, and their teams held the other end.

“On your mark, get set, go,” Alpha Edward yelled.

Both teams pulled their end of the rope. They were a lot stronger than I thought they would be. We were in a deadlock.

I could hear the crowd cheering, encouraging me more. “Come on guys. We can’t let them win.”

“That’s right. My Luna and future child are watching. Let’s not let them down,” Derick said.

“On three we’ll pull with all our strength,” Sterling commanded. “1… 2… 3!”

Our team pulled as hard as we could with all of our power and began retreating backwards, as Alpha, Tobias, and Daniel began to lose momentum.

I could see Alpha wrinkling her nose with all the force she was using. Our team continued to pull until we retreated enough for them to cross the line.

We shouted and cheered in victory, making the crowd do the same. I could see the look of annoyance on Alpha’s face.

“I guess you didn’t have what it takes. Sorry, Toots. Want me to wipe your tears for you,” I told her mockingly.

“This is just the first event! Don’t be so cocky!” I chuckled at her remark.

“Next up we have the obstacle course. One member from each team will be selected to compete,” Luna Selena announced.

We all discussed the representatives for our teams. I selected myself. I was fast with lightning quick reaction times. Whatever challenge the obstacle course contained I could overcome it.

I was going against Saphir, Derick, Lena, Georgio, and Daniel. Needless to say, I wasn’t concerned by my competitors. Darick was fast, but not faster than me. I have never seen Saphir in action, but I doubt a Beta would have enough precision to out do my agility. The rest were either to old or weak to keep up with my speed.

“Competitors line up at the start line. You will each be timed, and the fastest one will be awarded the most points.”

We went in order of the lowest rank to the highest, making Daniel the first to complete the obstacle course. He started with decent speed and wavered about two-thirds of the way through. The beams he had to jump over seemed to slow him down, resulting in an unimpressive time.

“Are you sure it’s not time to retire,” I asked, watching him pant from a simple event like this. He grumbled a curse and walked back to his team, waiting by the stage.

Georgio competed next followed by Lena. Her response time was faster than I expected and she actually managed to outperform Georgio. He was getting older. It was probably time for him to retire as well.

Derick followed. He acted as though parkour was something he did regularly. He now held the fastest time by six seconds.

“I’m getting faster every year. You better watch out, Xavier,” he said cockily.

I brushed him off. “I’m not concerned with a Dad of three Pups.” This caused him to laugh and shake his head.

Saphir was the last to go before me. The crowd watched intensely. They wanted to see what the new Beta could do.

“Ready, Set, Go,” yelled King Edward.

Saphir took off with a blast of speed. I didn’t expect such a fast explosion at the beginning. I thought his pace would wane as he continued to weave between objects, but Saphir seemed to go faster.

Throughout the entire course his pace had gradually increased. He had swept through every obstacle with a lightness I didn’t know a male wolf could possess. He managed to shave four seconds off of Derick’s time!

I was mesmerized. I had never seen a Beta move so quickly.

“I bet you weren’t expecting that,” Alpha said playfully. “Good luck beating that.”

I gave her a smug smile. “No luck needed.”

I stood at the starting line waiting for the command to begin. The second I heard, “Go,” I projected forward. I climbed under bars and over obstacles. I jumped over objects and wove through tackle dummies.

I moved so fast the entire obstacle course seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. When I finished I was panting hard and my heart beat rapidly.

I could hear the crowd cheering loudly. They quieted when Queen Selena spoke up. “All our competitors have performed outstandingly. Let’s give them a round of applause.”

When the clapping died down she continued. “Our winner of the obstacle course is… Saphir of The White Sun Pack by two seconds.”

My wolf and I were both shocked. How could that happen? He was just a Beta! A female laugh interrupted my thoughts.

Alpha was doubled over with her cheeks bright red, laughing hysterically. “You...should...see...your face,” she gasped in between laughs.

“That doesn’t mean anything! We still have six events to go.”

She stopped laughing and stood up straight with her hands on her hips. “Are you worried a female led team might beat yours?”

“Not even a little,” I retorted.

“Well, the score is tied. Better watch out, because I’m coming for you, Xavier.” She turned and sauntered away, as her hips and ponytail swayed in a sassy fashion.

This woman was so infuriating, but damn I loved to watch her walk away.

But I don’t have time to think about that. We were neck-and-neck a this point. Alpha’s team was stronger than I thought they would be. One hiccup and I could lose one of the events. I have to win everyone to keep my rank. I needed to focus. No more messing around.

 Look out Alpha. I’ll prove that you made a mistake rejecting me.