The True Alpha

The atmosphere shifted as the crowd parted, a towering man wandering through the party. At once I knew who he was. I’d heard of him before, a man ominously named 'The Alpha'. If you could call him that, most just see him as 'The Runaway'. Nobody knows why he ran, but he did, he ditched his pack. Something that was unheard, leaving them all to suffer, their fate unknown. And yet he had this presence. He was tall and muscular, although that’s not what stood out, most alphas were big in stature. But it was his presence. His dark ruffled hair paired with golden eyes. It was known a werewolf’s eyes changed when they lost their pack, although I'd never seen it before. A deep and intimidating scar ran across his right eye, yet it only added to the allure.

He commanded respect in the way he moved. He remains an Alpha despite the loss of his title. And here he was, in my best friends living room.

My breath hitched in my throat as he took off his jacket, his shirt bunching around his muscles. What is it with this man?

“Reyna!” My best friend, Saff, screamed in my ear over the music, red solo cup in hand as she pants, “Have you seen-” She points at the man whose reputation I was aware but whose name I had yet to learn. “It’s him!” Saff’s eyes light up as she looks the man over again. “He’s hot.” She whistles as she puts her cup down on the side, grabbing my hand and heading in his direction. Stopping just before we approach to run a hand through her straight blonde hair and smooths her dress. Saff had always been a flirt despite having a mate of her own.

“Hello!” She shouted, her awkward opening making herself giggle. Golden eyes find us, more intimidating up close. He doesn’t reply, just stands with a bored expression, waiting for Saff to continue. “Um I’m Saff. I’m the host.” She grins like a proud child, she’s clearly more than slightly tipsy. And it’s only 11:00. “And this is my gorgeous best friend, and housemate, Reyna.” She shoves me forward not so subtly.

“Um hi.” Wow, could I get anymore awkward.

He looks me up and down, his expression unreadable. I huff and shuffle uncomfortably, not to happy with the nonetheless gorgeous but kind of rude man looking at me so closely.

Finally he grins slyly, “Xavier” he replies, a one word kind of man. At least I have a name to put to the man himself. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same to you.” Saff says before pulling me away hurriedly. “Okay so, lets get to it, he’s hot and you haven’t had any decent action for months.” She says dramatically, the wheels turning in her head so loudly I can hear them.

“I think I know where this is going and no. I’m not gonna sleep with ’the runaway’.” I whisper for added effect as Saff scoffs at me.

“Come on Reyna! It’s not like you have to marry him!”

“Oh my god can you just shut up!” I say laughing a bit as I move into the crowd, only to get away from her. Sure, not golden eyes over there. But Saff follows on my tail. “Fine.” She yells over the music, “But at least dance!” She throws her head back and laughs, passing me a drink and moving her body to the beat.

***

“Oh my god my feet ache so much!” We plop down onto the sofa as Saff massages her feet gently, a pout on her face. But her blue eyes light up when she spots someone walking over. I follow her gaze to see her mate, Zach wondering over. The tall blonde plops down next to Saff before slinging his arm round her shoulder.

“Baby!” She hugs him dramatically, far too drunk to be functioning. I knew any moment now she’d be close to passing out.

“How drunk are you?” Zach laughs as his mate plants a soppy kiss on his cheek.

“What?” She looks at him innocently with a grin on her face before her eyes start drooping.

“Uh Oh.” She giggles as she feels herself falling asleep. She lifts her arms up gesturing for Zach to carry her.

He stands, a goofy grin on his face, “I’d better get her to bed.” He chuckles before heading up the stairs to her room.

I move away from the centre of the party to the edge of Saffs house, near the opening of the woods, taking a breath of fresh air. I lean against a tree and giggle a little, slightly tipsy but mainly laughing at the way Saff asked Zach to pick her up.

I didn’t even notice a figure sitting against the tree opposite me until he rises. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone was here.” I begin to move before he speaks.

“It’s fine. Stay.” His voice is instantly recognisable.

“Xavier.” I almost whisper, unsure of how to address the old alpha. He may have lost his title, but something tells me he’s no less of an alpha. My eyes find his bright ones, despite the lack of light.

“Reyna, right?” His voice is deep, melodic, the type that simultaneously makes my hair stand on edge, and makes me want to fall asleep. In his arms perhaps.

“Yeah.” I mumble beginning to turn around and leave before his voice stops me again.

“Do you know why my eyes are this colour?” He takes a step towards me, pushing my back to the tree, face almost inches from mine, his eyes becoming clearer. They were gold with almost white flecks before darkening around the edge.

“Because you left your pack.” My tone wasn’t accusing nor disapproving, more of a statement. I didn’t know his reasons, only the rumours.

“Ah you see, that’s where your wrong. That’s where everyone’s wrong.” He takes a step back, giving me space. His eyes glint in the moonlight as he moves, never leaving mine. “I never left. My dad kicked me out.” It takes me a second for me to realise what he means. It was rare for an alpha to kick out their only heir. It meant the line wouldn’t be passed onto family, and it should have meant Xavier wouldn't have his wolf anymore, let alone his alpha status.

None of it added up. Unless...

“Come on. You seem like a smart girl. Figure it out.” His tone lowers, a dangerous edge laced to it.

“I thought that was just a myth.” I whisper, almost afraid to admit the truth. He shakes his head, backing off now, afraid I'll run now I know.

“You’re the true Alpha.” He turns back to me as I say it. “That’s why you got kicked out. That’s why everyone still respects you, it's how you still have a wolf.” His turns back to me, running a hand through his thick curly hair.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I think you can help me.”