As the future Alpha, I need to be the top warrior. Which means training, training, and more training. I even train outside of the designated times my dad, the current Alpha, has scheduled for me. Which is why I'm currently on the training grounds before dinner, sparring with my chosen Beta and Delta, even though we're scheduled to train before lunch and after dinner.

My Beta, Tyler Greene, gives me a run for my money. He's a damn good warrior, as he needs to be. My Gamma, Ian Hunter, is near the top, too, but not as close as Tyler. They both train like I do, wanting to be the best of the best. We've grown up together, so we're all extremely close. Tyler is the more laid back of us, goofy and knows how to make someone laugh, but I pissed him off once, and I will never make that mistake again. Ian is always so serious. I think I can safely say I've only seen him smile maybe a dozen times. It's not that he doesn't have fun, he just doesn't outwardly show it. I'm hoping he lightens up when he meets his mate.

And then there's me. A good mix of them both, I would say. I can laugh and goof around, but being serious and calculating come easily. My dad raised me to be an Alpha, so I didn't have quite the same upbringing that other wolves did. I didn't get to sneak out to parties, barely got to do an extracurriculars in school, girls were never on my to-do list. Even if I would've wanted to date, I never had the time. I wouldn't change a thing, though, because this is who I was born to be.

Then there's my sister, Carly. We've always been closer than most siblings. I get shit for it, but we hang out together a lot. I do love my sister, but I'd be lying if I said her best friend didn't have something to do with that. Talia has always had an interest in me, and I can't say I haven't noticed her, too. She's beautiful with long strawberry blonde hair, and gorgeous green eyes. She's tall, long legs and just the right amount of muscle. She loves to train and knows how to hold her own, but she's also kind, compassionate, and funny. I've kept my crush on her to myself for a few years, secretly hoping the Moon Goddess made us mates.

"Yo, earth to Cam!"

I guess I'm a little wrapped up in my head today.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Sorry, Tyler. What's up?"

"I said, 'you may want to go check out area 3. Carly and Talia just walked up with Warren and his goons.' I'm not sure what's going on, but it looks like something is happening."

I sighed. "Okay, let's put a cap on sparring right now and go see what's up."

We grabbed our shirts and threw them on before walking over. We arrived just as Warren shifted and ran towards Talia. I struggled to remain impassive, not wanting to get in the middle of whatever this is. I'll intervene if I need to. I watched as Talia spun out of the way of Warren's wolf and swiftly kicked him in the side. He lost his balance and stumbled sideways, but quickly regained his footing. That gave Talia enough time to swing her left hand and punch him in the side of the face. He shook it off and snarled at her, but she didn't flinch. I could see blood dripping from his mouth.

He took off towards her again, and this time, she stepped to her left side, grabbed his scruff and jumped over his back. Using the momentum, she pulled him over towards the right. She landed on her feet and spun around just as Warren hit the ground on his right side. Talia wasted no time extending the claws on her left hand and holding them to Warren's throat. She had him pinned and he knew it. He bared his neck, signaling that she won, and she backed away with a small smile. He huffed, jumped up, and headed towards the infirmary. I'm sure that kick Talia gave him broke a rib or two, she might've even broken his jaw, and he'll probably be healed by tomorrow, but all of our wolves know they need checked if they have any broken bones. We like to make sure our pack stays healthy, that includes making sure bones set correctly after being broken.

Talia stood there and watched him walk away, but before he got halfway to the infirmary, she yelled, "I better not hear you mention wanting to take me out on a date again, Warren. I won, and a deal's a deal. Leave me alone, or I'll kick your ass again!" Tyler roared with laughter and I swear I saw he corners of Ian's lips twitch upward. I'm surprised. Not that she won, but that this whole thing was just about her getting Warren to quit bothering her. I had no idea he was pestering her, I'll have to ask Carly about it later.

Talia watched Warren until he entered through the infirmary doors before turning and beaming in our direction. Good thing I know how to keep my cool, because otherwise, that smile would've had me weak in the knees.

Okay, so maybe it's a little more than just a crush. I need to pull myself together. In two day, I'll know if we're fated mates. If not, well, I haven't thought that far ahead yet, so I guess I'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, I'll be a good friend and "baby Alpha" as Carly calls me, and figure out what happened.