Alpha's chioce

POV of Quinn

The sounds of nature leaking into my chamber roused me up. Even though it was early, I liked waking up to the sun. I felt peaceful as the gentle sunlight caressed my skin and the cool breeze entered through the window that was always open. This was my preferred method of beginning the day.

I stretched out in bed and fumbled for my phone. I opened my eyes to discover that it was Thursday. I had just one day left before I was transported to the yearly mating ball. My eighteenth birthday falls on the first day of the ball, so this will be my first time attending. Only wolves that are not mated and are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-nine may attend. When a wolf reaches the age of 30, it's typically considered that either their mate has moved on or is dead. However, most unmated wolves don't survive that long. Most attendees at the mating ball are in their twenties or thirties. After age 23, the need to mate becomes so strong that most wolves choose a mate who is both convenient and acceptable. Although a chosen mating is not nearly as powerful as a true mating, it serves its purpose.

Concerning maybe meeting my mate tomorrow, I had no anxiety. I was aware that it wasn't a guarantee. Sincerely, I'm not all that interested in dating. I tend to be a happy-go-lucky person who goes with the flow. Don't get me wrong; I could absolutely dominate anyone. Simply put, I prefer to live with the belief that everything is going according to plan. I am confident in my ability to deal with everything that comes my way. It just isn't meant to be if I don't run into my friend this weekend. I'll carry on doing what I'm doing and pushing myself to become the greatest female pack fighter. I won't lie; I've experienced my fair share of heartbreak, but I keep reminding myself that happiness always comes after suffering.

I got out of bed after reading my texts and made the decision to get ready for the day. I always try to begin by going for a run around the outside to make sure everything is in place. My father, who leads the pack's warriors, instilled in me a sense of pride in our country and its residents from an early age. He is both the toughest and smartest man I know. He has taught me so much over the years, and as a result, I am a better wolf. He could have broken down after Mom was abducted twelve years ago, but instead he grew stronger, and I admire him for his strength.

My typical gym attire was on my dresser, so I went there. I slipped on my sports bra and leggings and started to descend the stairs. This early in the morning, the pack house was still vacant, and it was comforting to breathe in the clean air of my deserted surroundings. The only scents in the space were those of the wolves from the previous evening. Like usual, I was the first person to ascend inside the pack house.

As I opened the big oak doors into the cold, sunny morning, a sense of total tranquilly overcame me. The distance between the pack house and the tree line is not great, and I could already smell the morning bustle in the forest. While not the largest, our pack is also not the smallest. We're situated in the center of a huge forest on a sizable piece of land. We enjoy the seclusion of the location since it keeps us hidden from inquisitive human eyes while still being near enough packs to act as allies. We are a peaceful pack, yet when it comes to fighting, we have a reputation for brutality.

Before setting off for the pack border, I warmed up my body with a few stretches and exercises. I cherished the sense of liberation I experienced as I ran through the soggy woodland. As I pushed myself to the edge, I could feel the ground shifting beneath my feet. As I got closer to the edge of our pack, I leapt over shrubs and avoided trees.

My morning routine was known to every border guard. We waved or greeted each other as I passed them. This morning, my dad's best friend was on duty, and when he spotted me make my way through the dense bushes towards his station, he flashed me a wide smile.

Quinn, we can't keep you out of this world, can we?

Reggie: "Not even if you tried." As I sped by him, I grinned broadly in response.

His giggle slowly dissipates into the atmosphere behind me. Since they were puppies, my dad and Reggie have gotten along well. Together, they attained the level of pack warrior, and Reggie was my father's staunchest ally when he rose to the rank of chief pack warrior years before I was born.

Fortunately for me, Reggie has a daughter who is roughly my age, so we were able to continue the tradition by also being best friends. In a sense, Suze is my sister. Since I only have brothers, we do everything together, so I certainly need a little lady time in my life.

I jogged back to the pack house after finishing my circle while softly perspiring. If I don't push myself every day, I won't move any closer to my goals. In addition to my daily runs, I train for four hours every day after school and twice a day on the weekends. My dad will oversee my training sessions when he has time, but because we have been working together for so long, I can handle them on my own when he is unable.

Before returning to the pack house to begin my day, I took one final glance at the sun as it began to gently rise in the sky.

POV of Quinn

I kicked off my shoes and gazed around my room, which has been a familiar scene for as long as I can remember. It's nothing extraordinary, but over time, I've added my own flair to it. All of the furniture in my room is a darker colour, and I have a big bed. My entire wardrobe is in a spacious closet, and there is an attached bathroom. I would rather have something functional than overly fancy. My room is the only indoor sanctuary I have; therefore, I want it to be relaxing rather than intimidating. To help me stay focused on my objectives, I have a few simple decorations, images of my family and friends, and some posters I gathered when I was younger.

Naturally, Suze's room is right next door. She snores loudly, and I can hear it through the wall. She doesn't get up as early as I do. I need to go wake her up right away. She won't like not having sufficient time to polish her appearance before what might be our last day of classes.

I'm interested in how my morning runs will be once I get my wolf tomorrow night. My eighteenth birthday falls on the first night of the mating ball, which is not the ideal situation. I'll need to depart early so I can finish my first shift. Although I'm still formally seventeen, the royal council gave me permission to attend the first day. In the werewolf community, my dad is well-liked, and our pack has a good reputation. That level of reverence gives us some wiggle room. I figure that if my companion is there, he can find me the following day, and I'll just pass the time on Friday night until my first shift.

I took a quick look at the time on my nightstand. It's 6:30. I have more than enough time-an hour-to get ready for school. I moved across the hall to Suze's room to begin my routine. She's curled up in a ball with her sheets all over the place, drooling onto her silk pillow, as I had expected. If anyone knew how she looked in the morning, she would be terrified.

"SUSAN. GET UP, YOU LAZY BUTT. As I ripped her from the bed, I yelled.

What time is it, "mmphh?"

"Six thirty" was my response.

She started to move after hearing it. She jumped up, quickly hugged me, and then backed away.

Next time, please warn me before allowing me to hug your nasty, sweaty body. Gross." She scowled and headed for her own toilet.

"See you in a few, girlie!" On my way back to my room, I yelled.

I went to the restroom and undid my hair's tight ponytail. One of my favorite physical features is my hair. It's long, silky, and brown like chestnut. Additionally, it is very straight. Every time I experiment with a fresh look, it invariably falls out within an hour. I've learned to accept the idea that it will always be straight.

My eyes are another one of my favorite features. My eyes are light blue with a hint of dark blue around the edges. My mother gave me my eyes. My high cheekbones and plump cheeks come from my father. Without a doubt, I'm not obese, but no matter what I do, I'll always have these big cheeks that everyone finds so endearing. They don't bother me. Just another aspect of who I am. However, they don't make me look younger.

I turn on the shower and take off my sweaty training clothes as I move away from the mirror. I sigh deeply as I enter the boiling, hot shower. Being even the slightest bit cold makes me want to virtually burn my flesh off in the shower. I took a few moments to absorb the warmth on my skin before starting my regimen. I turn off the shower and exit the shower once I'm done washing and conditioning.

I encircle my body in an extra-large fluffy towel and my hair in another. It was barely 7 a.m. when I looked at the time. Suze and I still had a half-hour before we had to leave for school. She was rummaging through her wardrobe like a madwoman next door, and I could hear her. Suze always looks amazing and has a terrific sense of style, but her room is a catastrophe zone all the time. Nobody would ever guess that the same girl who usually appears so put-together actually leads a chaotic existence.

I'm lucky to have a stylish pal and a well-stocked wardrobe. Suze would assist me in finding the ideal outfits during our incredibly tiresome shopping outings. I've mastered a few respectable outfit combinations over the years, but nothing like Suze does. She is at a completely different level.

My palm lands on the dress I'll be wearing tomorrow as I carefully comb through the clothing racks. It feels wonderfully soft and silky and is an emerald green colour. I push it aside as I get incredibly anxious all of a sudden. Not because I don't want to meet my soul mate, but because I have a wonderful life with my pack and am unsure of my readiness to leave it. People here need me, and I need them as well.

I chose a white lace crop tank top and jean shorts after looking through my closet for another minute. I returned to the room after grabbing my sandals from the shoe rack. I assessed my appearance in the mirror after getting ready. My attire was perfect for a warm spring day, and my hair was combed out and air-dried.

I wore the same jewelry every day, so I didn't bother changing it up. All belong to my mother. I retain a photo of the two of us and her favorite diamond earrings in a heart-shaped locket that I wear. Nothing else is necessary because they always make me feel more connected to her. Even after twelve years, I can still detect her aroma all around me and feel as though she is with me. This reassures my father and me that she is still attempting to contact us. Without a doubt, neither have we given up.

Once more looking at the time, I see that it is 7:15, giving me just enough time for breakfast. I enjoy eating. I always maintain the same weight and size, no matter how much I eat or exercise. I don't have a six-pack, but I do have a flat stomach with some definition. I'm totally content with the fact that not everyone is designed to have one. But I do appear to be strong. I wouldn't be mistaken for some cute little wolf that people could take advantage of if they looked at me. I'm around 5'8" and have moderate muscle tone throughout my entire physique. I enjoy feeling powerful.

All I can smell as I go down the stairs is the delicious aroma of bacon. I love bacon. On anything, I would eat bacon. even ice cream, most likely. That should be on ice cream, not that.

When I enter the dining room, there are already other wolves seated at the table, and the platters in the middle of the table are crammed with different breakfast fare. I take a seat at an open table and start to eat. Suze strolls into the room after I've finished my breakfast of bacon, eggs, and French toast and takes a seat next to me. She lets out a lazy yawn, and I start laughing. Suze is unable to complete the morning routine. She smiles at me as I push a mug of coffee in her direction.

Quinn, you will always be my favorite.

"Suze, I'll hold you accountable for that. Now drink up so we can finish the school day.

She sips the dark coffee slowly before starting to put food on her plate. By the time Suze eventually gets out of bed, I've finished mine, and she's already had two cups. After finishing our lunch, we take our plates to the kitchen to be cleaned before packing our bags and leaving.

Suze has the week off from driving, so we head to the garage where her "baby" is. Her parents gave her a stunning, brilliant blue BMW a little more than two years ago for her sixteenth birthday. Once she finds him, her mate will face competition. She adores this vehicle more than she adores life. We throw our luggage in the back seat and get inside. We leave once she turns on the car's engine. This might be our final full day together. However, I don't want to consider it right now. Here we go, high school.

POV of Quinn

Suze appears a little tense as we travel out of the pack zone and towards our school. She seems anxious, and I guess that has something to do with tomorrow's ball.

What are you thinking, Suze?

She sighs but keeps her gaze fixed on the road. Quinn, I don't want to lose you. What if we don't meet up again if we discover our soul partners tomorrow? Without my best friend, I am powerless. You are my sibling.

I hadn't really given it much thought. My first year at the ball, I didn't have a lot of confidence in finding my soul partner. Many wolves had to make several attempts before they discovered the other half of their soul. Because they were the same age, only one of my three elder brothers met his partner on the first try. I didn't fully understand, though, that Suze might discover hers before I did.

The average age difference between partners is at least some, so it's possible to search for them for years before discovering them. Some people never discover love because one of them gives up in frustration. Even though I'm not prepared for a partner at the moment, I really hope it doesn't happen. But what if he's given up on me already?

Suze's low sob interrupts my train of thought, and I give her a sharp look.

There is nothing that could separate us, Suze. We are both the toughest female wolves I've ever met, and not even our mates could keep us apart. I'll make sure we stay in touch even if we travel in opposite directions on opposite sides of the globe. Our puppies will become the best of friends when they get older, and we can visit one another. relatives, even! Whatever occurs tomorrow, I have confidence that everything will be okay.

Suze flashed me a lovely smile while her eyes were still wet. Quinn, thank you. I needed to hear that. I am aware that everything you claim will happen will actually happen. There is nothing you cannot accomplish.

At her lovely remarks, I grinned. She had such confidence in me, and it gave me confidence in myself. Nothing was too much for me to bear. She was accurate. I would ensure that our bond remained intact even after we had found our soul mates. Lifelong sisters.

We drove into the school parking lot once the tears ended, and we lifted our spirits by listening to one of our favorite songs on the radio. Suze refreshed her makeup before we grabbed our bags and entered the large structure.

We wouldn't stay here for very long. We were just a week away from graduating at the beginning of May. Having the mating ball so near the end of the academic year was ideal. It gave us some time to organize our affairs before we embarked on our subsequent journey. Most 18-year-old won't attend class tomorrow, so they can get ready for the ball. I'm being forced to leave by Suze so she can make sure I look my best. Even if it was just to spend more time with her, I caved.

After graduation, the wolves who hadn't found a partner were typically drafted into the army to learn how to fight and guard. Those who did either immediately fled after graduating or stayed in the pack with their mate.

My mate might agree to remain in my pack, I hoped. The two friends frequently discussed their options and made housing decisions together. But times have changed, and we've discovered that sometimes the grass is greener in the female's pack. Previously, the female would always uproot their life to move in with the guy.

A wolf would only be required to uproot their way of life if their partner held a position of authority within their own pack. There was no disputing the fact that their packs needed alphas, betas, gammas, and deltas. When there was no one suitable to take their place, chief warriors would occasionally be given the same choice.

I hoped my mate would just be a regular wolf for these reasons, so we could decide together. I'm not the kind of person who likes to be coerced into doing something. I am aware of the situation, but that does not imply I agree with it.

I began to become a little homesick as I followed Suze along the well-known hallway. I had spent the previous four years attending this school. Along with the local human population, all of my pack mates attend this school. Here, I've met people and created a lot of wonderful memories. I disagree with some who claim that their time in high school was the worst of their lives. It was wonderful to grow up in this area. We all get along so well, and despite the normal teenage drama, we are all like one big family.

Now that the memories had all hit me, it was my turn to start crying. I'm lucky that I don't wear makeup since it prevents damage to my face. Suze made a knowing turn and looked at me. She shares the same sentiments as me and is aware that our time here is almost up.

I smile as I glance down at her after feeling her clutch my hand. I will also miss this location, Quinn.

On one of our final days in these halls, we proceed to our lockers and gather our belongings. The day drags on, but not in a bothersome way. Our instructors are preparing us for the year's finale. Fortunately, seniors don't take finals, so there isn't any build-up to a terrible test.

The majority of our teachers take their time wrapping up chapters, discussing our future plans, or reflecting on our time together. It's wonderful to have adults in our lives who are concerned about our well-being. They will be missed by me as well.

Suze is waiting outside my English class as the day's last bell sounds. When she sees me, her eyes brighten, and I can tell she has something on her mind.

Quinny, would you like to spend the afternoon at the spa?

"Suze, you are aware of my training. I shouldn't shirk my duties just because you feel the need to appear well for your partner tomorrow. I must continue to do well. I can reject my mate if he doesn't accept me for the powerful she-wolf that I am. I value being honest with myself more than a guy."

Suze gasps when she hears that. "Quinn! How were you able to say that? Your partner was specially created for you as a gift from the Moon Goddess. Even though you are strong, your partner will still adore you for who you are. Avoid talking about being rejected. Even the notion of that makes my skin shiver.

I moaned. Suze was accurate. The idea of rejecting my partner also made the animal in me growl. I could never endure something so terrible. I'd be destroyed by it. I was hoping he wouldn't turn me down, though.

"I'm sorry I even said that, Suze, but you're correct. I'll give my friend an opportunity to show his worth without a doubt. But that doesn't mean I'll accompany you to the spa! Bring Beth along. You guys will still have a good time, and I'll finish my day's work.

Suze nodded while rolling her eyes at me. Although she and Beth are close, Suze and I are still much closer. However, Beth was more of a girly girl, so she would love a spa day.

I gave Suze a hearty hug as we approached the pack house and jumped out of the still-moving car. Beth leapt into the seat I had just vacated as she stopped, and I could see her shaking her head at me. Later, as I was making my way to the practice fields, they vanished down the dirt road, heading away from the pack house.