The Alpha and the Powerful

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thought it would actually be true. I learned that this was true when my father died in a war against the vampires and other wolves. When my father died, my mother became weak-too weak to ru

feet. I wasn't prepared for the responsibility. I wasn't ready to take over. But there I was, f

did. To them, I was just a girl. But I tried to prove them wrong every day, showi

want to lose my position-I don't want to leave my mother, nor my pack. This is my home, and I know having a mate will cause me to uproot and leave.

p, paralyzing fear. It's a fear I can't shake, no matter how much I try to ignore it. I push the thought

wn for your party," a young pup says with a

nage to give her a small smile. "I'll be down i

t tightening. The innocence of youth, the joy in her face, makes me long for simpler days, when ev

hing like the warm, bustling space it used to be when my father was still here. As I make my way down the long corridors of our home, the

mother has never left her room, not since my father's death. I push the door open, hoping to find her there, but the room

. I run my fingers through my hair in frustration, the worry eating away at me. I search the room,

t if she's sick again? My heart races as I force myself to calm down. I

f the grand staircase, and I stop in my tracks. The entire lower floor is eerily quiet, empty. No pac

. My thoughts race, wondering where everyone is. It doesn't make sense. My

ly, my pack members appear from every direction-bursting out of hidden corners, rushing down fro

y chest-relief, confusion, and even a little frustration. I had no idea they were planning this. I had no idea anyone cared enough to

art ache. I'm not prepared for this. I wasn't ready to celebrate. I wasn't ready to face the r

ughts, making the celebration feel ho

rior named Lara, pushing her way through the throng. Her face is beaming, and she holds a s

eact. "Thank you, Lara," I murmur

unease. "Open it! We've all be

I carefully tear the wrapping off, revealing a delicate silver bracel

as Lara watches, her eyes full of anticipation. I smi

ou of your strength, Alpha. You've done so

try to push those thoughts away, but they refuse to leave. I'm supposed to be happy, to enjoy my birthday, to celebrate with my pac

o matter how hard I try, I can never escape the weight of my d