Torn Between Tides

Chapter One

Colt wasn't the type to easily be swayed by anyone or anything, which was why he was even more pissed about accompanying his beta, Theo, to their current destination. Both of them were looking straight ahead at the road, silence in the car as Colt drove, his fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"Look, I know we're having issues with rogues and you'd much rather be at the borders dealing with that, but you know how much Trev looks up to you, yeah? More so than me, his own brother," Theo paused. "It's going to mean a lot to him to see you there for him in the stands."

"I'm coming with you, aren't I?" Colt retorted. Theo sighed with a nod, but said nothing.

Colt had always been stern, even as a kid he was all work and no play. His personality only got intensified once he took over as the Alpha of their pack three years ago. Whatever little liveliness he had in him earlier disappeared under the mountain of responsibilities he now had.

Theo often missed the old Colt that he grew up with, one that cracked jokes and laughed alongside others. But he knew that with the dwindling werewolf population, the growing threat from hunters, and the increasing number of rogues in the area— Colt had his hands full, and he could no longer afford being soft or heedless.

The only thing that had kept these dangers at bay for them was Colt's reputation as the strongest, most ruthless Alpha in the country. And he had to maintain that, no matter the cost.

Colt and Theo were a little late, but Colt didn't seem to care as he leisurely parked the car before getting out. He strolled behind Theo, who led the way to the indoor swimming pool of Havenswood University. It seemed like the competition had already started, making Theo excitedly take a seat. Colt sat down next to him without any more objections.

Now that he was already there, there was no point in complaining or sulking.

The moment Colt stepped foot in the building, he felt an unrecognizable shift in the air. He looked over at Theo, who was oblivious to whatever it was that was affecting Colt. Colt was on high alert as he adjusted in his seat next to his beta, who had already started cheering for his younger brother.

It was taking a lot from Colt to be able to sit straight. His skin felt itchy and he had to take long, deep breaths to level his heart rate. His senses were all over the place, and he had no idea why that was happening. Colt hated not being in control, and that was exactly what was happening to him.

Colt held onto his bracelet, turning it around and fiddling with the beads in an attempt to calm himself. This was a nervous tick he had taken years to get over, and Colt grew more agitated with every passing second as he fell back into his old habits.

His eyes were everywhere as he tried to think of any potential danger. Nothing in the hall seemed threatening, just friends and family cheering for their loved ones. Colt did his best to hide his restlessness, and it seemed to work considering Theo hadn't suspected anything. And he was usually quite the observant one.

"Holy shit, that guy's fast," Theo muttered as half the audience stood up, shouting a particular participant's name.

Colt couldn't see who it was that had won the race and had people jumping from their seats. At first he couldn't care less, but once the audience settled down, Colt's eyes widened in shock at the sight in front of him.

The winner of the race, he looked in his early twenties, which was fitting considering they were at a college. He was tall and lean, once again matching the description of a typical swimmer's body. His golden-brown body was glistening with water, making it shine in a way that sent a shiver down Colt's spine, making him shift slightly in his seat.