The Royal Alpha

Chapter 1: Packing and Unpacking!

SIERRA

"I do not want to go to this training academy, Mother," I argue, my voice sharper than I intend it to be. "It's all the way from our pack to the neutral territory. That's a two-day journey in wolf form."

I fold my arms across my chest, trying to appear firm even though my heart is racing. I already know this conversation is going nowhere—but hope is a stubborn thing.

Every werewolf, without exception, must leave their pack at the age of twenty to train under the five main elders of the werewolf community in Recrania. It doesn't matter if you're weak or strong, ambitious or content. The rule exists for everyone.

But knowing something is mandatory doesn't make it easier to accept.

"You should go and complete this training," my mother replies, her tone measured but unwavering. "You don't need to attend the warrior training if you don't want to. Just go to the academy. They'll evaluate you during the first week and then advise whether you should learn basic fighting skills or enroll in the warrior course."

I know what she's really saying.

She wants me out of this pack—out of my comfort zone—trained, refined, and prepared to fight for the Beta position when the time comes.

She wants me to prove myself.

My father is the Beta of the pack, but that doesn't mean the title will be handed over to me on a golden plate. Titles aren't inherited here. They're earned—often through blood, sweat, and humiliation.

The Beta Competition is brutal. Every interested pack member participates, regardless of gender or rank. First comes the physical trial—combat, endurance, dominance. Only those who survive that are shortlisted for the next round, where their mental strength, leadership qualities, and decision-making abilities are tested before the Alpha and council elders.

The entire process is exhausting. Ruthless.

And I don't want any part of it.

Because I already have a future planned in my mind.

I have my mate.

The Alpha's son.

And there is no way I'm going to handle both the Beta position and the responsibilities of a future Luna. I don't understand why my parents insist on pushing me toward something I never asked for.

"You don't actually know if Alpha Aztec is your mate," my mother says sharply, dragging me out of my thoughts. "Just because you like each other and have been fooling around doesn't mean he's your mate, Sierra."

Her words hit harder than I expect.

"But Mom," I protest, "I know Aztec is my mate. He hasn't turned twenty-one yet. Once he does, he can officially claim me. We just have to wait until his birthday."

Even as I say it, I know how foolish it sounds.

Aztec's parents don't believe us either.

"Sierra," my mother continues, her voice rising, "you are turning into a spoiled brat. I never thought you would be so blinded by Aztec's looks and fake behavior. He's been gone for a year now. A year. And he hasn't contacted you even once."

I clench my fists.

"He's in training," I snap. "Alpha training lasts three years. Normal wolves train for one. I want to be here when he comes back for his twenty-first birthday. He'll claim me then. I know he will."

My voice cracks, but I push forward anyway.

"I'll be claimed as his mate, and then we can start our Alpha training together."