“If getting on the leaderboard is what you need to feel like you’re worthy of being the Alpha of your pack, Cole, then I will help you every step of the way. I will support you, I will challenge you, I will push you, whatever it takes, because that’s what friends do. We help each other,” I “And I will do that, Cole, because I believe in you. I believe you are an incredible man and Alpha already and you will only become more so this semester,” I say, sitting back.
“Nice job, Alpha Sebastiana,” Alpha Benjamin says, walking up. “Any thoughts, Alpha Cole?”
say.
Cole looks at me. “It’s hard to see things clearly sometimes, isn’t it? Especially when it’s about you, especially when you’ve been competing your entire life and everything you’ve said or done feels like it’s under a microscope. Thanks for that bit of clarity, Sebi.”
“I hope it helped,” I say.
“It did. I heard Shane telling you to do this for yourself, not for your family, but it didn’t translate for me to think in those same terms. I guess we’re all in a similar situation, fighting against our own demons and insecurities.”
“I’m happy to stand at your side and help you fight your demons and insecurities whenever you need me,” I say.
“Ditto,” he says.
“Well done. Another great session. Class dismissed.”
When I stand, I open my arms to Cole. He smiles and accepts the hug.
“Thanks again, Sebi. For a moment, I was worried I was going to get Hurricane Sebastiana. I wasn’t sure I could withstand that kind of storm,” he says, making me laugh.
“You know I’m here for you too, man,” Shane says, walking up.
“We all are,” Justin says, with Cassie coming up right behind him.
Cole grins. “The five musketeers.”
“Fuck that, we’re the five Conquering Alphas,” Shane says.
“To the Conquering Alphas,” I say, putting my fist in the middle of our circle.
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“To the Conquering Alphas,” the rest of the group says, putting their fists in the middle and then all of us lift our arms together.
“So, that settles it. We’re all here to support each other?” Justin asks as we walk out of class.
“We absolutely are.” Cole says.
I turn as I’m about to walk out of class, seeing Ryan smiling a knowing smile. I look back at my four classmates. Yeah, these are the people that will remain in my life long after we leave the Academy, just like my parents‘ friends.
These four people are the friends that are going to last a lifetime.
Shane
Monday morning, I started the day feeling strong and ready to defeat The Beast. It feels good to be back on good terms with Tiana. The two of us and our friends are still working through our issues, but we’re getting stronger together.
This morning when Alpha Dane asks who is ready to ride the Beast, every hand in our group goes up. I notice that not all of the Alpha raise their hand and part of me wonders if their support groups aren’t as strong as ours. I make a note of which Alphas didn’t raise their hand. The goal is for everyone to pass the Academy. The others may not be part of my inner circle of friends, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help them or at least try to.
“Alpha Shane, are you ready to ride The Beast?” Alpha Dane asks.
“Yes sir,” I say stepping forward. “Alpha Ryan.”
“Ready for some pay back after last week?” Ryan asks as he jogs up.
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