Benjamin

What an adventure!

In just one weekend, I had a group date gone wrong, a wonderful romantic evening and a revealing eventful Sunday afternoon.

I mean, damn... that was a lot for one weekend! Lex even got his long awaited kiss with Tristan.

I was happy for him as I was for Lisa to get her groove back with Christian. She deserves it.

As for me, I can't wait for more dates with my boyfriend.

The whole way back to town was of them talking about their kisses. Afterwards, I dropped them off at their respective houses.

I returned home and told my mom her present was well received by them, which made her happy.

She's a remarkable woman for losing a son to rogues and still has kindness to show strangers.

Most people would be bitter about it, resentful. And I could certainly understand if she was. But I admire her all the more because she isn't.

Lex is right. We can only be judged by our actions, not our species. Though theirs are the same as ours: werewolves. Pack or not, it makes no difference.

My dad wasn't particularly thrilled about my visit, but it's just three teenagers, what harm could they possibly cause?

Like I said, I don't think they're particularly dangerous. I haven't met the parents yet, but I prefer to keep an open mind.

With that being said, I played my part, atoned for my sins, it's time I get back to my life and if Lex or Lisa want to live theirs by the river, I won't stand in their way.

But I'm not gonna join them either.

No, thanks. No more waterfalls for me unless Teddy decides to take me there on a date - which I find highly unlikely in this weather.

Plus, if he wants to swim his house has its own pool. Oh man, I can't wait for a date over there.

On Monday morning, I was greeted by a very happy boyfriend with a hot kiss that put a smile on my face.

"How was your Sunday?" - Teddy asked me in a good mood.

"Not as good as my Saturday." - I snickered with a naughty grin. He laughed, then kissed me some more.

"It was good, I made up with Lex and Lisa by apologizing to the rogue." - I told him as we started walking towards the classroom.

"Oh really?" - Teddy looked surprised at this.

"Yeah, I had to. It's not my problem if they want to date a rogue. Now I'm free to date the hottest boy in school." - I replied, smiling wide.

He grinned at my response and kissed me for a while. I love that this is my new normal. I've longed for this my whole life.

Inside the classroom, Lex and Lisa are also in an apparent good mood. I know Lex is insufferable after that kiss.

"Wow. I haven't seen you in such a good mood since the home coming game of our Junior year." - I commented, next to Lex.

"Yeah, Sebastian... He was hot, but Tristan is hotter." - He swooned, referencing the boy he had hooked up from the opposing team last year.

"I see. Even Lisa looks more beautiful after her rendezvous with Christian." - I noted, watching her in a great mood talking to some girl friends.

"Who's Christian?" - Roger asked Teddy, curious.

"Some boy we met on Friday. He's like straight out of a teen magazine handsome." - Teddy replied, sitting next to him as usual.

"It was like the best kiss I've ever had! He's so sweet and innocent. I can't wait to see him again!" - Lisa told her friends, who were happy for her.

"It can't be the best kiss she's ever had. She kissed me!" - Roger mumbled, causing the entire classroom to laugh at his bruised ego.

"There's no comparison, Roger. He kisses me like I'm the only girl in the world. It's not about taking me to bed, it's about cherishing the moment." - Lisa explained, not bothered by him. I can feel her swooning.

"He doesn't want to take you to bed? So, he's gay?" - Roger joked, though he's the only one laughing - aside from dumb jocks.

"Not everything needs to lead to the bedroom. It's okay to date and get to know each other first. You just never met someone you wanted to do this with, but I'm sure you will one day." - She snapped at him, but not in a bitter tone.

The girls all applaud her comeback and are dying to meet Christian.

"Girl, does this Christian have any friends? Hook me up!" - A female student asked her, sounding very interested.

"He does, but Lex already came swinging and nabbed the hottie. He's like as tall as Roger, but handsomer." - She replied, glancing at Lex - who smiled wide.

"Oh come on!" - Roger protested, frowning.

"Does he kiss better than me too?" - Roger joked, looking at Lex.

"I don't know. I never kissed you, but I'm open to experiment if you are." - Lex replied with a naughty grin, causing the entire class to erupt in laughter.

He's such a hoe. But I love him.🥰

In the days that followed, while my friends spent their sunsets at the river with their new acquaintances, I did my daily sessions at the training center.

There's no rest for the wicked. Neither for the good people as well.

On the weekend, Teddy took me on dates that made me enjoy our time together even more.

We finally got around to discuss what we want out of the relationship in the bedroom, expressing our fears and concerns.

We spent a great night together where we fulfilled each other's needs perfectly. He's such a dream and was so understanding and patient with me.

In just a few weeks, he made me completely dread my upcoming birthday and our inevitable separation.

What can I say?

He won me over.

But I knew about the heartbreak, sadly I know it all too well.

Apparently, I wasn't the only one scoring on the weekend. Lex told me how he 'kidnapped' Tristan and took him to some quiet place to 'get to know each other properly'.

He returned as happy as I've ever seen him. And I was happy for him. I worry about unmated sex in his case because of the unforeseeable consequences if he slips up.

But I'd never rain on his parade. He's entitled to feel every bit of joy I felt with Teddy. He deserves it too. Someone who won't deny him.

It's like the saying goes: if he's happy, then I am.

"How are you feeling, son? Excited?" - Dad asked me on Thursday evening dinner.

"No, I can't lie. I'm nervous as hell." - I replied, anxiously.

Tomorrow is my 18th birthday. So today was my last day with Teddy as my official boyfriend. I'm wrecked over it, naturally.

"It'll be fine, Ben. I'm sure he'll be happy for you with whoever your mate will be." - Mom said in her soothing tone.

"What if I'm not happy? I don't want Evan as my mate!" - I admitted, though that's not exactly a surprise.

"He's not gonna be your mate! It can still be Lex." - Sasha suggested, making me almost barf at dinner.

"Sasha! Ew!" - I complained, looking disgusted.

Please, Goddess. Literally anyone but Lex. I need my bitch to remain my friend.

See, omegas are naturally drawn to Alphas. It's all about balance. Opposites attract and all that stuff. Rarely a male Alpha doesn't get an omega for mate, especially a gay one like me.

Omegas are naturally drawn to strength to make up for what they lack. Usually, omegas' mates are warriors, Betas and of course Alphas.

Which is why this is such a sensitive subject to me.

"Son, there's no point in suffering in anticipation. Tomorrow you'll find out and that's it. Pray he accepts you, whoever he is." - Dad asserted in a troubled tone.

"Yeah, I do pray. I don't need the humiliation, thank you very much." - I spoke, worriedly.

"Don't forget your sunglasses." - Mom reminded me in a chipper tone.

Because we share the school with humans who don't know about our true nature, we take sunglasses to school on our birthday to conceal our eyes glowing for our mate. In fact, most teen wolves carry around sunglasses everyday for this precise reason.

Werewolf nature compels our eyes to shine for a moment, signaling the presence of the wolf inside us connecting with its soulmate.

It's impossible to avoid, but it can be concealed. Hence, the sunglasses.

The next morning, I take my breakfast shaking in nervousness. Literally. My family notices this, but it doesn't stop them from congratulating me and showing their love.

There are hugs, kisses and a few gifts to mark the day. I definitely feel the outpouring of love.

"Is everything set for my birthday party tomorrow?" - I asked my mom, finishing breakfast.

"Yes, Ben. Don't worry. Just go to school and text us his name as soon as possible. Okay?" - She demanded it, excited for me.

"Sure, mom." - I replied, shyly.

I drove to school with my sister like usual. Nerves shattering my confidence like nothing I've ever felt before.

"Do you think Evan would reject me?" - I asked Sasha, parking the car.

"Are you kidding me? He's gonna jump into your arms and beg you to make him yours!" - She replied with clear excitement.

I genuinely laughed so hard at this that my nerves were gone.

"I love you, sister." - I kiss her forehead before we go our separate ways.

The first person I see at the gate is Teddy, eagerly awaiting for me. Lex is not far from him. I smiled at the sight.

"Happy birthday, Ben." - He greeted me with a passionate kiss. It's not him, but I already knew that.

"I'm sorry it's not you." - I told him with a saddened tone.

"It's not important. Today is all about you." - He replied, not letting the mood go down.

"Happy birthday, bitch!" - Lex hugged me for a while. Honestly, both of us breathed out a sigh of relief for him not being my mate.

"Thanks. I'm so glad it's not you." - I smirked, very relieved.

"Tell me about it! I even told Tristan yesterday it could be our final day together." - He commented, feeling as relieved as I am.

"How is he, by the way?" - I asked as we walked towards class.

"The same, figuring things out. I guess the whole mate uncertainty is a little daunting to him, because he's a rogue his mate can be anywhere." - He replied in a somber tone.

"I can imagine. Plus, your mate will be found next year." - I stated, knowing Lex's birthday is in March.

"Oh man. I have no idea who my mate is gonna be." - He sounded a bit concerned.

"Join the club." - Teddy agreed, smiling awkwardly.

We enter the classroom and I am bombarded by several classmates congratulating me and wishing me a happy birthday.

Lisa gives me the tightest hug and kiss me.

"Happy birthday, Ben!" - She smiles wide at me.

"Thanks, Lisa." - I feel so fortunate for her friendship. But still... no mate anywhere.

"Where's Evan?" - I asked, looking around the classroom. I might as well get this over with.🙄

"I think he skipped your birthday!" - Roger joked. I glared at him.

"Good one, Roger. I'm glad you're gonna get a football scholarship." - I jabbed at him with innuendo.

The humans don't understand why anyone would skip my birthday. Their puzzled faces are funny to look at.

The teacher enters and starts the class.

At the end of the period, I'm frantically walking the corridors, looking for any sign, any clue, any whiff of a mate, but nothing.

"Is there anyone missing today?" - I asked Lex, worriedly.

"Aside from Evan, not that I'm aware of." - He replied, concerned for me.

"Why did that bitch have to skip school today?" - I growled in a low tone.

"I'm here!" - He showed up at the door, out of breath.

"I missed the bus today and it was a whole ordeal. I'm sorry for being late." - He apologized to the teacher, who noted his tardiness before he lets him in.

"Oh my goodness!" - I gasped in shock.

It's not him either. What the hell! Who is it?

Who it can be that it's not already at school.

During lunch break, Lex and Teddy kept giving me pity stares that annoyed the hell out of me.

"I'm sorry. Maybe he'll be at your party tomorrow." - Lex tried to comfort me.

"He who? Who the hell is invited to my party who isn't already here at school today?" - I refuted, baffled at the lack of mate.

I'm angry at this. I could expect Lex, Evan, even Teddy. But no mate is far worse. I'm devastated.

"Do you want me to skip on Tristan today to stay with you?" - Lex asked me with a sorrowful expression.

"No, it's fine. I have training anyway. I can't skip it just because I'm mateless." - I replied, sulking.

"You're not mateless, Ben! Stop it! He'll turn up soon, you'll see." - Teddy comforted me with a soft touch on my shoulder.

After the classes ended, I could feel a disappointed expression on the pack teens' faces as I walked the corridors.

Even if we are outnumbered by humans, there are still a great deal of teen wolves studying here and they all know what a big deal this is.

It's a big deal for every wolf kind.

I face Delta Johnson - who wishes me a happy birthday, same as the other warriors present - and trains me like any other day.

My face alone tells my sad lonely tale and he asks no questions about it. Or his son. He's a professional through and through.

Later I arrived at home, devastated and tired. My parents hugged me for the longest time. I bask in their warmth as it's the only consolation I have right now.

Afterwards, I retired to my room for a bit. I'd skip dinner but I'm too hungry not to eat.

"It's just a temporary setback, son. We'll invite unmated people from other packs. I'm sure your mate will turn up soon enough." - Dad encouraged me while we ate.

I'm eating as I must but this is not how I dreamed of spending my 18th birthday.

There were a lot of contingencies I was prepared for, but this wasn't one. I even prepared myself for the instance of a girl mate. Gross!

I look at dad and offer him a weak smile, too devastated to say anything at this point.

"Look at the bright side: you can still date Teddy." - Sasha tried to cheer me up.

I do smile at the thought. It is a good thing. But right now I'm too in my head about it.

On Saturday, I welcome 100 of my closest friends and family to the pack house. You'd think it's a lot of people but our pack has 15.000 members.

My mom had to trim down the list. We can't be seen splurging too much because we're the Alpha family and must set an example.

On the other hand, we could NOT celebrate the future Alpha of the pack. If my mate shows up, that is.

I celebrated with my friends, Teddy and my loving family. It's a great party, indeed.

Lex even tried to get me to invite the rogues, to which I politely declined...

'Are you out of your freaking mind? Rogues at the pack house? Do you want people to question my dad's sanity?'

Yeah, like that but with profanities.

Anyway, the party is raging on. Teddy is being extra loving because of my situation. But the question on everybody's lips is:

'Who's your mate? Where is he?'

Awkward? Yeah, very much.

Try as I may, I still haven't found what I'm looking for.

A|N: After I wrote Topping the Alpha, I've had half the readers hating me cause they wanted Simon and Elliot together and the other half claiming Elliot isn't good enough for Felix (or they wanted more of them together).

So I tried very hard to not depict Teddy as too enticing that people would forget he's not the actual mate. I even dialed down their love scenes to that effect. I think I succeeded this time.

You can all guess what happens in the next chapter. It's called: RIVER.

Love,

Léo.