Caught by the Alphas: The Hidden Beauty of Alpha Academy

ALEXANDRIA As the last of the casket was buried beneath the soil of our humble pack, tears pricked the back of my eyes once more. I let one final tear fall before I turned away from the sight, leaving the elders to tend to Alexei's final resting place.  My pack members looked to me, most of them appearing as though they wanted to say something but were holding back their words. They, too, had tears glistening in their eyes. Despite having just turned eighteen, Alexei had been a remarkable leader to us all. Everyone witnessed how he fought tooth and nail to earn our pack the respect we always deserved. Now, as the next in the direct lineage, I was poised to inherit the title of Alpha. However, despite the gradual evolution of the world around us, female Alphas remained unrecognized. Many women had attempted to claim the title, only for their packs to be dissolved and merged with the nearest, larger pack led by a man. This reality served as yet another reason why my brother's death remained a well-guarded secret within our pack. As I stepped inside our house-where Alexei and I had grown up-an overwhelming sensation of suffocation enveloped me. His scent still lingered in the air, choking me with memories despite knowing that his presence had long since faded. I couldn't bear to remain there any longer. I snatched my wallet and phone before rushing out the door. At that very moment, I found Mandy waiting for me with swollen eyes and a concerned expression. She was Ryland's mate, originally from one of the largest packs in the country. Yet, when she met Ryland, she didn't hesitate to defy her family's wishes and leave her former pack. Since her arrival here a year ago, she had become my closest confidant.  "Are you going somewhere?"  I pursed my lips and nodded. "I just need some space." "I can accompany you, if you want," she offered.  "I want to be alone."  She opened her mouth to argue but ultimately nodded in defeat. "Please stay safe," she said softly. I remained silent, merely nodding before walking away from the house that felt achingly empty. I wandered aimlessly, my feet directing me away from our territory, leading me to neutral ground-right where the notorious red district was located. In our world, packs claimed their own territories, yet neutral grounds served as common business areas for all. I found myself standing at the entrance of a club, a place that Alexei had warned me to avoid. It was bustling with people, many from packs far and wide who traveled to this particular area to escape their responsibilities. As the lights of the club assaulted my senses, I stepped inside, unsure if I was drawn by my grief or pure curiosity-perhaps it was a combination of both.  The club's vibrant atmosphere blurred my vision even further, and as I attempted to take in my surroundings, I suddenly felt a hand snake around my waist, causing me to flinch and instinctively step back. Yet, the grip only tightened, pulling us into an uncomfortable proximity. I turned to glare at the man, who wore a clueless smile and held a drink in his free hand.  "A fresh face," he smirked. "This is what I like to see." "Let go of me," I commanded, my tone icy. "Do you want a drink?" he asked, his breath reeking, wafting unpleasantly into my nostrils. "The name's Matt, by the way." I instinctively covered my nose and pushed him away. However, judging by his scent and the commanding presence he exuded, it was clear I was dealing with an Alpha-and one who was strong. His gaze roamed from my face to my neck, leaving me aware of the danger I was in.  "I said, let go, or else," I reiterated, my voice more assertive this time. He merely smiled, an unsettling glint in his eyes. "Or else, what, sweetheart? You have the face of an angel, you know that? You're also rather familiar." I froze. If he was indeed an Alpha, there was a strong possibility he was attending Alpha Academy. Did he recognize my brother? "I think I've seen you in my dreams," he added, a smirk playing on his lips. What else could I have expected?  Truth be told, aside from his natural commanding power, I was certain I was stronger than him. I was prepared to push him away once and for all, but before I could make my move, I felt a cold glass pressed against my lips, forcing me to swallow its contents against my will. My eyes widened in shock, and with all my strength, I finally managed to push him away.  "Sweetheart," he continued, still blissfully unaware of the hints I was giving him. "All the girls here want to sleep with me. You should be flattered that I'm taking an interest in you. Unless... you have a boyfriend."  At that moment, I felt my senses beginning to dull, a strange fog swimming around in my mind. Frowning, I quickly realized that he must have slipped something into the drink.  "Shit," I cursed under my breath, frustration bubbling up inside me. He smirked at my outburst, clearly ready to take advantage of his shitty move.  What the heck did he give me? A wave of heat washed over me, making me feel things I had never felt before. Every second that passed fanned the flames of an unsettling awareness within me.  "If you don't have a boyfriend," he continued, his grip tightening around my waist with a squeeze, "then you really have no reason to refuse me. Even if you do have one, I don't see him here, so it's okay."  He was trash, utter trash.  This encounter only solidified my belief that all so-called Alpha males were nothing but obnoxious, self-serving villains. I wanted to fight back, but the effects of whatever he had given me were binding my will.  I glanced around the club, searching desperately for anyone who might offer help. But most people were lost in their own worlds, busy grinding against each other, and they didn't seem to find our interaction even slightly unusual. Then, through the haze of bodies and flashing lights, my gaze landed on someone standing at the entrance.  In an instant, he captured my full attention. It felt as if the entire club had quieted down when he walked in. The overhead lights illuminated his path, casting a soft glow, and even though my vision was slightly blurred, I could make out the strong angles of his face.  His lips were what captivated me the most, bold and inviting, and his scent-oh, his scent. It overpowered the foul odor that emanated from Matt, intoxicating me even further.  Before I could process my own actions, I found myself walking toward him. His pink, rough lips remained the only focus in my hazy view, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.  He halted in his tracks, and as I stood in front of him, my focus sharpened. My breath hitched in my throat.  He was even more handsome up close.  Then, without any forethought, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his, surrendering to the moment.