Alpha's Babies

The thumping bass vibrated through the floorboards, a relentless pulse that matched the frantic beat of my own heart. Eighteen. Today was the day. "Raiven Savannah Wescott, look at you!" Luke wolf-whistled, and my brother, Kale, smacked his arm.
Zach, my boyfriend, emerged from the kitchen, a possessive smile on his face. He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close, his breath warm against my ear. "Ready to party, birthday babe?" he whispered, his grey eyes sparkling.
I giggled, stroking his cheek. "Definitely." Kale groaned, shielding his eyes, and we all piled into Luke's car. Zach and I nestled into the back, his arm draped around me, a picture of perfect teenage romance.
Yet, a quiet hum of unease settled in my chest. Zach was so certain we were mates, but the profound connection everyone talked about hadn't kicked in for me. I didn't want to shatter his dreams, though. As Luke pulled up to his house, the entire school seemed to have converged, a swirling vortex of music, laughter, and flashing lights.
I poked my head through the sunroof, throwing peace signs. "Let's get this party started!" A roar of approval rose to meet me. I laughed, grabbing Zach's hand, and we pushed through the boisterous crowd, his grip tight around my waist, protecting me from the drunken revelers. I smiled, a fleeting moment of peace, before diving into the noisy chaos of the house, losing Zach in the throng almost immediately.
