5

~Althea

I stumble up the final step, and push open my bedroom door. The confines of my room are cold, due to the partly open window. Everything is messy for some reason, which I guess was caused by the wind. I'm generally a tidy person.

I turn and shove the door shut, but it catches on something. Annoyed, I grab my underwear and toss them behind me. Trust mother to clean clothes and leave them lying around my room at random. I lean my back against the door, taking a deep breath.

I hear Landon make it to the top of the stairs with ease, and although I climb them everyday, I'm breathing heavily.

"Al?"

I close my eyes as Landon's soothing, empathetic voice floats under the crevice of door. It had an immediate, calming effect on me, making me slump and relax against the door. He may have shown up and terrorise my family at this seemingly crucial time, but I couldn't help but admire his company.

"Yeah?" I breathe, blowing a stray lock of black hair from my face. I'm glad I can't see his swirling, distracting dark eyes that make my heart melt every time. I hear him tap his finger rhythmically against the door.

Those eyes are his secret weapon against me. He may be the Alpha of the Power Pack, an extremely feared and influential Pack, but his muscles are not the most unnerving weapon he can weildagainst me.

"Are you going to let me in?" Landon asked gently. I turn and rest my head against the door. Should I? The butterflies flutter in my stomach, just at the thought. I roll my eyes at myself, glad Landon can't see me right now.

I glance over my shoulder to see the black, lacey underwear laying close to my pillow on my bed. Slowly I stalk away from the door, and shove them under the covers, before walking back to the door, wiped my eyes and flinging it open bravely.

Landon stood there, looking meekly down at me. Nonetheless, he still looked damn good looking, and suited the look of a white button up shirt and black jeans. He gazed at me, hands shoved in his pockets, eyes glowing dangerously.

I sucked in a deep breath, and without words, walked away and sat squarely on my bed. Landon unsure followed with quiet footsteps. If he wanted to follow I had given him access, and I wondered briefly if this new Alpha power wiped away his awkwardly shyness I loved abut him.

This has to be the first time Landon and I have ever been in a bedroom, alone together. For this long, we have been yearning for something like this, or at least I have. The bed creaks as he sits next to me, his gaze meeting mine.

"I want you to know, the I understand exactly what you are going through," Landon said softly. My eyes burned at his words, and I fought to cage my tears in. He's right. He does understand, and maybe I shouldn't be the frustrated and upset one...

"At least your family has a reason. They want a proper Luna, a capable guardian for the Pack, who sums Power up as much as you do," I said, my voice awfully dry and hoarse. I shouldn't be mad at him, but for whatever reason, I was on edge.

I jump slightly as Landon grasped my hand. It makes me strangely happy when he does it like; like he's my lifeline that I cling to for support.

"Everything will be okay...Listen to me when I say this; you should pursue the man you want to he with, or woman for that matter! Do not listen to what your parents demand, or your friends...this is your choice," he comments. I gaze at him, wondering how he managed to be so sweet for a moment.

"Inspirational," I tease, giving his shoulder a bump with mine. He chuckles, and a friendly mood floods into the room like a wave. He smiles brightly at me, catching my slight hint at a joke. But still, even his beautiful smile can only bring a shred of happiness.

"But seriously. I know that you keep to yourself, so if you ever want to talk about who you really want, then I am your guy," Landon stated proudly. Oh great, the whole 'shoulder to cry on' fiasco.

I pause. How are you supposed to spill the truth to your best friend that you've had a crush on him for your whole childhood, and that you hate how this change has separated the two of you, and that him being your mate would exceed your wildest dreams?

I take an internal deeper breath...No way is that happening, unless I know he likes me back somehow.

"I can't see myself be incredibly happy with Cyrus," I admit. I feel bad about it; I mean, he's such a decent guy too. Landon doesn't seem surprised at my answer at all, but he squeezes my hand anyway.

"Yet still, you remain wanting to be with him?"

I could tell Landon was disapproving, but how could I explain to him the basic truth. I stood up, and began pacing, twirling my finger around a lock of my hair nervously.

"There is a difference between wanting, and needing," I stated in frustration, throwing my hands up. Landon just watches me with a curious look on his face.

"Do you feel something for someone else?" He questions intrusively. I come to a rigid stop, my feet skidding against the carpet. I slowly turn my head away, and squeeze my eyes shut...did he really ask that?

"I-I don't know," I stutter unintentionally, placing my hands on my hips. Landon smiles softly, waiting for my answer. My stomach flips at the thought of him maybe actually knowing I like him, or at least have done for years now.

"Yes you do...come on tell me or I'll stay here all night," he says persistently. I watch him get up, and pull my covers back like he was about to get in, but something stop him. Slowly he turned around, a devilish grin on his face.

I gasp, seeing that clutched in his hand was my underwear. I jumped forward, but he held the pair above my head, making me jump for them.

"Landon," I growled, trying to snatch them from his hands, but he moved back just in time, so I smacked my head against his chest. He laughed loudly, watching my struggles.

"Oh Al, aren't these a little too sexy?" He suggested. I backed away, fuming. I wanted to slap him, but I doubt I'll get my underwear back of I even dear. He continued to gaze at me, daring me to come closer again and retrieve them.

"We aren't five, Alpha," I admonished, folding my arms. I wanted him to act more like his age at this point, not like a horney pubescent boy. Okay maybe he didn't completely resemble that; he looked more like a walking Sex God.

"Come get them," he dared, lowering his arm to a point where I could actually grab them. I eyed him carefully, then glanced at the door. He followed my gaze, and I took the chance to lurch forward and grab the underwear. Except his grip wouldn't loosen, even though I had taken him by surprise.

We wrestled for awhile, him single handedly, me with two hands. After a few moments I was out of breath, struggling.

"Calm down and I'll let you have it," Landon said smoothly, not even worried about the fight for my dignity and underwear. I growled, but stopped.

I gazed up at Landon, who slowly released the underwear. I let them drop to the floor.

"Think of it as a lesson in life. You won't get what you want if you fuss and worry, dear," Landon stated. I gaped at him in disbelief. He was hinting at my parents, and how we had a long winded argument. He chuckles at my frown.

"You're so cute Al," he commented, pinching my cheek. Suddenly the mood in the room changed, and I felt my gaze graze over his lips, unintentionally. We stared at me, and in the moment I was almost sure that he had started to lean in.

"We are so sorry darling-"

I groan as mother bursts into the room. Of course, why didn't I expect that...