Bound by fate to the future Alpha.

**Chapter Nine:Game set Match- Blake's POV**

As the hour draws closer to the most important day of my year, the adrenaline starts coursing through my veins like a live wire. Everywhere I look, there are banners emblazoned with “Shadow Moon,” our team name—a tribute to the pack of territory that I'll be leading one day. The air is thick with anticipation, and the weight of the moment bears down upon me as I stand with my teammates in the locker room, each of us donning our pads and uniforms, ready for battle. The atmosphere crackles with energy as our coach gathers us for what feels like the most consequential speech of our lives. His words ignite a fierce determination in us, and soon we find ourselves chanting, the rhythm of our voices unifying us into one powerful force.

As we step onto the field, the burst of cheers and chants envelops us, electrifying the air. The cheerleaders work their magic, and the mascots rally the crowd, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Standing opposite Valley High, I feel an exhilarating mix of nerves and excitement. The ref approaches, cracking a dry joke about a clean game. His comment barely registers amidst the fevered anticipation. Then, just like that, the game kicks off. The world around us fades into a blur as the whistle blows, and our adrenaline soars. We’re quick on our feet, working in perfect sync, and we find ourselves three points ahead as the whistle signalling halftime halts the frenetic pace of the game.

“Now is our time to destroy them and reclaim what is ours!” Our coach’s voice booms, channelling the spirit of Mel Gibson from "Braveheart." His dramatic flair may be over the top, but it fuels our fire and galvanizes us for the second half. We surge back onto the pitch, and the battle resumes with renewed vigour. Moments slip by in a vivid blur of speed and intensity until, with just minutes left on the clock, I break free, racing downfield. The end zone looms ahead, and in that electric instant, I cross into glory—touchdown! The whistle blows, and we erupt in jubilation. “LET’S GOOO!” I roar, adrenaline still surging through me.

After shaking hands with the Valley High team, I spot Thorin, their quarterback, shooting me a grin. “See you tonight,” he says, and my mind races as anticipation curls around that thought—tonight is going to be legendary. Once we finish cleaning up, we all head for the party off by the woods, a celebration that promises to be monumental. The energy is palpable as we arrive: music thumps, kegs overflow, and a beer pong table beckons, a nod to my competitive spirit still buzzing from the day’s triumph.

Then I see Jackson, beaming with an unmatched enthusiasm. I think it’s just the post-game high until he mouths “mate” to me, and disbelief washes over me. Holy hell, he’s found his mate! My heart races as I rise up on my tiptoes to catch a glimpse, only to realize it’s Aimee—Malia’s best friend. Awkwardness settles in like an unwanted guest, but excitement mingles with tension. Tonight is bound to be an unforgettable whirlwind.

Malia’s heart raced as she stood in front of the mirror, taking in her reflection. How had something so mundane as a party transformed into a small miracle of confidence? Just hours ago, she had been gripped by the dread of wearing something drab and boring, languishing in self-doubt as she struggled to find an outfit. But her mother had come through in the most splendid way, presenting her with a gift that felt like it had arrived straight from her dreams. The lacey black top hugged her curves perfectly, the high-waisted jeans accentuated her figure, and the leather jacket added an edge that made her feel fierce.

As she touched up her makeup, tracing her eyeliner with a steady hand, she couldn’t help but smirk at the unexpected turn her day had taken. The screams of frustration had transformed into excited cheers, and she felt ready to conquer the night. Malia stepped back from the mirror, admired the way the light danced off her knee-high boots, and felt a surge of empowerment wash over her. Tonight, she wasn’t just Malia from down the street. She was a version of herself that felt unstoppable, ready to join her friends and make unforgettable memories.

When the horn tooted outside, announcing her ride, she felt a thrill of anticipation. Racing down the stairs, she wrapped her arms around her parents, their warmth grounding her amidst the whirlwind of excitement. Her mother’s gentle reminder echoed in her mind, and a motherly caution steeped in love and practicality. “Take off your outfit before your shift, or it’ll get ruined.” Malia laughed it off, knowing deep down that for tonight, she was going to be carefree. She waved goodbye and stepped outside, greeted by the cheers from her friends. The night was young, and as the wolf whistles followed her, Malia couldn’t shake the feeling that she was on the brink of something extraordinary. This was her night, and she was going to own every moment of it.

As I settle into the backseat, a wave of excitement washes over me. Both Aimee and Keira are animatedly discussing my outfit, their voices blending into a cheerful symphony. “I love love love it, where did you get it?” Aimee’s eyes sparkle with genuine admiration. I can’t help but grin as I respond, “Would you believe my mum of all people?” A giggle escapes me; the idea of my trendy mother surprises even me. “Muma bear has style,” Keira chimes in, her easy laugh filling the car with warmth.

The mood shifts as Aimee leans forward, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “We’ve got your presents but you can’t have them until tomorrow, when we can celebrate you properly.” I feel a flutter of anticipation in my stomach; despite all the previous drama, tonight feels like the beginning of something new. As we exit the car, my excitement only grows. Aimee looks stunning in her cute little white dress paired with a denim jacket and heels, her hair pulled back yet allowing soft curls to frame her face. Meanwhile, Keira struts confidently in her ripped high-waisted jeans and striking red top, her wavy hair cascading perfectly around her sculpted cheekbones.

“Let’s do this!” we declare in unison, a trio ready to conquer the night ahead. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the thrill of the evening ahead make all the past frustrations fade into the background, replaced by a shared promise of fun and celebration.