Alpha Grant: Book 3 of The Alpha Series

3. Graduation

Grant

We had waited all damn day to go to school for graduation. I couldn’t be happier to be saying goodbye to this part of my life. I was over school and I was ready to start my journey to fulfill my purpose, but I was finding that I was a little at odds with myself about my journey. I wish Madison was my age so I could take her with me. It was going to be odd not having her around. The longest we had gone without seeing one another was a little over a month while I was visiting family each summer.

I had some of my nicest clothes on for graduation; black dress pants and a green button up. I had my cap and gown on over my clothes. The graduation stuff was just crazy. I don't get why we have to wear a gown.

My graduating class here at the pack school was only eighteen, including me. There was a ceremony to mark that we had ended the journey of school life. This was an exciting day for all of us and we were ready to step into full adulthood. Most of the wolves graduating tonight were going on to be warriors in the Hunter’s Moon pack. A few were going to go to college then come back to the pack to help strengthen it. I was the only one about to leave and not really come back. I mean I would come to visit at some point, but I wouldn’t be back to stay.

After the principal said his big speech to the crowd to open graduation, which I didn’t pay any attention to, we finally walked the stage. I was so happy to walk across that stage and get my diploma. I was officially free of the pack school to go start my own pack. This was bitter sweet as hell.

When everyone had their diplomas, the principal made his final remarks. Again I didn’t listen to a word he said, he was so boring. I was ready to get out of here. Once he was done, there was a count down and we threw our hats in the air while howling loudly. I heard Eric howl with us in celebration. That made me smile to hear his support.

When everything was done, I followed my mom, dad and all four of my siblings back home. Logan, Owen and Sebastian were walking behind us with Rambo and Sage, while Madison walked behind everyone. She was putting distance between us already and I f*****g hated it.

When we got to mom and dad’s house, we all went to the backyard for a little graduation party that mom had put together for me. It was a laid pack party with drinks, BBQ and sides with some music playing. This was simple and quiet just the way I liked it. I hated big parties, like my eighteenth birthday party, but that’s what happens when you're the farmer Alpha’s son.

I sat in a lawn chair while listening to dad and Rambo talk about finding one another after dad had taken over the pack. That’s something I needed to do soon; find my Beta. I’m sure that was going to be a task that would keep me busy.

As I sat there, Eric came to sit with me. I looked over at him and gave him a weak smile. He smiled back at me before starting a conversation.

“Are you excited to go find wolves that need your help?” he asked me.

I hadn’t even thought of it like that. I had a purpose and that was to help others by being the leader that I was made to be. I had to build a pack for others. This wasn’t about me leaving my best friend and family behind, this needed to be about helping others.

“Yeah. I also just remembered that I have a Beta to go find for my future pack. There’s a lot to be done,” I told him.

“Yeah, there is, but if you take this journey one issue, one pack and one day at a time, you’ll do great.”

I nodded my head and we listened to dad and Rambo talk more about their time together. We loved it when those two reminisced. Soon Sebastian and Owen joined us and it was a group of guys sitting in lawn chairs drinking soda and lemonade while the she-wolves were off somewhere else.

When the party started to die down after eating dinner, Logan, Sebastian, Owen and Eric all went back to the packhouse to call it a night. Rambo and Sage were saying their goodbyes to head next door to call it a day also. Madison was saying bye to the twins and Jaxson then said bye to my parents, leaving me for last.

When she walked up to me, she gave me a big hug and I gave it right back to her. With her face muffled in my chest, I could barely hear what she was saying. I placed my cheek on top of her head and listened and answered her.

“When are you planning to leave?” she asked.

“In about a week. I want to spend some time with everyone before I go.”

“Alright.”

I know there was more to this conversation but she wouldn’t share her thoughts with everyone right here. We might talk about it later or even after I left. This was going to be tough. I let her go and she and her parents left. I told everyone goodnight then walked back to the packhouse. I climbed the stairs and went to my room. I sat on my bed and got my phone out. I opened my messages with Madison and looked at the screen. There was nothing I could do or say to make this better for her and I had to admit that. It was going to be what it was going to be.

~

Cameron

I was so proud of Eric and Grant. It’s hard to believe that our oldest two pups were now eighteen and graduated from school. The sad thing is, we would be saying bye to Grant as soon as he started his journey. I have a feeling he has a bright future ahead of him, but the hardest part was letting him go. I could tell that Jamie wasn’t ready to say goodbye and we would be doing this all over again with Jaxson in a few years. This was going to be hard.

I could tell that Grant wasn’t ready to leave but he was pushing himself too. He was staying home for an extra week to spend time with everyone and, training a little more with Eric and me, but I have a feeling that it was him just delaying what he needed to do. I have a feeling when he goes to train with Curt that Curt is going to have his hands full. Grant was stronger than any other Lycan bearer I had come across.

At his graduation party, I could tell something was up with him and Madison. She was staying away from him for the first time. When everything from his graduation party had died down and the pups had gone to bed, I was in our room with Jamie. I have questions for her. I knew she knew more than she had led on. She always did.

“Did you notice the distance between Grant and Madison today?” I asked her.

“Yeah I did. She’s upset that he’s leaving.”

“Well, clearly she is. They’re best friends. How could she not be upset?”

“Fair,” she told me with a nod as she grabbed her night clothing out.

“What aren’t you telling me, beautiful?” I asked.

She sighed while looking at me and her shoulders slumped. I knew she was hiding something and there was the proof.

“You better keep your mouth shut, my love,” she told me.

“Who would I tell?” I asked, looking at her like she was crazy.

“Rambo.”

“So I can't tell my battle buddy?” I asked in distress.

“No!” she told me firmly.

“Fine,” I huffed.

“Madison and Grant are close. Almost too close, wouldn’t you agree?” she asked.

“Yeah. I’ve been worried that things are going on between them but they both know better.”

“True, but I do know that they belong to one another. That’s why they are so close, but we can’t let anyone know,” she told me.

“That’s huge knowledge!” I told her with wide eyes.

“I know it is,” she said softly.

“When did you find out?”

“When Sage was pregnant with Madison and I checked in on her future. I saw how strong she is going to be. Strong like her mate. Then I saw Grant and her as mates.”

“What else do you know?” I asked, pressing further.

“A lot, but I’m not giving you anymore information,” she said, waving me off and shaking her head.

“Oh, come on!”

“No!”

“What if I do that little thing you like so much?” I asked in an attempt to trade s****l favors for information that my mate was hiding.

“As tempting as that is, your answer is still no,” she told me.

“That’s not fair,” I told her while shaking my head.

“Says you. Do you think I asked to see what type of s*x lives our pups will have?”

“Oh, gross. Jamie,” I said while I covered my eyes with my hand and rubbed down my face.

She laughed and walked into the bathroom to shower. She had gotten more outspoken and comfortable over the years. Sometimes I was shocked at what came out of her mouth, but it always turned me on when she was being dirty. I would have to figure out a different way for her to spill all of her secrets. She would tell me everything I wanted eventually.