SKYLAR

I could not hold myself back.

I am so head over heels in love with Jake that all I thought about since he returned to Colorado was to see him again. I could not concentrate on anything else, despite my father's best attempts to get me interested in something that happened in the company.

Sorry, father. I am sure that a profit margin increase seems nice, but I cannot focus on anything else while Jake is not here by my side. Even on Tuesday evening, I was already feeling the separation anxiety. Go figure, right?

On Wednesday morning, my dad dragged me to the office to go over some papers with him. He wants me to take an interest in the business I will one day inherit, but it's boring stuff... maybe after I finish my college degree. Hopefully.

On Thursday, it was the traditional Thanksgiving with my grandparents, the former Alpha and Luna of our pack. They welcomed all their sons and daughter - they had four children including my dad, the oldest - and all the grandchildren.

It was a Stronghold reunion with all my cousins, aunt and uncles. Seth and I delighted ourselves with a chef prepared gourmet meal - unlike other houses where everybody brings a plate, in this one they only bring a present for their mother. I actually get along great with my grandparents, their relationship is the one that I hope to emulate one day.

They have been mated for more than forty years. Now that is a marriage!

Grandpa quizzed me about my potential prospects so far, so I told him I was in love with a boy. The room went silent for a minute, all of them looking at each other waiting for him to show his reaction to this news in particular.

"I thought you liked girls, like your dad." He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"I do like them, but I also like boys and all the other genders." I replied in a matter of fact.

"How many genders are there?" He gaped at me in shock.

"The point is I don't see gender, I connect with the human. That is what being pansexual means." I lectured, trying to be as educational as possible.

"I see. And is he an Omega from a good werewolf family?" He raised a curious eyebrow.

"He is the son of your company's Head Engineer and a College Professor at C.U." I informed him, which in turn got him more spooked.

"He is Shawn's kid? I didn't know he had a son!" He was shaken by the news.

"That's because he abandoned his son while still in his mother's womb and never looked back." I declared, rather annoyed at that fact. I am so disappointed in him. He was my hero growing up.

"Oh!" He was baffled by this, genuinely.

"Well, if your father approves of him for you, then I say as long as you're happy." He smiled at me, at last. Not to say it was a very convincing smile...

"Approval is a strong term, I am okay with it, but it's not who I wanted for him." Dad interjected, rolling his eyes.

"What matters is that you sent the email, so thanks dad." I smirked, not wanting to engage in a debate now.

"You approved an Omega for your son with no tactical advantage? Who are you?" He challenged his son, peeved by this unusual fact.

"I am his father, so it falls on me to approve or not approve candidates for my sons. I am the Alpha." Dad declared, taking a stand against his own father.

"We'll have words later and then we'll decide who is the Alpha, son." Grandpa threatened him in a low tone.

"He is in love with him, haven't you heard? I have never seen my son in love before like I do with this boy, I know what I am doing, father!" He raised his tone, reacting to that veiled threat.

"This pack has never had a male Luna before in our history!" Grandpa exclaimed, sounding disappointed.

"Then it's past time we have one. I stand by my decision. I am his father and I know my son. He acts as if this kid is his mate, for Goddess' sake! Stop with your prejudices, old man!" Father grunted in annoyance, setting his father off.

"Don't be silly, Frederick! Why would his mate be from another state? Texas is big enough! He sneered at the far-fetched theory.

"Gentlemen, you can debate whatever you want until kingdom come, but Jake is the only one for me. It's either him or nobody. I am your only Alpha heir, so unless you wish for your dynasty to end with me, I'd suggest you get with the program, grandpa. I am not backing down from this." I stood my ground, irritated.

I guess everybody can surprise us if you wait long enough...

Aside from that awkward display in front of the entire family, the rest of the evening was actually kind of nice. I talked to my grandmother who was thrilled for me to be in love, she asked me all kinds of questions about Jake and what he was like. I showed her a picture of him on my phone and she was sold. He is gorgeous, I agree with you, grandma.

My father and grandfather bickered all night and they did not end the evening without a close quarters showdown between father and son. You can say anything you want about Frederick Stronghold, but you cannot accuse him of being a bad father. He stands up for his sons and my mom was damn proud of him for that.

All my uncles and aunt went to Ravenwood to select a partner, but their partnerships were not as successful as my parents. Only one uncle remained married to his Ravenwood bride, the others... wavered the ten-year minimum clause. It happens.

But they are not in my father's position, he cannot afford to lose my mom as a partner. He has to wine and dine politicians, other Alphas, dignitaries... He cannot show up to these events alone. Let's not forget the example must come from above and my mom is a formidable Luna.

So no, he will never trade her in for his mistress. She can have the scraps. *gross*

Again, I am not a mistress kind of guy. I will NEVER be a mistress kind of guy. I'd prefer to love my Omega over and over again until we are old and gray, demanding our kids to bring presents for their daddy because nobody needs to bring food.

On Friday, I sat with my parents after breakfast and asked them if I could go to Colorado earlier than expected. They were surprised, but they were not mad about the request. Seth would have to travel alone on the plane, but Santos can book him a first-class ticket to Denver. I am sure he will not bear a grudge against me. I am in love.

It's Saturday afternoon. Jake and I spent a leisurely day yesterday after I arrived, so today we went sightseeing all over Boulder. It was nice to have this time away with him one-on-one and we talked extensively about what is to come for us.

We touched upon the conversation he will have with Jayden, but I did not pry much into that. It is his business and his relationship, all I want is for him to be mine. Exclusively and forever. I want him so badly to be mine...

Once again, Jake took me to a fancy restaurant for lunch and I delighted myself with the best steak - outside of Texas - that I have ever eaten. We did not go mountain climbing - one adventure was enough for me - but we did walk to the mall and ended up back at his condo by nightfall.

We spent the night with his mother playing games like we did with my family. We had pizza and played card and board games, so we were set for the night. Whitney wiped us out in a game of Monopoly, but she lost in War. She is a very cool lady and I see so much of Jake in her. I love their closeness because I feel the same about my mom, my hero.

By dawn, we were inside his room enjoying our bodies freely. I think I created a monster after I introduced the next level of pleasure to Jake. Now he wants it every night. But who am I to complain? What my baby wants, my baby gets. *swoon*

We woke up on Sunday afternoon for a brunch his mom had put together for us - she is a wonderful hostess - and I formally requested her permission to be Jake's prospect.

"I will love him for as long as I live. He will be taken care of for the rest of his life. And you will always have a home with us in Texas. We can send you a plain ticket anytime you want." I told her, ever so seriously.

"I can buy my own plane tickets, Skylar, but I'll take your request under advisement." She smiled at me. Jake was beside me in the living room and he smiled at me for that moment. This is when my life changed forever. This is the day when I get everything that I ever wanted in life.

After an hour and a half bus drive, we arrived at the town where the vans would take us back to Ravenwood. It's been a nice break, but now it's time to get back to business. Jake and I walked together towards the parking lot where the vans were parked as multitudes of students gathered around to be taken to our prestigious and secluded private academy.

By the time we arrived inside the magnificent castle, we were exhausted and in need of a good coffee, though we would have to settle for the vending machines for now. Only dinner will be served after the mandatory assembly with Headmaster Lockwood.

I went upstairs to deposit my luggage in my *single* room while Jake did the same. My brother had not arrived yet. For now, I rested. I would go to Jake's room but I wouldn't want to give fodder for gossip. Jake has asked me to wait until Jayden returns from his suspension to announce anything yet. I am okay with that.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I trust you had a nice Thanksgiving break." Headmaster Lockwood greeted us inside the packed auditorium.

"Now that we have turned another month, the last of the year, it's important to take stock of what went wrong and what went right. I hope you are doing well in your pursuits of partnership. I know some of you have already started contract negotiations and that is great, but if you aren't even linked to anyone yet, there will be a Christmas Ball in two weeks. Don't lose hope, a lot can happen between now and April." He gave his pep talk.

"Please be mindful that exams start next week, so don't drop the ball, we still need to keep our license with the State Board of Education. As you were told before, all exams are practical. We are not interested in paper, but in making sure you learn something of value here." He continued in a serious tone.

"Have a great week of studies. Dismissed." He concluded. Then the students started to file out of the room.

"Mr. Stronghold." He called me out before I had the chance to leave. This immediately got Seth and Jake's attention. And a lot of other students as well. People love gossip around here, so I hope it's not a tongue lashing.

"Yes, Headmaster?" I stared at him from the aisle where I was sitting, waiting for the bomb to drop.

"I am sorry to inform you, but it seems that you haven't been approved as Mr. Broderick's prospect." He announced and my heart sank to its deepest depth of despair.

"What?! Jake gaped at him in shock. Seth was horrified.

"I am sorry for the inconvenience." He faked an empathy that was not showing in his face.

"What the fuck?! Are you serious?" Jake was possessed by this, enraged.

"Language, Mr. Broderick, I am not one of your pals." He chastised him, furrowing his brows in disapproval.

"You cannot be serious!" Jake was livid about this. I was devastated. I really thought I had made a good impression on Dr. Anderson. I have no idea what could possibly have gone wrong. I am heartbroken. Devastated. Wrecked.

"This doesn't make any sense!" Jake cried out, desperately.

"Again, I am sorry. You are dismissed." He practically shooed us out of the auditorium that was built with my family's money. That's why it's called the 'Stronghold Auditorium'.

Jake and I consoled each other in our arms, gutted by this. What could I possibly have done wrong? I don't deserve this. Not at all... *sobs*

https://youtu.be/-NYrmz3jttc

A|N: BOOM! 💥 *insert explosion noises*

Oh, did you want a twist?

The twisted game is about to unfold in the next chapter.

The drama is salacious. The fury will be unleashed. There will be hell to pay.

You can hardly wait!

It's available right now on my Patreon:

patreon.com/LeonardoMontero

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PS: Initially, I had a totally different idea of how to end this chapter. I was going to take a completely different route, but this one turned out to be even better.

Next is "Set Fire to the Rain".

Love,

Léo.