[The following is set in an alternate timeline where Shawn never abandoned Jake. His parents separated when he was around 6 or 7, then Shawn moved to Texas for a job opportunity.]

It's Summer, my favorite season of the year.

Not only because I get a well-deserved break from high school, but because it is also when I get to travel to Texas and spend time with my dad. Even though he is very busy with his job at Stronghold Oil, he always makes time for me.

My mother has a new guy in her life - a fellow college professor at C.U. - so she is happy to have the condo all to herself this Summer. He is younger than her, so I say go for it, mama! Get your groove back! She has dedicated her entire life to raising me, especially after my dad left us close to a decade ago. She deserves all the happiness in the world and I hope she gets to have just that.

I have been lucky enough to graduate with the highest GPA of my class and now I only have to decide whether or not I should attend Ravenwood or go straight to college next Fall. Being a legacy kid, it was not that difficult for me to secure a spot in C. U. - I also worked my ass off on my college application.

My mom is pushing me to go to Ravenwood because she wants me to have security in my life, as in a contracted partner who will maintain the relationship for at least the decade minimum guaranteed per contract. She wants me to aim as high as possible in the dating pool, maybe even lock a Luna position.

Decades ago, the only thing that parents wanted was to send us to a good college after high school, but now that there are no more mates, what they really want is for us to secure our future with a strong partner, preferably an Alpha.

Considering that the Alpha of my pack is younger than me - and for all intents and purposes straight - it is not like I have much of a future here in Boulder. At least, not in the sense of what she wants for me. I tried to tell her that no Alpha would ever want me because I offer them nothing that they value - pedigree, money, or power.

I am just a small town Omega from an unimportant pack in Colorado, nothing that will make me stand out in the crowd of privileged students at Ravenwood Academy. But moms are nothing if not relentless, so I'll probably humor her by going there just to get rejected by the majority of the Alphas. Maybe I could score a well-connected Beta.

The upside is that Ravenwood is less than 3 hours away from Boulder, so I wouldn't be that distant from my family. If we were talking about a more distant private school, then there is no way in hell I would ever attend it. I don't want to spend much time away from my mom and my grandparents.

Am I looking forward to it? Not particularly. But it's not the worst thing in the world trying to secure a strong partnership, as long as we can have a long-distance relationship after, because I will definitely attend C.U.

I will not forgo college just so I can stand idle while my future partner attends his. I am not saying I want either of us to not go to college, but I want my independence for now. At least, some leeway. Goddess knows I do not expect any gay teenager to spend months away from me and remain faithful. I live in the real world. *eye roll*

I am arranging my bag and thinking of the last time I went to Texas. My dad took me to Dallas and it was absolutely great. He knows I am gay - I was never in the closet - so he planned accordingly. He made sure to take me places I would enjoy in the LGBT district.

There isn't much of a gay scene in Boulder, but Dallas is a whole different game. I loved it there and if it wasn't for the financial aspect, I would gladly go to college in Dallas.

My mom gives me a five minute hug - she would go on forever if I let her - before we walk to the elevator. She is going to drive me to the airport in Denver, which is about 45 minutes away. Then it's off to Texas to spend time with my dad, for the last time as a high school student.

The journey is calm, the road is easy to drive and the traffic is minimal. By the time I arrive at the airport, my mom gives me another long hug.

'I'll return here before I go to Ravenwood. Don't worry, mom. We will have plenty of time to spend together before the Summer is over." I said, trying to reassure her that this was not the last time she would see me before I went off to boarding school.

With one last kiss, I am off to Dallas. The closest airport to my father's pack. It is located in a small town with just about 40.000 werewolves, the main economy is oil. The source of wealth for the dynasty that has been running the pack for centuries. Yes, I said centuries. The Stronghold pack is the only wolf pack named after its Alpha.

The same oligarchy controls most of the town's assets.

I arrived at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport only to find my dad holding a sign written 'SMARTEST BOY IN THE WORLD'. He is the cheesiest, I know. But I love him. He gave me a bear hug for the longest time and we walked together towards the parking garage. He grilled me about how the end of the year was for me in high school and if I had made any college decisions.

I told him the truth, that I decided to humor my mom and go to Ravenwood Academy. The possibility of prospecting someone important that could secure my future seems much more valuable to me. But I also reaffirmed my intention of going to college.

He was in agreement with my mom on this one - they talked about it extensively - and I was happy that they were on the same page. It's not always guaranteed between separated couples, but they maintained a modicum of mutual respect, despite the bad breakup they had - my dad was offered a promotion in Texas, but my mom did not want to leave her job as a college professor in C.U. They argued a lot.

On the drive back to his pack, dad told me all about his job and what interesting things he had in store for us to do together now that I am here. He is taking a week off from work next month so we can travel together as a family.

However, when I say family, I don't mean just me and him. My dad has been living for the last ten years with a coworker he fell in love with after working for the Strongholds. She has a daughter my age - it was a son, but now she goes by Mandy after she started her transition. We actually get along well, we are both Omegas, so we have always been able to relate to one another. It's a special thing that unites us, our breed.

My dad also has a young daughter with Mandy's mom. My sister is 8 years old and is the sweetest girl you'll ever meet. I guess this is my dad's new family now, but he always makes room for me. In fact, he made sure that I came here for the Summer.

We arrived at his house and the first thing I see is my sisters waiting for me in the driveway. I got out of the car and walked straight to be hugged by Lilly, my little sister. She told me she missed me a lot and it's great to feel her sweet embrace. Then I greeted Mandy and her mother as my dad brought my luggage inside the house.

I spent hours talking to my extended family about my life, the end of high school, and my groundbreaking speech. My father almost did not make it to see me giving a valedictorian speech. He caught a red-eye from Dallas to Boulder, but it ended up delaying... it was a mess. Fortunately, he managed to be there with the rest of my family.

After a lengthy conversation, it was time for dinner and we talked some more at the table. Lilly told me all about the stuff that she wanted to do with her big brother and I melted at her sweetness. Her parents don't have much time to go out with her during the week since they both have full-time jobs, but now that I am here, I can take her whenever she wants.

Yes, Mandy is her sister too, but she is less keen on going out with her than me. She sees Lilly every day, I don't. So, I will make the most of my time here. Dad already told me he will be taking me to Houston this year on his vacation. It's a close trip, but it'll suffice.

Later that night, Mandy and I were talking in our room - we used to bunk together before her transition, so our parents saw no reason why we shouldn't bunk together as stepbrother and sister. She told me all about her secret relationship with the most coveted boy in town and I was gasping in shock to hear this.

"Aren't you afraid of getting pregnant?" I asked her, legitimately worried.

"We never had sex, sex. Just... other stuff." She smiled naughtily.

"Oh, I see. I know what you mean... other stuff is great too." I agreed with her, no stranger to a good blow job. Excuse the bluntness.

"He has a way of touching me like no other boy has touched me before." She commented, practically going into heat just thinking of him.

"Oh wow! He must be some boy then..." I was reeling from her descriptive adventures with him. I mean, she did not say much but her eyes and pheromones were doing all the talking.

We ended up falling asleep around 2 a.m. and were awakened by Lilly at 9 the next day. We were not happy about that, but I guess she was just excited to have me here. I understand that. We lazily get off our beds and start our daily routine.

Later that day, since our parents had to work, Mandy and I took Lilly to the waterfalls. It's hot here in Texas, so without a pool to cool us down, this is the next best thing. After we got out of the car, Lilly asked us what we had brought for her to drink. I guess we forgot about that part, so Mandy had to drive to a store nearby to buy something for her. She told me to go ahead and find us a spot while she drove Lilly to pick up a few things for us. It's good to keep ourselves hydrated during the Summer.

As I walked with a small bag in hand with my towel, sunscreen, and other necessities, I saw a lot of teenagers spread around the river shore. Cliques of students talking, dancing, listening to music and swimming. The famed waterfalls are beautiful. The river where the water cascades into is very inviting on this hot day. I had forgotten how warm it is in Texas.

I walked the narrow path among several teens, careful not to step on anybody's toes. I wouldn't want to make a terrible first impression on this pack. I have been coming here for a long time, but I barely interacted with any students during this period. It was mostly Mandy's friends. I wasn't even aware she had a boyfriend until now, but I guess it's fresh.

I found a vacant tree, far away from the river, but it was the only space available. It provided a nice shade, which is what I required the most. I made my nest there and waited for my sisters to arrive.

Meanwhile, I was admiring the scenery. A parade of hot boys in shorts were walking around, making out with their girlfriends, or frolicking in the water with their friends. At the waterfalls, a few other boys were daring each other to get under the powerful cascade of water. It seemed like hard work to stand idle while you were bathed by water coming down on you with full force. I see now that is not for me.

I was so distracted by my thoughts that I almost missed when a vision in skimpy shorts walked out of the river. His torso was so ripped, I could do the wash on it. He had beautiful green eyes and blonde hair. He was everything that I had ever fantasized about.

I could not help but stare at his insanely hot body... that is until he caught me staring and I deviated my eyes from him. I was jaw dropped by how hot he was, but when he laughed at my awkwardness... that is when I knew he had me.

Wow! Is every boy in this pack as hot as he is? Because I should have moved here before graduating high school. He is so delicious to look at...

"If you stare any longer, I am going to have to charge you." He told me, coming closer to where I was, still dripping wet.

"Sorry. I am not used to boys like you where I come from." I blushed, embarrassed to be caught off guard.

"Really? They don't have blondes where you come from? Where is that? Alaska?" He joked. Of course, I laughed like he was a comedian.

"No, we have blondes, just not as hot as you." I flirted, I couldn't help it.

"You're cute, but I don't date Omegas." He shot me down, harshly.

"I wasn't asking you out, I was just admiring your physical form. I can't date anyone. I am going to Ravenwood in the Fall." I rolled my eyes at his hubris. Whatever happened to innocent flirting?

"Oh really? Me too!" He revealed, causing me to gasp in shock. What a coincidence!

"What? No way! The only person from this pack who is going to attend Ravenwood is..." I was saying and then it hit me. This is him!

"Wait, you're Skylar Stronghold?" I gaped at him, baffled.

"In the flesh." He smirked, gallantly.

"You're Mandy's boyfriend?" I double-checked so I did not get the facts confused.

"We are not into labels, but yeah... sure. How do you know her?" He asked me, curious.

"Wait, why would you say you don't date Omegas if she is one?" I am confused by that argument.

"Mandy is different. She is special." He swooned, talking about her.

"I see. So, there is a double standard. Good to know." I rolled my eyes. Why would anyone say they don't date Omegas if they are literally dating an Omega? I know why he said that, but still... It's annoying.

He smiled at my sulking frown and sat down beside me.

"As a rule, I do not date Omegas. That's what I told her when she first declared her intentions towards me. Time passed and our strong feelings for each other never wavered, so when we were ready and more mature, we rekindled our romance and have been together since." He explained, humbly.

"I see. Well, good for you and her. Too bad it can't last if you are going to Ravenwood next August. I hope you told her this already." I stared at him with a threatening gaze.

"Of course I did. I am not a player trying to take advantage of her, only to dump her later. She knows my circumstances. It was never a secret between the two of us." He elaborated, sounding sincere.

Damn, this is not the type of boy I expected to find around here.

"Great. If she knows, then more power to her. I would be devastated to be forced to leave you in two months. I am glad I am too much of a loser to get a boyfriend." I spoke, trying to use self-deprecating humor.

"I am sure that a boy with eyes as beautiful as yours is not a loser. If you were from my pack, I could be dating you instead of her. Please don't tell her I said that." He spoke, flirtatiously.

"No, thank you. I'd rather be the boy you found in Ravenwood than be the boy you left behind." I rebuked him, slightly irritated at his proposition.

He laughed at my words.

"I am not going to Ravenwood to find a boy like you. I am sorry to burst your bubble." I wish I could slap this arrogant asshole, but he is twice my size. At least, his arms are compared to mine.

"Have you always been this arrogant? I don't know how Mandy can stand you!" I exclaimed, aggravated.

"I'm only speaking the truth. If you are who I think you are, then you were admitted to Ravenwood on a scholarship. I am going to be sent there to find the daughter of a prominent pack. Sorry to be so blunt." He affirmed, irking me with his arrogance.

Where is my sister when I need her? Can she take this obnoxious asshole away from me?

https://youtu.be/JXAgv665J14

A|N: BOOM?

Wouldn't it be nice?

Are you missing my twists or do you want a loving chapter?

Place your bets, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

OFF: I cannot believe it's the 80th chapter of this story. There is so much left to tell.

If you want to check out the next 8 (EIGHT) chapters of this book, subscribe to my Patreon account and have at it:

patreon.com/LeonardoMontero

Next is "Bitter Sweet Symphony".

Love,

Léo.