^ Picture of Easton

[A/N - POV changes partway through]

"That time I, that time I, I thought success would make everything fine. But you see, but you see, as time goes by, I feel like I'm turning into a monster."
~Agust D, 'The Last'

~~~

*Easton's POV*

| TWO YEARS LATER |

Standing outside the entrance of the school, I cross my arms and lean against the wall as I wait to catch a glimpse of my mate. It took some time to gather the funds for the new school, but with Landon's guidance, we were able to pull through. Construction finished a month ago, and today is the first day that the school is officially open.

As Luna, Landon hand-picked the entire staff, making sure we have the best teachers and trainers for the pups. Everyone absolutely loves him, even going as far as to beg him to run the school himself. He declined, knowing his primary job is to be Luna of the pack.

I'm so proud of my mate. He's flourishing as Luna; exceeding everyone's expectations. Even my own. That's not to say I didn't think he'd do well; I've always had faith in my mate. But I didn't expect that he would be so involved in reshaping the pack. Not only is he helping the pack in ways I never thought possible, but he's been helping me without even realizing it.

The voice. Even as the voice comes and goes, the burden seems lighter as long as I have Landon by my side. Elias is still convinced that I should tell someone about the voice, but what's the point? I'm getting better on my own. What can a therapist do that I'm not already doing for myself? I have things and people that make me happy. I have a job that keeps me busy. I have a purpose in life. What else would they possibly have to say?

'There are medications to help with voices,' Elias points out, making me grind my teeth together.

'Only sick people need medication,' I growl. 'I'm not sick. I'm the Alpha.'

'Easton,' Elias sighs my name in a way that makes me bristle with annoyance. 'We've been through this. No one will think we're weak.'

'Yes, they will. They'll all see you for what you truly are. A pathetic little bitch who has to rely on medications to lead them.'

Clenching my fists, I ignore the voice while simultaneously blocking out Elias. Over the past few years, I've been blocking out my wolf more and more. I feel bad about it; if I was Elias, I would hate being shut out so much. But I'm just so fucking tired of having all these voices in my head, telling me what to do or how to feel.

The trill of the final bell echos through the school, causing my ears to perk up. Even though Landon declined a job at the school, he still wanted to be here for its first day being open. Seeing the result of his hard work, and whatnot. A smile spreads across my face when I see that familiar head of blonde hair bobbing down the hall.

"Hey, pumpkin," I greet him as he gets closer. Landon grins widely, walking right into my open arms and snuggles into my chest. "How'd it go today?"

"It was amazing," Landon beams, pulling back to look up at me with shimmering blue eyes. "The pups were so excited to be in a school where they're not jam-packed like sardines. Goddess, you should've seen their faces. I hated school when I was a pup, but that was mainly because the classes were so full and it was hard to get individual attention from the teachers. I really hope the pups have a better time here."

"They will," I assure him, kissing the top of his head. "If you're the one who put this school together, it'll be flawless. I know you, and I know you wouldn't have approved the opening if you felt like it was anything less than perfect."

Landon's cheeks turn pink, and he averts his eyes down to the ground. So fucking cute. Even after being together for four years, Landon still gets bashful around me.

"Are you ready to go?" I ask him. "My mom wants us at the pack house soon to get everything ready."

Today is Leon's seventeenth birthday. When we asked him how he wants to celebrate, he said he would prefer a simple game night at home. Of course, game nights for our family are never simple. We yell and fight and scream — lovingly. We yell at each other with love. Isn't that what all family game nights are like?

Landon nods his head. "I think so. They didn't really need me here today, I just wanted to make sure everything was running smoothly for the opening."

"I'm sure they still appreciated your presence," I coo, taking his hand in mine. "Come on, you're on cake duty with me while my mom prepares dinner."

***

*Third Person POV*

"How the hell do you guys do this?" Silas pants, hunching over as he tries to catch his breath. A film of sweat covers his forehead, dampening his light red hair.

Easton laughs, following the movements on the screen with ease. "You're just old. Just Dance is one of the easiest video games out there, plus it keeps kids active."

"Why don't they join a sports team?" Silas grumbles, flopping down on the couch in defeat.

"Come on, sweetheart!" Celeste chirps, not even breaking a sweat yet. "It's fun!"

"Easy for you to say!" Her husband argues. "You've won the past four songs!"

"Yeah, mom, shouldn't you go easy on me?" Leon complains, falling behind with the dance moves. "It's my birthday."

His mother raises a perfectly plucked eyebrow at him. "I'm well aware it's your birthday. Do I need to tell you again about the agony I endured to bring you into this world? I suffered a lot. I deserve to party today."

Leon sputters, looking to his older brother for help. Easton merely chuckles and shakes his head, silently telling the birthday boy, 'you're on your own'.

As the three continue to play the game, Landon finishes getting the cake ready by carefully sticking the candles into the thick frosting. Once the candles are in place, flickering with small flames, the Luna grins and carries the cake to the living room. He pauses at the door between the kitchen in the living room, watching fondly as his family plays Just Dance.

'Something's wrong,' his wolf, Leo, whimpers.

Landon frowns. 'What is it?'

'I haven't been able to feel Elias lately.'

This alarms the blonde, and his eyes widen. 'What? Why didn't you say something before?'

'I wasn't sure if it was a fluke or not,' Leo whines. 'I didn't want to alarm you if nothing was actually wrong. But whenever Elias and I aren't in wolf form, I can barely feel him within Easton.'

'Do you have an idea of what could be wrong?' Landon inquires. 'Did you guys have a fight lately?'

'No,' Leo immediately shoots down the idea, sounding slightly offended. 'But... do you think it's possible that Easton is doing it on purpose?'

Landon's frown deepens at the accusation. 'Why would Easton do that? He loves Elias. He wouldn't just block him out like that.'

'I don't know,' the wolf groans in frustration. 'But I can't think of any other explanation.'

Focusing back on the trio dancing in the living room, Landon feels a pit of unease settling in his stomach. Easton wouldn't do something like that without a reason. And if he had a reason, he would tell Landon... right? After all, they're mates. Why would Easton keep secrets from him?

He's not, Landon thinks to himself. As mates, they don't keep secrets from one another. They tell each each other everything. It's probably nothing.

Everything's fine.

~~~