TW: depictions or severe mental illness

"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 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 17th 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."