WHAT IS IT ABOUT AN ALPHA MALE?

This is my very first time to blog with the Harlequin American Authors. I'm so thrilled to be here and to be a part of this talented group of writers.

When suggested that I attempt the topic of alpha males and why women love them, I found myself at a bit of a loss. I love them. I’m told by my critique partners that my heroes are 100% alpha. But I discovered that even though I’m a writer, I have a difficult time putting into words what makes a guy alpha. So I did what any intelligent 21st century person does; Googled Alpha Male.
In searching site after site, there were obvious recurring themes.
Alpha dog - Leader of the pack - The alpha dog is the dog to which other members of the pack are submissive. Alpha dog is often used in both domesticated breeds of dogs and in wild wolf societies to express the leadership characteristics of the dog to which all other dogs defer. The dominant male—ie the one with the most physical prowess and strength—wins the right to breed with the females in the pack. This primal instinct ensures that the species will continue. Read this last sentence very carefully. Talk about goal and motivation.
Alpha dogs exude confidence, maintaining control through body position, facial expression, and the occasional nip or snarl at beta members of the pack. I laughed out loud at this last comment, realizing that my heroes do on occasion snarl at other males. Whodathunkit?
The human alpha male is a natural leader. He responds aggressively to attempts by others to overthrow or outshine him. My alpha heroes may achieve dominance by more subtle means than say a physical fight, but if challenged, they aren’t afraid to fight for their position of power.
In some social settings, alpha males may be judged not so much by aggression, but by their ability to attract the most beautiful women as mates. To this end the alpha male is often taller than average, has a muscular build, and handsome features. In today’s society, he often also possesses a high socioeconomic status.
In high school settings, generally the alpha male leads the pack. He’s typically muscle-bound, sometimes the “jock,” while beta males tend to be less assured around females and may participate in less “male” activities. I dated a few of both types and enjoyed the nuances of each. But in keeping with the statistics, found the alphas more intriguing. My father was an alpha. I’ve been married to an alpha over 30 years.
This one last comment pretty much sums up my feelings about Alphas. “Alpha roles should be defined in humans as leaders that promote communal succession (thrive, grow and prosper) that harmonize environmentally with our ecology.” This goes right along with the Alpha dog analogy. Alpha’s are not only physically strong enough to survive, but also posses superior intelligence in order to keep the rest of their pack safe and ensure that they survive and prosper. Now who would have ever thought of an Alpha as a nurturer? Tough yes, a macho approach, sure, but a nurturer/caretaker just the same.