There is a huge internal gap between the Alpha and the one suffering from narcissistic personality disorder.

From the outside, they seem to be the same. Their cores however, are on the opposite ends.

The Alpha is positioned in power because of his qualities. His status is earned by actual need.

The npd is positioned in power because he fakes expected qualities. His status is earned by acting.

The Alpha is positioned in power by subconscious acceptance from his peers, while not pursuing it.

The npd actively tries to be accepted in positions of power by his peers. He pursues it.

The Alpha is not a try-hard. He minds his own business. Others come to him. If he is one-uped, he accepts it and moves on, bettering himself.

The npd will go out of his way to one-up ones who take the spotlight. If the threat is not bulging, he will go into great lengths to exterminate it, or (shall he fail) himself, or even both.

The Alpha seeks freedom.

The npd seeks power, enslaving himself to it.

The Alpha is very successful with women.

The npd is even more successful with women.

The Alpha creates a clean social environment making him popular within the group during his whole reign.

The npd creates a toxic social environment making him initially popular and later a reject of the group.

The Alpha shows strength externally as an extension of his inner strength.

The npd shows strength externally as a cover for his inner weakness.

The Alpha keeps his cool in group emergencies because he is sure of himself.

The npd keeps his cool in group emergencies because he only cares for himself.

The Alpha shines in emergencies.

The npd shatters in emergencies.

The Alpha can be, and usually is, a narcissist. He controls his narcissism.

The npd is an extreme narcissist. His narcissism controls him.

The npd essentially fakes being an Alpha.

The Alpha can also fake being an npd(!)

Taking all that into account, it's no surprise that the world is like that, from sexual marketplace to politics, family life, social life, workplace, etc.

There is a reason why there's a major misconception regarding identification of Alpha males. Most of the people we see in positions of fame and power (the media, politics, etc.) are a bunch of npd Alpha wannabes. Those who want to be on top and (proven by history and current state of the world) they do a pretty bad job while at it.

Learn to fish for clues and identify what is what and who is who. It will save you money and time... and energy and maybe even yourself.