Santiago's Pov
Alpha's Hated Mate
Two years Later.
Santiago's POV
My life is a mess, I thought I had full control of it, that was until Annalise showed up in the picture. Every day starts with thoughts of her and ends with those of her too. I've spent too much time thinking of her, observing her and pursuing her that I think I'm obsessing over her to the point where I need professional help. She can't stand, and it's disheartening to know she can barely pretend to like me for the sake of both our parents.
Last year she graduated, an honors student and I must say, I have never been prouder of anyone in my life, Adrian excluded because he is whom I am most proud of in this life. On her graduation day, I didn't go. I declined the invitation, making an excuse because I didn't want to ruin her day for her but her father, a very convincing man, dragged me there.
I, of course, excused myself shortly after extending my congratulations and presenting her my gift to which she didn't take a liking. Since then, she's been back here, always finding an excuse to go back to Rusanit and her little boyfriend but it doesn't seem to be enough for her.
Most times she comes over, but never once has she willingly stayed in my company, it seems everything I do, or say, infuriates her, it is like a sword to her heart or something worse. Annalise comes to the pack just to hangout with Racheal and Summer, she will have a civilised smiley conversation with anyone else but me. I've begun to avoid her since noticing it. I'm letting her have her space, letting her keep her smile because I adore it.
It would seem the only thing I have going in my favor in my life, is running Golden Hunters alongside Adrian. It's been a dream, one we dreamed of as kids and have done so well up to this point, Adrian came back nearly three years ago, and never went back of course. His time at Crix lane was cut short, he came to meet Summer's son and never went back, Mom asked him to but he didn't and I'm glad he didn't go away, I needed someone to suffer the loss of a mate with, and who better than him.
Losing Camilla hit him hard, but at least we know she's fine, mom talks to Mirabelle occasionally but she's only been over to visit twice, both times Adrian and I were not present. However, knowing she's okay won't be enough for him, he has stopped looking for her because he won't find her but he still wants her back, he still dreams of a day she will come back to him.
He lives for her, the only thing keeping him alive is the hope that one day, he can get a glimpse of Camilla. Mom has asked him to find a substitute Luna, and Angel is automatically not a pick, despite being qualified for the job, she can not rule alongside him.
Angel and Adrian on the same boat as previously, they're friends who get a little too drunk and fuck when no one is there to cockblock them. Me, being the good friend I am, I'm always there to third wheel, almost always.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, I don't take it out, instead I pack up my laptop and go downstairs in search of Adrian, we have somewhere to be. Standing in the threshold of the children's sanctuary, I lean against the door, unable to disturb what seems like a wonderful playdate for Adrian.
“Yes!” my niece screamed. “I am going to tell grandma I best Alpha.” she claps.
Adrian snorts, “Don't get ambitious kiddo.”
Stacey laughs, her head falling back as she claps. I love her laugh, it reminds me of her mother's laugh, having her and her cousins here has really filled some voids for us. I don't know how we lived without them but it was last year that we gained full custody of all Adrian's nieces and nephews, with visiting rights to the other party.
Adrian has really stepped up with taking responsibility for them, everyone helps out but I guarantee nobody does as much as him, he is committed to making sure they grow up happy and healthy. I've enjoyed watching him step into his parenting role, it's nice, he really has come a long way with this and me, I love it too.
Zuri runs past me, giving me a high five on her way to share the joy of beating Alpha at chess with her Grandma.
I whistle, bringing Adrian's attention to me. He doesn't look at me, instead he rises, his hand ruffling Ryker's hair when he rises.
Ryker frowns, “You're going?”
“Yes, I said I'd only play for a minute because I have to go out for work.” he tells him.
“Can we play when you come back?” Stacey asks, pouting at him from across the room where she plays with her dolls. “ Please uncle Adrian, and you too uncle Tiago.”
I nod, unable to refuse the girl. “Yep, we can play some more later but right now, uncle Adrian and I have to go.”
“Yes!” she sequels, fanning herself with her hand.
Adrian shakes his head, walking away from the kids chess table. I laugh, watching Stacey and her dramatic play.
“Mini Halsey is a lot of work,” Adrian tells me, nodding to the hallway.
“She took all her mother's drama,” I retorted, following him out.
*****
Our meeting takes place at a restaurant, within Midnight Saints. Half the time we're at the table, I'm doing damage control, Adrian is screwing up, not caring what our partners have to say to us. Only thing he cares about is himself, and his demands, the Beta was actively flirting with him and he told her, and I quote, "you're not my type, and even if you were, you wouldn't be able to stomach taking my cock." That put a loud silence among us, making me rush the details of our conversations.
I'm nagging Adrian for his behavior towards Livert's Beta when a familiar voice interrupts, making Adrian look up from his phone and me halt my nagging.
“Your highness, princess.” I greet, smiling at Princess Victoria, Queen Amaya and Queen Sheryl.
“Oh please, don't be formal. And besides, it's Tuesday, I don't like attention on Tuesday.” Sheryl winks, making her sister snort.
“Please, join us.” Adrian tells them, gesturing to the empty seats at our table.
Victoria is quick to take the invite, finding herself very comfortable next to Adrian. “Alpha Adrian,” she blushes. “Long time no see.” she grins, veering to him with full attention.
“Victoria,” Queen Amaya warns, glaring at her daughter.
Victoria matches her glare, a smile playing on her lips, “Mother.”
Queen Sheryl has her head buried in a menu. “What are we having? I didn't stop here to watch Victoria fail at getting a night under Adrian.”
“Aunt Sheryl!” Victoria gasps, but quickly gathers herself, a smile on her lips once again. “Besides, who says I'm failing?”
Amaya lets out a disapproving sound, “Give it up already Vicky,you can flirt with any man you want but not Alpha Adrian and Beta, they're spoken for.
Victoria laughs, “Beta yes, I've met his mate.” she winks, “But Alpha Adrian,” she pouts, blinking at him. “Isn't spoken for, I haven't seen him with anyone in a while.”
I look at Adrian and he smiles, “I'm taken sweetheart.”
Victoria's smile falls, “Who is she? I'll tell her we can share, you're too good for her to keep to herself.” she giggles.
“You know her,” Queen Sheryl grins, setting her menu down.
“I do?” Victoria frowns, intrigued by what her aunt has to say.
Queen Sheryl nods, “Of course, you've met her, quite a few times to be exact.”
Adrian looks at me and I shrug, Victoria mentioned having Belle at her party years ago and I presume Camilla was there.
“Who?”
Amaya and Sheryl look at each other, both sharing a laugh before Amaya veers to her daughter. “Camilla,” she tells.
“Oh, the duchess? We can share,” she winks, hanging on Adrian's arm, her head resting there with a smile.
“Not that Camilla,” Amaya grins. “Hade's sister, your cousin Camilla.”
Victoria's face turns pale as she lets go of Adrian's arm, “Umm, for the record, I was just joking.” she rises.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“The car, I'm not that hungry and I certainly don't want to be hospitalised. If she doesn't get to me first, surely Akira's mother will do a clean job at burying me alive without any witnesses.” Victoria says, rushing to leave, forgetting her purse in the rush.
I laugh, Queen Sheryl and Amaya joining me. Adrian snorts, watching Victoria look both ways before heading to their car. “You didn't have to lie to her, I'm used to Victoria, scaring her with a cousin she fears left her unsettled.” Adrian frowns.
“She'll be fine,” Queen Amaya laughs. “And besides, I didn't lie to her. Your mate is her cousin, it's fun to watch Victoria squirm.”
Queen Sheryl smacks her arm, “Amaya.” she shakes her head.
“Oops?” she gulps nervously, her lips pressed together tightly as her gaze flickering around the table while her hand caresses the spot Queen Sheryl slapped. Adrian and I eye each other, so many questions written in our gaze.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
