Chapter Nineteen: Hatred in All its Glory

He sighed.

Old age was dawning on him, despite him looking younger than his age. With the unfortunate circumstances that his wife had faced, they’d only been able to give birth to a single heir - a single heir that had been missing for the past twenty years.

They had grieved.

They had grieved for the first ten years, before they realized that their only child would never come back. They’d accepted that perhaps death had taken their baby away, as hard and as painful as it had been to fully accept that fact.

Now he sat as he thought about how different the situation would’ve been, had his son been alive; about how he wouldn’t have to entrust the kingdom to his foolish and greedy nephew. He knew that his son would’ve made him proud.

He was certain that passing the kingdom down to his son would’ve been a great honor for him.

“Love, you’re stressing again,” his beloved sighed as she walked into the room.

“How can I not? The thought of giving up the kingdom to Marquez makes me want to rewind time and find our son. I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that the kingdom is going to someone who doesn’t even care for it. That boy only wants the title and riches. He has no intentions of doing any good as King,” he argued.

“Our son...” his wife trailed off with tears in her eyes.

“He would’ve been a wonderful son, Phi,” he smiled, engulfing her in a hug.

“Do you think there’s even a slight possibility that he may be alive? I know we gave up searching long ago, but don’t you think he could’ve lived?” she asked quietly. He reached to wipe away her fallen tears.

“I hope for it every day, that by some miracle, he is alive. That bit of hope has never died since he went missing,” he told her.

“I pray to the Moon Goddess every day that we find him,” she admitted.

“But we’re not looking for him anymore,” he pointed out.

“Perhaps we should, Rick,” she asked in hope. Looking down at his mate, he knew that he would do anything to make her happy.

“Would you like us to?” he asked, to which she nodded.

“Alright, but we need to pay a visit to some old friends. We’re doing things differently this time,” he said.

They would find out what happened to their son if it was the last thing they did.

***

I woke up and we were in an unfamiliar room. Mateo was sound asleep beside me, looking as adorable as ever. I could really just stare at him the whole day. Just as I was mid-staring, his face began to contort, as though he was confused or in pain. I wasn’t really sure which.

“June,” he mumbled, the look still on his face.

I froze.

Was he actually dreaming about me?

“The most beautiful lie we have,” he mumbled further, this time with a smile on his face.

Our quote - well part of it.

“Run,” he said, before he suddenly started shaking. I panicked and shook him awake.

He opened his eyes before he frowned. “Rissa?”

What the hell had just happened?

“What were you dreaming about?” I asked him. He looked very confused.

“I..I don’t remember,” he whispered. I leaned in and kissed him softly.

“It’s okay,” I smiled.

And it really was.

Even though he doesn’t remember who Juniper is, we’ve had some fun memories with me as Marissa as well, so I wasn’t overly concerned. The fact that I still got to be with him was enough for me really.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“I’m feeling well-rested actually,” I admitted.

“After sleeping for two days, I’d be surprised if you weren’t,” he chuckled.

“What?” I asked, wide-eyed.

“You slept for two days,” he repeated.

“And why didn’t you wake me up?” I questioned.

He reddened. “Because you’re too adorable when you’re asleep.”

“And you watched me like the creep that you are,” I teased.

“No,” he mumbled, but his red ears showed his guilt.

“And you call me the weirdo,” I giggled.

“Just because I had a weirdo moment, it doesn’t exempt you from being a weirdo,” he argued.

“Shut up!” I murmured, making him laugh.

“So, are we still at the hotel?” I asked.

“No, actually! We’re in the sea,” he replied.

“What?” I asked wide-eyed.

“We’re at the royal castle in Atlantis,” he informed, laughing at me.

“Oh,” I blushed.

I’d forgotten what being in the sea meant in the supernatural world.

“The King and Queen would like our audience. I told them that we would entertain their presence once you were awake,” he smiled.

“You just spoke like an old man,” I joked.

He rolled his eyes, smiling. “Only you.”

“Well, are we going now? I’m actually very hungry,” I realized.

“As would be expected! We can go now I guess, since it’s dinner time,” he replied.

We got up and took a joint shower. Apparently, he and Dom had already gone shopping for me while I was asleep. I got dressed in the aqua-blue maxi dress that they’d bought. It shaped around my belly quite nicely, and I actually looked adorable.

I remembered the day Mama Deo told me that I was mistaken about the length of my pregnancy. While I’d originally thought that I would be pregnant for four and a half months like some Alpha females, she told me that that was not the case with me because of the fact that I’m carrying twins.

“You ready to go?” my husband brought me out of thought.

He was dressed in a simple pair of dark blue jeans, a light blue button down shirt and formal shoes. I assumed that this was a semi-important meeting then since he was dressed up the way he was. His hair was in the mess that I love.

“Yep!” I smiled.

He laced our hands before we left the room. I don’t know which part of the castle we were in this time. I hadn’t seen it the last time we were here. A bittersweet feeling rushed through me at the thought of the first time we were here.

We spent the rest of our wedding day here.

He seemed to know where he was going as he led us down the hallways. I was entranced by the beauty of everything - from the marble walls and the fancy statues, to the fish and mermaids swimming outside. I remembered being told that you could see outside, but those outside couldn’t see in. I didn’t know if that only applied to the rooms though.

We reached our destination to find two people sitting at a long table that already had food served on it. The man looked tired, while the woman looked cold. They didn’t even look like a couple of any sort, but I already knew who they were.

The King and Queen of Atlantis.

I could remember them from the ‘vision’ I had at The Vaulsino.

I wonder if that was a vision of the past or the future.

“Your Majesties,” Mateo said politely, causing them to look our way. The Queen stayed indifferent, while the King beamed.

“Mateo! Finally!” the big man beamed as he got up.

I won’t lie.

It was weird seeing the man walking on two legs. He was dressed in white beach pants while his torso stayed bare. I wonder why he chose that form? Wouldn’t he be more comfortable in his own form?

“I figured it would be more comfortable for you,” he stated as he looked to me.

Did he just answer my unasked question?

“Yes,” he chuckled.

“You too?” I asked, referring to his mind reading ability that Leona also has.

“Yep!” he nodded.

“King Tristan, I’d like you to meet my beautiful mate and wife Marissa Santiago. Baby doll, meet King Tristan and Queen Akola; the King and Queen of Atlantis,” Mateo introduced.

The woman sized me up and I could immediately tell that she didn’t like me. Unlike her husband, she had her dark pink tail visible to me. It worked its way up to a beautiful bodice that veiled her bosom area. Her blonde hair was in a single plait down the side of her neck, and she was adorned with the finest pink pearls.

King Tristan hugged me. “It’s lovely to meet you dear!”

“The honor is mine, Your Majesty,” I giggled.

“Please, join us! I can imagine that you’re quite hungry,” King Tristan smiled.

Mateo pulled open a chair for me, while two servants walked in with two plates and extra utensils and glasses. They set them up in front of Mateo and I before leaving. King Tristan signaled to us to dish up whatever we wished to, which Mateo did on my behalf.

“I have to tell you Marissa, it is honestly refreshing seeing your mate like this. He’s always so serious when he comes over,” King Tristan teased.

“He comes over a lot?” I asked.

“You’re his supposed mate. Shouldn’t you know?” Akola spoke for the first time. Her tone was as stoic and cold as the look on her face.

“We haven’t been mated for all that long for me to know such things,” I replied as politely as I could without ripping her head off.

“As the woman in his life, you should know such things. You should know who he associates with,” she said, basically glaring at me.

What is her problem?

“She’s his wife, Akola, not his P.A,” King Tristan admonished. She sent him the deadliest glare but didn’t say anything.

“How is your son?” I asked the King.

“You know my son?” he asked wide-eyed.

“I know of him - Draxlon I believe?” I asked.

“How do you know of him? He’s not known to many,” Akola asked, genuine confusion in her tone.

“He’s the Prince of the Sea. He’s not that much of a secret,” I pointed out.

“Outside of Atlantis he is,” Akola stressed.

“Are you suggesting something?” I asked her.

“She’s not accusing you of anything, dear. She’s just surprised that you know of my son. He truly isn’t known outside of Atlantis,” King Tristan admitted.

Had I made a mistake by asking?

“I work with the Vampire Royals and Leona happened to tell me about him,” I lied.

“Ah yes, she does have a soft spot for him,” King Tristan chuckled.

I can’t believe that worked.

“I’d like to meet him,” I smiled.

“He’s not fond of strangers,” Akola spat.

“I’d be worried if he was,” I played back. Mateo looked highly amused, but he didn’t say anything.

“If you think you’ll be able to handle his moods, then I’d be honored to take you through to him. Are you coming with us, son?” King Tristan asked my husband.

“Nah! I’ll see the little guy the next time I come. Let him meet Rissa today,” Mateo offered.

“Alright! As you wish! Follow me dear,” King Tristan instructed as he offered his hand.

“He will not like this!” Akola snapped.

Why would she care so much when Draxlon hates her?

“That should be up to him, don’t you think, darling?” King Tristan said before leading me out of the dining hall.

I sighed as we walked down a long hallway. “She doesn’t like me much, does she?”

“She doesn’t know who you are,” he chuckled.

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean that just like your husband, she doesn’t know that you’re Juniper. She thinks you’re some gold digger who’s after Mateo. She’s quite fond of him, and she was very happy when she found out that he found his mate. Now to hear that he’s remarried is throwing her off,” he explained.

I paled. “Wait! You know who I am?”

“Of course I know who you are! You had your mini honeymoon with that man in my home, Juniper. Besides, certain magic doesn’t work on me, and that includes the magic that worked on your mate, and the magic that was cast on all who knew about the two of you,” he replied.

“Did it work on Akola?” I asked.

“Since she’s not a pure royal, the answer would be yes,” he replied, nodding. I was stunned, honestly.

“That’s truly fascinating,” I said in awe.

“I figured you might think so. How are you holding up, dear?” he asked. I felt like he was a favorite uncle.

I told him all about the new plan with me being Marissa constantly. He paid full attention to me the entire time, which I was grateful for. He only asked questions here and there, but in general, he let me say whatever I needed to say and get it off of my chest.

“Well, I will give it to you. You are a very cunningly smart young lady! I would’ve never thought of anything like that. In fact, in my years of existence, I don’t think I can honestly say that I’ve met anyone as smart as you, especially for your age. Mateo is a very lucky man,” he complimented.

“I’m glad he knows that much,” I joked.

“I would imagine you remind him at every turn,” he joked.

“Me? Never!” I giggled.

“Uh huh!” he shook his head with a smile before we reached a hallway. At the end of the hallway were two huge oak doors. They had a trident on them, as well the initials ‘D.T.O’. I figured we’d reached the young prince’s room.

“Now Juniper, I really must warn you. He has a temper on him. There’s a big situation here in Atlantis, and well, he blames me for it,” he informed solemnly.

I dared to ask. “Might I ask what it is?”

“My wife, his mother, left. She was accused of adultery and she left without saying a word...” he trailed off.

“Without being trialed,” I guessed. His grave nod confirmed my thoughts.

“He hasn’t forgiven me for taking up a second wife since,” he added.

“I don’t understand. If Akola is your second wife, then how come she is queen?” I questioned.

“When Isis left, Atlantis was in turmoil. Draxlon was only seven years old. Council agreed upon themselves that I should take up a wife to maintain stability in the kingdom. They voted against demoting Isis in her absence, but allowed Akola to take up the title,” he explained.

“So, truly speaking, Akola isn’t the queen?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No, she isn’t.”

“And Draxlon hates that his mother isn’t here?” I asked knowingly. He nodded.

“Don’t worry, King Tristan. I can handle myself just fine around him,” I smiled.

“Alright dear! I believe you,” he said before we moved towards the doors.

When we knocked on the door, we received no response, so we headed in anyway. The little boy was sat at the window, looking out. His mind seemed millions of miles away from here. His silver tail gleamed in the light as it swished around subtly.

“Son,” King Tristan called out to him. He snapped out of his reverie and looked towards us, his eyes scrunching up when they landed on me.

“Who are you?” he asked me.

“King Tristan, do you mind leaving us alone?” I asked.

“Are you sure?” he asked unsurely.

I nodded. “One hundred percent.”

The man looked unsure, but he left.

“You must be really brave to want to face a temperamental child on your own,” Draxlon commented. I let down Marissa’s form, replacing it with my own. His eyes widened.

“You’re a witch!” he whispered.

“A third witch actually. I’m also a sorceress and a wolf,” I informed as I sat on his bed. He got up and surprised me by sitting next to me.

“Is that even possible?” he asked.

“I used to think it wasn’t, but it is. If it makes you feel any better, I’m just as confused about it myself. I’m still on a mission to figure out how it’s possible,” I explained.

“Well, I think it’s pretty cool! Who are you though?” he asked.

“Juniper Santiago, although the form you just saw goes by the name Marissa Santiago,” I replied.

“Santiago? Are you related to Alpha Mateo?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

He’s fond of Mateo.

“I’m his mate and wife,” I smiled, showing him the ring.

I was blessed with the sight of his smile. “I never thought he’d get married.”

I took note of him then. He was a little smaller than when I’d seen him in the vision, which meant the vision was still to come. He was still built for his age though. His long black hair reached his shoulders in shiny waves. His tail was scar free and his dark purple eyes were watching me intently.

“Are you pregnant with his heir?” he asked me.

“His heirs,” I corrected with a nod.

His eyebrows shot to his hairline. “Twins?”

“Yep!” I chortled.

He looked down at my belly with curiosity. I could see the gears in his mind working overtime. I reached out and took his hand, making him jump a little at the contact. I was surprised to find that he was actually shaking, although I was curious as to why he would be. I took his hand and placed it on my belly.

My babies kicked excitedly, shocking me instantly.

“They like me,” he said joyfully.

“The only other person they do that with is their dad,” I said lowly, the confusion probably clear on my face.

“Don’t you like me?” the little boy asked in hurt.

“Oh no sweetie! I’m just confused, that’s all. It has nothing to do with you. I actually like you more than I should,” I smiled.

He blushed. “What does that mean?”

“It means that I don’t believe that you’re a bad kid. You’re just hurt, and trust me, I know how that feels,” I sympathized.

“You do?” he questioned.

I nodded before telling him about my life. I knew I could trust him. There’s something great about Draxlon Ocean, and Marissa, Star and I could feel it. He watched me tell him my story, his face changing multiple times. By the time I was done, he stunned me by hugging me as tightly as he could, considering my condition.

“I’m so sorry! I thought I had issues, but you have it worse,” he mumbled. I hugged him back.

“How old are you Drax?” I asked him.

“I’m twelve,” he smiled.

So the vision was definitely of the future.

“Can I tell you a secret?” I whispered. He nodded eagerly.

“I know something about you. You’re going to have a tough future Drax, but I want you to always remember one thing,” I told him.

“What?” he asked.

“I’ll always be there for you, whenever you need me,” I promised as I hugged him. He hugged me right back.

“Even when everyone turns against me?” he asked lowly. It’s like he knew what was going to happen.

“Even then! I’ll never turn on you,” I promised once more before kissing his forehead.

“Hey June?” he said nervously.

I smiled at him. “Yes sweetie?”

“Do…do you think that my mom will ever come back?” he asked, his bottom lip quivering.

“Oh honey, I wish I knew. If I knew why she left then maybe I’d be able to give you a better answer,” I admitted.

“They said she did horrible things but I don’t believe them!” he said strongly.

“What did they say she did?” I asked curiously.

“They said she had an affair with Ulrike and everyone believed him over her because he claims that he had evidence!” he spat.

“Did you see your mom before she left?” I asked. He nodded.

“I was the last person she came to see. She gave me something before she left, but that witch took it away,” he said angrily, his eyes turning black.

I didn’t know mermaids had that too.

I rubbed his back as he leaned on me. “What did she give you?”

“She gave me an amulet. She said that it would keep me safe, and that I should give it to my mate once I meet her. Akola took it when she saw it in my room the other day. She has people believing that it’s an amulet of great power, so they’ve locked it up. It is now a great crime for anyone to take it,” he explained.

He had just explained the vision to me, but it made me wonder whether or not he was actually going to take the amulet.

“If you could, would you ever take it back?” I asked curiously.

“I am many things, but I’m not stupid. Akola will have her day for what she has done, and if the amulet was meant to be mine, it will find its way back to me,” he replied.

He’s very wise for his age.

“You are very wise for your age,” I voiced my thought.

“I know. Thanks,” he blushed.

I hugged him. “Well Drax, for as long as you remember my words, you’ll be okay.”

“Can I come visit you?” he asked.

“Are you allowed on land?” I countered.

“Not really, but I’m sure my father won’t mind if I’m visiting you,” he smiled.

“I will see if he agrees or not. If he does, then I’ll come back and fetch you when things are okay on land. Is that alright?” I asked.

He beamed. “It’s perfect!”

He must really want out of this place, and quite frankly, I don’t blame him one bit.

I spent a little more time with him telling me different things about his boring life in the castle and how sad he’s been since his mom left. I don’t think King Tristan realizes just how hurt his son is, and from what Drax told me, the man doesn’t try hard enough with him.

The King is a great man, but I just don’t think he’s a great father.

I left Drax with the promise of talking to him soon. It turns out that another one of Marissa’s abilities is being able to communicate with mermaids telepathically, so I told him that we could talk whenever he needed to.

When I got back to the dining hall, I found King Tristan and Mateo laughing while Akola glared at my mate. Something in her eyes made me realize that she was glaring at him. There’s more to this woman than what’s on the surface, and I know that it’s the very thing that justifies Draxlon’s hatred for her.

“Oh, there you are! How did it go?” King Tristan asked me.

“We’re best friends,” I smiled.

Of course Akola snorted.

She rolled her eyes. “As if! That boy doesn’t befriend anyone.”

“He doesn’t befriend anyone, or he doesn’t befriend you?” I cheekily asked, earning myself a glare.

“So, he accepts you then?” King Tristan intervened.

“Yes, he does,” I replied.

“Well, you’re one of the lucky few,” King Tristan said sombrely. I wished I could comfort him as a friend, but the man has to realize his mistakes all on his own.

“Well, as lovely as this has been, we need to get back home now. We’ve been gone longer than we’d said we would be,” Mateo pointed out.

“Oh yes, of course! You must visit again!” King Tristan told us as we stood to leave.

“We will, and maybe you guys can also visit us. I know Drax would like that,” I hinted. King Tristan looked surprised, but he nodded with a smile.

“I will hold you to that,” he chuckled.

Since we didn’t have any surprise destination this time, Mateo let me teleport us back home. We arrived in our room to find it clean, which had us both suspicious. I mean, who would be brave enough to clean the Alpha’s room, let alone come into it?

“How many times should I tell you not to leave your room in a mess, Teo?” a voice came floating down the hallway, coming closer to the room.

Damnit!

Valentine.

Mateo rolled his eyes, the annoyance clear in his eyes. “Of course you’re the one who did this.”

“Who’s this?” she asked, her eyes landing on me in suspicion.

“Please stop glaring at my wife for no absolute reason,” my husband surprised me by saying.

Valentine laughed. “Wife? Yeah right! Like you’d get married without me.”

Like it actually hasn’t happened.

“Actually, we are married and mated. Whose kids do you think I’m carrying?” I asked her. Her eyes widened when they landed on my belly, before she recomposed herself.

“My brother can’t have a mate. He’s cursed to die alone!” she said smugly.

“Oh, please do rejoice over that!” Mateo drawled sarcastically, making me giggle.

“She’s taking you for a ride Teo. Hell, the bitch is worse than Naomi! She probably screwed some other guy and is now trapping you into taking care of that thing. We all know you don’t give women the time of day, so why make an exception for her? She’s not even all that pretty,” she commented.

Well, someone’s as stupid as they look.

Her own brother shot her a murderous look as his eyes gradually turned midnight black. He was shaking in clear rage as the growling rippled through his chest. I could tell that he was fighting with Zeus, and by the looks of things, the beast was very close to winning - sister or not.

I sighed. “Babe, calm down.”

“She insulted my mate!” Zeus growled.

Valentine at least had the sense to look afraid.

“She’s just being the protective little sister. She didn’t mean anything by it, right?” I stressed, turning to the girl in question, who couldn’t have nodded fast enough.

“See? Now calm down,” I told him.

It wasn’t working!

“Mateo Diego Santiago, you’re fucking stressing me out and that’s not good for the twins!” I snapped. That got his attention as he calmed down immediately.

It was comical really.

“Sorry,” he smiled sheepishly.

“Tw..twins?” Valentine stuttered.

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Need a definition?”

“I know what twins are!” she snapped.

“Then congratulations to you!” I replied, effectively annoying her.

“Stay out of my room, Val,” her brother told her. Her mouth dropped in disbelief.

“You meet some girl claiming to be your mate and you turn against me?” she asked in disbelief.

“You would do well to not insult your Luna, Valentine,” he warned, his eyes darkening a shade.

“I’M YOUR SISTER!” she shouted.

“AND SHE’S MY MATE!” he shouted right back.

“I’M FAMILY!” she attacked.

Well, ouch.

I’m so hurt.

Insert rolling eyes.

“SHE’S ALSO FAMILY! SHE’S MY WIFE AND THE MOTHER OF MY CHILDREN!” he countered.

“Alright! Time-out! Look, Val is it? I am your brother’s mate. The curse was lifted and after we mated, he couldn’t wait to put a ring on it, and he did. My name is Marissa Santiago, and if I were you, I’d accept me because I’m not going anywhere - not that your brother would let me leave. You don’t have to like me, but you do have to respect me. In case you didn’t notice, I’m the Alpha female here. I’m a very powerful being, and that means the Alpha in me is getting irritated with your blatant disrespect. Quite frankly, at the moment, it’s taking everything in me to not react because of my children’s safety and the fact that you’re my mate’s little sister. I know that you don’t like me, and I don’t really care. At this point, I’m only tolerating you because I know that despite your disapproval of me, your brother loves you,” I told her icily. She looked shocked by my words.

She turned to Mateo. “You’re just going to let her talk to me like that?”

“She speaks the truth Val, and I don’t blame her. You’re not being the little sister I know right now, and at least she respects you enough as my sister,” he pointed out.

“You’ve turned him against me!” she spat in my direction.

“I did nothing of the sort,” I said impassively.

She glared at me. “I hate you!”

“Again, I don’t care,” I said as I shrugged. She shot me one more glare before storming off.

My mate frowned. “How do you do it?”

“What?” I asked.

“How do you play it so cool when the only family I have hates you?” he asked.

“Look Mateo, she’s your sister, and I get it, but I’ve grown up being hated and I learnt to just brush it off. I honestly do not care if she likes me or not, and not just because she’s your sister, but because that’s how I react with everyone who hates me. I don’t seek their approval. She’s your sister, and that’s the only thing I will respect about her. It’s the only thing that’s truly keeping me from teaching her a lesson in respect!” I told him honestly.

He looked so torn.

I couldn’t believe that even in a different form and without any recollection of who I am, Valentine still hated me. What in the cosmos I did to her shall remain a mystery for the rest of my life it seems. There’s more to her hatred than what she’s showing and saying.

“I love you Mateo. I would never let you choose between your sister and I because that’s wrong. Just know that I love you nonetheless,” I told him before kissing him softly.

“I love you too Rissa, and thank you,” he smiled.

“What for?” I asked.

He wrapped his arms around me. “For putting up with everything.”

“It’s my duty and honor,” I smiled.

“Not really, but you’re awesome for it,” he said before kissing me again.

I sighed contently. “I’m tired.”

“Well, it is bedtime, so up you go!” he said before hoisting me up bridal style. I giggled as he carried me to the bed. It was dark out and the clock showed it was quarter to twelve at night. We must’ve been gone longer than I thought.

“Goodnight mi amor,” he whispered, kissing my forehead before I mumbled something incoherent and gave in to the darkness.

***

It was loud!

That was my first thought as my eyes slowly fluttered open. I squinted them as soon as the sunlight from outside blinded me. I found that I was alone in the bed, but I could hear shouting outside the room. There was also a lot of commotion outside the pack house.

I got up and walked over to the window. When I looked out, I realized that the noise was from all the pack members standing outside. They were gathered around, but I wasn’t sure what for. They actually looked confused for the most part.

With my gown on, I headed towards the bedroom door, where the arguing was getting louder and louder.

“YOU HAD NO RIGHT!” Orion shouted as I stepped into the hallway. Mateo, Orion and Valentine were standing together, apparently fighting.

“WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?” Valentine shouted right back. They still hadn’t noticed me there.

Oh boy!

“I’m on the right side, Valentine, despite what you think! Just because you’re my mate, does not mean that I have to agree with everything that you do! I’m surprised your brother hasn’t already killed you for this!” Orion attacked. The said brother was gloriously pissed off as he stood there in a rigid stance with the lethal glare to match.

“If she’s his mate, then she shouldn’t mind introducing herself to the rest of the pack! Let them determine if they want her as a Luna or not!” Valentine snapped.

“That was not your decision to make Valentine. I’m the Alpha here,” Mateo said with a deadly calm.

I could see the old ruthless Alpha resurfacing.

“You’re acting more like a dictator!” Valentine countered.

“It still doesn’t change the fact that I’m the Alpha, and you overstepped my authority. It’s taking everything in me right now to not make an example of you!” he growled.

“You see what she’s done? She’s come between us! You would never harm me, but because of her, you’re considering it!” Valentine grumbled.

Mateo shook violently. “Because of her? She’s not the one who went and fucking told the whole pack that they have a new Luna! YOU DID THAT VALENTINE! SHE DID NOTHING TO YOU!”

“Do I constantly have to play referee?” I said in a bored tone. The three heads snapped to me. Orion looked regretful, my mate calmed down and, of course, Valentine looked to me lovingly.

“Stay out of this!” she snapped at me, making her brother growl at her.

I cocked my head to the side. “You just really want to test me, don’t you?”

Orion actually looked fearful.

“I would never hurt her; no matter how stubborn she’s being,” I linked him.

“Thanks!” he said in relief.

“Now, why are you people fighting?” I asked, when Valentine wasn’t answering my question.

“She told everyone about you,” Orion replied.

“Everyone being?” I asked, although I knew.

“The pack - they’re confused and they want to meet you,” Mateo was the one to inform me.

I shrugged. “Alright!”

Once again, Valentine’s mouth gaped in disbelief, while my husband smirked. “Are you sure?”

“They’re going to have to meet me sooner or later babe. I’m not afraid of them if that’s what you’re worried about,” I smiled.

“We could have a barbeque?” Orion suggested, mirth dancing in his eyes.

A barbeque just like the first time.

I looked to Mateo. “That’s actually not a bad idea! It will give me a great opportunity to get to know everyone better.”

He beamed. “You’re amazing.”

“Oh, I know that much,” I said cheekily.

“Since you were so eager to introduce her to the pack, you can plan the barbeque,” Mateo told his little sister.

For the first time since I’ve known her, Valentine actually looked annoyed by the thought of having to plan an event. She huffed and stormed off without a word. Orion shot me an apologetic look which I smiled at, before he took off after his mate.

Mateo, on the other hand, had other plans altogether. I was on our bed faster than I could blink, with his lips everywhere. It was honestly a wonderful feeling, but it was a wonderful feeling that I couldn’t entertain at that very moment.

“Babe!” I groaned.

“What?” he mumbled onto my skin.

I managed to push him away. “Not now.”

“What’s wrong?” he questioned.

“Nothing! I just want to sit and do nothing for a while,” I admitted.

“Oh, okay! Do you want to just lay here?” he asked.

“Is that okay with you?” I asked before biting my lip. He nipped it, making me giggle.

“Anything for the most amazing mate in the world,” he replied.

“The world huh? That’s some serious competition,” I blushed.

He smirked. “And you beat them all by miles.”

I rolled my eyes with a smile. “Such a sweet talker!”

“We do try,” he chuckled.

“I hope none of our kids inherit your strange ways,” I teased.

“Strange? Baby doll, do you dare to call me strange?” he mock gasped.

I giggled. “Apparently, you’re dramatic too! Who knew?”

He mock glared at me. “Oh, you think you’re so funny.”

“Oh, I know that I’m funny,” I laughed.

“Someone is very conceited,” it was his turn to tease me.

I smacked him. “Take that back!”

“It’s not nice when it’s you who’s on the pedestal, huh?” he joked.

“Pedestal? Shut up!” I mumbled. He laughed before kissing my forehead.

“Babe?” I called him after a while of silence.

“Hmm?” he responded.

“I want you to meet my family,” I told him. No one said he couldn’t meet everyone else. They just said I couldn’t reveal my true form to him.

“Really? Are you sure?” he asked.

“Do you want to?” I asked nervously.

“More than anything! I just didn’t think you’d want me to,” he admitted.

“Why not?” I asked curiously.

“You’re a very private person baby doll, even if you may not realize it,” he smiled.

“I don’t mean to be,” I defended.

“I’m glad you offered! I’d love to meet your family. When would you like to go?” he asked.

“Can we go tonight? I miss my parents,” I confessed.

“That’s perfect! We can have the barbeque now, and then we’ll have dinner wherever it is they agree to meet,” he smiled.

“They’re in Rome, so we’ll teleport there,” I giggled.

“Rome?” he asked wide-eyed.

“Yeah! My dad owns a mansion there, even though I’m convinced that it’s a castle more than anything,” I replied.

“You and your wealthy family,” he teased.

I shrugged. “My dad is six hundred and four years old, so I guess it’s acquired wealth.”

“He’s that old?” he asked incredulously.

“Yep! It’s cool huh?” I giggled.

“How old is your mom?” he asked.

“Five hundred and ten,” I replied.

“That is...” he trailed off.

“I know,” I laughed.

“So they waited a long time to have you then?” he asked.

I bit my lip. “No! They only found each other twenty one years ago and a whole lot of stuff went down and all, but there’s something important you need to know.”

I guess I do that a lot when I’m nervous.

“What is it?” he asked worriedly.

“Well, it’s just that my mom is someone you hate, but I need to make you understand something,” I sighed.

“I hate her? I haven’t met her Rissa,” he defended.

“You have, but she wasn’t who you thought she was,” I said.

“I don’t understand,” he said blankly.

“You know her as Gail Evigan,” I informed.

He stiffened.

“You mean the Luna of Litmus?” he asked.

“She was kidnapped and spelled into being the Luna of Vista. Everything she did, she did out of the control of Dayton and his accomplice,” I explained.

“And now?” he asked.

“Well, my dad saved her and the magic on her was removed,” I explained.

“So, where were you while she was at Litmus?” he asked curiously.

“I lived with my dad and then traveled from when I was fourteen,” I made up.

“Did you know about your mom?” he asked.

“I only found out when she was saved,” I admitted.

He scowled. “So you didn’t know about her before?”

“I knew about her, but I didn’t know where she’d disappeared to. I grew up being told that she’d left me with my dad,” I elaborated.

I deserve an Oscar for this!

“Well, I guess I can forgive her actions while she was spelled. She is after all my mother-in-law,” he said after a while.

I looked up at him. “Really?”

“Of course, baby doll! Besides, it’s Dayton Evigan who really gets to me,” he said. I couldn’t help but kiss him.

“I love you,” I smiled.

“I love you too mi amor,” he winked.

We spent the next few hours just chilling until Orion linked us to tell us that everything had been set up. We took a joint shower that got a little steamy, if you know what I mean. I was soon dressed in yet another maxi dress and sandals, while Mateo was dressed in casual jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers.

The barbeque went as I expected it would. I remembered everyone’s names this time round and everyone loved me, much to Val’s annoyance. They didn’t even have a problem with the fact that I’m a witch. They were even more overjoyed by my pregnancy and their heirs.

Once again, my best friend was still my best friend.

“How was the wedding?” Lexi smiled.

“It was very intimate. It was just the two of us, Orion, my best friend Faith and a priest. We got married at the beach,” I half-lied.

She sighed dreamily. “It sounds romantic.”

“It was,” I confirmed.

“So, your parents weren’t there? Do they know that you got married?” Trey asked me.

“Yep! They were a little upset that I got married without them there, but once they saw how happy I was, they forgave me,” I smiled.

“That is so cool! We’re just glad to have a Luna and to have our Alpha laughing and smiling. We never thought we’d see those days,” Sam joked. Mateo grinned before kissing my shoulder.

Of course I was sitting on his lap.

We stayed with everyone until it was dawn. I’d already linked my dad to tell him that we were coming. Max had taken Rose somewhere with him since the both of them couldn’t be seen by Mateo. I teleported us right to the lounge where Mark, Faith, Boris, Maya, Dante, Anastasia and Jacob were all sitting. The Elders were nowhere in sight.

“Maya?” was the first thing Mateo said when his eyes landed on her.

She beamed. “Hey cuz!”

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“She’s one of my best friends,” I replied.

“Oh,” Mateo blushed, making me smile.

“Babe, meet my brother Mark, his mate and my best friend Faith, my brother Boris, Maya’s mate Dante and my best friend Jacob. I know you know Anastasia. She and Jacob are mates. Guys, this is my mate and husband Mateo Santiago,” I ‘introduced’.

“It’s nice to finally meet you!” Faith played along enthusiastically.

She also deserves an Oscar!

“Jacob? Jacob Fallon?” Mateo frowned when he recognized him.

“Yeah! I left after I found my mate,” Jacob invented.

We’re all going to hell!

“Where are the Elders?” I asked.

“Kitchen! They have guests but they said you should go through,” Boris notified me.

“Okay thanks!” I said before taking my husband’s hand and leading us that way.

When we got there, my parents, my grandad and Mama Deo were with two people I’ve never seen before. They both looked young, but their eyes gave away their true age. I could tell that they were very powerful people just from their aura.

“Hey guys!” I greeted.

“Sweetheart!” my mom beamed before coming over to hug me. I let go of Mateo’s hand to hug her back.

“Babe, these are my parents Gail and Balthazar Beinvenido, and that’s my grandad Merlin. You know Mama Deo,” I again ‘introduced’.

“It’s nice to meet you all. Your Highnesses,” Mateo said as he bowed in the direction of the two people I don’t know. My eyes widened.

“Your Highnesses?” I squeaked.

“Pumpkin, these are the Werewolf Royals, King Rixon and Queen Ophelia. Rixon, Ophelia, this is our daughter Marissa,” my dad introduced.

“It’s an honor to finally meet you child,” King Rixon said with a glint of knowing in his eyes.

They know who I really am.

I bowed. “The honor is mine, Your Highness.”

“Now that you’re here, you could actually help us with something,” my grandad said.

“Sure! What is it?” I asked.

“The King and Queen unfortunately suffered a tragedy twenty years ago, when their only son, the rightful heir to the Werewolf Kingdom, was kidnapped. They searched for years but they never found him. They believe that he might still be alive, and even if he’s not, they seek closure,” Mama Deo explained.

“You want us to help find your son?” Mateo asked knowingly.

The royals nodded. “Exactly!”

“Alright! What did he look like as a baby?” I asked.

“He had blonde hair and blue eyes. That’s not much, but he also had a birthmark shaped like a crown on the left side of his back,” Queen Ophelia described.

I froze.

“What’s wrong?” Mateo panicked.

“I think I know who the Prince is,” I mumbled.

I hope I’m right!