The Alpha’s Hideous Mate

Chapter 2: Tristan Returns

Aitana’s POV

I resumed my walk and finally found myself in the pack house.

The house wasn’t anything extraordinary. Our pack wasn’t as big as others', so resources were limited. It was a three-story house with a porch out front that went all around the back. It was primarily made of wood, with ivy growing in some places, while the roof was made of dark tiles.

Only the high-ranking members lived here, and sometimes a room was prepared for visitors, but that was it.

I supposed the Elder would be in the office, so I made my way there. So far, I haven’t encountered anyone, but before I arrived, I saw Luna Marie standing outside the Alpha’s office with an impatient look on her face.

As soon as she saw me, she groaned and glared at me.

What is the problem?

“What took you so long? We have been waiting here for an hour,” she complained, grabbed my arm, and pulled me into the house.

“I’m sorry, Luna, I was changing,” I informed her, only obtaining a scoff from her.

“Excuses, you need to come immediately next time you are called. Is that clear?” She snarled, so I nodded in submission.

It must be my mom’s fault. It didn’t take long. I only changed into the clothes they gave me, nothing else. If they had been here an hour, my mom must have forgotten to tell me I was called, or didn’t care, and waited until I got home instead of looking for me.

I didn’t have a wolf or a phone. How was I supposed to know? Telepathy?

Goddess, these people are stupid.

I saw Alpha Ismael sitting at his desk when I entered the office. His dark brown eyes sent a shiver down my spine when he glared at me.

There was another man in the room, sitting across from the Alpha. This must be the Elder because his aura was stronger than the Alpha's.

The Elders are the strongest wolves ever. They are all Alphas from different packs who are chosen to form part of the council. They make sure our laws are followed, and with the King, they make sure Alphas don't abuse their power.

Or at least that is what they are supposed to do. Nobody knows who the King is, though; he keeps his name and face a mystery. Some people say it is because he is hideous and doesn't want anyone to look at his disfigured face. Others say it is because he is so handsome, he wants to avoid she-wolves trying to get in his pants.

Either way, the man wants to keep his life hidden, and I think that is wise.

The Elder who came to the pack had short, curly brown hair and dark eyes. He didn’t look like he was around here; if I had to guess, he looked like he came from South America. My only friend here is half-Mexican, so I can tell his traits are foreign.

He had tan skin and lots of muscles like all werewolves do, and because he was only wearing a T-shirt with a deep V collar, I could see he was wearing a necklace with a cross.

Weird, we wolves believe in the Moon Goddess, which, from what I knew, represented another God.

“You called me Alpha,” I said as I bowed to show 'respect'.

Respect my ass, I am only trying to avoid another beating.

“Yes, and you took your time,” the Alpha said through gritted teeth. “Elder Mathias wants to speak to you.”

The Elder got up and approached me, so I lowered my gaze. He put a finger under my chin and lifted my face.

“You don’t need to bow; I’m only an Alpha,” he said nonchalantly.

Only an Alpha? You can’t be only an Alpha.

Besides, he was not only an Alpha, he was an Elder! Only the King was above them.

“And for the last time,” his soft voice changed, and it became harsher as he turned his head to look at my Alpha. “My name is Matías, not Mathias. Maldita sea.”

I didn’t understand what he said, but it seemed he cussed or something because the Alpha and Luna looked pissed, even if they tried to conceal their faces.

“Please, leave me alone with Aitana,” the Elder instructed, making me shiver while the Alpha shook his head.

“She is still a minor; she can’t be left alone,” he declared.

Yeah, right. I’m sure all he cares about is if I spill the beans about him and what has been going on here.

“Yet her parents aren’t here. I will speak with Aitana alone, Alpha; that is not up for discussion,” the Elder growled as he turned his whole body to face Alpha Ismael.

I tried not to shake, but it was hard when I felt both auras choking me.

Both men glared at each other. I thought the office would become a war zone, but my Alpha finally backed down and left.

Once he was out, I let out a breath of relief. I didn’t expect things to get so tense.

“Aitana, please sit down,” the Elder instructed softly.

I have never heard someone speak to me that way. It was weird, and I was nervous. He might be pretending; no one is nice to me unless they want to trick me.

I did as I was told and grabbed a chair to sit down.

The Elder sat across from me but didn’t utter a single word. I was waiting for his next move, just like I always do with everyone.

“I need to ask you some questions, may I?” He asked softly.

What? Why is he asking for permission? He could use his Alpha tone with me, and I would have to answer. That’s how we work.

“Uhh, sure?” I said more as a question. No one has ever asked for my permission.

Thankfully, he didn’t notice my hesitation, or if he did, he didn’t press me further.

“Where are your parents?” He asked.

“At work,” I lied straight to his face.

“Why didn’t they join you?”

“Because I didn’t tell them, I was informed by a warrior that you were waiting for me,” another lie.

I’m a great liar.

“I thought the Luna mind-linked your mother?” He asked with an arched eyebrow.

Shit.

“I have no clue, sir. I guess she was busy. My parents are very busy people." If I were Pinocchio, my nose would be the size of a full-grown tree by now.

The Elder sighed, but finally changed the subject.

I don’t know why he came, and to be honest, he didn’t ask me many questions. However, I never answered truthfully, I knew there was nothing he could do, and all I wanted was to be of age so I could leave this horrendous pack.

“I called you because your grandmother has passed,” grandmother? I have a grandmother? “She left you some things, but you must wait until you turn eighteen to get them.

“I’m sorry, Elder,” I interrupted him. “I have a grandmother?” I asked. He looked stunned by my question.

“You didn’t meet her?” he asked. I shook my head. "Well… from my understanding, she is your grandmother from your mother’s side. She lived in a pack a couple of states away from here. She left you her house, a car, and some money, but as I said, you can only get it when you turn eighteen.”

The rest of the meeting with the Elder became foggy. I had more family, and they appreciated me enough to leave me something.

“So that’s it. You should tell your parents about your inheritance. I must leave now. Have a good day, Aitana,” Matías got up. I timidly waved goodbye while I stood in the office.

This meant I could have my freedom sooner than I expected, but I also had to be careful because if my mother found out about this… she would definitely try to take everything away.

—————————————————————-

Two years later…

———————————————————

“Aitana! Where is the food!” Luna Marie screams from one of the rooms.

Gosh, I wish I had my wolf, so I could already leave this hell-hole.

“I called the buffet, Luna, they are arriving,” I informed her while preparing the table.

“Good, my son Tristan is coming today, and everything has to be perfect,” she exclaimed.

If she wanted this to be perfect, she could have helped instead of letting me do all her work.

“Absolutely, Luna,” I replied to avoid getting into trouble.

I keep my head down because I don't want them to suspect what I am doing, not because I don't have a backbone. Also, because I don't have a wolf, I need to wait; if they hit me, I will surely end up in the hospital.

Again.

“The Alphas and their daughters must be arriving today. My son will most likely meet his mate, so make sure everything goes smoothly, or else…” she warned in a dangerous tone.

I had to control my urge to roll my eyes. If the Moon Goddess gives Tristan a mate, I will stop believing in her. All the people from this pack are pricks, and I am sure Tristan is as bad as his parents.

“I will double-check everything, Luna,” I said as I looked down. My fists were clenched, and I wanted to leave before my mouth betrayed me and I got in a bad situation.

I only need to wait three more years. I can wait; all I need to do is focus on surviving.

“Wonderful. Also, make sure only people from the guest list come. I want you to give the list to one of the patrol wolves; we don’t want unwelcome visitors.”

Hmm, that’s a strange request. I don’t think the pack has trouble with anyone, but if she wants that, then I’ll follow her orders.

“Of course, Luna,” I wanted her to dismiss me, but she had other plans.

“Oh, and your mother has asked for you to move to the park house; that way, you can arrive at work faster,” Luna commented as she looked at her manicure.

I had to bite my tongue to avoid speaking my mind. Of course, my mother did that; she couldn’t wait to kick me out. The worst part is I had to kiss this stupid Luna's ass, if I didn't and I returned home my mother would probably beat me up.

“And what have you decided, Luna?”

“Looking at you every day is not something I look forward to, but at least you know how to clean, so why not?” she shrugged.

“Then, when should I gather my things?” I asked, but what I wanted to say is ‘f**k you’.

I get that the mark on my face is not the best sight, but it is not as bad as they make it seem.

It looks like a burn, so whatever happened, it wasn’t my fault. Why do they treat me like it were?

“Tonight, I don’t want Tristan to look at you; it might spoil his mood,” she instructed, leaving the room.

I hate this pack, I hate my mother, and I hate the Luna.

At least I will have a tranquil night, or at least that is what I thought…