Beta Xavier Costa.

Eleanor Amato - POV

“Are you not telling me something, Xavier?” I heard a feminine voice coming from the foyer, along with the clicking of the heels on the tiled floor. And for a second, I was confused, who could this be right now?

“I was thinking to surprise you, Mom.” that was definitely Xavier, which means his parents were here. I quickly made my way to the sink and washed my hands, and right when I was drying it, they entered the kitchen. I turned around with a smile plastered on my face.

“My god! You look so pretty, sweetheart.” his mother exclaimed as she walked towards me.

“Mom, meet my mate, Eleanor. Eleanor, this is my mother.” Xavier introduced me in the most polite voice that I have ever heard from him before.

“It's nice to meet you, Mrs.Costa,” I said as I extended my hand for a handshake, but she surprised me by pulling me into a hug. The warmth spreading through her body made me unconsciously wrap my hands around her, taking me back to all the times my mom would give me hugs.

“I can finally have a daughter.” she beamed in bliss as she pulled back and looked at me from head to toe. But then something struck my mind. I may not be the first woman to have been introduced as Xavier’s mate, and this made dread seep into me.

I bet she must have known everything that happened between Xavier and his first chance mate, and she must have definitely met her too. Will she start comparing me to her? Does she think that I am like her?

“Stop overthinking and live in the moment, Ellie.” Erica scolded me, but I don't think I can do that. Xavier and I started our relationship, or whatever this is called, on a rocky path.

“Would you like to have breakfast, Mrs.Costa?” I asked her nervously, and that was when she looked over my shoulder to see the table.

“Oh, did you prepare breakfast for us?” she asked me, and I nodded my head, I made the mistake of looking at Xavier, who was fuming in anger, but I quickly averted my eyes.

“Why didn't the kitchen send the food?” Xavier mind linked me while Mrs.Costa walked toward the table to look at everything.

“I thought about preparing some comfort food for them,” I replied, but he shook his head, right then, I heard some heavy footsteps when a man entered the kitchen. He looked like an older version of Xavier, but unlike Xavier, he didn't have a scary look on his face.

“My wife mind linked me that I have a daughter-in-law waiting at home,” he spoke as he walked towards me.

“I am Eleanor, it's nice to meet you, Mr.Costa.”

“You look so beautiful, darling. I still wonder how you ended up with my son.” Mr.Costa replied, and this only made me blush.

“Enough talks, dad. Let's go and eat. I bet you must be exhausted and starving.” Xavier changed the subject while he guided his father towards the table. After everyone was seated, we began eating our food in silence.

“You are really gifted, sweetheart. This egg benedict is so good.” Mr.Costa commented as he inhaled his food in under ten minutes.

“Thank you, Mr.Costa. Would you like some more?” I asked him, and he eagerly nodded his head.

“I would not say no to that,” he said, and I got up from my place and went to grab some more for him. Breakfast went by with light conversation and laughter, even though Xavier had a stick up his ass. For the first time that I came here, I felt more at home.

“Would you like more coffee, Mr.Costa?” I asked him, but he shook his head and got up from his place.

“I think I am full, dear. Thank you so much for the meal,” he said, and I nodded my head. “Xavier, shall we go and look around?” he asked, Xavier nodded his head and drank his coffee in one go before he got up. After saying their goodbyes, both of them left the kitchen, leaving me alone with Mrs.Costa.

“Let me help you with the dishes.” Mrs.Costa said, but I shook my head.

“You must be tired. I will handle this, Mrs.Costa.” I told her, and she nodded her head before she walked out of the kitchen. After washing all the dishes, I walked up to Xavier’s room to get my shoes when I saw the guest bedroom door wide open. I walked toward the room to see Mrs.Costa unpacking her clothes.

“Are you heading out, Eleanor?” she asked me, and I nodded my head.

“I have a few appointments, and then I have to go to the hospital too,” I replied, and she nodded her head.

“Of course, beta female duties must be a load full for you?”

“Not at all, I actually enjoy it.”

“I am happy you like it, dear. If you could spare a few minutes, can I talk to you?” she asked me, and the nervousness finally set in. Looks like she wants to tell me to leave her son. Well, I did expect that after what happened with his first chance mate.

“Su…sure.” I breathed out as I walked into the room.

“Please take a seat, Eleanor.” she gestured towards the sofa, and I took my seat.

“I know you both are pretending.” she began, and this made me hold my breath. “Xavier would not tell me, but from how both of you behaved around us, I figured it out.”

“What gave it away?” I asked her out of curiosity.

“Newly found mates cannot keep their hands to themselves, Eleanor. They would always want to be next to each other, and their eyes would convey the love that they have for each other. But all I saw between the two of you was hostility, and he didn't even kiss you on the forehead before he walked out of the kitchen.” she explained. “I did expect this kind of behavior from him after what happened. But didn't he at least show you an ounce of love?” she asked me, and this made my eyes water.

I couldn't keep my tears at bay.