Beta Xavier Costa.

Eleanor Amato - POV

“What would you like to eat, Eleanor?” Mom asked me as she glanced at the menu card.

“I will have the risotto and a glass of red wine,” I told her, and she nodded her head. Soon, a waitress came to our table, and after taking her order, she left.

“So, how was the naming ceremony?”

“I never expected something like that, Mom. For most of my life, it had always been my mom and I alone.”

“What do you mean you were alone? Weren't you staying in a pack?” Mom asked me that was when I remained quiet. I have never spoken about my past with anyone here, but I know I will not be able to hide this for long.

“My mom was an omega in her pack, and that was when she met my father. Initially, everything was fine with them, and she told me stories of how my father would take her out for surprise dinners, and buy everything she wanted. It was like a dream come true, a luxury she never experienced.” I said as I looked down at my fingers. “Just like how all the fairy tales come to an end, her mate bond with my father came to an end too.”

“Why did your father reject your mother?”

“She was an omega, and he was a Gamma. He claimed that their relationship would never work out.” I mumbled. “The day he left her, she was pregnant with me, so she decided to leave the pack and live among the humans.”

“I can't imagine how much hurt your mother must have felt.” Mom asserted, and I saw her eyes shining with tears. Initially, I never understood the pain she went through either, but after being rejected by Xavier, I think I know what she must have been going through.

“Don't worry, Eleanor. I know my son would take good care of you. And I will make sure of that.” Mom promised as she placed her hand on top of mine. The only thing I could do was smile because I knew I would never be able to tell her again that Xavier and I would never work out.

Soon, the food arrived, and we began eating it in silence. “I wanted to tell you something important, that is why I asked you to have lunch with me.” Mom began speaking, which made me look up from my plate.

“What is it, mom?”

“Well, Henry and I will be moving into our new house tomorrow,” she said with glee. Instead of being happy for her, my heart sank to the bottom of my stomach. They were the only reason which made both Xabeir and I share a room, but if they are gone, I know that we will go back to square one again.

“What's the need to move out, Mom? It's your house, after all.” I said, but she shook her head.

“It is a house given to the beta and his mate. I may be Xavier’s mother, but that house now belongs to Xavier and you.”

“But we don't mind you staying there with us,” I told her, trying my last attempt at trying to make her stay.

“I know, darling. But Henry and I need to spend some time alone too. I hope you understand.” she asked me, and I nodded my head.

That's all right. I think I can survive for a few more months.

Beta Xavier Costa - POV

I know I shouldn't have said that, but I couldn't help myself. She was never gentle with kids, she even hated kids who would come near her, but Eleanor was different. My heart squeezed in bliss when I saw how she handled the baby. Her eyes twinkle in mirth.

“She is different from her, Xavier,” Kyle said, and this made me roll my eyes. But now I was not so sure what I should believe.

“You keep saying that because she is your mate. But I don't think I can completely open myself to her just yet.” I told him. I know Eleanor is wriggling her way through the walls that I have built around my heart, and this causes dread to form within me.

I don't want to get hurt like the first time, and for that, I will have to keep her at a distance.

Eleanor Amato - POV

After we had lunch, Mom and I made our way back to the house, and after I dropped her there, I walked into the forest to begin my patrol duty. “Eleanor,” I heard Marquez’s voice fill my head.

“Yes?” I responded.

“I am so sorry, I will not be able to join you in patrol today.”

“That is all right.”

“Shall I arrange for someone else to accompany you?” Marquez asked me.

“No, I need some time alone too. I will take care of it.” I told him before the mind link was disconnected. The weather was quite gloomy today, with the cold breeze blowing past me with a promise of rain.

“You want to go for a run?” Erica asked me, and this made a smile appear on my face. I started walking deeper into the forest, and when I was sure that no one was around me, I began removing my clothes and placing them under a tree before I shifted into my wolf.

We started running toward the northern border, and I finally came to a stop when the trees began to thin out. The view of the tall mountains ahead looked like a barrier protecting something that was beyond that.

“Ellie?” I heard Ivan’s voice in my head. “Are you in patrol?”

“Yes, where are you?” I asked him.

“I think I saw you. Stay where you are, I will come,” he said, but this confused me. I looked around me, trying to look for a white and brown wolf, but there was no one around me. A couple of moments later, I saw him running toward me.

What was he doing in the no-man’s territory?

“How are you?” he asked me as his wolf rubbed its head against mine as a form of greeting.

“Good, but what were you doing out there?”