Stefano POV-

I've been feeling weird here lately. Taja recognizes Ayako as my mate, but it just feels like I'm a second choice for her. She wants us to mate, and Enzo is excited about it. I'm just not ready. Their relationship just seems more real, not that she loves me less it just seems to be easier for them to be mates. I have to try to love her. Her touch doesn't shoot the same sparks of electricity that Enzo talks about. Mom and dad suspect she's not my real mate, dad said he thinks Taja got confused when meeting her because he and Taylor are twins, they should share a mate. But Taja isn't as strong, he and my demon side are both submissive and require more attention, I need a mate to take care of me, I've been slipping more and it's hard trying to be tough for Ayako. Enzo knows I struggle but I put on a great front. I think Taja made a mistake because we're gay, I am positive I like men, so I was really confused to have a female mate. This means my real mate is out there somewhere so I can't mate with Ayako. I've not told her about all this yet. I know she'll be hurt at first, but she has Enzo.

We're planning our 18-birthday party, finalized. Enzo is just a perfectionist. I have been getting this strange feeling. Something is about to happen.

BETA ROWAN POV

Onyx and I have both been on edge for a while now. Like my best friend and Alpha Vincenzo, I too have been going insane slowly. I've been slipping. Meeting Liam gave me hope that my little mate was out there. I was sure it was going to be Giana; I think she too was thinking we'd be mates but when she turned 18, we didn't feel anything. That's when I started going insane because that's when I realized I'd be alone forever. Vince allowed me to travel to other lands and packs, hell I even went to the underworld, but she wasn't there. I knew being Beta to the most powerful person on earth wouldn't be easy my father met my mother late in life. He was too far gone and became a savage, he asked Carlo to put him down because he didn't want to hurt us nor be locked in a silver cell for the rest of his life. He fought it as hard as he could and was the best father and mate, he could be but, in the end, it was just too late. Mom's coven was old-fashioned they didn't believe in mixed races, so they never left the coven. It wasn't until mom couldn't find her beloved that she left in search of him, finding dad was a shock for her. She said she could feel he was turning savage but prayed to the Blood God Ambrogio and the Moon Goddess Selene anyway. Begging to let them stay together she got 10 years with him and me out of the deal which she was very appreciative about. The same demise had come of my grandfather as well. So, I already know my fate but Goddess and God if you could have mercy on my soul.

I was helping Mia and Isabella get the last-minute party plans together for the party. Vince and Matteo are in Paris. I stayed behind to watch over both packs and make sure things run smoothly. All 3 of us can't be gone. The party is tomorrow, the boys turn 18 and Stefano will officially take over as Liam's Guardian, I heard Enzo talking about finally mating with Ayako, I don't know why but I didn't like hearing that. I told you I've been on edge lately mostly when the twins are around or when I see Ayako. I don't know what's going on because she's the sweetest person you'll ever meet.

Time Skip- Twins' birthday and party

Stefano-

My wolf has been relentless today. I did smell something odd but I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it was Ayako, maybe we have finally gotten the mate bond. Mom and Dad are here helping us get ready. Mom cried saying her babies are all grown up and dad said he's thankful, we turned 18 and can now see what responsibilities are. Today I become Liam's Personal Guardian, I always thought I would be just a pack warrior or something but now I get this great honor bestowed on me and I am very excited. Liam and I are close in age, and we seem to have similar likes I think we'll be just fine together. Vincenzo, Matteo, Liam, Jasmine, and Giana are here. Jasmine and Giana are also here in my room helping us get ready. I missed Giana so much, she is my favorite she understands me so well, she is the perfect older sister and Jasmine. I adore her. She is Matteo's opposite, but the way he and Angelo look at Jasmine and Mercedes is so beautiful. The way Vince looks at Liam like he is so fragile and will break is how I want my mate to see me. The love Enzo has for Ayako and her him I wish I felt the same way towards her. They have this glossy look in their eyes when they see each other, it's so lively and her eyes light up when she sees him, me, on the other hand, she doesn't show me any less affection and love, but I've noticed her eyes don't get as excited to see me.

Giana- How is it being 18 Stefano?

Stefano- I feel no different than yesterday but I will say my wolf has been more relentless and early I felt like a part of me was missing which is weird because Ayako and Enzo are here all the time, we sleep together and do everything together.

Jasmine- What do you think is wrong?

Stefano- Well mom, dad, and I think Ayako isn't my true mate. So, I'm hoping I'll find him soon.

Jasmine- Not your mate?

Giana- It's a long story for another time we have to finish getting you ready before Beta Rowan comes back with the guests.

I don't know why when she said his name, I had an odd sensation pass through me. That was strange. I was excited to see him.

Beta Rowan-

Carlo and Isabella asked me to pick up some guests from the airport. I decided to bring my mom (Mara) along because I feel like I don't see her that often. She's the head chef at the castle, mom loves keeping herself as busy as possible. While she didn't get a second chance beloved, she did find someone to make her happy, his name is Bas, and he was from her old coven. She took me back with her after my dad passed so I could meet my vampire side of the family. Bas was a childhood friend of hers who wanted to leave the coven and explore the world. So, he brought him back to the palace, people didn't bat an eye that we were vampires' inclusion has been a thing for centuries, and most people are mixed with something nowadays. Bas like mom wasn't used to being around anyone other than vampires so it was hard for him to adjust but he did and was a great fit for us. Bas was an elite fighter in their coven so naturally, he took over as Carlo's Beta and even trained me. Eventually, he and mom had Rayne when I was 22. Rayne is like a ray of sunshine; she is the cutest and most amazing sister of all time. I love her so much, how could I have gone all my life without a sibling is beyond me. She keeps me from going insane. Before I left, I felt something, Onyx wanted me to chase the feeling, but I told him no because we had things to do, however, he did tell me a piece of him was left behind.