MATE

KILLIAN

Thursday dawned, bringing with it a sense of reluctance that weighed heavily upon me. The thought of visiting my mother's house filled me with an inexplicable apprehension, yet curiosity gnawed at the edges of my mind, urging me to uncover the reason behind her summons. In an attempt to delay the inevitable, I dawdled, succumbing to the visit only because my curiosity outweighed my hesitation. Colby killed the car engine and courteously came around to open the door for me.

Upon entering my mother's living room, a familiar yet unsettling scene greeted me. There she was, poised and composed, in the company of our family attorney, Mr. Wallace. The sight of him, always a sign of serious matters, sent a ripple of unease through me. My gaze then drifted to the large screen dominating the room, where Saxton's image loomed, his presence digitally imposed yet palpably intrusive. Confusion furrowed my brows.

"What's he doing here?" I asked, directing my questioning gaze at my mother.

"He is mentioned in your father's will," replied our attorney.

"You must be kidding," I retorted.

Memories of my father's admonitions flooded my thoughts. Saxton, my cousin, had always been dangled over my head like a sword of Damocles. My father's threats were clear: if I failed to live up to his expectations, to embrace responsibility, Saxton would inherit everything. He had pressured me to get married to Bella, my celebrity human girlfriend since I couldn't find my mate, but that was not what I wanted. His demands were simple yet almost impossible: start a family, and settle down. However, the very notion of marriage, of fatherhood, was alien to me. I couldn't bring myself to commit, not to anyone, not even to a mate.

I was acutely aware that I would make a dreadful husband and an even worse father. I refused to subject any child to the trauma I would undoubtedly inflict. Yet, the inevitable prospect of starting a family loomed over me like a shadow. Maybe, in time, I would learn to embrace these roles. But that day was not today, nor did it seem to be approaching any time soon.

"Shall we proceed?" Mr. Wallace inquired, his voice cutting through the tension as he meticulously extracted a sheaf of documents from his briefcase.

In that moment, the full weight of the situation descended upon me. My father's long-awaited will was about to be unveiled, and a sense of foreboding enveloped me. Saxton's digital presence on the screen only amplified my apprehension. Could my father have possibly bequeathed his entire legacy to Saxton, effectively disowning me? Would he betray me like that? I sank into the chair across from my mother, struggling to maintain composure while chaos churned within me.

"The Last Will and Testament of Alpha Jed Cabello," the attorney began. "I, Jed Bill Cabello, residing at Moonshadow Pack House, being of sound mind and memory, hereby declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all previously made wills and codicils. I declare that I am married to Delores Shire, and I have two sons: Killian Augustine Cabello and Saxton Quinton Cabello, the latter being my illegitimate son from Maria Clan—"

"Excuse me," I interjected sharply. "What do you mean, illegitimate son? Saxton is no brother of mine."

"He is your father's son, a fact he chose to keep private," the attorney clarified.

"Bullshit!" I exploded, a raw outburst of disbelief and anger. "This is absolute bullshit!" I turned to my mother. "Did you know about this?" Her silence confirmed her knowledge, leaving me feeling played. I never liked Saxton but my resentment for him grew times two.

The attorney, undeterred by my outburst, continued, "To Killian Cabello, I bequeath my properties around the world, excluding the company in Spain. However, this bequest is with the condition that he must legally marry within a year of my passing and bear an heir or heirs. Should this condition not be fulfilled, the asset shall be transferred to Saxton Cabello and if he is no more, it should be transferred to charity."

"What the fuck?!" I exclaimed, my frustration boiling over. My eyes locked onto my mother, searching for any hint of emotion, but her face was blank, revealing nothing.

I had poured my heart and soul into Cabello's empire. How could my father do this to me? I was still grappling with the revelation that Saxton was my brother, and now he was vying for what I believed was rightfully mine.

"To Delores Cabello, I leave my collection of vehicles and my vacation house, as a token of my appreciation for her unwavering support and love."

A scoff escaped my mother, and she rolled her eyes. "Vacation house indeed," she muttered.

"To Saxton Cabello, I bequeath a quarter (25%) of my remaining estate, which includes, but is not limited to, my properties in Spain and all three five-star hotels in Spain—"

Unable to contain my anger any longer, I shot up from my seat, raking my fingers through my hair in frustration.

"To Maria Clan—" the attorney continued.

"I'm out of here," I gritted through clenched teeth.

"Killian," my mother called, causing me to pause and reluctantly glance back at her. "If you hire a woman to pose as your mate, I'll know."

I resisted the urge to retort with a resounding 'screw you!' but I held it back. Instead, I stormed out of the room, not bothering to look back.

Darkness had descended upon the sky by the time I stepped outside, and Colby was already waiting, holding the backseat door open for me. I slid into the car wordlessly, my mind still reeling from the events that had unfolded. Colby quietly made his way to the driver's seat and settled in.

"Take me to my club," I instructed in a low tone.

Deluxe would provide a suitable outlet for my pent-up anger. I hadn't visited my club in days, especially since the employment of staff, all due to my relentless dedication to a company that now threatened to slip through my fingers if I didn't act swiftly. How in the world was I supposed to get married now? I couldn't allow that scoundrel Saxton to snatch a company that wasn't rightfully his. What was even more appalling was the revelation of his illegitimate status. How could my mother be okay with all this nonsense?

After a few minutes' drive, Colby pulled up in front of the club. This club was strategically located on the outskirts of my pack territory for a reason. I didn't want the judgmental Wolf Council to get wind of my activities. As I exited the vehicle, assisted by Colby, I took in the vibrant scene. The club was already pulsating with energy, evident from the long queue of patrons eagerly waiting outside.

The bouncers by the entrance ushered me inside, and I entered to the deafening beat of music, surrounded by swirling disco lights. Some of the lights focused on the stage where two strippers and a pole dancer gyrated to the rhythm of the song. I couldn't help but be impressed by the club's interior. I had entrusted it to my manager, Cole, and his team of designers, and they had exceeded my expectations.

As I made my way to the bar, the atmosphere of the club enveloped me. A young bartender, barely out of his teens, was expertly mixing drinks behind the counter, while strippers, clad in little more than bras and panties, weaved through the crowd, serving drinks. I was about to order a drink when a sudden, alluring scent caught my attention. My inner wolf stirred with an excitement I hadn't felt before.

'Mate,' my wolf howled within me.

My brow furrowed as I scanned the room. Was this some sort of cruel joke? After travelling the world without a trace of my mate, now, I opened a club, and my mate came running into my club. I followed the enticing scent that filled the air, leading me to the stage where the strippers performed their seductive routines. Among them, a new dancer had captivated the audience's attention, especially from the male patrons.

My wolf danced with excitement as I watched the woman twist sensually around the pole, drawing the rapt admiration of the male patrons evident as they eagerly slapped cash onto her backside. She was adorned in golden ankle boots, and matching golden lingerie, and her face was partially concealed by a mask, adding an element of intrigue. Her skill was undeniable, her performance captivating.

'Mate,' my wolf howled again, more insistently this time.

Then, she ceased her tantalizing dance, gradually turning her gaze in my direction. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, her movements slowed as she stared at me. The mask she wore only deepened the mystery surrounding her, a mystery I felt an urgent need to unravel. However, the shocking realization struck me—she was my mate—a stripper, of all things.

This couldn't be happening. How could my destined mate be a stripper? Of all the fucking professions in the world. I stood there, dumbfounded and in disbelief. After years of searching, I finally found my mate, only for her to be in such a profession. She turned away from me and resumed her dance.

The thought circled in my mind like a relentless vulture: I could never accept her. She couldn't possibly be a Cabello, not with such a profession.

As I wrestled with this turmoil, a hand landed on my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned swiftly to find Angelo, my best friend, standing beside me. He flashed me a knowing smile and took the seat beside mine.

"You seem quite taken with that cute little thing on stage," Angelo remarked, signalling the bartender to pour him a drink. "I've heard she drives men wild." The bartender slid a shot glass towards Angelo, which he promptly downed in one swift motion.

Another shot was placed before me. I grabbed it, knocking it back without a word Angelo, the liquor providing a brief respite from my swirling thoughts. My gaze remained fixed on the stage, unable to tear away from the dancer who continued her mesmerizing performance.

"How did the meeting go?" Angelo inquired, his tone indicating he had noticed the storm brewing in my expression. "You look like it didn't exactly go as planned."

I let out a heavy sigh and recounted the events that had unfolded at my mother's house, all the while my eyes intermittently straying to the stripper, who moved with a captivating grace.

"That's pretty messed up," Angelo commented, his gaze following mine. "Looks like you could use some distraction tonight."

"Who is she?" I asked, curiosity piercing through my brooding.

Angelo chuckled, his eyes not leaving the dancer. "Ah, you noticed her too. Just look at her—the way she moves, that allure... She is something else, isn't she?"

Anger surged within me at Angelo's casual remark. How could my destined mate be the subject of such crude comments? I shot a glare at Angelo, who seemed oblivious to my turmoil, his attention fixated on the stage, a self-satisfied smile playing on his lips.

"I don't get why you're so strict with the girls here," he mused. "It just makes these women all the more elusive. I would give anything to get closer to that one..."

"Who the hell is she!" I barked, my frustration peaking as I slammed my shot glass onto the counter, the glass emitting a threatening crack.

Angelo's eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn't help but notice a few patrons glancing our way, drawn by my outburst.

"Whoa, take it easy, man," Angelo said, his voice a mixture of concern and confusion. "You're just wound up from everything that happened today. How would I know who she is? We've only been here a couple of times since the club opened. Maybe ask your manager."

My gaze shifted back to the stage, only to find she was no longer there. I glanced back at Angelo, the alcohol I had been downing since starting to take its toll. As I stood up, I felt myself sway unsteadily.

"Killian, what's really bothering you?" Angelo pressed, rising to his feet, and stepping closer. "What's going on?"

"Nothing important," I replied dismissively.

"No, there's more to it," he persisted. "I knew you were upset about your father's will, but after seeing that stripper on stage, you..." He trailed off, his expression changing as he pieced together the puzzle. "Hold on. You're not saying that stripper is your mate, are you?"

"You got it right, Angelo. After all these years, my mate turns out to be a damned stripper!"