Not What You Expect

Chapter Two

Valentina's pov

~*Ten Years Ago*~

I wipe the tears from my eyes.

"Chin up, dear. The kingdom can't see you down." My father says. The sadness in his voice still visible. He did just lose his mate and his son. A possible leader. I'm only seven. But I understand a lot. Since I have to grow a little faster then everyone else. I have great responsibility ahead of me.

I look at the coffin holding my mother and brother.

"Show no weakness." He says as he rests his hand on my shoulder. I hold back a sob. I watch as they lower the casket into the ground. Father and I throw a hand full of dirt on top before we get into a limo and leave. I look out the window. A splat hits the window. Rain. Oh lord.

~*Present Time*~

"Father! Listen to me!" I call after him. He shakes his head.

"Valentina! It's been two years and you still haven't found your mate. You. Need. A. Husband. To. Rule." He yells as he stalks through the castle.

"Father! Please! I don't want an arranged marriage!"

"Look at yourself. You have tattoos, piercings, and you're either in the library or stuck in your room all day."

"I'm sorry that I'm a teenager and you put a lot of stress on me."

"You're getting an arranged marriage."

"Give me until my birthday and I will find my mate."

"Valentina."

"Father! I beg of you! I'll start my search by the break of dawn tomorrow. Please! Fath-"

"Valentina Grace Johnson! Please! Be quiet!" I wince at my father's alpha tone. He's the strongest alpha in the world. Since he's king. It comes with the job.

"Fine. I give you till your birthday. But Valentina, if you don't return with a mate, then you get an arranged marriage." I nod.

"Yes sir."

"Make sure you bring guards with you."

"I'm not bringing guards. I'm bringing friends."

"Really? Valentina."

"It's just Kiely, her mate, and Ben." I state simply. I turn around. "I have to pack, father. I'll see you before I depart." I call before running up the stairs. My boots click up the marble floor. I head to my room and pull out my phone.

"Kiely, you and Hunter pack up. We have a long trip ahead of us." I say into my phone.

"Also. Text Ben. Let him know he's coming with." I hang up before grabbing my suitcases.

I've got two months. I pull out my phone.

"Hey Tobi!" I call through the phone. I have lots of connections.

"Yeah. Can you put me in connect with your alpha? I have seen to lost his number."

"Thanks. I'll see you soon."

"Bye."

I pull up the number and call the alpha. We discuss business before I hang up. I'll be at his territory in a day's time. I'll be staying at his house. I think he's hoping for his son will be my mate. Fat chance that is.

"Valentina, go to bed, my child. Good lord."

"Yes, Father!"

I chuckle slightly before changing into night clothes and heading to bed.

~*Next Morning*~

"Father, I'm on my way. Please be quiet!" I call, rushing down. I kiss his cheek before heading out the door.

"I'll be okay! I promise." He shakes his head.

"I'm not worried about you. I'm worried about the world." I wave him off before entering the car. Hunter, Kiely's mate, was driving. Kiely was up front and Ben and I were in the back.

"Let's pray I find him."

"No joke. You don't want to marry someone you don't know." Ben says.

"I wouldn't have been able to handle that." Kiely says as she intertwines her and Hunter's hand.

"You don't have to. Be happy." I say.

Ben pats my shoulder.

"You won't have to either." Ben says with a smile.

"Let's hope so."

"When we get to the town, we'll have to call you princess." I wince.

"Ouch. That sounds painful. Don't call me it."

"We won't." Kiely says, glaring at Ben.

"I don't know, guys. Princess Valentina sounds great." I growl at my friend. He laughs.

"Shut up."

"Guys. I'm trying to drive." Hunter says. We all chuckle.

"Sorry, Hunter." We call out.

"Does anyone have a hair tie? My hair is in the way." I ask. Kiely hands me one back and I put my silvery white hair up in a bun.

Yes, silvery white hair. It's unique, I know. But it doesn't matter.

"How long is this drive again?"

"It's not that long. But. We're actually visiting other places you wanted to visit first. So it'll take a day."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

I enjoy the long ride. We visited many places.

That night, I stood in front of the Alpha's house, with determination to find my mate.