Giovanni

Chapter 18

Giovanni Ellis:

The library is the only place besides my room that I allow myself to go. Boring routine but it works. I stay out of trouble and get some reading done. I have always enjoyed history and the fact that the oversized library in this castle has the biggest history section i've ever witnessed, just makes it better.

I'm skimming through the books trying to find one about the history of mates so I can better understand Thora. Of course, I understand the hype over them. This last week with Thora has been the best couple days i've had in a very long time. She doesn't ask me compromising questions and she keeps things fun. She cares about what I have to say even though it isn't much and she doesn't rush us to go forward. She knows I don't like being touched so she makes a conscious effort to keep her hands where I can see them always.

Things have been going steady and good. Do I think I could be King one day? No. She seems to think so but I disagree. She's good at her job and I know she's tired almost the entire day but she pushes through and when she's with me she tries her hardest to smile and engage. I like the effort because it's something no one has ever done before. It's weird to think that someone cares enough about me after a week than an entire pack did for years.

"Hey," A voice asks next to me. I look through the stacks of books to see Rayan. He sits on a couch a few feet away surrounded by books. It's odd to see someone like him here. From my understanding he is the Head Royal Guard. i've read up on the position and it is not easy work. He's constantly on call and he is the first line of defense for any type of war. He also has a lot of paperwork to sit through a day and training.

I nod at him a little just confused as to why he is talking to me. "Hey."

"Sorry about the whole trying to kill you in the woods thing." He chuckles standing at his full height. He's shorter than me by at least five inches.

"Sorry about the almost killing you a dinner while I was drunk thing," I say back not the least remorseful.

He shrugs and gives a lazy smile "You throw a mean punch but I've gotten worse. Santiago can lay me out pretty well."

"I bet," I mutter not caring enough about the conversation to continue it. I glance back at the books.

"A King that enjoys a good book," Rayan comments "Finally! Good thing Santiago wasn't king because He does not care about the library." My interest pique.

Why would Santiago be the King. I raise an eyebrow. "Santiago? A king?" Rayans eyes widen.

"Um-" He starts and then clears his throat. "Did I say Santiago? That's not what I meant."

I grunt "It's fine if you want him to be King. I'm not cut out for it."

"No." Rayan says seriously "You're not." Im almost offended if not for his next words "But you could be. With some training and an attitude check."

"Attitude check?"

He sighs and leans against a shelf of books. "Do you know why the people love Santiago? Why they'd love it if him and Thora actually mated?" I say noting just taking in what he's just said. What does he mean by actually? He doesn't give me time to respond as he continues "It's because he's personable. He's charming not only with the ladies but he's strong. Strong mentally and physically. He's aways had that confidence we all strive for." listening to Rayans words is even more proof that I could never do it. But something continues to bug me.

"What do you mean if him and Thora actually mated?" Rayans eyes widen and he looks away fro me cursing under his breath.

"I'm sorry man. I thought she told you."

"Told me what?" I demand looking at him head on now.

He sighs and cracks his knuckles. I distance myself from him a bit and narrow my eyes "It's really not my place."

"I don't care," I say back crossing my arms. "Tell me anyway." He looks at me for a second and a range of emotion passes through his eyes. He sighs again and runs his hand through his hair.

"Her and Santiago had this thing a while back-"

"A thing? A relationship thing?"

"Kind of I guess. It was weird. Everyone assumed he'd be King." My eyes widen and my throat constricts. No way this is true. He's the Beta and she will be Queen. Even a lowlife like me knows Alphas and Betas of the same pack never get involved with each other. But why would Rayan lie.

"I have to go," I tell him quickly turning to walk away.

He matches my pace to keep up with me. "Giovanni-" He starts but I cut him off.

"Thanks for telling me," I say to him and even give him a half smile. I leave the library quickly where I am followed by guards back to my room.

I knew I should've been more worried about her and him. When she told me she trains with two men I was worried but she never raised any red flags about it. It was like she had two brothers she would always bring up and slowly I grew fine with her training with them. Now though its weird.

Her and Santiago could have mated. Everyone wanted it to happen including Thora since she's the one in the relationship. There is no way they spend that much time together and just not catch feelings. They aren't together now though are they? They can't be because he knows about me and even told me to get to know her. How nice of him.

Maybe he would be a better King than I because if it were me in his position i'd tell him to go to hell. Rayan is right half way. I could never be trained to be what Santiago is. It's a mindset I will never have. Her and Santiago could thrive as King and Queen. I like her and I would fight for her if I thought I was worthy.

Her and Santiago would rule and make even stronger heirs to the throne. I stop short and the guards behind me do to. But the thought that comes to mind nearly shatters me. Did her and Santiago- Nope. I refuse to think like that. I refuse to even think like that because if I do I know it will destroy me. I start walking again at a brisk pace and when I open my door I practically fling myself inside and shut the door.

I go to the closet and stand inside of there to calm myself down. I had found over the last couple days that it was the smallest place in my room. Sometimes I need to be in a small place to put my life into perspective. I breath in and out quickly until my breaths calm down. I stand up tall just as I hear the door open.

"Gio?" Her angelic voice rings through the room. Confusion sets in like it does everyday when she enters. I'm surprised every time she returns and every time she leaves I expect to me the last time I see her. I come out of the closet and lean against the door. Forcing a smile onto my face I speak.