Santiago was born into a pack, raised in a pack and surrounded by werewolf custom all his life.  The son of the alpha, Santi was groomed to step into that role --- and that meant intentionally triggering his curse when he turned thirteen.  He began a wolf three days after his birthday and rarely talks about the steps that he took to ensure it happened.  

He spent a great deal of his teen years with his father, embracing the lessons he was taught.  He expected to take on the leadership role when he was older but tragedy forced him to step into when he was in his mid twenties.  He was very much a hothead, and just the wrong side of prideful.  These qualities led to a warring feud with a local group of vampires.  In the end, his pack was attacked by surprised.  Many were killed and the rest scattered.  

Santi was devastated.  He had revered werewolf culture and when his pack needed him, he let them down.  He swore revenge and many of the vampires who were hurt his people were hunted down.  He did not show them any kindness.  Revenge was hollow though and did nothing to bring back his pack. 

Since then, he has become something of a lone wolf, wandering around the United States, looking for other lone wolves.  He is trying to make up for the loss of his pack by mentoring other wolves. 

Personality wise, he still has that quick werewolf temper but no longer has the arrogance that marked his youth.  He is quiet, and more calculating.  He has a great respect for werewolves and werewolf culture and will not take any disrespect towards them.  The massacre of his pack weighs heavy on him and he experiences some PTSD related to it.  

Please note: Santiago is an OC character that follows TVD werewolf lore.  He is always a work in progress and will be updated as he develops.  Check out his headcanons below to learn more as well.