The Mate He Hates

Alpha Edward’s POV

My breath hitched, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe as I stared into the most alluringly beautiful set of sea-blue eyes that had tormented my mind and dreams for the past five years. Staring at her, I could easily call her perfection. It seems the past five years have drastically changed her. The last time I saw her, those sea-blue eyes of hers looked weak and lifeless, but the one staring right at me was so full of life. Her face, which I would call perfection, was glowing, and without being told, I knew she had lived her best life for the past five years, while the past five years have been hell for me.

My eyes fell on her full lips, and I couldn’t help but stare, wishing I could pull her into my arms and kiss her while confessing to her, telling her how much I missed her.

My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to gather my composure, but it was a losing battle. She was right there, the woman who had haunted my every waking moment and every dream, standing before me with an aura of confidence and serenity that made her even more captivating than I remembered. Her transformation was undeniable. The fragile girl I once knew had evolved into a woman of striking beauty and undeniable strength.

I struggled to find my voice, my thoughts racing. Five years of regret, longing, and anguish clawed at me, but the sight of her soothed some of that torment. She was real, and she was here. I had to say something, anything, but the words caught in my throat.

She tilted her head slightly, a small frown playing on those perfect lips. “Alpha Edward,” she said softly, her voice like a melody I had longed to hear. “Good afternoon.” She respectfully bowed her head before locking eyes again with me.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

My name on her lips broke the dam. “Amanda,” I blurted out, “you look so beautiful,” I confessed unknowingly to me. Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t move, didn’t speak. I took a hesitant step forward, desperate to close the distance between us.

“How have you been?” Her gaze softened, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of warmth in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a small frown. “I have been doing well,” she replied coldly.

An awkward silence hung in the air as we both stared at each other, not knowing what to say.

Again I was lost for words and could spend all day staring at her.

“You are here? Is there something you want to say to me?” She asked, and I had to quickly compose myself. “I just came home and was informed you guys have arrived, so I decided to come see you.” I said, sounding stupid. Actually, I could have seen her during dinner, but I was so eager to see her and couldn’t stop myself from coming over.

My eyes ran over her body, and I noticed she had gained a little weight, not so much, but enough to give her a beguiling body and shape. I couldn’t help but notice her curvy figure in the sleek dress she wore; she was perfect.

“Thank you for allowing us to stay here.” I nodded. How do I tell her that she was actually the one doing me a favor by agreeing to stay here? I have missed this lady so much, and it took everything in me not to come for her. Whenever I thought of going after her, I would think of Matthew and feel guilty. Even though they are not yet married, they have a son together, a perfect family I didn’t want to disturb.

Staring into her eyes, I could see that she still held anger for me, the pain that I caused her five years ago still there in her eyes. She still hates me as much as she did five years ago, and it pained me that I had to speak about it.

“Amanda, I will still apologize for what I did to you five years ago. I know it’s hard for you to forgive me, but I just want you to know that I regret all I did to you, and here I am still saying to you that I didn’t send any men to kill your mother. I have no idea who did that and still investigating the matter.”

A big frown spread across her face, but just as she was about to respond, a voice spoke behind me.

“Mother!”

Turning around, I met a boy standing before me, his eyes glued to mine, and for a moment, I felt my breath hitch. Staring at him was as if I was staring at my mini self; his green piercing eyes looked exactly like mine. He looked everything like me except for his brown hair. The world seemed to fade as I stared at the striking resemblance. Does he really look so much like me, or am I imagining things? Perhaps it was just a coincidence; people seem to look alike.

“You must be Alpha Edward.” He broke the silence, and I found myself nodding, my gaze still fixed on him.

“Wow, it’s nice to finally meet you.” He bowed his head before lifting it up to hold my gaze. “I have heard so much about you, and it’s a privilege to meet you in person.” I furrowed my brow at his words and how smart he was with his words. Kids tend to tremble whenever I hold their gaze, but here was the kid speaking so casually with me while holding my gaze.

“Forgive my manners,” he apologized, and I raised a brow. “My name is Liam Matthew Greeks, your beta son. It’s a privilege to meet you.” He paused and offered his small hand, a gesture that seemed both innocent and incredibly mature for someone his age. I reached out to shake it, feeling the warmth of his palm against mine, and the resemblance struck me even harder.

“How old are you again?” I asked, despite knowing. “I will be five in a few months.” He responded smartly, so smart for his age.

“You are so smart, little boy.” I couldn’t help but compliment. A half-smile spread across his face. “I tend to receive such compliments on regular occasions.” His innocence and intelligence caught me off guard. Amanda watched our interaction silently, her expression unreadable, but I could sense the tension in the air.

“He’s quite a remarkable child,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Amanda’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were trying to decipher my thoughts.

“Thank you,” she replied coolly. “Liam has always been very exceptional.”

“Yes, I can see that,” I murmured, still captivated by the boy’s uncanny resemblance to me. It was more than just his eyes; there was something in his demeanor, his confidence, that felt eerily familiar.

I forced myself to look away from Liam and back to Amanda. “I will take my leave now.” I turned to Liam, flashed him a half-smile before attempting to walk away, but he stopped me. “Father.” I heard him call me, and for a moment, my breath hitched as I turned around, confused about what I heard.

“What did you just call me?” I questioned, perhaps I heard him wrong.

“Father?” The boy confirmed his words, and my eyes widened.

My heart skipped a beat as my mind raced with thoughts. “Why did you call me that?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.”

Liam smiled innocently, his green eyes shining with a mix of mischief and sincerity. “Because you’re my godfather,” he said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

I blinked, trying to process his words. “Godfather? How could I have forgotten that I was his godfather?”

“You don’t know? Father told me you are his best friend and my godfather,” the little boy spoke, smiling at me, and I nodded. For a moment, I had a silly thought in my head.

“That is correct, son,” I nodded, the word ‘son’ coming so naturally from my lips. Liam’s smile widened, and he reached out to take my hand again. “Does that mean you’ll spend more time with me?” he asked, his voice filled with hope.

I glanced at Amanda, who was watching our interaction with a frown on her face. “Definitely,” I assured him.

Amanda stepped forward then, placing a gentle hand on Liam’s shoulder. “Liam, why don’t I take you round the pack house?”

Liam nodded obediently but not before giving me one last, hopeful look. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Edward,” he said formally, before walking away with Amanda, while all I could do was stare as my heart fluttered in my chest, a knot formed in my stomach.