The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

For the two hours since I left Edward’s room, I haven’t been myself. I couldn’t explain what came over me, why I would lie and say such horrible things to him, but it seemed desperate times called for desperate measures. Realizing that Alpha Edward was sending me away because he felt I was in pain and heartbroken to see him this way, I decided to say those hurtful words to him to let me stay. But now, I was regretting everything, wondering what he might be going through.

A knock came on my door, and when I asked the person in, Matthew stepped in, checking up on me. “Hi! I wanted to say goodnight,” he said, while I nodded and watched him move closer to me.

“Are you okay?” he asked, and I couldn’t respond. I didn’t know if I should tell him what I did; I was scared of how he would take it.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” I lied, and I could tell that Matthew didn’t believe me, but he decided to let it be. “Alpha Edward’s wheelchair will be brought tomorrow, and I don’t know how he is going to take it,” Matthew murmured, and I swallowed in discomfort. I couldn’t imagine how he would feel when he saw it.

“What about other healers? There has to be something that can be done,” I said desperately. I couldn’t give up just yet.

“Amanda, there are only two ways Alpha Edward could walk again: it’s either a miracle or you both mark each other, so his wolf could be stronger,” Matthew explained, and I swallowed hard. “If you two mate and mark each other, his wolf, and his abilities will reach their peak, and that will help in his healing,” Matthew paused and sighed. “But Alpha Edward will never agree to it, even if you do,” Matthew murmured, and I wasn’t surprised by it. “He wants you to be free; he doesn’t want you to be bound to him because of pity,” Matthew explained, and I just remained silent, not knowing how to feel about it. I knew I should be happy. This was what I wanted. I didn’t want his mark, I didn’t want anything with him, but now, why does it seem so different? Why was I having mixed feelings about it?

“Amanda, what is troubling you?” Matthew asked, and I sighed, not knowing what to say or do.

“I should let you sleep. Goodnight.” He kissed my forehead before leaving my room and shutting the door.

After he left, I sank onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. My mind was clouded with thoughts; I was so confused about my feelings and the whole situation. After hours of tossing around in bed, I finally drifted to sleep.

Waking up the next morning, I took my bath, got dressed in a simple dress, and then left my room for Liam’s room. I met him already dressed by a maid, and then we both made our way to the dining table to have breakfast. While having breakfast, I noticed Liam had a sad look on his face, and I had to ask him what was troubling him.

“It’s Godfather,” Liam murmured, and I swallowed hard. “Father took me to him last night. Mother, he is in so much pain. Do you know that we caught him crying?” Liam whispered in pain, and I felt my heart being torn apart. The thought of Edward breaking down in tears made a pang of pain strike my chest.

“Mother, will he not walk anymore?” Liam asked.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions for Liam’s sake. “We don’t know yet, sweetheart,” I said softly, forcing a small smile. “But we’re doing everything possible to help him.”

Liam nodded slowly, his little face etched with worry. “I don’t want him to be sad, Mother. He always looks so strong and brave. I don’t want him to be different.”

I reached across the table, taking his hand in mine. “Alpha Edward is still strong and brave, Liam. Sometimes, even the bravest people need help. And it’s okay to cry. It shows that he cares and feels deeply.”

Liam looked down at his plate, pushing the food around with his fork. “Will I be allowed to see him?” Liam asked eagerly, and I nodded. “Just ask your father to take you, and he will,” I said, and Liam nodded before going back to his food. I couldn’t continue eating because I had lost my appetite. I was so worried about Alpha Edward, and I wanted to see him to be sure he was okay, but what excuse would I use to go to his room?

Still deep in my thoughts, I noticed a maid coming back with a tray of breakfast in her hand, and I had to call her back.

“Whose meal is that?”

“It’s for Alpha Edward, but he rejected the meal. He said he wasn’t hungry,” the maid explained.

“Mother, he has to eat,” Liam murmured worriedly, and I nodded and got up. “Watch over Liam; I will take the food back myself.” I didn’t wait for the maid to speak before taking the tray of breakfast from her.

Taking the stairs to his room, I took a deep breath and braced myself. I needed to put up an act if need be. Reaching his door, I didn’t bother to knock; instead, I opened it, stepped in, and closed the door before turning around to see him seated on the armchair, his gaze fixed on me.

“You need to eat,” I said coldly, walking over to him with the tray.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“I told them I wasn’t hungry,” Edward replied, his voice equally cold.

“Well, that’s too bad because I’m not leaving until you eat something,” I snapped back, setting the tray down on the table in front of him. “You might think you’re doing everyone a favor by starving yourself, but all you’re doing is making things worse.”

Edward’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger crossing his face. “Why do you care, Amanda? You made it pretty clear you hate me.”

“Maybe I do,” I shot back, my heart pounding. “But right now, I care more about Liam than I do about your pity party. So, eat the damn food.”

For a moment, Alpha Edward looked like he might refuse, but then he reluctantly picked up a piece of toast, his movements slow and deliberate. I watched him, pain and pity aching in my heart.

“Good,” I said after a moment, my voice softer but still firm. “Now, let’s get one thing straight. I’m not here because I feel sorry for you. I’m here because Liam needs you. So, pull yourself together and start acting like the Alpha you are.”