The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

It was 11 PM, and I still hadn’t heard any news about the war. I glanced at Liam, who was fast asleep. Being a smart kid, Liam knew something was wrong, but I lied to him, saying it was nothing serious. He didn’t believe me, but he pretended to for my sake.

Gulping nervously, I wished I had my wolf. At least I could have connected with Alpha Edward to see if everything was okay. But I couldn’t, and I regretted it deeply. Feeling anxious and scared, I left Liam’s room and took the stairs to the living room, where I met guards stationed at each end of the sitting room.

“Where is Beta Matthew?” I asked a guard, who told me he was outside. Stepping outside, I found Matthew talking to a few guards. When he saw me, he dismissed them and walked over.

“You’re unable to get some sleep?” he said, and I nodded.

“How is the fight going? Have you heard anything from them?” I asked.

Matthew nodded. “The fight is going pretty well in our favor, Amanda. Don’t worry yourself,” he assured me, but his words didn’t ease my worry.

“What about Alpha Edward? Any word from him?” I asked.

Matthew nodded again. “I just spoke to him through the mind link. He is fine,” he reassured me, and I inhaled deeply.

“Go in and rest. Everything is fine,” he insisted, but I shook my head.

“I can’t. My mind is troubled.”

“Because of Edward? You’re worried about him?” Matthew asked, and I nodded, no point denying it.

“Alpha Edward is fine. Trust me, he is okay,” Matthew said again, but I knew I wouldn’t be at rest until he came back.

I tried to calm myself with a deep breath, but my mind kept imagining the worst. “Thank you, Matthew,” I said with a forced smile. “I’ll try to rest.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Matthew nodded and went back to the guards, leaving me standing there. I walked back inside, stopping outside Liam’s room to listen to his soft breathing. Realizing he was still fast asleep, I decided to go to the living room and wait for Alpha Edward.

In the living room, I sank into an armchair, staring into the flames of the fire, trying to calm down. My thoughts kept drifting to Edward and the battle. I wished I could reach out to him through the mind link, but that was impossible, and I felt very alone. I hugged myself, trying to fend off the chill.

Minutes turned into hours, and soon the first light of dawn broke through the windows. I hadn’t slept; my mind was too restless. The house began to stir as guards changed shifts and morning routines started. I stood up, stretched my stiff muscles, and headed to the kitchen. I needed to keep busy. The smell of coffee filled the air, and I took comfort in the familiar routine.

As I sipped my coffee, I heard footsteps. Matthew entered the kitchen, looking tired but hopeful. “Good morning, Amanda,” he said softly. “I have some news.”

My heart raced. “What is it? Is everything okay?”

He nodded with a small smile. “Alpha Edward and the others are on their way back. They should be here within the hour.”

Relief washed over me, and I felt tears in my eyes. “Thank you, Matthew. Thank you so much.”

He nodded again. “You’re welcome. Now, why don’t you go and get Liam? He’ll be happy to know Alpha Edward is coming home.”

I nodded and hugged Matthew before leaving for Liam’s room. When I got there, I noticed he was already awake, and the maid in charge of him had helped bathe and dress him.

“Good morning, mother…” Liam paused, a frown appearing on his face. “You don’t look well, mother. Is everything okay?”

I flashed a weak smile at him. “Yes, my darling, everything is fine,” I assured him with a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll go take my bath and join you for breakfast, okay?” Liam nodded.

After taking a warm bath and getting dressed, I went downstairs. At the dining table, I found Sophia and Liam already seated.

“Mother, where is godfather? I haven’t seen him since yesterday,” Liam asked worriedly.

I gave him a comforting smile. “He went out but will join us soon,” I assured him. Liam nodded and went back to his food.

The meal served to me couldn’t pass my throat, as I was still worried. I wanted to see Alpha Edward, to be sure that he was okay, then I could be fully at rest. As I forced myself to eat, I noticed the gate to the mansion open and cars driving in.

“Alpha Edward is here.”

I bolted from my seat, nearly knocking over my chair in my haste. Liam looked up, wide-eyed, and followed me as I rushed to the front door. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling within me.

The cars pulled up, and guards stepped out first, with relief on their faces. Then, finally, Alpha Edward emerged. He looked tired but unharmed, and the sight of him brought tears of relief to my eyes.

“Edward!” I called, my voice breaking. I ran to him, my steps quickening as I closed the distance between us. He turned towards me, his face lighting up with a weary smile.

“Amanda,” he replied, his voice gentle yet strong. As I reached him, I threw my arms around him, holding him tightly. For a moment, all the fear and anxiety melted away, replaced by the sheer joy of having him back.

He hugged me back just as tightly, his hand gently stroking my hair. “I’m okay,” he whispered in my ear. “We’re all okay.”

I pulled back slightly to look at him, tears streaming down my face. “I was so worried,” I admitted. “I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb, his gaze soft and reassuring. “I’m here now. Everything’s going to be alright.”

Liam, who had been standing a little way off, finally approached. “Godfather!” he exclaimed, running up to Alpha Edward.

Alpha Edward released me and crouched down to Liam’s level, scooping him up into a big hug. “Hey there, champ,” he said warmly. “Did you take good care of your mom while I was away?”

Liam nodded enthusiastically. “I tried my best. But I’m really glad you’re back.”

Alpha Edward ruffled his hair with a chuckle. “I’m glad to be back, too.”

Matthew joined us, a satisfied smile on his face. “Welcome home, Alpha,” he said with a respectful nod.

Edward stood up, still holding Liam. “Thank you, Matthew. And thank you for looking after everything here.”

Matthew nodded again, his eyes showing a hint of pride. “Just doing my duty.”

Alpha Edward looked at me, and I looked away, feeling awkward and emotional.

“We should go in,” Matthew suggested, and we all nodded and headed inside with Liam still in Alpha Edward’s arms.

When we got into the sitting room, Alpha Edward sat down while Liam sat on his lap. The weight of my worry had started to lift, but as I looked at Alpha Edward’s weary face, a new wave of anxiety washed over me. Something doesn’t seem right.

“The war has been paused, but it will resume tonight. We have a brief window to rest and regroup.” Alpha Edward announced, and My heart sank at his words. The thought of the battle resuming filled me with worry. I thought the war was over.