The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

With a cup of hot coffee in my hand, I sat on the couch, staring at the fireplace. It was past 2 a. m., and yet there was no news about the war. I was so worried and scared. I wished I wasn’t so helpless, wished I could do something, wished I could connect with Alpha Edward, at least to know what was happening to him. But I was helpless, and all I could do was sit and pray that he was safe, at least for Liam, who had no idea that Alpha Edward was his father but was still so worried.

I heard footsteps, and when I lifted my gaze, it was Matthew. Quickly, I stood up and rushed to him. “Any news? How is he? Is he still communicating with you?” I asked with a pounding heart.

“Yes, he is fine,” Matthew assured me, but I was unconvinced. “Tell me, how is the fight going?”

Matthew sighed and placed his hands on my shoulders. “The fight is heroic, but we are still on the winning side.” He flashed me a weak smile, which still didn’t convince me. Swallowing hard, I went back to the couch and sank into it. I hated how helpless I was. I wished I could do something rather than just sitting and worrying. I wished I had my wolf. I wished I could communicate with Alpha Edward. I just wanted assurance from him that he was doing alright.

“Alpha Edward arranged with a lady who has a teleporting ability,” Matthew announced, and I lifted my gaze to look at him. “For what?”

“To teleport you and Liam out of the pack in case things get sour,” he explained, and anger blazed in my eyes. “I’m not going anywhere. He has to win and come back to us,” I yelled in fear while Matthew nodded. “Of course, it’s just that he got everything prepared just in case.” Matthew said, while my frown deepened. I looked away from him and settled my eyes on the fireplace. I was so scared and panicked. I wished there was something I could do.

“I will leave now,” Matthew said before leaving.

The moment I was left alone, tears trickled down my cheek, and I quickly wiped them off. I never knew a day like this would come when I would be scared of losing Alpha Edward.

For hours, I remained in that spot, worrying and praying that Alpha Edward would come back.

“Are you okay?” I heard a familiar voice behind me, and when I lifted my gaze, it was Levi, Alpha Edward’s cousin. He couldn’t fight because of his broken arm, which I heard also affected his wolf’s forelegs.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“You need to go in and rest. It’s past 5 a. m., and you have been here all night.” He sounded genuinely worried for me, but I ignored him and looked back at the fire. There was no way I would go to bed knowing Alpha Edward’s life was in danger.

Realizing I wouldn’t respond to him, he walked over to me and sat on the couch across from me.

“You are so worried about him. I can see it in your eyes,” he muttered, and I didn’t argue with him. Instead, I kept staring at the fire.

“Do you want me to speak to him? To know how he is faring? I can connect with him through the mind link?” he asked, and instantly, I nodded my head and looked his way. “Please do,” I begged.

Levi closed his eyes, focusing on establishing the mind link with Alpha Edward. I watched him intently, my heart racing with anticipation. Moments later, Levi opened his eyes, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

“He’s holding up,” Levi said, his voice calm yet strained. “The battle is fierce, but Edward is leading well. He wants you to know he’s thinking of you and Liam. He’ll do everything in his power to return safely.”

I felt a slight wave of relief wash over me, but the worry still gnawed at my insides. “Thank you, Levi,” I whispered, my voice shaky. “It means a lot to hear from him, even if it’s through you.”

Levi gave me a small nod. “You should try to get some rest, Amanda. Staying up and worrying won’t help him or you. He needs you to be strong.”

“I know,” I replied, my eyes returning to the flickering flames. “But I can’t shake this feeling of dread. I need to be here, just in case…”

Levi reached out, gently squeezing my hand. His gesture was surprising, but I didn’t pull away.

“I understand. But promise me you’ll take care of yourself, too. Edward needs you and Liam to be safe and strong.”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure how I could manage to sleep with so much on my mind. “I promise,” I said, though the words felt hollow.

“Can I stay here with you? I can’t get any sleep myself. I should be on the battlefield fighting, but…” He paused and frowned at his broken arm. “It affected my wolf, or else I would have fought in my wolf form.” He sighed while I stared at him. Levi seemed nice, so why was he acting like a different person five years ago? What changed in him?

“Do you want more coffee?” he asked, and I nodded. He called a maid and asked her to make us some coffee.

Levi stayed with me for a while longer, offering silent support. Eventually, exhaustion began to take its toll. I leaned back against the couch, my eyes growing heavy despite my anxiety. The last thing I saw before sleep claimed me was the comforting glow of the fire and Levi’s reassuring presence.

I woke with a start, the first rays of dawn filtering through the windows. My neck ached from sleeping on the couch, but I barely noticed as I quickly scanned the room. Levi was gone, but a blanket had been draped over me. Perhaps it was a gesture from Levi.

Rubbing my eyes, I sat up and tried to gather my thoughts. The house was eerily quiet, and I wondered if there had been any news while I slept. Just as I was about to get up, the door creaked open, and Matthew stepped inside, his expression grim.

“Amanda,” he said softly, his voice filled with concern. “The war is over.”

My heart lurched. “In whose favor? Is Edward okay?”

Matthew hesitated before speaking. “In our favor, and Alpha Edward is alive, but…”

“But what?” I asked, terrified.