The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

The maid led me into his study room. Walking in, I met a few men with him, and as soon as Alpha Edward saw me, he sent them away. After they left, I looked his way and saw that his playful and teasing mood had changed into something else. He now wore a more serious look, which told me something wasn’t right.

“Is something wrong?” I asked and heard him sigh before he took a seat on the couch and asked me to take the one across from him, which I did without hesitation. A moment of silence hung in the air as I watched him pondering in thoughts, indicating all was not well, and it was getting me worried.

“Is something wrong?” I asked again, and Alpha Edward sighed before responding. “Not really, it’s just that the Stone Pack has declared war against us, and it starts tonight.” He announced, and my eyes widened.

“A war?”

“Yes, but don’t worry. It will be fought on neutral ground. They can’t get into the pack.” He assured me, but that didn’t ease my worry.

“Why the fight?” I asked, feeling troubled.

“A large piece of land, the one at the riverbank. They claim we should share it with them, but I am not going to do that.” Alpha Edward groaned angrily. “Over my dead body will I allow that to happen.” He said through gritted teeth while I swallowed hard as worry enveloped my entire being. War wasn’t something to take lightly; it had destroyed so many packs and so many would lose their lives in the process.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Is there no way this war can be stopped?” I asked, fear gripping me.

“We have held countless meetings with the Stone Pack, but they are adamant. The land carries a lot of mineral, so they are just greedy…”

“Does the land really belong to you?” I cut Alpha Edward off, and he chuckled bitterly.

“You are having doubts.” He said while I shook my head.

“Not really, it’s just that…”

“I swear on my life and with everything that is dear to me, that land has belonged to this pack for generations, and the Stone Pack has never claimed it until their current alpha, who is a fool, wanting to reap where he did not sow.” Alpha Edward grunted while I remained silent and looked away.

An awkward silence filled the air as we both waited for who would talk next.

“I have sent an official statement to my council of elders about Liam being my son.” He announced, and I looked his way as we held each other’s gaze.

“I have to do it, Amanda. We don’t know what might happen in the war. I might get killed and…”

“No.” I abruptly cut him off. “You are not getting killed.” I said in a panic. The thought of it was making a knot form in my stomach.

Alpha Edward glanced at me for a moment before he shook his head. “This is a war, and anything can happen.”

“But not your death.” I stated firmly, “Be positive.” I murmured and looked away so he wouldn’t see the unease in me.

Alpha Edward remained silent for another moment before he spoke again. “In case they need a DNA test, my toothbrush and personal belongings are in the bathroom.”

“Stop saying all this.” I said with fear and anger. “You will return, nothing will happen to you.” Now I was beginning to panic. The thought of him dying was already taking a toll on me, and I couldn’t take it.

“I don’t want you to go,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “There has to be another way.”

Alpha Edward’s eyes softened as he looked at me, and he reached out to take my hand. “Amanda, I have to protect our pack. This land is rightfully ours, and I won’t let them take it away from us.”

I squeezed his hand tightly, trying to draw strength from his touch. “Just promise me you’ll come back. Promise me you’ll stay safe.”

He gave me a small, sad smile. “I promise I’ll do everything in my power to return to you and Liam. But you need to be prepared for anything.”

I nodded, even though my heart was breaking. “I’ll be here, waiting for you. No matter what happens, I’ll be here.”

He smiled and let go of my hand, and I noticed my fear came crumbling back. “Beta Matthew will be here, he won’t be going to the war.” He announced while I nodded. “He will make sure you and Liam and every member of the pack are protected.” Alpha Edward added while I just remained silent. This was more than I could take, I never wanted this, not this.

“I will have to go now, there is much that has to be done.” He said while getting up on his feet, and I followed. “Will I see you before you leave tonight?” I asked, wanting to see him again.

“Sure.” He flashed me a weak smile before turning around and leaving.

As I watched him leave, I felt a discomfort in my chest. Fear gripped me as I began to imagine the worst. I knew Alpha Edward was gifted with incredible strength, but what if something goes wrong, what if…

I couldn’t even imagine it, the thought of it was making me panic.

Leaving the study room, I noticed everyone in the mansion was busy with one task or another, as if preparing for the war.

“Amanda, thank goodness, I have been looking for you. I believe you have heard about the war.” Sophia spoke worriedly while I nodded and looked away.

“Are you okay?” She asked, but I shook my head.

“Is it because of Alpha Edward? Are you worried about him?”

I didn’t respond, rather I rested my back on the wall and closed my eyes. A intense sudden fear was gripping me, it was making me panic.

“Amanda?” Sophia called, but I didn’t respond, rather I just opened my eyes and looked her way.

“Are you in love with Alpha Edward?” She asked while I furrowed my brow. “You are acting as one whose lover is going to war.” She accused, but I ignored her and looked away.

“It’s okay to feel this way, but you don’t have to worry. This isn’t Alpha Edward’s first war. I heard he fought a war when he was just sixteen and won, so you shouldn’t be scared.”

I opened my eyes and looked at Sophia. “Really?”

But before she could say anything more, the sound of hurried footsteps approaching caught our attention. It was Beta Matthew. His expression was grim, and it sent a shiver down my spine.

“Amanda, you need to come with me. Alpha Edward wants to see you before he leaves for the camp, and after that, they are going for the war,” he said, his tone urgent.

“Now?” I asked with unease.

“Yes, come with me, sister, we don’t have time.” Matthew took my hand and led the way.

My heart raced as I followed him through the bustling halls of the mansion. The preparations for war were in full swing, and everyone seemed to be moving with a sense of purpose and urgency. When we reached the courtyard, I saw Alpha Edward in his battle attire, looking every bit the formidable leader he was.

He turned to me as I approached, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. “Amanda,” he said, his voice softer than I had ever heard it. “I wanted to see you one more time before we head out.”

I swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. “Please be careful,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. I didn’t know a day would come when I would be so scared of losing him. I mean, I have grown to hate this man.

He reached out and gently cupped my face in his hands. “I will, Amanda. I promise,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart ache. “Remember what I said. Your brother will take care of everything here. You and Liam will be safe.”

I nodded, unable to find the words to express the pain inside me. He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, and I closed my eyes, memorizing the feel of his touch.

“Take care of Liam,” he whispered against my skin. “And take care of yourself.”

With that, he turned and walked away, joining his warriors who were waiting for him. I watched him go, feeling a part of me break with each step he took. Sophia came up beside me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“He’ll come back,” she said softly. “He’s strong, and he will win this.”