The Mate He Hates

Alpha Edward was about to leave his room for lunch when he heard a knock on the door. Before he could ask who it was, the door swung open, and Levi, his cousin, stepped inside.

“What do you want? Haven’t you done enough?” Alpha Edward yelled, his anger surging at the sight of Levi. The mere presence of the man who had caused him so much grief made his blood boil.

“Brother,” Levi called softly, his voice calm and unwavering despite the anger in Alpha Edward’s eyes. He knew his cousin was enraged, but he also knew Edward would never truly harm him; if he had wanted to, he would have done so long ago.

“My things are downstairs. The driver is waiting for me, but I wanted to see you and apologize before I leave,” Levi pleaded, taking a tentative step closer to Alpha Edward.

“I don’t need your apology, Levi. Just leave and never show your face to me again!” Alpha Edward grunted, turning away, his shoulders tense with unresolved anger.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened again, and Amanda walked in. She stopped short, surprised to see Levi standing there. Her eyes darted between the two men, sensing the tension that filled the room.

Levi took a deep breath, his gaze shifting between Edward and Amanda. His knees trembled slightly, and then he fell to the floor, dropping to his knees before his cousin. “I’m sorry,” Levi began, his voice filled with genuine remorse. “I did everything I did because… because you always seemed so perfect, Edward. In everything. You always had it all-strength, respect, the love of everyone around you. And I… I became jealous. I couldn’t stand being in your shadow, so I decided to take whatever I could from you.”

Edward’s face twisted in a mixture of disbelief and hurt. “What are you talking about?” he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Levi turned to Amanda, his eyes filled with guilt. “I bet Edward that I could have you,” he confessed, his voice breaking with shame. “I wanted to prove to him that he wasn’t invincible, that I could take something he valued. But I swear, I never meant to hurt you, Amanda. I was blinded by my own jealousy, and I didn’t realize what I was doing.”

Amanda’s expression hardened, but she remained silent, letting Levi continue.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

“I love you, Edward,” Levi said, turning back to his cousin. “You’re my brother in all the ways that matter. I never wanted to truly hurt you. I was just… lost in my own bitterness. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

Alpha Edward’s anger flickered, a mixture of pain and understanding crossing his features. He stared at Levi, his eyes narrowing, searching for any sign of deceit. But all he saw was his cousin’s broken expression, the regret in his eyes.

After a long, tense silence, Edward let out a slow breath. “Get up, Levi,” he muttered. “I forgive you… but know that your actions have consequences. If you truly love me, then leave and don’t come back until you’ve found a way to redeem yourself.”

Levi’s eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded. “Thank you, Edward. Thank you,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. He stood, glancing at Amanda once more with a look of apology, before turning back to his cousin. “Goodbye, Edward. I hope one day you can see me as your brother again.”

Edward nodded curtly, his expression still guarded. “Goodbye, Levi.”

With a final look at both of them, Levi turned and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

A tense silence hung in the air as neither Alpha Edward nor Amanda could find the words to say. They pondered Levi’s words. Amanda had always felt there was something suspicious about Levi being friendly to her, but she never knew he had plans to have her just to cause Alpha Edward pain. She thought of the trip and wondered what would have happened if they had gone through with it.

Filled with guilt, she looked at Alpha Edward, who seemed lost in thought. “Is that the reason you wanted me gone? So Levi wouldn’t have his chance with me?” she asked. Alpha Edward sighed before nodding. Amanda swallowed her discomfort. “You could have told me, Alpha Edward. You could have explained things to me,” she muttered, but Alpha Edward remained silent.

Amanda sighed and sat on the bed, while Edward moved over to the window, staring outside into the distance. She looked at him, her eyes lingering on the wheelchair. Her heart ached; she wished he could walk again. He was a leader, and not being able to use his legs was definitely taking a toll on him.

“I have an ability,” Amanda announced, standing up and moving over to him.

“Really?” Alpha Edward asked, curious.

“Yes.” Amanda squatted before him, and their gazes locked. “I have the ability to heal. I found out two days ago with my mother’s help.” A big smile appeared on Alpha Edward’s face. He was so proud, so proud of the woman Amanda had become.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said, lifting his hand and tucking her hair behind her ears. “I’m so proud that you didn’t let me break you, that you didn’t let this monster break you.”

Amanda took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts as she looked into Alpha Edward’s eyes. “I’ve forgiven you,” she said softly, her voice carrying both strength and vulnerability. “I forgive you for everything you’ve done to me. I know you’ve suffered too, Edward… and I see now that your actions were driven by pain, anger, and fear.”

Alpha Edward’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected her words. For a moment, he seemed lost, unsure of how to respond. His gaze softened, the hardened lines on his face easing. “Amanda… I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I’ve been cruel. I’ve hurt you in so many ways.”

Amanda nodded, not denying his words. “You did,” she acknowledged, “but I’ve seen your suffering, Edward. I’ve seen you at your worst, and despite everything, I know there’s still good in you. You’re more than your mistakes.”

Edward blinked, his expression wavering between relief and disbelief. “How can you forgive me so easily?” he asked, his voice tinged with doubt.

Amanda gave a small smile. “It’s not easy,” she admitted. “It’s not something that happens overnight. But I believe in second chances, Edward. And I think… maybe, we both need to forgive ourselves as well.”

He swallowed hard, feeling a knot in his throat loosen slightly. “Amanda… I don’t know if I can ever make it up to you,” he said quietly.

She reached out, gently taking his hand in hers. “You don’t have to prove anything to me, Edward. Just… be better. For yourself. For Liam. And maybe, in time, for us.”

Edward stared down at their joined hands, a mixture of emotions flickering across his face. He nodded slowly, his voice almost a whisper. “I will try… I promise.”

They both stared at each other for a moment before Amanda spoke again. “I want to use my ability on you. I had a dream last night. In my dream, I saw you using your legs, and the moment I woke up, my wolf suggested I use my abilities on you.” Amanda suggested, but Alpha Edward remained silent, contemplating whether he should agree to it. “Amanda, this is a risk. You just got your ability; using it on my case is risky,” he pleaded, but Amanda shook her head.

“I’m not backing out, Alpha Edward. Let me help you, please,” she pleaded, placing her hands on his knees. Alpha Edward shook his head and wanted to say something, but she cut him off. “Don’t say anything. I’m doing it; there is no harm in trying.” She said, and Alpha Edward knew he had to give in.

Amanda placed her hands on Alpha Edward’s knees, trying her best to use her new healing power. She focused hard, hoping to help him walk again. Edward watched with hope and worry, but after several minutes, nothing changed. Amanda’s touch grew colder, and she felt a pang of disappointment.

Her face fell, and she pulled away, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice cracking. “I thought I could help.”

Without waiting for a response, Amanda ran out of the room, tears streaming down her face. Alpha Edward watched her go. He wanted to go to her, to comfort her, but he decided to let her be and instead made a mind link to her mother, informing her that Amanda needed her.

Amanda fled to her room, where she collapsed and cried, overwhelmed by her failure. She thought she could heal him. What was the use of her healing ability if she couldn’t heal the man she loved?

“You don’t have to give up yet; we can keep trying,” her wolf assured her, but she didn’t believe it.

Amanda’s mother walked in, moved over to the bed, and hugged Amanda, who cried bitterly in her arms.

“Mother… I couldn’t heal him,” Amanda sobbed loudly.

Her mother gently stroked her hair while Amanda continued to sob. “You must love him so much, don’t you?” she asked, and Amanda nodded. There was no need to hide it. She had fallen head over heels for this man and wished she could help him use his legs again so he could be happy.

Then you have to support him, Amanda. You can’t cry; if you cry, what do you want him to do?” her mother asked.

Amanda moved away from her mother’s arm and looked at her. “Alpha Edward is in a lot of pain. I wish I could do something…”

“You can,” her mother assured her, “by being by his side, by showing him that you love him.”

Amanda took a deep breath, wiping away her tears as she tried to steady herself. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the importance of support and presence. She knew she couldn’t let her own fear keep her away from Edward, especially when he needed her the most.

“I will go back to him,” Amanda told her mother, who nodded and watched her leave.

Arriving in Alpha Edward’s room, she found him lying on the bed, a blanket covering his legs up to his stomach. Amanda walked over to the side of the bed and gently took his hand in hers. “I’m sorry for running away,” she said softly. “I just needed a moment to gather my thoughts.”

Edward squeezed her hand, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. “It’s okay,” he replied quietly. “I understand. I just didn’t want you to feel like you failed. I know you tried your best.”

Amanda shook her head, her voice filled with determination. “I haven’t given up. I know it didn’t work this time, but I want to keep trying. I want to be here for you, to support you, no matter what.”

Edward’s gaze softened, and he looked at her with a mixture of gratitude and admiration. “You’re incredible, Amanda. I don’t know what I did to deserve someone like you.”

Amanda smiled through her tears, feeling loved by him. “You deserve everything good, Edward. And I’m here to make sure you get it, even if it takes time.”

She leaned down and kissed him gently on the forehead. “Let’s work through this together. I believe in us, and I believe we can find a way forward.”

Edward nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you, Amanda. I promise to try my hardest, for both of us.”

Amanda smiled and kissed him on the lips, and Alpha Edward deepened the kiss. Their tongues played with each other’s, exploring and tasting.

Edward’s hands moved down her back, caressing her with gentle yet firm strokes, as if afraid she might slip away again. His lips traveled from her mouth to her neck, pressing hot, fervent kisses that sent shivers through her body. Amanda moaned softly, her hands gripping his shoulders, feeling the taut muscles under her touch.

His hands slid lower, tracing the curve of her waist, and then gripping her hips, pulling her closer to him. Amanda could feel the strength in his hands, the raw power beneath the surface, and it excited her. She pulled back for a moment, breathing heavily, and gazed into his eyes.

“Edward,” she whispered, her voice laced with a mix of desire and love. “I want this… I want you.”

Edward’s eyes darkened with passion, and he nodded, his hand moving up to cup her face. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice husky, his breath warm against her skin.

“Yes,” she replied, her voice firm, filled with an undeniable need. She leaned in, capturing his lips again with hers, the kiss growing deeper, hungrier.

Her hands moved down his chest, feeling his heart pound beneath her fingers. “Let me,” she whispered against his lips, her voice thick with desire.

Edward’s breath hitched as he nodded, giving her silent permission. He had always been the one in control, but now he found himself surrendering to her touch, trusting her completely.

Amanda shifted, carefully straddling him, feeling the firmness of his body beneath hers. She could sense the tension in his muscles, the way he was holding back, afraid of what might happen if he let go. Her hands moved to the hem of her shirt, pulling it over her head and tossing it aside. She was left in only her bra, her skin flushing under his heated gaze.

Edward’s eyes darkened with desire as he watched her. “Amanda…” he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of longing and restraint.

She smiled softly, reaching behind to unclasp her bra, letting it fall away. “I want you, Edward,” she murmured, leaning down to press her bare chest against his. “Let me take care of you.”

He swallowed hard, his hands moving to her waist, his fingers trembling slightly. “I… I can’t move like I used to,” he confessed, his voice low, almost ashamed.

Amanda cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. “I know,” she replied softly but firmly. “But you can feel, can’t you?” She shifted her hips slightly, teasing him, drawing a low groan from his throat.

“Yes,” he gasped, his hands tightening on her waist, feeling the warmth of her skin against his. “God, yes.”

She smiled, her heart swelling with affection for the man beneath her. Slowly, she rocked her hips against his, feeling his growing arousal beneath her. She took her time, savoring every moment, every reaction, every gasp, and groan that escaped his lips.

Edward’s eyes fluttered shut for a moment, his breath coming in shallow pants. Amanda’s hands roamed over his chest, tracing the lines of his muscles, feeling the way his body responded to her touch. “Open your eyes, Edward,” she whispered, her voice filled with command. “I want you to see me.”

He obeyed, his eyes snapping open, filled with a hunger that sent a thrill through her. She reached down, hooking her fingers into his waistband, pulling his pants down, freeing him. He was already hard, ready for her, and she felt a rush of heat pool low in her belly.

She positioned herself over him, her core slick and ready, and she slowly lowered herself onto him, feeling him fill her inch by inch. A moan escaped her lips, her head falling back as she took him fully inside. Edward’s hands gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh, his breathing ragged.

“God, Amanda,” he groaned, his voice filled with a mix of pleasure and desperation. “You feel… incredible.”

She smiled, starting to move her hips in slow, circular motions, grinding against him, drawing out their pleasure. She took her time, building the rhythm, feeling every inch of him inside her, the way he stretched and filled her.

Edward’s hands moved up to her waist, guiding her movements, trying to find some control despite his limitations. Amanda leaned down, pressing her forehead against his, her breath mingling with his. “Let go,” she whispered, her voice a soft command. “Let me do this for you.”

He groaned, his grip tightening, but he nodded, allowing her to take the lead. She began to move faster, her hips rising and falling, taking him deeper with each thrust. The room was filled with the sound of their heavy breathing, their moans, and the rhythmic slap of skin against skin.

Amanda’s hands moved to his chest, bracing herself as she quickened her pace, riding him harder. She felt the tension building in her own body, the pleasure coiling tighter with each movement. “Edward,” she gasped, her voice strained. “I’m so close.”

He nodded, his own body trembling with the effort to hold back. “Me too,” he groaned. “Amanda… don’t stop.”

She groaned and continued to ride him, but then stopped and looked him in the eyes. “I need to mark you,” she whispered against his ear, her breath hot and ragged. “I need to make you mine, Edward.”

He nodded, his hands tightening on her waist, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. “Do it, Amanda,” he urged, his voice thick with desire. “Mark me.”

She leaned down, her lips finding the spot where his neck met his shoulder, her teeth grazing his skin. She bit down, sinking her fangs into his flesh, marking him as hers. Edward groaned, his body tensing beneath her, his hands gripping her tighter as he felt the bond form, the connection between them strengthening, solidifying. A surge of power flowed through him, his body reacting to the mark, his bones cracking, shifting, healing.

Amanda felt the change in him, the way his body tensed, the sound of his bones cracking and shifting beneath her. She pulled back, her eyes wide with shock and concern, but Edward’s hands tightened on her waist, holding her in place.

“Don’t stop,” he pleaded, his voice filled with both pain and desire. “Don’t stop, Amanda.”

She nodded, her movements resuming, her hips moving faster, grinding against him, riding him. Edward’s eyes fluttered closed, his body trembling as he felt the sensation of his bones realigning, the pain mingling with the pleasure coursing through him.

With a final thrust, Edward’s body bucked beneath her, a loud moan escaping his lips as he came, his release filling her, his body shaking with the force of his orgasm. Amanda felt her own release wash over her, her body trembling, her moans mingling with his as they came together, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating as one.

As the pleasure slowly subsided, Edward’s eyes opened, and he looked down at his legs, his eyes widening in disbelief. He could feel them. He could move them. He lifted one leg, then the other, a laugh of pure joy escaping his lips.

“Amanda… I can… I can move my legs,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe and wonder.

Amanda’s eyes filled with tears, her heart swelling with happiness. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly, her voice choked with emotion. “I knew it would work,” she whispered. “I knew we could do it.”

She stood back and watched as he rose from the bed. To her surprise, he moved effortlessly, standing on his feet as if he had never been crippled for weeks.

“Oh, my goodness!” Amanda cried out with joy and jumped into Alpha Edward’s arms. He caught her easily and pulled her close, holding her tightly against him. “Mate!” his wolf spoke for the first time in six years.

Edward’s eyes widened as he pulled her back, his hands cupping her face. He kissed her deeply, passionately, his heart filled with gratitude and love. “You did this,” he whispered against her lips. “You gave me my life back, Amanda. I will love you forever for it.”

Amanda smiled, her heart overflowing with love. “And I will love you, Alpha Edward, always.”