The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

Luckily, I found a towel and wrapped it around myself before turning towards Alpha Edward, only to see him shamelessly gawking at me. A big frown spread across my face, seeing that he didn’t feel remorseful over walking into my room and finding me naked.

“And what are you doing here?” I asked angrily. He didn’t respond; he just kept staring at me with his piercing gaze, which made me so uncomfortable.

“Alpha Edward, may I know why you are here?” I asked again with anger. This time, he sucked in a deep breath and moved away from the door, getting closer to me. “I want to have a word with you.” His tone was soft and gentle.

“Well, now isn’t the right time. As you can see, I just bathed and need to dress for sleep. Can you please leave?” I demanded and saw him raise a brow at me. “Leave?” he questioned, and my frown deepened. “Yes, I want to change,” I responded, and an annoying smile crept out from the left corner of his cheek. “And why should I leave?” he questioned. “The last time I checked, you are my mate and wife. Also, don’t forget that we have seen each other naked, so what is there to hide?” he teased, and I got annoyed. “I’m not your wife, nor am I your mate,” I spat, but he didn’t get offended by my words; rather, the smug smile remained on his face.

“Well, you can think whatever you want to think, but I’m not leaving, or…” he paused and ran a quick gaze over my body. “Are you shy to dress in front of me?” he teased, and that got me agitated. “I’m not shy…”

“Then dress before me, unless there is something you are trying to hide from me,” he challenged.

I grunted and wanted to go over to the bathroom and change, but since he had challenged me, I decided to take up his challenge.

“And what do you think I might be hiding from you?” I challenged and saw him shrug his shoulders. “I don’t know, you tell me,” he teased again, and that got me more annoyed.

“Fine, stay and watch.”

“With all gladness.” He smirked while I eyed him and went for my nightgown.

I grabbed my nightgown from the dresser, feeling his eyes burn into my back. The challenge in his gaze was unmistakable, and I wasn’t about to back down. I turned to face him, letting the towel drop to the floor. His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of me, but I refused to look away.

“Enjoying the show?” I asked, my voice steady despite the rapid beat of my heart.

“More than you can imagine,” he replied, his voice low and rough, sending a shiver down my spine.

I lifted the nightgown over my head, slowly pulling it down over my body. His gaze was intense, following every movement, making the air between us feel electric. The silky fabric caressed my skin, and I could feel his eyes tracing its path. His intense gaze on me made all the hair on my skin stand up, but I composed myself and braced up.

“Happy now?” I asked, my tone dripping with sarcasm as I finished dressing.

His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw something flicker in them-something softer, almost vulnerable. But then his usual smugness returned. “Very.” His voice was a mix of satisfaction and something deeper, something that made my breath catch.

“Now that you’re decent, we need to talk.”

“About what?” I snapped.

“About us.” He stepped closer, his expression serious. “Amanda, I’m sorry.” He apologized, and I scoffed.

“Sorry? You are sorry?” I scoffed. “For what exactly?” I asked with folded arms.

He went silent for a few moments, his alluring green eyes on me as if they wanted to pierce through my soul. “For the pain I caused you.” He took a step forward, but I didn’t move back. “For not recognizing you as my mate when I should have, for the torture and the-”

“Enough!” I raised my hand to stop him. “I have had enough, Alpha Edward, and I don’t want to hear any more of it,” I demanded. “Then forgive me.” He pleaded.

I scoffed bitterly and shook my head. “After forgiving you, what’s next? We mate and become one big happy family?” I asked bitterly but didn’t get a response from him. “You think being sorry will erase the pain and torture you put me through?” I spat bitterly. “Do you know what it felt like to be tortured and hated by your mate? That one person who was supposed to love and protect you?”

“I’m sorry, Amanda. I wasn’t myself, I was consumed with pain-”Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“Fuck you, and fuck the pain you were going through. I don’t care about it.” I stated firmly and saw his eyes twitch with pain, which I ignored. “We should just reject each other.”

“I’m not rejecting you, Amanda. I will not reject you.” He declared possessively and took another step, so close to me. “I know I have messed up big time, but I will do everything to gain your forgiveness and love.”

“Love?” I scoffed. “Don’t be delusional, Alpha Edward. I will never love you.” I declared and, at the same time, tried to convince myself because it sounded like I just lied to myself.

“Really?” His tone was laced with challenge. “You think you can’t forgive me and fall in love with me?” he dared, and I scoffed. “Make me!” I challenged and saw his brow furrow. He seemed to think for a moment before he took another step closer to me, making us stand just an inch away from each other.

“I dare you to give me a month.”

I stared at him, my mind racing. A month? What could he possibly do in a month to change how I felt?

“You dare me?” I asked, skeptical.

He nodded. “One month, Amanda. Let me show you I’m not the monster you think I am.”

I folded my arms, trying to stay composed. “And if I don’t fall in love with you?”

He leaned closer. “Then I’ll walk away, and you’ll never have to see me again.”

His words hung in the air. Part of me wanted to reject his offer, but another part was curious to see how the challenge could go. Could I ever see him as anything other than the source of my pain? And besides, I was sure that he was going to lose, which meant he wouldn’t ever get to worry me ever again.

“Fine,” I said firmly. “You have one month. But it won’t be easy.”

He smiled genuinely this time. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“Good,” I replied, turning away from him. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get some sleep.”

He nodded, backing towards the door. “Of course. Goodnight, Amanda.”

“Goodnight, Alpha Edward,” I said coldly, not meeting his eyes as he left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind him, I let out a long breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. This was going to be one hell of a month. But if he thought he could waltz back into my life and make everything right, he was sorely mistaken. I would make sure he felt every bit of the pain he’d put me through.