The Mate He Hates

FIVE YEARS LATER,

Amanda’s POV

As Liam tightly clasped my hand, we strolled out of the airport while Sophia walked beside me. Our eyes scanned the bustling waiting area until they landed on Beta Matthew, patiently waiting for us.

“Father!” Liam yelled and ran towards Beta Matthew, who also ran to him and picked him up off the floor before hugging him,

“How are you, my boy?” Beta Matthew asked tenderly as he kissed Liam’s forehead before setting him down.

“I’m fine, father. I’m so happy that we will now be staying with you.” A big smile spread across his face as he hugged Beta Matthew again.

My four-year-old son, Liam, has thought of Beta Matthew as his biological father. Beta Matthew has been an incredible stand-in father for Liam, and I didn’t know what I would have done without him. Liam wished for his family to live in one home, but it was impossible. I stayed in France while Beta Matthew resided in California. Liam has pleaded with Beta Matthew and me to live together, but we always bring up excuses as to why we can’t live together.

As if the moon goddess had been listening to Liam’s prayers, a war broke out in France just a few days ago, and France was no longer safe for us. I had suggested we go to another country, but there was no guarantee that the country would be safe, and unfortunately, the only safe place was the Snow Moon Pack.

When Matthew brought up the suggestion for us to come over, I kicked against it because I didn’t want to see Alpha Edward. It’s been five years, and I haven’t forgotten about him, but how could I? He was my mate.

After getting enough assurance from Beta Matthew on how Alpha Edward has given up finding his mate and how my stepmother was still missing. He had gotten tired and decided to leave everything behind, I decided to come back, at least for the safety of my boy.

“Matthew,” I greeted Beta Matthew, and we hugged before pulling away. He also hugged Sophia, and his men took our luggage and led us to the car.

Reaching where the cars was parked, Liam decided to join Sophia in the other car while Beta Matthew and I entered the SUV, and the driver drove off.

Inhaling deeply, I looked outside the window, staring at the familiar town as we drove through it. Memories flooded back, both bittersweet and nostalgic. I couldn’t help but wonder how much had changed in the past five years.

“Amanda, I have to tell you something,” he said, and I looked his way, curious about what he wanted to say to me. I noticed he hesitated for a moment, which piqued my curiosity even more.

“My home is under renovation, so that means you all will be staying in the pack house. I have already talked to Alpha Edward, and he had no problem with that.”

My brow furrowed. “Tell me you are joking.”

He sighed. “I know you may not like this, but come to think of it, the pack house is the safest place, and besides, within a week, the renovation at my place will be done, and you all can go there.” He tried persuading me, but I only grunted and looked outside the window. I didn’t want to say anything to him because I was annoyed, and I might flare up if I began speaking.

As we neared the Snow Moon Pack territory, my heart pounded in my chest. I could feel the tension building within me, the anxiety of seeing Alpha Edward again. Beta Matthew, sensing my unease, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“It’ll be alright, Amanda,” he said softly. “Things have changed here, and you’ll see that Alpha Edward isn’t the same man he was, and besides, he has forgotten about you.” Beta Matthew tried assuring me.

I nodded, but the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen. There was a strange feeling in me telling me something would go wrong.

Soon, we arrived at the pack house, a large, imposing structure that had always seemed like a fortress to me. We exited the car, and I could see Liam’s joy as he walked over to us.

“Is this the alpha’a mansion?” Liam asked excitedly, his eyes scanning the whole area.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“Yes, son, and you will be staying here for a while,” Matthew announced to Liam, who smiled happily.

“Let’s go in.” Beta Matthew gestured, and I inhaled deeply before following him in. I exchanged glances with Sophia, who seemed surprised that we were staying here, and as she questioned me with her eyes, I only shrugged and looked away.

Entering the sitting room, the workers greeted us, and Beta Matthew took us upstairs to show us our rooms. The first stop was Sophia’s room, and after she got settled, we went over to Liam’s room.

Liam’s room was beautifully decorated-a mix of blues and greens-with toys and books arranged on shelves. In just short notice of our arrival, Beta Matthew went all the way to do this. Liam’s eyes lit up with excitement as he explored his new space.

“Wow, Mom, look! They have all my favorite books!” he exclaimed, pulling a storybook from the shelf.

I smiled, watching him. “Yes, your father really thought of everything.”

Beta Matthew, standing in the doorway, smiled warmly. “I wanted to make sure Liam felt at home here.”

I nodded, grateful for his efforts. “Thank you.” He was just the perfect father for Liam.

Matthew’s eyes softened. “Anything for my son.” I could feel the sincerity in his voice. He has grown to love Liam as his son, and Liam will forever be.

Leaving Liam to settle into his room, we walked down the hallway and reached a door; Beta Matthew stopped. “This is your room,” he announced, and I took a deep breath before opening the room.

The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, but it was the view from the window that caught my attention. The forest stretched out as far as the eye could see, a sea of green that brought back memories of my time here.

“I hope you find this comfortable,” Matthew said softly.

“It’s perfect,” I replied, my voice tinged with gratitude and nervousness. There was this strange aura in the mansion, probably because of the painful memories it held in my heart.

Matthew nodded, lingering for a moment. “If you need anything, my room is just down the hall.”

“I still remember your room. ” He smiled. “Thank you, Beta Matthew,” I said again, genuinely grateful for all he has done for me.

Beta Matthew moved closer and flashed me a reassuring smile before touching my shoulders. “Don’t worry about Alpha Edward finding out the truth. Even if someday he does, I’m right here, and I will protect you. Besides, you are no longer that broken and weak girl, Amanda; you have grown into a strong-willed woman, and Alpha Edward won’t be able to toss you around.”

His words of comfort gave me strength, and I took a deep breath before nodding. “Thank you, Beta Matthew…”

“Matthew, I have told you to drop the title,” he groaned, and I smiled and nodded. “I will have to leave, but I will see you at dinner.” He flashed me his usual charming smile before leaving.

As he left, I closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a shaky breath. Being back here was overwhelming. Memories of Alpha Edward flooded my mind: his intense gaze, the warmth of his touch. But I wouldn’t forget the torture and pain I went through. It had been five years, but the memories were not something that could be easily forgotten.

Trying to push the thoughts aside, I started to unpack. Each item I placed in the room felt like a step towards accepting this new reality. But no matter how much I tried to focus on the task, my mind kept drifting back to Alpha Edward. It had been five years, and I hadn’t heard or seen him. There were times I thought he would call or try to meet with me, but he didn’t. Instead, he stayed away from me all this time, which should be a good thing, right?

I was so anxious to see him; there was still an uneasy feeling bubbling in my stomach about meeting him.

It felt like every second seemed suffocating. My thoughts drifted to Beta Matthew’s words about Alpha Edward really forgetting about me, and I wondered if it was really true. Would he really have forgotten about me? Could he have moved on so easily, while I had spent every day thinking about him?

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t hear the knock on the door at first. When it came again, louder this time, I quickly composed myself and opened it, thinking it was a maid. But surprisingly, it was Alpha Edward standing before me, looking as imposing and powerful as ever. Time had only made him more handsome, his features more defined. His eyes, however, were the same piercing green that had haunted my dreams for the past five years.

“Amanda,”

“Alpha Edward,”