The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

My words must have really gotten to him because when he lifted his gaze to look at me, I could see pain in his eyes. I wished I could comfort him, tell him that I didn’t mean all I said, but I held back and kept an emotionless face. I watched him force the food down his throat. When he was done, I called for a maid to clear the table but didn’t leave; rather, I remained seated.

“What else do you want, Amanda?” he asked, his voice breaking with emotion. I had to frown to mask my emotions from him.

“I will leave when I want to leave, but before I do, I have to have a word with you,” I stated. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t speak; he waited for me to continue.

“Liam is really worried about you, and you know what that means?”

He looked away. “You have to stop this self-pity and brush up yourself.” I saw him swallow in pain. Clearly, my words were having an effect on him, and I wished I could just stop, but I couldn’t, not now.

“Matthew talked about your wheelchair…”

“I’m not sitting on that damn thing!” he grunted, and I felt my heart clench, but I masked it with a frown.

“Unfortunately, Alpha Edward, you have no choice in this! You can’t remain in bed all day. You are an alpha, and you have duties to perform,” I stated firmly, and he frowned.

“I will not be reduced to that,” he growled, his voice trembling with both anger and vulnerability.

“This isn’t about reducing you,” I replied, my tone harsh. “It’s about doing what you need to do to heal and to lead. Your pack needs you, Edward. They need their Alpha, and you can’t be that for them lying here in bed.”

He glared at me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and pain. “Why are you doing this, Amanda? Why are you pushing me so hard?”

“Because someone has to,” I answered, my voice softening slightly. “And because I care for Liam. It pains him to see you in such a state. You pushed everyone else away, but I’m still here, aren’t I? I’m not leaving you, Edward. Not until you start fighting for yourself.”

For a moment, silence hung heavily in the room. He turned his face away from me, staring at the wall, but I could see the conflict raging within him. He knew I was right but was too proud to admit it.

“Please leave,” he pleaded, and as much as I wanted to stay, I knew it was best to go. Standing up, I walked to the door, pausing before I left.

“I’ll be back,” I told him. “And when I return, I hope to see you out of this bed and making an effort. For your sake, and for everyone who depends on you.”

With that, I left the room, my heart heavy with emotions. In the hallway, I met Levi, who seemed to be on his way to see Alpha Edward. “Good morning,” we exchanged greetings.

“How is he?” Levi asked, and I shrugged my shoulders. “Still the same, but I’m talking sense into him. I think we shouldn’t coddle him.” I said, and Levi nodded.

“Don’t worry, he will be fine,” Levi assured me, and I nodded and tried walking away, but he stopped me.

“Today happens to be my birthday.” He announced, and a smile spread across my face. “Happy birthday to you.”

“Thank you…” he paused and ran a hand through his hair. “I was wondering if you would like to go out with me? It’s my birthday, and I don’t want to go out alone. I understand if you say no.”

“Levi, I’d love to go out with you!” I sighed, “But are you sure you want to spend your birthday with me? I’m not exactly a fun person.” I murmured.

Levi chuckled and shook his head. “You’re the only one I want to spend my birthday with, Amanda. Besides, I think we could both use a break from this place. Let’s go out and have some fun!”

I grinned, feeling a spark of excitement. “That sounds amazing! What do you have in mind?”

Levi’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. “I was thinking we could go out of the pack lands and into town. I heard there’s a great restaurant that serves amazing food. And maybe we can even catch a movie or something.”

I smiled, feeling a sense of adventure wash over me. Don’t blame me; it’s been ages since I went out. “That sounds like so much fun! Let’s do it!”

“We’ll meet in an hour,” he suggested, and I nodded before walking away. Back in my room, I began going through my things until I found a perfect fitted dress. After sliding it on, I sat before the dressing mirror and began applying some makeup on my face. Somehow, I felt like I was overdressed, but I shrugged it off and finished my makeup.

While arranging my hair, a knock came on my door, and when the door opened, it was Matthew. He seemed surprised to see me getting dressed. “You look so beautiful. Where are you going?” he asked, his admiring eyes on me.

“Levi asked me to go out with him. Today is his birthday,” I announced and saw Matthew’s eyes lower slightly. “You’re going out with Levi?” he seemed surprised about it.

“Yes, today is his birthday,” I said, and Matthew went silent again. I knew he wasn’t happy about my sudden friendship with Levi, but everyone makes mistakes, and people change. Besides, Levi did nothing to me.

“I know he is trying to turn over a new leaf, but I don’t trust that guy. Be careful,” he cautioned while I nodded.

“I will be careful and alert, don’t worry, big bro,” I teased while Matthew chuckled and shook his head.

“Well, I came to inform you that we have brought the wheelchair, and surprisingly, Alpha Edward accepted to use it. It was shocking because I thought he was going to give me a hard time, but he didn’t,” Matthew muttered, and I realized that my words must have gotten to him.

“He will be having his check-up every day. The healers and doctors will keep examining him, and we hope a miracle happens,” Matthew sighed, and I nodded.

“I’m sure he will use his legs again,” I assured Matthew, while also assuring myself.

“We hope so… Have fun and be careful,” Matthew said before kissing me on the cheek and leaving my room.

After Matthew left, I did a final touch before leaving my room. I met Levi in the sitting room. He had dressed up, looking more handsome than ever. “You look beautiful,” he said, his voice warm.

“Thank you,” I said, blushing slightly. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” he replied with a grin.

I said my goodbyes to Liam before getting into the car. Levi’s left arm was still in a cast, so the driver drove while we both sat in the back seat.

The drive was filled with comfortable silence, and I would occasionally catch Levi staring at me. When he was caught, he would look away and chuckle. The drive remained silent until the car drove into a bustling part of town. The streets were alive with people going about their day, and the atmosphere was vibrant and filled with energy. As we got closer to our destination, I could see a charming restaurant with an outdoor patio adorned with fairy lights.

“This is the place,” Levi said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

The driver parked the car, and Levi helped me out, his touch gentle. We walked into the restaurant, where a friendly host greeted us and led us to a cozy table by the window.

“Happy birthday, Levi,” I said again, smiling at him as we took our seats.

“Thank you, Amanda. I’m really glad you agreed to come out with me,” he replied, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

We ordered our meals and talked about everything and nothing, enjoying each other’s company. Levi was easy to talk to, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of normalcy and happiness.

“I didn’t know you love football games! Maybe someday I will take you to watch a match with me,” Levi said excitedly, and I smiled. “I can’t wait,” I said, while we both chuckled.

After our meal, we decided to watch a romantic movie. After getting our tickets, Levi bought some refreshments before we entered the cinema. Seated beside each other, we focused our eyes on the screen and occasionally looked at each other when a romantic or funny part came up. Levi was naturally warm, with an aura of warmth around him that made it easy for anyone to feel comfortable. This made me realize that what Alpha Edward said was true. It was easy for Edward’s first mate to fall in love with Levi. He has this charm which I believe most ladies will easily fall for.

We watched three different movies at the cinema.

After leaving the cinema, we decided to take a stroll around town. The evening air was cool and refreshing, and the streets were beautifully lit. We wandered into a small park where a local band was playing soft music.

Levi turned to me with a playful smile. “Would you like to dance?”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sure, why not?”

He took my hand and led me to a small clearing where other couples were dancing. As we swayed to the music, I couldn’t help but beam at Levi, who was smiling back at me.

“Thank you,” Levi said, but I shook my head. “I should be the one saying thank you. Thank you for taking me out; I needed it,” I said, and Levi smiled wider. I couldn’t deny that he had a beautiful smile.

When the song ended, we walked back to the car, our steps slow. Levi glanced at me, his expression relaxed.

“I hope we do this again,” he said, and I nodded. “Definitely, we will do this again,” I assured him and saw him smile.

We got into the car, and after a few minutes’ drive, we arrived at the mansion. Levi was the first to come out of the car, and when he did, he stepped aside for me to come out.

“I wish today wouldn’t come to an end,” he murmured, and I laughed softly. “Don’t worry, we will go out more,” I assured him. He nodded and leaned closer to me, placing a kiss on my cheek. “See you later…” he stopped, and I noticed he was staring at someone or something behind me. Out of curiosity, I turned, and my breath hitched in my chest when I saw Alpha Edward seated in a wheelchair, blankly staring at us.