The Mate He Hates

Alpha Edward’s POV

My heart clenched in my chest as I watched her leave. I wished I could ask her to stay, I wished she could hold my hands and say those comforting words to me, but I couldn’t bear it. I couldn’t bear her seeing me this way.

Gulping in pain, I tried to move my legs, but they felt heavy. In fact, from my knees downward, I couldn’t feel anything nor could I move them. “Damn it!” I spat in anger and closed my eyes. I couldn’t imagine not walking again. How could I be a crippled Alpha to my people? How do I protect them and Amanda? She can’t possibly end up with a crippled man; she deserves better.

The door to my room opened again and this time it was just Matthew. “You can’t send me away; I’m your Beta,” Matthew said. I sighed and looked away from him. I hated the look of pity in his eyes.

“You should be busy with things, why are you here?” I grumbled, clearly not wanting to see him or anyone.

“I came with news,” he muttered, and though I wasn’t interested, I knew I had to listen.

“Go on,” I urged.

“As you know, Alpha Silk is dead, and his people have surrendered to us. Also, his brother, who is emerging as the next Alpha, has sent an apology letter and promised they will never come for the land,” Matthew announced, and I released a deep breath. “He has called for peace and I think we should accept,” Matthew said, while I nodded, still not able to look his way.

A moment of awkward silence hung in the air as Matthew spoke again. “You can’t lose hope just yet, Alpha Edward. There are incredible healers all over the world and we have employed search parties for them. I believe one of these healers might be able to heal you, and you will be able to use your legs again.” He tried comforting me, but it was useless. I knew what was wrong with me was permanent.

“Matthew,” I called softly. “You have to send Amanda and Liam away, send them to your parents.”

“And why do you want me to do that?”

“Because… because I can’t bear her seeing me in such a state. I can’t…”

“Amanda isn’t complaining, is she? Why are you sending her away? I thought you wanted her, I thought you wanted her forgiveness, I thought you loved her…”

“I do,” I interrupted Matthew. “I do love her and that is why I can’t bear to see her in such conditions,” I spat with pain.

“This doesn’t make sense, Edward. Have a rethink. You love Amanda, so why drive her away when clearly she wants to stay?” Matthew argued, but I shook my head and closed my eyes.

“If she stays, then what will become of her?” I asked while Matthew remained silent. “I have caused her so much pain, Matthew, but I won’t let her end up with a crippled man. Matthew, she deserves better. Perhaps this is me paying for what I did to her. Maybe losing my legs was the price I have to pay, but I won’t let her share in my pain. So Matthew, arrange for her and Liam to leave,” I declared and heard Matthew sigh.

“If that is what you want, then I will obey your command,” he said before leaving the room. The door clicked shut behind him, and I was left alone with my thoughts.

The room fell into a tense silence and only my heavy breathing could be heard. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the pain, both physical and emotional. Memories of Amanda flooded my mind-her smile, her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled even when she was angry. I loved her more than anything, but what kind of life could I offer her now? How could I protect her when I couldn’t even stand on my own two feet?Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. An Alpha doesn’t cry. An Alpha doesn’t show weakness. But right now, I felt anything but strong. I felt broken, lost, and utterly defeated.

The days ahead seemed bleak, filled with uncertainty and doubt. I had always been the one to lead, to protect, to fight for my people. Now, I was the one who needed protection. It was a hard pill to swallow, one that left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I could only hope that the search parties would find someone who could heal me. I hope that Amanda would understand why I needed her to leave. I hope that one day, I could be the man she deserves to be with.

For hours, I remained in my room and no one came to see me due to my request to be alone. Suddenly, I felt pressed; I wanted to use the restroom, but I couldn’t move my legs, and it dawned on me that I was reduced to a vegetable, an Alpha who would need the help of others to do almost everything.

A knock came on my door and I quickly drew back my tears. Without waiting for my response, the door opened and Matthew walked in and closed the door. “We have found three healers, and they are outside, also a doctor is here,” he announced and all I could do was frown and look away. I was badly pressed, but how do I say it to Matthew?

“Alpha Edward?” he called out to me as he made his way towards me. “Are you okay?” he asked, but I couldn’t give a response. Instead, I swallowed my pain.

“You are pressed?”

His question caught me off guard, and my face flushed with embarrassment. How could I admit such a weakness? I was the Alpha, the one who was supposed to be strong and unyielding, not someone who needed assistance for even the most basic of tasks.

“Matthew, just… just get them in here,” I muttered, trying to divert his attention from my predicament.

He hesitated for a moment, clearly sensing my discomfort, but then he nodded and left the room. Moments later, he returned with the three healers and the doctor. They approached me and when they got to where I stood, they bowed their heads while I frowned and looked away.

The doctor stepped forward first, examining me with a clinical eye. “Alpha Edward, we will do everything possible to help you,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring.

One of the healers, an older woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward. “We need you to trust us,” she said softly. “Healing takes time and patience.”

I nodded, though I felt anything but patient. Every second that ticked by felt like an eternity, a constant reminder of my helplessness.

They began their work, the room filled with a mix of modern medical equipment and ancient herbs and incantations. The process was long and arduous, and I could feel every minute of it dragging on. Pain surged through my body as they worked, but I gritted my teeth and bore it, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

After what felt like hours, the healers stepped back, their faces etched with fatigue. “We’ve done all we can for now,” the doctor said. “It will take time to see if any progress is made.”

I nodded, though my heart sank. Time. It always came back to that. Time was the one thing I didn’t feel like I had.

Matthew stayed behind as the others left the room. Our gazes locked for a moment before he turned. I thought he was leaving, but I was confused when he went into my bathroom and came back with a bucket.

Getting to the bed, he kept the bucket and held my gaze. “I’m your friend, Edward. You can act strong and keep things away from others, but not from me, Edward. I won’t let you do that,” he uttered firmly while I swallowed back my tears. “Now you will let me help you.”

I felt my resolve crumble. I couldn’t keep pretending to be invincible, not to him.

“Fine,” I whispered, barely audible. “But hurry.”

Matthew moved with a gentle efficiency, positioning the bucket next to me. He carefully lifted me. The humiliation of needing this kind of help burned inside me, but Matthew’s steady presence offered sense of comfort. For a moment, I allowed myself to lean on him, to accept his support.

Once the immediate crisis was handled, Matthew made sure I was comfortable before stepping back. “This isn’t forever, Edward. You have to believe that.”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it. The room fell silent again, the weight of my situation pressing down on me. Matthew didn’t leave, instead he pulled a chair up beside my bed and sat down.

“I’m not going to let you give up,” he said after a long pause. “We’ll find a way through this.”

“I appreciate it, Matthew,” I replied, my voice hoarse. “But you have your duties. You can’t spend all your time here.”

“You’re my duty too,” he countered. “Being your Beta means being here for you, no matter what.”

I sighed, a mix of frustration and gratitude swirling within me. “What if the healers can’t fix this? What if I’m like this forever?”

“Then we adapt,” Matthew said simply. “We find new ways to lead, new ways to protect. You’re still our Alpha, Edward, with or without your legs.”

His words hit me hard. I wanted to believe him, to cling to that hope. But the fear of a future where I was dependent on others, where I couldn’t fulfill my role, loomed large.

A knock landed on the door and I wanted to send the person away, but before I could do that, the door pushed open and Amanda walked in. Our eyes met for a moment and I could see a flicker of anger in them. “Your son wants to see you,” she murmured, and my heart sank. This was the first time Amanda was referring to Liam as my son. I swallowed my pain and looked away. “I can’t see him, at least not now,” I murmured.

“Suit yourself,” she spat before storming out of the room and slamming the door.