The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

I felt someone in my room and on my bed, caressing my thighs. The sensation was faint at first, like the brush of a feather, but it grew more pronounced, forcing me out from my slumber. My eyes fluttered open, heavy with sleep, and I reached out to switch on the bedside lamp. The warm glow filled the room, casting shadows that danced on the walls. I blinked, trying to adjust my vision, but there was no one there.

My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of confusion and fear. The blanket that had been covering my body was pulled down to my waist, exposing my legs to the cool air. I glanced around the room, my eyes scanning every corner for any sign of an intruder. The curtains were drawn, and the door was still closed, just as I had left it before going to bed.

I sat up, clutching the blanket to my chest, and listened intently. The only sound was the faint ticking of the clock on the wall and my own rapid breathing. I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone had been there, touching me, invading my personal space.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand and checked the time-3:17 AM. Too early for anyone to be up, and certainly too early for this kind of unsettling disturbance. I thought about calling out, but who would hear me? The house was silent, everyone else asleep.

Trying to calm myself, I took a few deep breaths and looked around the room once more. There were no signs of forced entry, nothing out of place. It was as if the entire experience had been a figment of my imagination, a vivid dream that felt all too real.

But I knew it wasn’t a dream. I could still feel the lingering sensation on my skin, the eerie awareness that someone had been there with me. I pulled the blanket back up, wrapping it tightly around my body, and leaned back against the headboard. My mind raced with questions-who could it have been? And why?

I decided to stay awake for a while, my eyes darting around the room, vigilant for any movement. The feeling of being watched lingered, making it impossible to relax. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep again, not with the fear and uncertainty gnawing at me.

As the minutes ticked by, the room remained still, and gradually, the tension in my body began to ease. But the memory of those hands on my thighs, the blanket being pulled away, would not be easily forgotten.

For hours, I remained awake until it was 7 AM, and I decided to leave the bed. After taking my bath, I got dressed in a comfortable outfit and sat before the mirror while I combed my hair. My thoughts drifted to Alpha Edward, and I sighed. Despite how much I tried not to think or worry about him, I just couldn’t stop thinking about him. I was so worried about him and wished I was there with him.

Leaving the room, I went to Liam’s room, but he was not there. Curious about his whereabouts, I took the stairs to the living room and found him with Mother and Father. Father was telling him a folk tale, and Liam, who loves stories, was eagerly listening.

“Amanda, you are awake,” Mother beamed at me, and I smiled back at her. “Good morning, Mother and Father,” I greeted as I moved closer to them. “Morning, Amanda. How was your night?” Father asked, and I paused as I recalled what had happened. “It was fine, Father,” I forced a smile.

“Good morning, Mommy,” Liam greeted while I smiled and placed a kiss on his forehead. “Good morning, buddy. How was your night?” I asked, and his smile widened. “It was good, Mother.”

I noticed footsteps on the stairs, and when I turned around, I saw it was Alpha Killian. Our eyes interlocked, and he smirked at me, which I found really irritating, and I had to look away.

“Good morning, everyone,” he greeted, and Father was the only one who responded. Mother only glanced at him and looked away.

“Good morning, Alpha Killian,” Liam greeted politely, while Killian smiled and ruffled his hair. “Handsome kid.”

He glanced at me while I glared back at him. There was just something about him, I didn’t seem to like; there was this uncomfortable aura around him.

“How was your night?” he asked with a raised brow, while my frown deepened at his words. “I believe you had a good night’s rest.” He grinned while I stared at him as memories of what happened in my room flashed back in my head.

“Greetings, breakfast is ready,” a maid announced. Alpha Killian smirked at me before turning and leaving with the maid.

“Let’s go have breakfast,” my mother suggested, her voice breaking through my thoughts. I nodded, taking Liam’s hand and leading him towards the dining room. My parents followed, their conversation light and cheerful.

The dining room was warmly lit, the table set with an array of dishes. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, momentarily distracting me from my unease. Alpha Killian was already seated, his eyes fixed on me as I entered the room. His gaze was intense, almost predatory, and I had to force myself to keep my composure.

“Please, take a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair directly opposite him. I hesitated for a moment, but then complied, sitting down with Liam beside me. My parents took their seats at the head of the table, engaging in light conversation.

As the meal began, I found it difficult to eat. Alpha Killian’s eyes never left me, his gaze making me feel exposed and vulnerable. I focused on my plate, trying to ignore him, but his presence was overwhelming.

“Is everything alright, Sis?” he asked, his voice dripping with false concern. I looked up to find him smirking, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“Everything is fine,” I replied curtly, forcing a smile. “Just a bit tired.”

“Tired, huh?” His smirk widened. “I hope you had a restful night.”

The insinuation in his words made my skin crawl. I clenched my fork tighter, struggling to maintain my composure. “I did, thank you,” I said through gritted teeth.

Liam, ignorant to the tension, chattered happily about the folk tale our father had been telling him. I tried to focus on him, drawing comfort from his innocent joy. But every time I glanced up, I found Killian’s eyes still on me, watching me intently.

“Your son is quite charming,” Killian remarked, looking at Liam. “He seems to have inherited your… resilience.”

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice strained. “Liam is a wonderful child.”

As the meal ended, Alpha Killian leaned back, still watching me. “It’s a pleasure dining with you, sister,” he said mockingly. “I hope we can do this more often.” I forced a polite smile. “Of course, Alpha Killian.”

I excused myself and took Liam back to his room. I knelt down to his level, forcing a smile. “Do you want to play with your toys for a bit, Liam?” He nodded eagerly, running to his toy box. I watched him, my heart full of love and worry. Somehow, I felt we were not safe here.

Leaving Liam to play, I went to my room and closed the door, leaning against it. My mind raced. The events of the night and Killian’s behavior were too coincidental. I had to find out what was going on.

I thought of calling Matthew and asking him if everything was okay back in California, but I decided to let him be, at least for the moment.

Going back to Liam, I met him playing with his toys, but constantly he would ask about Alpha Edward, and I would assure him that he was fine and at the same time assure myself.

Moments later, Mother came into the room, and after a few chats with her, I realized she didn’t seem mentally sick as Matthew had said, and if Matthew hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have noticed it.

Father came in and requested to take Liam out with him, and Mother decided to tag along. Staring at my parents, I realized they still loved each other, and I knew Father would never have remarried if not for Mother’s inability to give birth. If only he had waited a bit longer.

After they left, I decided to go back to my room. Stepping into my room, I was about to close the door when suddenly Alpha Killian forced himself in, shut the door, locked it, and put the key in his pocket.

“What is the meaning of this?” I asked uneasily.

He smirked. “What does it look like, sis?”