164

Third person POV

Amelia made her way back to her room, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Vanessa's revelation about Alfie, her twin brother, being Vanessa's first mate and rejecting her weighed heavily on her heart. It shed light on both Vanessa's pain and Amelia's own sense of betrayal. She sighed, running a hand through her hair, trying to process everything that had unfolded.

Lost in her thoughts as she reached her door, Amelia collided with a solid figure. Ready to voice her irritation, she looked up, only to be met with the intense gaze of Edward-a man she had once loved but come to hate.

"Edward?" she began, anger and confusion battling within her. "Watch where you're going! You-" Before she could finish, Edward's eyes darkened, and he growled, "Mate." His voice was possessive and low, sending a shiver down her spine.

Amelia stepped back, her back meeting the door behind her as the weight of his words sank in. This wasn't what she expected, and she wasn't prepared for it. Before she could react, Edward moved with the speed and precision of a predator.

He closed the distance between them in an instant, his strong arms enveloping her. Before she could protest, his lips captured hers in a kiss filled with fervent intensity, leaving her breathless and bewildered.

Amelia's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions. The kiss demanded her surrender, yet beneath it, she sensed a desperation and longing. Despite her confusion, her hands found their way to his shirt, responding to his touch instinctively.

The kiss seemed to stretch on, simultaneously eternal and fleeting. When Edward finally pulled back, they both gasped for air, foreheads touching as they caught their breath. Amen looked up at him, seeing raw, fierce emotion in his eyes.

"Edward?" she whispered, pieces falling into place.

Edward was Emily's brother and the pack's next beta in training, who had returned from studying abroad in the human world. Amelia had once harbored deep feelings for him, but those emotions had turned to resentment after witnessing him kissing another girl during her first few years in High School. Despite this, she had heard about his return for her father and uncle's coronation but they had never crossed paths.

Amelia's mind spun with the revelation. She stared into his eyes, seeing the similarity yet also the transformation into a man she found the epitome of perfection.

"Mate? But how... why now? I disliked you. You knew I liked you but you rejected my feelings."

Edward's grip on her tightened, as if fearing she might slip away. "We were kids back then. I didn't know. Not until I saw you. The moment our eyes met, it hit me like a thunderbolt. You are mine, Amelia. My mate."

Amelia's heart pounded in her chest. The intensity of his words, the fervor in his eyes-it was overwhelming.

"But you're... you're my brother's friend and Emily's brother. This is... complicated. This is not right."

"Complicated?" Edward echoed, his voice a mix of frustration and determination. "Yes, it is. But the bond we share-it's undeniable, Amelia. I've waited my entire life to find my mate. I didn't expect it to be you, but now that I know, I can't let you go."

Amelia's emotions were a tempest. She had always dreamed of finding her mate, but she never imagined it would be Edward. She had heard stories of him doing well in the human world and gaining much female attention, yet she had to admit he was fiercely loyal and protective.

Now, looking at him, feeling the heat of his body so close to hers, she couldn't deny the pull between them. It was a sensation she had never felt before, especially after her first time in high school.

"Edward," she began, her voice trembling. "This is... a lot. I don't even know you anymore. We are basically strangers. Besides, I don't want a mate she lied."

Edward groaned, pressing his forehead to hers. "Then get to know me," he urged, his tone softening. "Give me a chance, Amelia. I promise I'll be everything you need."

She stared at him, searching his face. There was something about him-an honesty, a vulnerability-that called to her. Despite the whirlwind of confusion and the myriad questions swirling in her mind, one thing was clear: the bond they shared was real, and it was powerful.

With a deep breath, Amelia nodded. "Okay. But you have to give me time. This is... new."

Edward's expression softened, relief washing over his features. "I'll give you all the time you need. Just promise me you won't shut me out."

"I promise," she whispered, feeling the weight of her words settle between them.

She didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of hope.