Love Me Back, Alpha

Chapter 5

Katie

“You’ll be living together,” Frank’s father announced.

My hand started to shake a little as I held onto the edge of my seat. My palm began to sweat, and I felt a tight knot in my stomach. I knew Frank would not like this idea. But this was my chance to show him that we belonged together.

“This is ridiculous,” Frank muttered as he tweaked his hair.

I looked at Frank and saw his face change. His shoulders stiffened and gritted his teeth. I noticed his fist clenching tightly and looked barely able to hold back his anger. The tension in the surrounding air was growing stronger with each passing seconds.

Frank’s jaw tightened as his father spoke again. “You’ll live together in the guest house near the Alpha mansion. It’s an important step to help you build a closer relationship while still having privacy. We believe that, in time, you’ll come to understand that the bond between mates is stronger than anything. Nothing can break the pull of the mate bond, son, and we’re confident this will prove it to you.”

I dared to hope that this arrangement might help, but Frank’s silence was unnerving. I could feel the resentment radiating off of him. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides.

“You can’t be serious,” Frank growled, glaring at his father. “Living with her isn’t going to change anything. I won’t love her.”

His father’s expression hardened. “Frank, you will do this. You have no choice. If you refuse, Audrey will be sent away. I won’t have you disrespecting the mate bond.”

The threat hung in the air. Frank’s face darkened. His hazel eyes immediately flashed with defiance. For a long moment, he said nothing. I held my breath, waiting for his decision.

Finally, Frank let out a bitter laugh. “Fine,” he spat. “I’ll do it. But don’t expect me to change my mind.”

Relief washed over his parents, but the victory felt hollow. I knew this wasn’t a win, not yet. Frank’s resentment was so obvious that it left a bitter taste in my mouth. The hope I had felt just moments before began to fade as his cold eyes turned toward me.

“You need to understand something,” he said. “No matter what you do, I will never love you.”

His words stung more than I expected, like a slap across the face. The harshness in his tone was undeniable, and it took every ounce of strength I had to hold my ground, refusing to let him see how deeply his rejection hurt. I had already been through the pain of hearing him declare his love for Audrey, but this… this was worse. It was a direct assault on the hope I had so desperately clung to.

But I wouldn’t let his words break me. I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze with as much strength as I could muster. “We’ll see about that,” I replied, refusing to back down. “I won’t give up so easily.”

Frank scoffed, shaking his head. “You’re wasting your time.”

“Maybe,” I admitted. “But I believe in the mate bond, and I’m willing to fight for it. However, I have a proposal.”

His eyes narrowed. Suspicion filled his eyes. “What kind of proposal?”

“If, after one year, you’re still in love with Audrey, I’ll reject the mateship.” I could feel my heart pounding in my chest when I said that. “I’ll set you free.”

His parents immediately bristled at the suggestion. “Katie, that’s not—” his mother began, but I held up a hand, stopping her.

“It’s only fair,” I continued with my eyes locked on Frank’s. “I’m willing to give it everything I have for the next year. But if nothing changes, if you still don’t want me after that… then I’ll let you go.”

Frank’s lips curled into a cold smile. “And why would I agree to that?”

“Because you want to be with Audrey,” I replied. “And this is your chance to prove that I’m wrong, that the bond means nothing to you. One year. After that, if you still feel the same, I won’t stand in your way.”

Frank just stared at me. And I couldn't read what was on his mind. Then, he nodded slowly. “Fine. One year. But don’t expect me to change my mind.”

“Deal,” I responded, extending my hand toward him. He glanced down at it. He looked at it with mild disgust, but he took it anyway, sealing the agreement between us.

His parents exchanged uneasy glances. They were clearly unhappy with the arrangement, but they didn’t protest further. They knew, as I did, that this was the only way forward. Forcing Frank into the mateship against his will would only make things worse. If I wanted a chance to win his heart, I needed to play by his rules.

It was a daunting task, but I was determined. No matter how cold or distant Frank was, I wouldn’t let his bitterness crush my spirit.

I could still feel the sting of his words but I wouldn’t give up. Not yet. I had one year to win his heart, and I wasn’t going to waste a single moment until I got his heart.