The Ice Alpha’s Mate (Aria and Ryder) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

RYDER

80%

55 vouchers

After my second interaction with Professor Denver, I head straight to the headmaster’s office, since he’s the only one who can resolve this situation.

The whole time, I’m asking myself why I’m doing this. There seems to be no logical explanation-the girl can’t seem to stand me.

If I had to guess, I’d say that what drove me to get this matter dealt with was how she accused me. She was certain that I was the one who sabotaged her, and that simply won’t do.

Deep down, I know there’s more to it, but I’ll ignore it for now.

Our headmaster, Dr. Lyle Edwards, sees me right away. When I stride into his office, his hands are clasped together in front of him and he has a curious look in his eyes. “Mr. Drexel. What brings you here? I have to confess that I’m surprised by your

visit.”

I briefly explain Aria’s entire situation, and when the introduction is out of the way, I say, “I want the complaint erased from the books, and I want her back on the team.”

He straightens his glasses. “Well, Mr. Drexel, Aria Murdock is a scholarship student, and though she’s attending the university to study healing arts, that doesn’t grant her direct access to the team’s medical group. If she’s failing classes, we have no choice but to end her internship. If she doesn’t perform well, she’ll lose her scholarship. I’d like that to be very clear. That’s why we followed Professor Denver’s recommendation.”

His words infuriate me beyond measure. “But she’s a good media, and she’s not necessarily failing any classes. I’m sure Professor Denver will be more lenient toward her from now on.”

“She’s an intern, Mr. Drexel. She’s there to learn, and I’m sure she won’t be missed when Dan is still your medic. He’s been doing this for years. You have nothing to worry about.”

I step closer to his desk. “She stitched me up in the last game we played, right here, and the mark was gone the next day. It healed completely.”

He frowns and inches closer to inspect the space above my eyebrow. “Yes, I do remember that. It was a nasty

“I’ve never had this happen before.”

fall

you

took.”

He looks down at the papers in front of him-he brought them out of a folder when I started explaining the situation to him. I assume they have to do with her. “Yes. I see here that her other professors say something similar. She has a knack for it. I believe that explains why she got the scholarship in the first place.”

His words give me hope. I really want this matter to be resolved o my name can be cleared. Right now, that’s all that matters, so it’s all I focus on.

But Headmaster Edwards says, “Perhaps we should discuss this with your father.”

I tense up. My father will ask me endless questions, and the first one will be why I care so much about an Omega and her position in the university.

But I have to play it cool. If I falter now, he won’t take me seriously, and I can’t afford to lose credibility and appear like an uncertain man who changes his mind when confronted with something difficult. “That’s fine by me. But know that she’s a great medic, and I recommend her. Doesn’t that count for anything?”

The headmaster promises me that he’ll get the issue resolved, and I walk out of his office. I race to the rink so I’m not late for class again, but I’m in a bad mood. I thought that things would be taken care of more easily. I’m the future Alpha of this pack!

1/3

10:19 Wed, Feb 18 B

Chapter 12

I thought I’d have more influence.

80%

55 vouchers

If I told the headmaster about Professor Denver’s adventures, I’d probably be given more credibility, but I struck a deal with the shameless bastard, and it involves him giving Aria better grades while I dedicate myself to keeping his dirty little secret.

As I make my way around the rink, warming up, my eyes search the area for her. I’m irritated because I can’t stop myself from doing this and I have no idea why.

Despite how badly things went, I don’t lose hope. Her skills are truly unmatched, and she was a great addition to the team.

I’m still looking for her when my eyes land on Nadia, who’s watching me from the stands. Her legs are crossed and when she spots me looking at her, she opens them suggestively, and I see a flash of red underwear.

I turn my head away and ignore her pointedly. It’s almost incredible how a few days ago, I would’ve been into that. Now, it feels like Nadia and I are in different worlds completely.

Though we’ve had our issues, I was crazy about her at some point. She’s the girl I used to see more steadily than all the others. I think, in many ways, many people assumed she’d be the one I’d ultimately choose to make my Luna, simply because of all the things we have in common.

And why not? I know I’ll have to choose someone, and I’d rather it be Nadia, whom I already know, than anyone else.

But why does that thought not appeal to me at all anymore? I’m thinking about this and it’s like my wolf is fighting against

Only one person is on my mind, as crazy as it seems, and it’s the one girl I really shouldn’t be thinking about, not just because she’s an Omega, but because she and I don’t get along.

She’s disobedient. I’m her Alpha and she can’t show me an ounce of respect.

“Let’s get started!” Coach Murdock says before whistling. I didn’t even notice him approaching. Again, I look around for his niece.

Earlier on, he warned us to stay away from her, but I wasn’t paying attention. What did I care about his niece anyway?

Now, I’m asking myself how she escaped my notice.

I clench my jaw and shake my head before scolding my wolf in my mind. This is getting out of hand because it’s getting increasingly harder to ignore her and push her to the back of my mind.

“We’ll be practicing for three hours today,” Coach Murdock says before glancing at his watch. “I’ve always spoken to your other professors. They’re going to give you some free time.”

The other team members celebrate. I just stay put.

“Anyone gets hurt, just know Dan is on standby. Get up and go to him. Don’t make me tell you twice. I’m talking to you, Drexel.”

I nod, deciding not to argue with him this time around. I usually don’t go to the medic because I like to practice for when we’re actually playing, Getting stitched up or checked wastes a lot of time, and I’m the team captain. Without me, the game might not go as smoothly, and every second counts.

I do wish it were Aria who was on duty today.

That way, I’d probably be more eager to get my injuries checked

I don’t want to think about that, though.

2/3