The Ice Alpha’s Mate (Aria and Ryder) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

RYDER

Did I fucking hear that right?

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A date? He arranged a date for her to meet some Omega newbie I’ve never fucking heard of anything like that in my entire life!

Practice comes to an end. Coach calls me over, and I glare at him, the entire time I’m skating toward him. He shakes his head and asks when I’m within earshot, “Is everything alright there, Dexel?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t kill my players before the big game,” he says pointedly.

I storm past him and head to the shower room. I can feel everyone looking at me a certain way, but I couldn’t possibly care

less.

If anyone has anything to say, they’re more than welcome to say it to my face.

My thoughts keep gravitating toward Aria and the conversation overheard. After our exchange in the library, I became determined to drop whatever it is that keeps me trailing her, and finally give her what she wants.

I don’t want to be the guy who’s forcing an uncomfortable situation. So, if she wants to be left alone, then I’ll do it.

But this?

After showering, I wrap a towel around my waist and make my way to the locker room, where I’ll change into and get out of this place.

my

clothes

Since I haven’t exchanged a single word with any of my teammates, I assume that they’ll leave me alone. But Zach approaches me, also covered by a towel. “What’s gotten into you man?”

The whole locker room quiets down. I turn my head slightly to fix him with a look and see that he’s staring back at me almost angrily.

Slowly, I turn my whole body around so I’m facing him fully. “What, you think I owe you an explanation for anything I do? Is that it?”

Zach looks stunned. “Yes. We’re a team. Not only that-we’re best friends.”

“Best friends?” I echo. “Is that what we are?”

He looks even more confused.

I turn back around and get my clothes out. Instead of getting the hint, Zach steps even closer to me and when I feel his hand on my shoulder, that’s when I snap.

Before I realize it, I’m slamming him against the lockers, and my hand is wrapped around his neck. The others come to the rescue, but stay put.

“What you did today made me realize that we aren’t shit to each other, Zach,” I grit out. “Do you think I don’t know what you’ve been saying around? About the Coach’s niece?”

I see panic in his eyes and it confirms my suspicions. I didn’t actually hear a thing, but now I know that he’s truly been saying shit.

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Chapter 25

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His face reddens from the lack of oxygen, and that’s when I decide to release him. He chokes on the air now flooding his lungs and doubles over. I give the others a cold look and get dressed, ignoring all of them.

Today has taken an unexpected turn. I went from wanting to concentrate more on the game and the team to completely losing my shit after what I heard Coach Murdock tell her.

I leave the locker room and head to the dorm. After today’s practice, I need to cool my head, and the only way I can do that is by being on my own.

I spot Nadia standing near the entrance with two of her closest fends-one of whom so happens to be Sandy, who constantly follows after me, wanting to get laid again. It was a one-time thing with her, and, at the time, I didn’t know she and Nadia were friends.

I’ve done a lot of things that I think back to now and find so unnecessary.

I walk right past them, not saying a word. Nadia doesn’t come afer me, because if she does, this calm facade I’m trying to put up will break. How could she go up to Aria and say those things to her?

I lock my door and throw myself on the bed. My eyes are glued to the ceiling. I wish I could shut my thoughts for a single fucking day.

Just one.

Someone knocks on my door and I get a flash of irritation because I want to be alone so I can figure out what to do.

“Ryder.” It’s Nadia. “Ryder, I need to talk to you.”

With the anger I’m feeling right now, I don’t want her anywhere near me, but she continues knocking and I’m on my feet before I can stop myself. My wolf is restless and unpredictable today. He’s taken full charge of me and I can’t do a thing about it.

He feels rejected.

Yes, that’s it.

Aria’s rejection fucking stung, and telling myself I don’t care doesn’t help. Not in the slightest.

I open the door and find Nadia standing with her arms folded. “I want to know-

I pull her into the room, then slam her against the closed door. Her eyes are wide in alarm, but beneath the surface, there’s a part of her that’s thrilled by this.

“What

are you-”

“Why don’t you quit?” I demand. “What’s the matter with you? You keep following me. You’re hounding that…that girl and threatening her. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“I could ask you the same thing!” she snaps. “You’re the one who’s behaving abnormally, Ryder, and everyone’s talking about it!”

“Yeah, I’m aware of that,” I mention, my hand moving to her threat. I have this sudden, wild thought to rip it out. “And it makes me wonder if all of you have forgotten your places. I’m your future Alpha. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? Where do you think provoking me to anger me will lead you?”

Fear fills her wide eyes, and she gulps. Her throat bobs. “When you’re trailing after an Omega girl like a lovesick puppy, then we have every right to worry about you!”

“I’m not trailing after anyone,” I lie. “That girl means nothing to me. The same way you never have.”

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Nadia reacts like I’ve slapped her across the face. “How could you say that to me? After everything we’ve been through!?”

“We haven’t been through anything, because deep down, you don’t know me at all,” I claim. “Neither of you does. And this betrayal is one I won’t forget.”

Tears slide down her face. “Are you hearing yourself? This doesnt even make sense! If she means nothing to you, then why did you take her to the bonfire when you know people like her aren’t allowed there!?”

“People like her?” I tilt my head. “What’s that supposed to mean

“Oh, come on!” she rages. “You know what I mean! An Omega? They’re the lowest of wolves. We’re not even allowed to mix with them for fear that our offspring will turn out weaker!”

Shame washes over me.

Specifically because, at some point, I once shared this disgusting opinion.

Nadia shakes her head. “You’re so blinded that you can’t even see it, can you? How ridiculous this whole thing is! Admit it, Ryder-you broke things off with me because of her! Admit it! Be a man and admit it!”

I lose my cool completely.

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