The Ice Alpha’s Mate (Aria and Ryder) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

RYDER

Something is off with her.

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It’s the first thing I noticed when I looked into her eyes. It’s almost like I can sense it easily because the same thing is happening to me, though I feel fine. I’m not sure how or why this is happening.

Then again, a lot of the shit surrounding Aria Murdock makes no sense at all, and I’ve grown tired of needing to find an explanation.

I didn’t think I’d see her right before the game. I’ve come to terms with the fact that she distracts me in ways that can’t be disputed.

And regardless of how many times I tell myself that I’m better of forgetting her, my body still reacts to her presence.

Her scent is so strong now that I can smell it even from the rink it’s crazy to think that, before, I only got occasional whiffs from it. Now, it’s overpowering.

All around me, the crowd is cheering, but it’s all background noise. Hockey used to be my life once upon a time. I lived and breathed hockey. I was the best at what I did. I was carefree and wild. I had any girl I wanted and never stayed with one for long. It was all fun to me.

Aria Murdock ruined me. Plain and simple.

And instead of hating her, I can’t stop fucking wanting her.

The rules are laid out for us, but they’re flying over my head. I can see her from a distance, leaning against the wall and talking to Dan. She seems even worse than a few minutes ago, and I get this flash of protectiveness that’s as insane as this whole situation.

She can’t be here. She isn’t well.

That’s the thought that crosses my mind.

The puck’s about to be dropped, and that’s thankfully enough to rip me out of my thoughts. I find myself staring into Ray Laws’ face, and the smirk he gives me infuriates me. I know what he’s thinking.

They won last time, so they can win again.

Ray is also an Alpha heir, like me. He’s arrogant and vicious in the rink, and as a player, I have to admit he’s good. But I have

to win.

When the puck drops, we get the advantage and I push all thoughts of Aria Murdock to the back of my mind.

Regardless of how hard I try to forget her, though, my wolf is res less. It’s shifting around and occasionally, I have this urge to shift. This feeling mixes in with the aggression of the game, and every time one of Moonveil’s crashes into me, I want to release my wolf and rip their heads off.

It’s a dangerous state of mind to be in-Coach always taught us he importance of self-control.

One of us cracks their forehead open because of a fault from Moonveil, and the game pauses as they’re carried to the medical room.

I meet Ray’s eyes from across the rink. He tilts his head to the side, almost challenging me. His left eye is swollen, but he makes no move to see a medic. I’m aware of some burning cuts on my face, but I can’t leave this rink.

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Chapter 40

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No matter what happens.

I must stay. I won’t cost my pack another game.

I steal a single glance in the direction of the medic room. I know I shouldn’t, but it’s not something I can avoid or stop myself from doing.

I don’t see her and a part of me-the sensible and responsible side of me-rejoices.

The game continues, and no one scores. It’s a relief, but at the same time, I know it isn’t ideal. I have to score and maintain it that way.

Coach slaps my shoulder. “You’re doing well out there.”

“We haven’t done shit,” I argue.

“At least they didn’t score. Moonveil’s a strong team. Give yourself some credit.”

I can’t. My ego’s too bruised.

Coach gives me one sweeping glance. His gaze lands on my forehead. “Get that checked. Now. Laws will use it to his advantage.”

“But-”

He cuts me a look. “You’re not gonna get an award for braving through an injury. You’ll get one if you win this match. Get it checked, Drexel. That’s an order from your coach.”

How do I tell him that I don’t want to go to the medic room because I’m afraid of his niece?

I was virtually fearless all my life-this changed the day I met her.

But I have to obey him. I know he’s right. Laws plays dirty. He can make this cut extend to my jawline if he wants to. He preys on injuries.

Cautiously, I approach the medic room, hoping and even praying to the goddess that she’ll be busy and won’t have time to check me. Dan can treat me.

But Dan is nowhere to be found-the room is empty, and Aria is lying on the ground, hugging her knees to her chest. We make eye contact for a fraction of a second. I head back to where Coach Murdock is standing and saying, “Something’s wrong with her!”

He races to the room and I’m right behind him. She must’ve guessed what I was doing because she’s no longer in a fetal position.

In fact, she stood up so quickly that it’s almost like I imagined the whole thing.

But I know what I saw.

“Aria,” her uncle says sternly. “That’s quite enough.”

Anger flashes across her eyes and I can tell she’s putting a whole lot of effort into not glaring at me. “I’m fine.”

I cut in. “No, she’s not. She was on the ground.”

“Could you stay out of this?” she asks weakly, irritated. It’s like he scent grows stronger whenever she’s angry. It’s so distracting.

So fucking delicious.

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Chapter 401

I hold my breath.

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“You’re unwell,” her uncle claims. “I won’t-”

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Aria turns around sharply and starts fidgeting with the material ehind her, signaling that the conversation is over.

Her uncle sighs and glances at me before walking away. Frowning, I watch him. Is he really giving up? She was on the damn ground, looking sicker than I’ve ever seen anyone look!

How can he just…give up?

I glance around, jaw clenched. Nobody’s watching me. I make the decision to enter the room and slam the door behind me. I don’t hear the click of it closing, but I’m already standing close to her, so I don’t go back to fully shut the door.

Aria whirls around to face me. She doesn’t waste time. “You need to mind your business.”

“You’re sick.”

“And?” She places a hand on her hip. “What does any of this have to do with you!?”

I study her face, angrily trying to think of a response. Nothing springs to mind. Her scent is distracting me. Her face. Her pursed lips…

Shaking my head, I say angrily, “You’ve got to stop acting like you’re some damn heroine! Everyone needs help. Everyone needs a break sometimes!”

She scoffs. “Saying that because I’m an Omega? So, it’s in my nature to be weak and give up? Not tolerate pain?”

I shake my head and frown. “You’re so shamelessly prejudiced. I never once mentioned your rank.”

“Maybe to my face you haven’t,” she shrugs. “But you don’t fool me for a second. You’ll always hold it against me. You think I’m not competent enough to be here. Well, I’m here to stay. You’re not going to get me to leave.”

I scoff. “You still think I’m trying to sabotage you? After all this time? You-”

“I don’t have time for this,” she cuts me off, heading toward the door. Rage slams into me and I close the distance between us and slam her against the wall right next to the door.

Eyes wide, she stares at my face, searching. Our faces are inches part, and I have all this shit I want to spew at her, but the proximity…it blinds me. Turns me lame.

Turns me dumb.

“Aria…” I whisper, trying to remember what I wanted to say to he

I lean closer until her breath is fanning my face. The urge to kiss her is so damn strong. Her gaze is on my lips, too. I can feel her heart slamming against her ribs. I can hear how fast it’s going

She wants to kiss me, just as I want to kiss her.

And I’m going to.

But something makes my gaze flicker to the left, and I make direct eye contact with Ray Laws. The second I do, he disappears, and I pull away from her like I’ve been shocked.

Dammit.