The Ice Alpha’s Mate (Aria and Ryder) novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52

RYDER

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I stare at the back of Aria’s head as she heads to her next class, wondering if I should approach her or not.

If I do, what the hell could I even say to her? I’d only be getting myself into more trouble, especially after what I did to keep her here at Ironclaw U.

No, it would be best if I keep her at arm’s length. As her uncle said: I’d only get her into trouble, and that’s not what I’m after. Though everything I am, everything I’m made of, rejects the idea of letting her go, there’s not much I can do about it. considering she doesn’t want me either.

Besides. I made a promise to her uncle and my father that I’d stay away from her. Telling my father that I’d reject her and subsequently stay away from her is the only way I could keep her studying here. Nadia had to be expelled and I made that happen, too. She was out of control and I wouldn’t be able to tolerate seeing her face around campus. My father agreed to that, too-anything to keep me in the team and reject Aria Murdock was fine with him, even at the cost of his friendship

with his Beta.

I check the time on my watch. It’s close to ten and I’ve got to run My father mentioned he’d stop by to speak to the headmaster. Afterward, he wanted to see me. His meeting ends at ten on the dot.

Just as I make it to the office, I see him shaking hands with Dr. Edwards. They both turn their heads to look at me as I approach, and Dr. Edwards compliments me on the game, claiming that the loss was a shame because of how well we were going at first.

“He’ll win next time,” Dad says confidently. “Ryder’s head was elsewhere, but now the problem’s solved.”

If only he knew the truth.

We head toward the exit side by side, and my father slaps my upper back affectionately. “Have you rejected the girl as we agreed?”

“Yes,” I lie. I know that a rejection is inevitable at this point, and even if she wants one, but I’m still reluctant to do it. I don’t know what I’m waiting for, but I’m definitely not going to rush to do it.

Besides, I can’t go to her now. Things between us are too intense and we always end up arguing one way or another. Maybe if enough time passes, she’ll see things differently. I don’t know. Maybe all of this is wishful thinking.

“Good,” Dad says, interrupting my train of thought. “I knew I could count on you. You’ll see-things are going to be much better for you now. You’ll think with a clear head. I remember when I found out that your mother was my mate. Oh, boy. I lost my mind. I was crazy about her. But she was my father’s Beta’s daughter. The perfect match for me. We would’ve ended up marrying even if she weren’t my mate. An Omega…it’s bad for business, son, and when you’re an Alpha, you’ll understand.”

His words infuriate me but I don’t comment. I let him think whatever he wants.

“Well,” he continues, smiling, “I’ve got some good news. I hope you’ll appreciate it.”

I raise my eyes to look at him.

“Since you’re not interested in our Beta’s daughter, I have someone else in mind for you.”

“Who?”

“The daughter of an Alpha who’s our ally,” he explains. “Alpha Rowan of the Lunar Shadow Pack.” I’ve heard of their pack. We share a border. “His daughter is of age now, and well, she’s hoping to secure a good match for her.”

He’s looking at me expectantly and I know I have to make a decision, and not a negative one. I can’t say no to him. “Sure.”

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III

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17 22 Sat, Feb 21 ERRA

Chapter 52

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He chuckles and slaps my shoulder affectionately. “Don’t worry. Once you see her, you’ll become more enthusiastic about things. I wouldn’t have found you a disagreeable bride, son. She be good for you. Oh, and she’ll visit with her father just in time for your birthday.”

We reach his car. He says we’ll talk more when I go home during the weekend, and then he turns to me suddenly and says. “Oh, but I almost forgot. She’ll be arriving tomorrow.”

I startle. “You mentioned she’d be here on my birthday.”

“Yes, she’ll be here for your birthday, but she’ll be here earlier. Il be a good chance for you to get to know her, and who knows? Maybe by your birthday, you’re going to have an answer for me. Don’t worry-I’ll be there with you. We’ll pick her up on the edge of town.”

“I study all week.”

“We’ll make an exception for you. You’ll spend the rest of the welk with me. You won’t regret it, son. That I promise you. Your fated mate wasn’t suitable for you. You’re the future Alpha of this pack, and you need a mate who’ll look good on your

arm.”

I watch as he gets in the car and drives away numbly. Fuck. Anger washes over me at his words, even though he’s gone. I’ve put myself into a situation that infuriates me, but I didn’t have a choice. This was the deal, and now, I have to deal with the

consequences.

I return to the building, heading to my next class. I don’t pay attention to anything for the rest of the day. I’m only thinking about how this visit is going to turn out.

I felt prickles all along my skin when Sandy touched my arm earlier in greeting. I don’t know why it happened, but Aria gave me this look…I don’t know why, but I had a feeling that she felt something, which was why she looked at me with so much anger and…

No. I don’t want to imagine things. She’s made it very clear that he doesn’t care about me, and doesn’t see me in that way even though we’re mates.

I don’t know. The way she looked at me…maybe I’m imagining things.

But there’s no reason why I can’t make this situation work to my advantage.

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