The Ice Alpha’s Mate (Aria and Ryder) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

ARIA

I can hear the crowd cheering from outside the medical room, and I take it as my cue to leave.

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The sight of Ryder truly messes with me. I don’t know how I managed to stitch him up when he was sitting right in front of me, after everything that happened. Inside, I was shaking so badly, yet my hand didn’t falter once.

I’m back to those old days when I used to be haunted by the thought of seeing him. If I’d known better, I would’ve never left that stage.

I pack my kit quickly, hoping and praying that he won’t come back here to convince me that he isn’t a filthy liar.

But this time, my hands are shaking badly.

So, when I step out of the room and race through the long, narrow hallway that leads to the exit, my body starts shaking, too, and my grip on the medical kit as well as my bag loosens.

I barely make it to the parking lot before it slips from my hands and the lid of the kit flies to the other side of the parking lot. Everything is scattered on the ground.

Groaning, I get on my knees to pick it all up, and that’s when I’m approached by someone. I look up and see Ray smiling at

I don’t know how I feel about seeing him.

“Long night?”

“I guess so.”

We never managed to finish our conversation last night and I’m kind of glad for that. I change the subject quickly, remarking, “You left pretty early this morning.”

“Actually, your uncle kicked me out in the middle of the night.”

My breath catches in my throat and he laughs at my shock. “Dont worry. I’m not offended. If anything, I deserved it. I’d do the same thing if I were him.”

I say nothing about this because I don’t know what I could say. Uncle Barty didn’t mention this when we spoke in the morning.

“Would you like to stop somewhere and grab a bite to eat or something?” he asks after handing me the kit.

“Thanks, but I really need to get home. My uncle asked me to wait for him here, I can’t really go anywhere.”

Ray doesn’t question this. He just nods, smiles, and says, “Sure. Of course. Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“I don’t, actually.”

This look crosses his eyes after I say this, and for an instant, I regret opening my mouth and saying a word. Then, he smiles, and he seems to go back to normal. “Then I’ll find you.”

I watch him walk away, and it’s not long before I hear my uncle call my name. He’s standing next to his car and doesn’t take his eyes off me as I approach.

“Who was that?”

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09:59 Mon, Mar 2

Chapter 88

“Ray. You know, the

guy who-”

“I know who he is, Aria. Get in the car.”

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His tone is harsh. He hasn’t spoken to me like this in…I think he’s never used this exact tone with me before, even though he’s been mad at me before.

Hesitantly, I open the door and get in the passenger’s seat. Uncle Barty is breathing heavily and refuses to look at me. At this point, I know something is wrong. I’m not stupid.

But I don’t ask him what it is like I normally would because I’m terrified of what his answer will be.

I almost don’t want to know why he’s angry.

He turns the car on, then kills the engine moments later and turns his body slightly so that he’s looking at me. “Do you mind telling me what in the hell is going on with you? And don’t you dare lie to me, Aria! What’s happening to you? I don’t know you anymore. I wish you’d open up to me. I’m in the dark here. don’t know what to do or how to help you. Don’t think I don’t hear you crying for help. I hear it, but I don’t know how to help because I don’t know what’s wrong. Why won’t you tell me? What’s wrong, Aria?”

I’m a coward. The realization hits me hard. My eyes are straight head and I don’t make a single move to answer him.

Tears fill my eyes, but I only let go of them once he starts driving. I turn my face away from him completely and sob silently.

He’s right. I didn’t think he noticed, but that’s only because I’m an idiot.

Why wouldn’t he have noticed that something has been off with me?

I blame Ryder. I blame him a thousand times for this.

He’s ruining me. Maybe I’m beyond repair at this point…

I don’t feel better about it the next day, and it’s a little worse that Uncle Barty didn’t demand an explanation from me.

I have History first thing in the morning and of course, that means I have to see Ryder and feel him seated behind me even if it’s just for about an hour.

As soon as I walk into the lecture hall, I find him in his seat. He gives me a pleading look that turns my stomach. It’s very hard for me to ignore him. The bond between us doesn’t help. It hasn’t been consummated, thank the goddess for that, but it still influences how I feel about him.

This lesson is…something. I have to fight to concentrate and answer Professor Denver’s questions while ignoring him. My head is pounding by the time the class is finished. I pack my things without even looking around. Ryder walks right past me and relief washes over me, but it’s quickly followed by a wave of guilt that chokes me.

Why should I feel guilty? I’m not the liar here. I gave him my all

I gave him parts of me I didn’t even know existed.

Outside the class, I’m approached by Tyler. I haven’t seen him in so long that his presence gives me a fright. “Hey, Aria.”

“Hey.”

He scratches the back of his head. “Things between us really took a turn, didn’t they?”

I ran out on him that night, never returned his calls, and never explained why. From his point of view, I’m probably a lunatic. “I’m sorry.”

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09:59 Mon, Mar 2 m.

Chapter 88

“Me too. I guess I should’ve listened to you when you told me you wanted to go home.”

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I say nothing because it’s better that way. Tyler’s next question is “I was wondering if maybe we could try again? I’d take you someplace else, naturally.”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Tyler. Exams are coming up and I really want to do my best. Maybe some other time.”

“I…sure, I…I didn’t do anything wrong, did I?”

“No.”

I suddenly become aware of Ryder’s presence. The air becomes charged, and I can almost taste his rage in my mouth. I look right, and sure enough, there he is, watching us with a frown and a look that could literally kill.

“Are you sure?” Tyler asks me, stepping forward. “Because I’d hate to lose you as a friend, Aria”

I look back at Tyler. What if I kissed him? That thought invades my mind and leaves little space for anything else. Yeah, why not? I could show Ryder that I want nothing to do with him anymore. End this once and for all.

But I step back and look away, feeling cold all of a sudden.

I’m not that person. I shouldn’t do that just because I’m angry.

I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I do.

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