The Ice Alpha’s Mate (Aria and Ryder) novel Chapter 95

Chapter 95

RYDER

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It has finally happened, and honestly, I still can’t really wrap my head around the fact that it did.

Our bond has been consummated. Now, it’ll take more than a few words to break our bond. Once it’s consummated, a rejection only works if both parties really want it. We’d really have to hate each other to break apart.

I watch Aria try to scrub the wet spot on the couch, brow furrowed in concentration. I tried to help and she scolded me for making it worse, so now I’m watching her do it.

What happened between us reached beyond the physical into something so much deeper. I feel so connected to her. I can see her now. Yeah, I could see her before, but not like I am right now. I can’t read her mind, but her emotions will never be hers alone, and neither will mine.

Our souls are connected now. If she’s in pain, I’m in pain.

If she’s sad, then I’m sad.

Right now, she’s really worried about that damned stain.

Aria stands and chews her lip contemplatively. Her hair is wet and the smell of her shower gel is all I can smell. “What do you think?”

I can’t believe I was finally inside of her.

Most importantly, I can’t believe she’s mine. I’ve imagined this moment so many times, but I never really got it right in my mind. I knew I’d do anything for her, anything to keep her safe, ut now I have the absolute certainty that I would die before I let anyone hurt her.

“I think it looks great.”

Her worried eyes meet mine. “Do you?”

“Absolutely,” I proclaim as I make my way to her side. I stand behind her and wrap both arms around her middle before pulling her close. I kiss the top of her head, then her neck.

I can’t get enough of her. I never will.

Aria sighs. “We really have to go, don’t we?”

I slide my hand in my pocket and pull my phone out. We only have twenty-five minutes until the game. I thought I would have time to stop by my father’s house to let him know my decision.

It seems that will have to wait until later.

“Your uncle will skin me alive if I don’t.”

Aria turns around to face me. I grab her face with both hands, relishing the warmth and the softness against my palm. “I’m playing against Ray’s pack tonight.”

Her concern slams into me. “Ryder-”

“I won’t do anything stupid,” I say before quickly realizing that this isn’t entirely true. “I won’t make a rash decision. That’s all I can promise you. But don’t ask me not to do anything. I can’t.”

To think that he wanted this side of her-this pure, vulnerable side of her that she handed to me with all the trust in the

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09:59 Mon, Mar 2

Chapter 95

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world-makes me see red. But I control myself for her sake. I don’t want her to have a feel of this. Aria is worried enough as it is.

Ray wanted to take what was mine and crumple it in his hand. Well, I’ll cut that hand right off.

He’ll pay for laying his hand on her.

“Promise me you’ll think about this.”

“I already have.”

I kiss her a few more times, harnessing the strength I need to face this match. Knowing she’ll be there helps, but I don’t know what will happen either.

Not fully.

J

When we go outside, since I’ll be giving her a lift to campus, the sight of Nadia in the car catches me off guard. Even Aria draws in a breath.

We’re hand in hand, and Aria is glaring at us from the windshield. The fact that she’s seeing us together isn’t what shocked

It’s that I completely forgot about her.

I exchange a look with Aria, who tells me, “Let her go.”

I stare at her for a few beats. “Are you sure?”

Aria nods. I look back at Nadia, who’s glaring at us both, then head toward her side. I unlock the door and Nadia wraps her arms tighter around herself.

“Fuck you,” she spits. “Fuck you both. I’m not gonna say anything!”

“Just get out of here.”

A humorless laugh escapes her. “You think you have the right to do this to me, asshole? You don’t know who you’re messing with!”

“I know exactly who I’m messing with, Nadia. Get. Out. Of. Here

Nadia’s gaze slides toward Aria and this protective instinct takes over my mind. “Don’t you ever fucking look at her! If you get close to her again, I’ll kill you. I mean it this time!”

Nadia looks back at me, and at first, I think she’ll say something else, but then she jumps out of the car and shifts. Aria and I both watch her disappear down the road, then it’s time for us too.

I hold her hand and keep the other on the steering wheel. My mind is in different places right now, but what matters is that I’ll fix things.

My father is going to find out about this. From there, I’ll figure out what to do.

I’m not afraid of facing the consequences anymore.

I should’ve manned up and done this a long time ago.

“Nervous?” I ask her as I park the car outside the school. There are so many cars that it’s ridiculous. I’m sure Coach Murdock is in there right now wondering where the hell I am.

“A little,” she admits. “I wasn’t even supposed to be in today. I told my uncle I wasn’t feeling well.”

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09:59 Mon, Mar 2

Chapter 95

“Do you

wanna go

back home?”

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“No.”

“No?”

She shakes her head. “I just want you to take care of yourself, Ryer. Ray…he’s clearly looking for trouble. People don’t do what he tried to do and not expect consequences.”

I square my jaw. Just thinking about him fills my mind with bottomless rage. He has to pay. There’s no way around it. “He should’ve never touched you, baby. He messed with you, so he messed with me.”

“Ryder-”

I cup her cheek. “Trust me, okay? That’s all I need from you. Your trust.”

Aria places her hand over mine, nods, and I kiss her. I haven’t felt this clear-minded in a long time. Who would’ve guessed that mating would solve so many of my problems on a mental level?

I might be brimming with anger, but my head’s in the right fucking place.

I pull away, and it’s time for us to go.

It’s showtime.

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