Too Late Alpha The Mate He Never Wanted (Iris and Eric) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

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Iris’s POV

I could feel the eyes of the pack members following me as I dragged myself up the steps, with my hair plastered

to my sweaty face, my clothes sticking to my skin, and one hand cradled against my chest.

I could hear the whispers.

“Is that her?”

“The girl Alpha Rowan saved?”

“I thought she was a rumor.”

“She looks… rough.”

“Oh goodness, the poor thing.”

Fantastic. My first impression to half the pack was me looking like I had just wrestled a bear.

I wanted to shout. ‘This is not my fault! Blame Rowan! Or Lucas!

But all I could do was keep climbing.

One woman carrying a basket of laundry actually stopped walking. She glanced at my swollen hand, then at my sweating face, and smiled.

“Rough morning?” she asked, with a warm smile.

I forced a weak smile. “You could say that.”

Someone else snorted. “Guess the rumors were true. Rowan’s pet project is a mess.”

My face burned hotter than it already was.

This was the first time that any pack member had actually seen me, aside from the guards on patrol that night Jasmine had tried to sneak me out.

Now here I was, sweaty and limping, with my pride almost as destroyed as my hands.

Their eyes were heavy on me, and all I wanted to do was disappear into the ground.

By the time I finally reached Rowan’s floor, I was drenched, shaking, and very close to collapsing. I leaned against the door, struggling to open it with my good hand, but failing miserably. I cursed under my breath, shaking the handle like that would somehow make it cooperate.

And then suddenly, the door swung open.

I yelped and stumbled forward, falling straight into the room. I hit the floor with a loud thud, crying out in pain as I clutched my swollen fist to my chest.

“Iris?” a familiar voice drawled above me. “Well… you look terrible.”

I lifted my head and glared up at Rowan. He stood there, looking casual with a lifted eyebrow, His hand was still

Shapter 70

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on the door he had opened.

“Thanks,” I gritted out, pushing myself upright with my good arm. “It was really the encouragement I needed today.”

The corner of his mouth twitched, like he was fighting a smile, but he didn’t let it show. Instead, he leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed loosely. “So… how was it?”

I gave him the most deadpan look I could, as I struggled to stand to my feet. “What do you think?” I retorted, gesturing over myself pointedly.

He released a hum, nodding slowly. His eyes briefly glanced at the red swelling on my hand, and an unreadable look crossed his face. “I see.”

Rowan pushed himself away from the doorframe and stepped closer. Before I could protest, he reached for my injured hand. I stiffened, but his grip was firm but very gentle and careful.

I hissed when his thumb brushed against my swollen knuckles.

“Mm,” he murmured, his brow furrowing slightly. “Not broken, but close. It’s not so bad, it will heal very soon.

I tried to pull back, but he held on, tilting my wrist slowly, studying my broken hand. His expression was focused.

For a long moment, silence fell between us. I expected him to gloat, or maybe start a lecture about toughness and perseverance. But to my surprise, his tone softened.

“Do you want to continue with the training?” he asked, finally dropping my hand.

I froze, blinking at him like he had just asked me if I wanted to jump from the window. My voice was sharp with disbelief. “I don’t understand. Are you really asking me that question? Like, if I say no, you’ll just accept it?”

He gave a casual shrug, like it was something very simple. “Maybe. Or maybe I’ll just assign you to a different instructor.”

I stared at him with my mouth falling open. “Wait, wait, wait-what?” I threw my good hand up in shock. “I begged you for a new instructor immediately you told me Lucas would be training me! You refused. You kept going on and on about how he was the best choice for me and how he would be perfect to train me. And now, after he has finished grounding me into dust, you’re willing to give me a choice? What changed? Were you waiting until I nearly broke my hand before having this sudden change of heart?”

My voice cracked halfway through, as anger poured out of me.

Rowan didn’t flinch. He stayed calm. “Calm down, Iris. I wanted you to see what it would be like to learn under him. I want you to feel it for yourself. If you can handle him, you’ll learn faster than anyone else could teach you. But if not…” He shrugged again. “Then there’s no point. We switch trainers. Simple as that.”

I blinked at him, breathing heavily. The anger faded, but I was confused and suspiciou. “So just like that? I can. get a new trainer?”

He nodded firmly. “Yes. So. Do you want a new trainer?”

I stared at him for a long moment, chewing on my lip, several thoughts racing through my mind.

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