Semua Bab The Ice Alpha’s Mate: Bab 31 - Bab 40

RYDERDisappointment washes over me to the point where it feels like I'm drowning in it.I can't believe we lost the game.I'm riding in the car with my father. We were supposed to head home after the game to discuss our victory and what we'd do with that part of the territory, but it seems everything went astray. I know he's disappointed, and I can already imagine what he's going to say to me.I messed up. That's all I can say. That's all there is to it. I'll never try to deny it.I stare out the window of the vehicle with my fist pressed against my mouth. If I had lost fairly—as in, because the Moonveils were the better players—I wouldn't have felt this upset.But the only reason we lost is because I got distracted by Aria Murdock and that Omega who's pursuing her.First, it was Tyler. By the goddess...when I saw how he'd tried to kiss her against his will from a distance, I went flying in their direction, murder on my mind. And I would've killed Tyler if I hadn't been pulled off hi

ARIAWe break eye contact nonetheless and I do my best to ignore him and act like I haven't seen him.By the goddess. I'm so tired of playing these games."Have you ever been to one of these?" Luca asks from behind me."No. My uncle and I normally just stay inside. We go out to eat occasionally, but that's where it ends.""Why?"I shrug. "I just like to stay indoors. It's not something I've ever really thought about."My answers are all clipped and it's just because of how tense I feel. Ryder's eyes don't leave me once and it's starting to feel daunting. The fact that I've been having strange dreams with him doesn't make things any better.The girls laugh loudly at something one of his teammates says, drawing my attention briefly, but it's long enough for me to see Ryder look away from me and throw his arm around the giggling girl's shoulder.I feel a stab inside of me so intense that it makes me want to vomit.I clench my jaw while looking away this time, upset and confused by my rea

ARIAThe show is over before I know it.Luca is praising it as we move behind the crowd heading toward the door. I'm afraid of looking over my shoulder and making eye contact with Ryder.When we finally pass the doors, I'm relieved because it means I can go home. But Luca turns to me and asks, "Would you be okay with me walking you home?""It's just a short distance away from here. You don't have to.""I insist," he smiles. "I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you.""Alright. Sure.""I'll be right back. Just need to make a quick stop at the restroom."I watch as he weaves through the crowd and disappears around the bend that leads to the bathrooms. Folding my arms, I inch closer to the exit of the theater, feeling the fresh air cool my skin. My shirt is soaked with sweat, so I'm glad I wore the sweater.I don't look back once. It's best if I don't.About half a minute passes before I'm approached by someone. Before turning around, I assume it's Luca who came back, though

ARIAThe week has gone by so quickly. I don't know where the time has gone.My twenty-first birthday is in a few days—as a matter of fact, it's on the day of the rematch with Moonveil.And I've just gotten sicker and sicker.Things haven't been easy for me, especially since that attack on Luca, who insisted that he didn't want it to be reported.The moment he opened his eyes, it was the first thing he said to me. "Don't tell anyone about this. Please."I looked at him in confusion. I remember feeling revolted. "But they have to be reported! Are you kidding? Look at what they did to you! How will you explain this?""I'll figure it out," he insisted. "Just don't tell anyone.""Luca—""I don't want to get into trouble, alright?" he said harshly. It was the first time I'd ever heard him use such a tone of voice and it shocked me a little. "I don't need any of this. Not me or family!"I tried to help him stand, but he declined my offer. So, all I did was watch him try to get on his feet, a

RYDERSomething is off with her.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 off 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