Chapter 30

Alice

I watch as Chiara and Vedant laugh from the training field. They’ve been out there every day this week after school sparring and training together. When Vedant told everyone to go ahead at the end of class, I knew there was something going on with him and that slut again so I decided to wait and watch.

That was two days ago and they’ve been out there every day after school since. It’s not fair. Vedant is supposed to be with me. I don’t know what Chiara is playing at, but I have to find a way to stop her.

When I arrive home, I make my way to Simon’s room and bang on his door. I hear a sigh, but the door swings open. I push my way inside.

“What are Vedant and Chira training for?”

Simon opens his mouth. “I don’t-“

I cut him off “Don’t lie. I know you know.”

Simon rubs his hand over his face. “The doubles competition. It’s nothing.”

I nod at Simon and make my way out of his room. I smile as a plan comes to me.

The next day I rush out of the classroom the moment the final bell rings and make my way to the training field. I noticed the pair spending time on the ropes training their agility and Chiara always taking the easier part of the course.

I look around and then pull a small pocketknife from my bag, cutting one of the ropes about fifty percent of the way through from the bottom. I double check to make sure the cut is not visible from the top of the course and then quickly stash the knife.

Chiara won’t be able to compete in the competition if she’s injured.

Chiara

As the rest of the school heads home for the day, I make my way to the training field to meet Vedant. I surprise myself by actually looking forward to our meeting. I relish the opportunity to move my body, even if I’m still holding back slightly.

When I arrive at the field Vedant is already standing there waiting for me. I can’t help but smile. I know it’s the mate bond’s influence, but it feels nice being close to him.

I sigh. Once we’re done with the competition things will return to normal. He’ll go back to making my life hell, and I’ll go back to counting down the days until I can escape.

Mate bond or note, our relationship hasn’t changed. I smooth my expression as I finish my approach.

Vedant claps his hands. “Okay, I think we should start with some agility work to warm up.”

I nod and take my usual place by the ropes course.

Vedant shakes his head. Actually, you’ve been practicing that side for a few days now, I think you’re ready to try the more difficult side of the course. Are you up to switch?”

I nod, excited to take on the new challenge. We quickly swap positions and I begin making my way through the ropes course.

I climb forward carefully, making sure that I am in a good position before lifting my hand to grab the next rope. I pause before I enter the hardest part of the course assessing. Sweat drips down my brow as I reach for the next rope.

Before I can grab hold, I hear a strangled gasp from beside me and see the rope Vedant had been reaching gave away. He managed to cling to another one at the last second, but it was too far and he was in a precarious position.

“Vedant?”

“I’m-”

Before he can finish what he was saying, his grip slips, and he starts to fall to the ground. I feel his panic through out mate bond and without thinking I let go of my own rope, aiming for the ground below him.

I manage to land on my feet and extend my arms out in an attempt to catch him. I grab him in my arms, but the weight of him sends my knees buckling and my previously injured ankle bends at an unusual angle.

I cry out as I fully fall onto that side, still supporting Vedant’s weight. I release him, but it’s too late. I hear a snap.

Vedant, fall sufficiently broken, jumps up and pivots to face me before bending down. “Chiara you idiot.”

His words are harsh, but his voice is soft. I try to wiggle my ankle and gasp as the pain makes me see stars.

The next thing I know, he is lifting me into his arms and carrying me back toward the main school building.

Vedant

I hold Chiara carefully in my arms as we make our way back to school. Tears streak down her cheeks and she lets out a soft whimper as we head up the steps.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to jostle you.”

She lets her head rest against my chest as I carefully push through the doors and start in the direction of the hospital wings. I don’t say anything, just hold her a little tighter.

I chance a glance down at her ankle and flinch. It’s definitely broken. If she hadn’t already sprained it last week, she may have gotten off easier, but this is going to take some time to heal.

I shake my head in disbelief. If it wasn’t for her I might be the one with a broken ankle.

I think about the last time I was with her in the hospital. I called her selfish. Looking down at her now, I think I might have been wrong.

We finally make it to the hospital wing and I flag down the doctor the school keeps on staff. He opens his mouth as if to ask me what’s wrong but takes one look at Chiara’s ankle and directs us to a room instead.

I place Chiara in the bed and take a step back. She sits up slightly, the initial shock of the injury starting to wear off.

She looks down at her ankle. “Fuck.”

I stifle a surprised laugh. I’ve never heard Chiara swear before, but I suppose now is as good a time as any.

She shoots me a glare.

“I’m sorry. It’s not funny. That was just… unexpected.”

The doctor enters and I leave the room to give them some privacy. After a while the doctor calls me back in. When I enter, I see that Chiara’s foot is in a boot.

The doctor turns to me. “Make sure she makes it home. She won’t be able to walk on that ankle.”

I nod.

I put Chiara’s arm around my shoulder and lead her out into the parking lot of the school. When we get to my car I help her into the passenger seat, adjusting the seat to she has room to stretch her leg out. Once she is situated, I make my way to the driver’s side.

I look down at her boot, guilt worming its way into my stomach. “What if I didn’t take you home?”

Chiara looks at me like I’ve lost my mind and honestly, maybe I have. “What?”

“Maybe it would be better if I took you to my house instead. My dad is out of town for the next two weeks to meet with other Alphas in the area, and I’m not sure you should be alone with that injury. Besides, our mate bond will allow the break to heal in no time at all, but we’ll need to stay close.”

She looks at me for a second like she is going to get out of the car and bolt, but then she looks down at the boot and sighs. “Okay.”

I nod. “Okay.”