Alpha Xander's Undoing Chasing my Unknown Mate Back novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

*Rory*

I barely got any sleep over the week.

And it wasn’t because I was thinking about what happened in the bathroom.

Except I was.

It was impossible not to.

I didn’t know what happened to me when I kissed him. I just… I was feeling bold, maybe? The fact that he told me that he felt a connection to me and that’s how he found me?

Without my wolf, he didn’t know we were mates yet… he felt me. And u guessed I was just giddy.

But then, he kissed me back. He had kissed me like he was devouring me, touched me like I was his to take, and then just… walked away.

And now?

Now, he was acting like it never happened.

He hadn’t said a word to me all day as we were flung back into our daily routines of classes.

I had no idea what I did to him to make it seem like he hated me more. I mean, the things he said on Saturday night insinuated that he didn’t, yet he avoided me like a plague. No snarky remarks. No passive–aggressive comments. Not even an annoyed grunt.

Just glares.

Long, lingering glares, like he was trying to burn me alive with his eyes.

And for what?

Was ! supposed to pretend it didn’t happen too? Was I supposed to move on like he clearly had?

Maybe he was bipolar or something.

I convinced myself it was for the best. Xander was impossible. He was infuriating, moody, unpredictable, and dangerous.

I needed to get my head back on track.

Thad more important things to focus on, like figuring out what the hell happened to my sister.

I sighed, rubbing at my temples as I made my way toward the academy’s main courtyard. It was a cool afternoon, and the soft breeze barely did anything to ease the unease settling in my chest.

“Hey, beautiful,” a familiar voice said behind me. I already knew who it was, of course. That nickname has been common this week.

I turned, immediately relaxing at the sight of Matt, his easy grin in place, hands shoved into his pockets like he hadn’t just caught me mid–existential

crisis.

“Hey,” I said, forcing a small smile.

Matt’s brow lifted as he studied me. “You look like you need some fresh air. Walk with me?”

I hesitated but nodded, since our classes were done for the day, and I could go into a blissful weakened of well–needed rest. I guess a walk with Matt wasn’t a bad way to start.

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Chapter 23

31 Aug

I fell into step beside him, and I appreciated the familiarity that being around Matt always felt easy.

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We walked for a while, and Matt, as usual, did most of the talking. He told me about a ridiculous bet he made with his friend, Jared, over who could finish an entire rack of ribs at the academy’s last barbecue.

“Jared nearly choked to death,” he laughed. “Which would’ve been fine because that meant I would’ve won by default, but then the bastard washed it down with my drink and finished before me. Cheating asshole.”

I snorted despite myself. “Sounds like something you’d do.”

“Hey, I play fair–sometimes,” he said with a playful nudge to my shoulder. “Besides, you know I’m all charm and good decisions.”

Larched a brow. “Right, because trying to win a challenge last semester with nothing but a fork was a great decision.”

Matt groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Are you ever going to let me live that down?”

“Not a chance.”

He grinned, bumping his shoulder against mine again.

“Damn, you really know how to wound a guy.”

I laughed, and for a second, I actually forgot about Xander and his brooding.

Then, we stopped near the training field, and Matt turned to face me. His expression softened, his usual humor fading into something more serious.

“You know I care about you, right?” His voice was low, quieter than usual.

I swallowed. “I know.”

His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and my breath hitched. That was… unexpected.

Sure, Matt was always in my personal space. But something about that was oddly… intimate.

“I don’t like seeing you upset, Rory,” he murmured, his gaze searching mine. “If something’s wrong, you can tell me.”

I hesitated, feeling my chest tighten. Could I tell him? Could I say the words? That I had kissed Xander and he kissed me back? That he made my heart race and stop all at once? That he made me feel like I was losing my mind?

No, I thought. Those were conversations I had with Mona, hell, even Dhara. Not… Matt. And I didn’t even tell my best friend yet, no matter how much she

asked.

I didn’t get the chance to answer before Matt took a slow step forward, tilting his head slightly.

“You don’t have to say it,” he mumbled. “It’s written all over your face. He’s my best friend but I see the way he treats you.”

He did it again, brushing my hair away, but this time, his hand lingered against my cheek, and I couldn’t move. My entire body was frozen.

“You deserve to be happy. You know that, right?”

I opened my mouth, but the words got lost somewhere when his fingers traced the side of my cheek. My breath hitched slightly, my heart hammering, but it wasn’t from anticipation or need.

I was panicking.

Because even a virgin like me know what he was about to do.

And indeed, he did it. His lips met mine before I could even tell my body to move

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