4. Why does it hurt?

Neylan

Aurel and I have never not balled our hands, ready to hit each other whenever we met, but this time…he just kept glaring at me, and he kinda smelled relaxing even though it was just a few seconds we had a hand shake before the team walked away.

I still can’t place where I perceived that.

It doesn’t make sense, it's getting on my nerves. I mean, since when did an Alpha's scent become comfortable?

Yeah, I have clearly lost it.

Recently, other Omegas’ scents make me gag, that I even ended up punching an asshole for setting me up with one he said was exactly the girl I was looking for. I didn’t even last long enough to hear the girl talk before I felt sick, and the next thing I knew, I had pulled him by the collar and slammed him against the door.

My hand still throbs at the thought, a dull ache sitting in my knuckles as I flex my fingers slightly.

I know the kind of mess I’m in. That omega is still nowhere to be found, How can a person disappear like a ghost?

That part is not something I can ignore, no matter how much I try to push it aside. I don’t even remember her face clearly, just flashes that don’t help with anything, and it irritates me more than it should.

The arena is loud the moment I step in, filled with the roar of the crowd, the sound of skates on ice, sticks hitting the puck, voices rising and falling with every play.

We’re in the semifinals.

Ice Breakers against Gamthrones.

We move further inside, stopping when needed, playing along when people call for attention. Elyce says something at some point, but I don’t really catch it, my focus already drifting elsewhere.

We’re eventually led to our seats. I take my seat beside Elyce, leaning back slightly as I glance around without much interest.

My gaze catches Aurel.

He’s flexing his muscles on ice, but I can see just how much his brows furrow. Why does he look like the ice is the one place he doesn't want to be at the moment?

And somehow, he still stands out.

I don’t like that.

I don’t even know why, but I don’t.

Elyce nudges me lightly. “Are you okay? You don't seem to be here.”

“I’m perfectly fine, Elyce.” I reply, even though I’m clearly not

She gives me a look but doesn’t push it, turning her attention back to whatever is happening on stage.

I shift slightly in my seat, trying to focus on anything else, but my eyes keep drifting back to him without me meaning to. I hate Aurel, that hasn’t changed. One of the main reasons is simple, he’s good, too good, and being the captain of the team I might be up against in the championship makes him someone I can’t ignore.

He’s a problem.

The game continues, fast and intense, both teams pushing hard.

Then the final buzzer sounds.

Ice Breakers win.

The arena erupts in noise as the game ends, players celebrating on the ice.

Aurel leaves the ice immediately after the win, heading straight toward the tunnel. His hand on his mouth, he looks so freaking pale.

Something is wrong.

I stand.

“Where are you going?” Elyce asks, her voice low.

“I’ll be back,” I say, already moving.

I follow the direction he went, stepping out of the main hall into the quieter corridor. The noise fades behind me, replaced by the sound of someone throwing up like he's trying to force out his intestines.

It’s him.

Aurel…

“Hey… are you okay?” I ask, stepping forward and reaching out just as he stumbles.

His body is burning.

The heat melts into my skin the moment I pull him close, but before I can even process it, he jerks away, knocking my hands off him like I did something wrong.

“Stay the fuck away from me, asshole,” he growls, his dark eyes locking onto mine, full of warning.

His brows pull together as he forces himself upright again, like he refuses to let me see him like this.

Stubborn jerk, I'm helping your ass.

I watch him drag his hand along the wall, trying to steady himself, taking a step forward… then another.

It doesn’t last.

His legs give out before he can go any further.

His body collapses.

“Aurel!”

I rush forward, catching him before he hits the ground fully, but he’s already slipping away.

His breathing is weak. What the hell?

“Hey, Dude…what the fuck is wrong with you—are you dying?” His head slumps backward.

My eyes widen.

“Aurel, hey—someone help!” I shout, my voice echoing through the corridor. “Now!”