My Hockey Alpha Neighbor

Carol’s POV 

Zack immediately whips out his phone and calls Sophia. 

“Babe. Can you come in here? Now?” He says. His voice is audibly strained. Zack and Sophia argue back and forth for a few moments before he hangs up the phone. There is a short moment of tense silence as we all stare at one another. A few seco later, the door swings open. 

Sophia steps into the office with a carefully blank expression on her face. Her hands fidget with the hem of her blouse–it seems like she’s nervous. All the more confirmation of my suspicions, I think. 

“Hello, everyone,” she says with a forced smile. “It sounds like Zack has already made his point. Did you need something fro me?” 

Zack crosses his arms at glares. He doesn’t seem to be in the mood to talk anymore, so it’s Daniel who speaks up. “Zack is hoping that you’ll take the antidote that you apparently informed him about.” His voice sounds exhausted. He gestures towa the pill bottle, which is now sitting on the table. 

Sophia’s eye twitches, but her expression is otherwise unchanging. “Babe, don’t be ridiculous,” she says with a forced laugh. “Why would I lie to you?” 

Zack doesn’t respond. Instead, he crosses his arms and glowers at her. Sophia tries to get Zack to respond again. “Babe, I—” “Just take the damn pills!” Zack shouts. Sophia flinches at his outburst. 

“… I can’t,” she says at last. 

“Why not?” Zack hisses. Aiden and I exchange a knowing look. Sophia won’t meet Zack’s eyes. 

– 

“You lied to me!” Zack accuses. “You- you made me think you were my fated mate! How could you! Was everything you sai a lie all of that talk about getting kicked out of your pack and having to move in with me?!” 

“No!” Sophia insists. “I really was kicked out of my pack, I swear!” 

“And why were you kicked out of your home?” I question. I’m half–curious, but I’m mostly just fascinated by watching their relationship collapse in front of me. Sophia glares at me. 

“Fine,” she spits, “this isn’t my first time trying this. I was kicked out because I’ve been a little too convincing in the past.” 

“You 

you’re a con artist!” Zack exclaims. Sophia buries her head in her hands but doesn’t respond, so Zack continues. “I can’t believe it. I let you move into my house! I bought you clothes, jewelry, everything” 

The two break out into a fiery argument. I rub my forehead. How did he get so involved with her after just two days? I think incredulously. More and more I’m realizing how blind I was while Zack and I were together. 

I wanted to believe he was my fated mate so badly I was willing to tolerate anything. But looking at him now, he just seems like a spoiled child. I glance toward Aiden unintentionally. Aiden, on the other hand… 

I’ve had more than enough of this petty drama. I turn toward Daniel. “Sir, if it’s alright with you, I would like to return to work,” I say. “I want to make sure our client’s property is completely ready for him.” 

Daniel nods and waves a hand. He looks even more fed up than I am. “Of course. Thank you for your hard work.” 

Aiden and I head toward the door, skirting around the all–out fight that has broken out between Sophia and Zack. As we close the door behind us, I can overhear Daniel begin to scold them. 

“You two, go home and sort this out between yourselves. We will transfer your client information later.” 

I feel a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction as we make our way out of the building. Aiden leans closer as he holds the door open for me. 

1/2 

“Something te 

me lying about being your fated mate really did curse him,” he teases. 

Aiden’s personal driver is waiting for us. As we make the drive to the villa, I finally feel like I have a chance to breathe again. The contract is taken care of. I’m able to keep my job. Zack and Sophia should be resigning by the end of the week. 

Two days ago, it felt like my life was ending. It seemed like I was going to lose the love of my life and my job all in one go. It’s bizarre to think how much my mindset has already changed. 

I 

Looking back at my life with Zack, I was never completely happy. Knowing it was all a lie now only cheapens the sentimentality I had attached to it. 

I find my eyes wandering over toward Aiden. He’s resting against the window of the car and looking out into the distance. His expression is peaceful as he watches the countryside move by. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

In so many ways, this situation should have felt just like the start 

wild claims and promises. He deceived his way through tw of my relationship with Zack. Zack barged into my life with 

years with me, viewing me as disposable the entire time. 

Aiden changed my life like the moon changing the tides – sudden and powerful, but shockingly gentle. He looks at me as though he really wants to be with me forever. Some part of my heart has been wanting to believe him. I’m not sure how much longer I can deny it. 

As the car pulls up to the house, the cleaning crew is already packing up their equipment. Aiden and I head inside to see the new developments. The villa was already beautiful, but now that it had been polished up, it’s even more stunning. 

We take a moment to wander into the main room of the house. I exchange a few quick words with the cleaning crew to make sure that everything is in order before saying our goodbyes. The front doors close behind the last of their group. Once again, Aiden and I are together alone. Something feels different this time. 

The sun has already begun setting. The floor to ceiling windows in the main room give the perfect view of the sky and trees dyed a faint pink. For a long moment, the two of us watch the sunset together. 

“Oh,” I say suddenly, “I almost forgot.” I reach into my pocket and pull out a set of new keys. I hold them out to Aiden with a smile. “These are yours now. Congratulations.” 

He takes the keys with a soft smile. Not sure what else to do, I turn to leave. Aiden reaches out to grab my wrist for the second 

time. 

“I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to have someone lie to you like Zack did,” he says softly, “I know it must be hard to trust me. I know your pain is fresh. You don’t need to decide anything now. I’d wait for you forever, so- 

As much as I love the sound of Aiden’s voice, I can’t bear to hear him say another word. Without a sound, I spin around and lean in. Our lips connect once again. It’s even more perfect than the last time. 

We fall into an embrace once more. It’s as natural as breathing to kiss him and I suddenly feel that I need it just as much. Aiden’s arms wrap around me and he lifts me up, carrying me toward the couch. I’ve never felt so safe in someone’s arms before. I think I might just be able to find stability again.