CLAIMED BY MY HOCKEY ALPHA

Chapter Four

Ella’s pov

I immediately took several steps backward, my eyes fixed on the towering figure in front of me. Instinctively, I was trying to put some more distance between us, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot as his glowing eyes pierced me. The area around us was eerily quiet, and I could hear his heavy breathing, like a wild animal sizing up its prey.

I had completely forgotten that I was still on the phone with my aunt until I heard her concerned voice calling out to me, asking if everything was okay.

“Ella can you hear me? Is everything okay?” She asked. I mouthed a quick reassurance, trying not to make any sudden movements that might provoke the growling man in front of me and make him attack me.

"Everything's fine, Auntie," I whispered, trying to sound calmer than I felt. "I'll call you later, okay?" I added before I quickly hung up the phone and shoved it into the pocket of the sweatshirt my aunt had given me.

Finally I was able to move again and I continued to back away from him, my eyes fixed on his huge and intimidating form, my whole body was shaking with fear. But with each step I took, Nate seemed to take another step forward with his steps eerily silent and swift. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized he was slowly closing in on me.

The silence between us was scary, and I couldn't bear it anymore. "W-what do you want?" I stuttered, trying to keep my voice steady.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "I think I'm in a better position to ask that," he said, his voice low and even. "After all, you're the one trespassing." He stated firmly.

I knew I was in a vulnerable position, and I didn't want to provoke him further but I had to defend myself somehow. "I-I'm not trespassing," I protested, trying to sound confident. "I have a VIP pass." I said waving the ticket pass in the air.

He raised an eyebrow at me again, his expression skeptical. "Really?" he drawled. "I wasn't aware that VIP passes allowed fans to wander around the backstage area unescorted." He said and I swallowed hard.

Before I could respond to him, Nate launched into a series of questions, like we were in some sort of interrogation room at the police station. "So, who are you, exactly? And what are you doing back here? You're not even a real VIP, are you? Just some obsessive fan trying to get a glimpse of the players?" He blurted and my jaw dropped as I searched for the words to say but found none.

I felt my face flush with embarrassment at the way he was speaking to me. His words were laced with disrespect, and I couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. I opened my mouth again to respond, but then thought better of it. Why bother engaging with someone who clearly didn't deserve my time?

I ignored him and turned to leave, eager to rejoin my friends and get away from this arrogant jerk. But just as I was about to make my escape, I heard Gabriella's voice behind me.

"Ella, what are you still doing here?" she asked, her tone curious.

I turned to face her, grateful for the interruption as I sighed, deeply filled with relief. "Just running into some... unpleasantness," I replied, casting a sideways glance at Nate.

Gabriella's eyes followed my gaze, and her expression turned into questioning. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice firm.

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. With Gabriella here, I knew I was safe from Nate's bullying. "Yeah, everything's fine," I said, smiling weakly. "Let's just get out of here."

Immediately, I grabbed Gabby’s hand, ready to make a quick escape, but Nate swiftly stepped in front of us, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Hold up, you two," he growled. "What are you doing back here? You're trespassing, and I want to know what you're after." He said.

I couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. Who did he think he was, anyway? Why was he dragging on something that shouldn’t be a big deal? I opened my mouth to talk back, but Gabriella beat me to it.

"We have VIP tickets," she explained calmly. "We came backstage to get an autograph. Ella had to take a call, that’s why she wandered here and now we're going back to rejoin our friend." She smiled.

But, Nate's expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "If you don't start talking, I'll have security throw you out," he warned, his voice dripping with menace.

I felt a surge of fear, but Gabriella's calmness helped to steady me. "We're telling the truth," she said firmly. "We're not causing any trouble. We just want to enjoy the VIP experience we paid for."

She apologized profusely on my behalf for wandering off, but Nate's eyes never left mine. He seemed to be enjoying my discomfort, and his smirk grew wider. "And do you want an autograph as well? I'd be happy to give you one." He asked, still smiling.

His tone was condescending, and I could tell he was trying to get a reaction out of me. But I refused to give him the satisfaction. I shook my head, trying to appear nonchalant. "No, don't bother. I'm not really a fan of hockey." I replied.

Nate's smirk faltered for a moment, and he looked at me with a hint of surprise. But then, his expression returned to its normal arrogance. "Oh, really?" he smiled. "And what brings you to the game, then?"

I shrugged, trying to hide my irritation. "I'm just here to support my friend's birthday. She's a really big fan." I said, hoping he’d stop talking so we could leave.

His eyes lingered on me, but I quickly grabbed Gabriella's hand and pulled her along with me, eager to escape whatever it was that was happening. We made our way over to Annabelle, who was busy taking a selfie with her favorite player. She was beaming with excitement, and I was happy to see her having such a great time on her birthday.

As soon as we reached Annabelle's side, Gabriella turned to me with a concerned expression. "What's going on, Ella?" she asked. "You looked really uncomfortable back there." She said.

I took a deep breath, trying to process my emotions. "That guy was just being really creepy and rude," I explained. "I don't know, he just gave me a really bad vibe. I'm already feeling uncomfortable, and I just want to get out of here." I replied.

Gabriella immediately put her arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, we'll get out of here soon," she said. "Let's just focus on enjoying the rest of the evening with Annabelle, okay?" She smiled and I nodded, feeling a bit better with Gabriella's support.

But the comfort was short lived because immediately Nate approached from behind us and I could feel his eyes on me, boring into my skin. But I refused to react, to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he was causing me concern. I kept my gaze fixed on Annabelle, who was still chatting away, oblivious to the tension.

But then, Nate appeared in front of me, his eyes locked on mine. Annabelle let out a startled shriek as soon as she saw him, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Oh my god, it's really you!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with awe. It is an honor to finally meet you in person. I never thought I’d get to see you upfront.” She chimed.

Nate's gaze never wavered from mine as he asked, his voice low and smooth, "I'll ask you again: do you want an autograph from me?"