11
Kodi
You know what’s kind of cool about going to hockey games? Most of the fans are die-hard hockey fans and don’t give a shit about football, Mars and I managed to walk all the way to our center-ice seats, right on the glass, without being stopped.
Though it’s possible we’re just not able to be recognized wearing our Saguaros jerseys, Saguaros knit hats, and black and green face paint.
I bought all of us the jerseys to wear, but the face paint was all Carrie’s idea. Before we left, she put it on each of us. All three of our cheeks adorned with black number twenty-threes with tiny hearts she swore were “totally necessary”.
As soon as I’d gotten home the day Anya found me on the ice, I’d told both Mars and Carrie about finding my mate. While Mars was happy for me, Carrie was ecstatic. She asked if that meant that we couldn’t be friends anymore and I honestly wasn’t sure. I don’t know proper etiquette in these situations, so for now we’ll remain friends unless my mate has a problem with it.
To my right, Mars bounces on the balls of his feet. He’s been excited to come to the game ever since I mentioned it. I don’t know if he’s more excited to watch the girls play, or to heckle Anya over being with me. He’s agreatfriend like that.
The lights dim and the music booms through the arena preparing for warm-ups. As the Saguaros take the ice, with Anya in the lead, they begin to make their way around the rink. I told Anya I’d be on the glass but didn’t tell her where so she’d have to look for me—and she’s definitely searching. Not glancing here and there as she skates. Her eyes arescouringthe fans lining the glass.
When she reaches us, the second her eyes meet mine I whip out my giant sign that says PROPERTY OF ANYA GREENE 23 in my hideous handwriting. Carrie offered to make it pretty for me, but I wanted to do this one myself.
She digs into the ice, spraying it up in the air. The crowd is roaring around us at dangerously loud levels. I didn’t realize this many people made it to college hockey games, but these girls seem to have an amazing fan base.
“You did this?” she mouths as she takes us in. Me first, her eyes burning a trail across my skin as she looks over the jersey,face paint, and sign before quickly glancing over at Mars and Carrie.
When she returns her gaze to me, the sound around me ceases to exist. There is only the chill of the ice, me, and the stunning creature with unshed tears filling her eyes. I’d give anything to already have our bond in place so I could know exactly how she’s feeling right now. Once we’ve completed the bond, we’ll be able to feel each other’s feelings and communicate telepathically.
Only allowing herself a moment of strong emotions, she shakes her head, blows me a quick kiss, and barrels back across the ice to where she was supposed to be warming up.
The whoops and hollers resume, and Mars is staring at me like I’ve lost my mind. Carrie is giving me goo-goo eyes, and I send a silent request to Goddess that she gets a chance at having a mate of her own.
The game was intense. The girls scraped by, winning one to zero. Mars and I were yelling, but Carrie was losing her ever-loving mind, screaming and cheering for the girls like a woman possessed. It was impressive actually. “Gonna turn Puck Bunny on us, Car?” I teased.
“I might. If these girls worked this hard, I can’t imagine what the men look like out there. Aren’t hockey players allowed to fight too?” She gets a faraway look in her eye that tells me she’s imagining just that.
Just as the other team’s last player makes it off the ice, they open the gates and let everyone on the ice.
My girl and I lock eyes and she bolts right for me. I lift her dramatically, spinning her in a full circle, once again gathering attention from those around us.
“You were fucking incredible out there!”
Her eyes glaze over again and I can’t keep myself from kissing her as soon as her skates hit the ice, pulling her into me and straight-up devouring her right here in front of everyone—in case there was any miscommunication about who she belonged too.
She pulls away breathless and heavy-lidded, offering me a lopsided smile which I adore. Her cheeks take on a pretty pink blush when she remembers our audience and seems to finally notice my small entourage.
“Anya, these are my friends Carrie and Mars.” I introduce her to them with a wave of my hand.
She extends her arm politely, offering each of them a handshake.
“Mars plays on the Rays with me and Carrie is . . . well, she’s really the only other person that I’d call a friend.”
Carrie smiles sweetly at Anya but Anya’s eyes narrow . . . and I should have thought this through.
12
Anya
Every ounce of happiness and excitement flees my body at being introduced to Kodi’s friends. Not really Mars, he’s just another stupidly gorgeous football player. Almost as captivating as Kodi, but missing that edge of perfection.
But Carrie. She’s a freaking bombshell.
He’s not giving off any romantic vibes towards her, whatsoever, so I don’t know what my deal is but the uglygreen swell of irritation itching beneath my skin is grossly uncomfortable.
