Chapter 1
Viktor
Soft music fills the expansive circular room that sits on the upper level of the mega-yacht. As we step inside, the glass surrounding us showcases all the stars bedazzling the ink-black sky. I strut in first, a broad smile on my face. “Your king has arrived.”
Of course that garners some chuckles, then handshakes. Nothing like being the adored goalie of the Crestwood University Titans hockey team.
Feisty Mouse nudges my shoulder. “Do you always need to be the center of attention?”
I snort. “I’m the damn sun, center of the universe.”
“The sun is not the center of the universe.” Zach adjusts that ugly ass pink gold Audemars Piguet watch of his.
Who even gets pink gold?
Now, my cobalt blue watch, complete with glare proof sapphire crystals from their Royal Oak collection, makes a statement.
Alexei wraps his big lug arm over Eli, then pulls him away, and my smile fades. Sure, I get it. They want to spend as much time together as they can since Alexei signed with the New Jersey Devils. But those fucknuts left me alone most of the summer to go to Minnesota.
Nothing like having my cousin and best friend ditch me to go see the Feisty Mouse family. Well, Alexei also did some offseason training while out there. But they could’ve invited me along.
Can’t be too mad. I’m proud of my cousin and happy the NHL finally took notice of him. It’ll be weird not having him around, but he’s leaving Eli in my care so at least I’ll still have my best friend.
Of course, Jackson’s outside talking to Killian. Curious what this season’s going to be like when we play the Serpents. But those two consider fighting a type of foreplay, so the games will probably continue to be just as intense.
I’m worried about him though. We haven’t met our new assistant coach yet, and while my teammate claims he’s fine, I notice little details that say otherwise. They’re easy to spot since we’re roommates this year. Not that he has to worry. He has us, and if this new guy is an issue . . . we’ll take care of him.
Connor slaps my shoulder. “Time to schmooze.”
My favorite pastime activity—being the center of attention, and the Annual Gala hosted by Crestwood’s Department of Athletics is the perfect opportunity.
To my left, Zach’s eyes blaze, his fists clench and, to be blunt, he looks like he’s about to murder someone. While I love attention, he barely enjoys being around the five of us. Thingsbetween him and me were awkward for a while after the one time we played together.
Didn’t know what I was getting into, how sadistic he can get. Unfortunately, scars were left. Think Zach’s secretly afraid of what Alexei would do if he finds out.
Not that I’d ever tell my cousin.
But over the summer, Zach came to me for help. Turns out, he needs my assistance in tracking down that cockroach of a stepbrother he has. A specialty of mine, thanks to my mother and her family.
Sure, the larger part of the family business is definitely not legal. But we’re powerful. And matriarchal.
Thank God.
At least I never have to worry about giving up hockey. My sister, on the other hand, lives with my aunt, Alexei’s mom, who runs the show and is training her to take over one day.
Mom and Dad made sure I’m capable of taking care of myself too. They taught me how to protect myself, along with other skills that feed into my stalker tendencies.
Stupid them.
But thanks to their not-so-bright idea, I spent most of the summer trying to help my teammate track down his runaway sibling.
Turns out, the little shit nearly killed Zach five years ago, and my friend is hellbent on ending his existence.
The chatter in the room grows louder as more people arrive. Connor and I spend a good half an hour mingling with the donors. More like practicing our manipulation skills. And damn am I good.
When our team captain starts flirting with some girl, I make my way to the lounge area, then drop into a chair next to Zach, who’s scrolling through his phone. “If I can pretend I’m straight, can’t you pretend to have emotions?”
“Emotions are overrated. And, unlike you, I don’t need the attention.” His tone is as cold and flat as ever. It’s like talking to a wall sometimes, but that’s just Zach.
