I manage to watch the game and even cheer a little, as long as I refuse to acknowledge Luis’ existence. It’s difficult because it feels as if someone is watching me, but every time my eyes dartaround to see who it is, Luis is on the other side of the ice. It’s clearly not him who is giving me this icky feeling.
The buzzer sounds, and I shift in my seat uneasily.
“What’s your gut telling you?” Addie asks.
“Someone is watching me, but I can’t figure out who,” I mutter. “We’re in the last period. I can hold out until the end.”
Addie nods, and we watch as the Zamboni glides over the ice to smooth it over.
“Tell me about one good thing that happened today,” she says.
I talk to her about all the things that I’m excited about, and how I’m working on a present for her. I know that if she gets excited, I’ll be able to get swept up in the conversation. Years of being her friend is definitely helping me find ways to ground myself.
The time flies by, and I even yell when Levon scores a goal. He blows me a kiss as he skates past me, making me grin so wide my lips hurt. Luis is a minor player in this game, which helps me get caught back up in my love for hockey.
No one highlights him because he’s a loser, and that’s where he should remain.
“Win for the Scented Scorpions!” the announcer yells as the stadium explodes in celebration. Well, not everyone since there are a lot of fans for the other team.
It looks like the Scented Scorpions have more than their share of fierce rivals. From what I saw, however, they’re a lot better than the Bolts. Trading for Luis wasn’t the flex they wanted it to be. I’ve spent a lot of time ignoring his existence, but I remember Dad used to yell at him to stop being lazy.
His failure as a hockey player has nothing to do with me.
“Let’s get out of here,” Addie says, standing.
I wave at Miles as he turns to find me. I can only imagine what he’s been feeling through the bond. I’ve been all overthe place between disassociating to get through the night and cheering toward the end of the game. Making my way out of the aisle, I reach for Addie so we won’t get separated. The push of the crowd is crushing, and Addie squeals as she’s pressed tightly against someone’s back.
The main hallway isn’t much better.
“That was the door to head to the locker rooms,” I say loudly to Addie as we’re pushed past it.
“Time to be less nice,” she says, shoving her way across.
I can’t breathe with all the scents surrounding me, and I gasp as her hand is ripped away from mine.
“Addie!” I yell, grunting in pain as I’m shoved out of the hallway into a less well lit area. My gaze bounces around as I struggle to process what just happened. That shove felt really intentional.
Turning to leave, I feel a sense of déjà vu as I see a tall mountain of a man blocking the entrance.
“Imagine my surprise when I saw you in the crowd,” McCreuger grins. He’s wearing Bolts colors, and I have the sick realization of why he’s even here. He takes another step forward while I step back. “Did you see our boy Luis? He’s gonna be real sorry that he won’t be able to taste you again. It’s his loss.”
That threat breaks my haze, and I turn and bolt down the hallway.
“Help!” I scream, my hand still clutching my stun gun. I’d rather get away from him than use this if I can. I’ll only get one fucking shot to bring him down.
This isn’t the boys club that ignored my tears and screams while I was half naked on the ground. I’m not eighteen anymore, I’m a whole ass omega with a pack.
And I bite back.
30
MILES
Something feels really off with Caelia.The team heads off to the locker room, and I mention to Levon that he should change quickly. Dread feels heavy inside of me, making my stomach twist as I rush to find her.
“Marilyn, find someone else to talk to the press today,” I grunt to her in passing. “I’m planning to get out of here as soon as I can.”
“Wait, is there something wrong?” she asks, following me as she peppers me with questions.
