No one touched me as I moved through the crowd, and it wasn’t my imagination that the security kept me firmly in their line of vision, most of whom looked like enforcers. When I got into line, I remembered that I hadn’t grabbed cash or card before leaving the house; I was so used to being with my pack, who just paid for everything. My alphas were spoiling the independence right out of me.
We have an account at the stadium, Hunter said, slipping closer once more.
With the connection remaining semi-open, thoughts crossed unintentionally at times.That’s good to know, I told him.At least I won’t have to sell my firstborn or soul for food now.
Hunter didn’t find that remotely amusing, his wolf stalking forward to prod at the tip of my snout.No one will ever touch your soul or our pups. Not even for nachos, Emmeline.
Snorting under my breath, I drew attention, but everyone looked away just as quickly when they realized who I was. The scariest of mypack weren’t even here, but their reputations preceded them. No one wanted to be on their bad side, not if they could help it.
You should focus on finishing up what you’re doing, entitled alpha. You don’t have long to make it back and stay within your deadline.
I felt his possessive touch against my throat, despite the fact that he was half the damn country away from me.I’ll make it in time, mate.
I’m holding you to that. Wanting him to keep his focus, I moved back in the bond again, stitching just a little more shielding between us. Hunter’s wolf backed up too, and I felt his attention shift elsewhere.
The intro music started loudly around us, which meant there were less than two minutes until the first players were announced. Thankfully, I was almost to the front of the line. Around me, shifters chatted excitedly about the team, most of them wearing Celtic colors, but there were a couple in the purple, green and white of the other team.
As I shuffled toward the front of the line, a familiar scent closed in on me, and I turned to find Kassidy. “Ah,” I said as she threw her arms around me. “It’s so great to see you.”
When I’d done my daily check of my phone to ensure Cora hadn’t replied to a message, I’d had a text from Kassidy saying she’d be here tonight. None from Cora of course.
“I wasn’t going to come, but I didn’t want you sitting here alone.” Her gaze darted to the ice, and she looked relieved that none of the players were out yet.
“Have you spoken to him?” I asked, knowing who she was afraid to see.
Her cheeks reddened, which only highlighted how drawn the rest of her looked. Kassidy was always gorgeous, but today her skin was paler and there were dark circles under her eyes. She looked like she hadn’t slept in days. “No. I can’t. I know if I let him in, it’ll change everything.”
Reaching out to grasp her hand, I squeezed it briefly. “Maybe it could be a good change though? I do understand all too well the fear holding you back. I’ve been there with my pack, and I almost let it cost me the best days of my life. For me, even if I had died from this bonding, the time I’ve had with my alphas would have made it worth it.”
Kassidy’s eyes were shiny as she murmured, “It’s not my death I worry about.”
We reached the front of the line and gave our orders, putting everything on the Reeves’ account. “Thanks, big brother,” Kassidy said as she blew a kiss into the air.
Hunter hated that his sister refused to let him financially help her, but she was an independent shifter who stood on her own two feet. Their sibling bond was pure, and I loved that they had each other.
In our seats, we shoved the first delicious bite of corn chip into our mouths as the stadium lights dimmed, and a colorful strobing effect filled the arena. The crowds screamed and cheered, and except for our empty row, the place was packed. Not an empty chair in sight.
“We’re heading into the end of the season and the most important games,” Kassidy explained, leaning closer so I could hear her over the noise.
“I’m assuming the boys are doing well in the overall rankings?” I’d missed too many of their games, but I was sure they’d won a lot more than they’d lost.
She nodded, and I didn’t miss the glow of pride in her tired features. “Oh yeah, they’ll be in the top three going into the finals of the Shifter Cup. The elimination rounds kick off after their road trip.”
The road trip.The boys still weren’t sure they could even make it, especially if we were neck deep ferreting out a witch and her evil minions. My hope was that Hunter and the twins found the hidey hole, and we would be able to take them all down before they left next week.
We just needed one break.
When our team hit the ice, I was well into my nachos and ice-cold beer. During hockey was the only time I drank beer, and though I’d never been a real fan, it just worked here.
“It’s weird how nervous I still get,” I told Kassidy as I took a sip. “And they’re so damn good at hockey, that I really have nothing to worry about.”
Kassidy had just crammed a big bite of chips and guac in her mouth, so she chewed quickly and swallowed before answering. “It never goes away,” she said, wiping her face with a napkin. “I used to watch Hunt compete in motocross trials, and damn I was always shitting myself. Just like with your boys, he was the best, but still… I’d be chewing my nails and tapping my knee for the entire race.”
“I wish I could have seen that,” I said, imagining Hunter flying on his bike. “Though I’d have been just as nervous.”
She nudged me gently. “We could have been nervous together. I’d have liked that.”
“Me too,” I said, voice turning wistful.
