Meanwhile, my fists were still clenched.
“I’m a shifter, not a goddamn werewolf.” However, there was no point in arguing the semantics.
Fury tore through me as I stood in front of my locker, staring at the limited contents as if they’d somehow provide me with answers as to why I couldn’t focus and every second my skates felt like they were made of wood.
And reckless.
Hell, my feet had moved too fast for my brain. The worst part was I had no memories of what had seemed so important to take my mind off the game.
None.
I grabbed my electric razor. Given how fast my fucking facial hair grew, my skin became irritated by the constant scrape of a Bic razor. With the slight whir covering my low, husky growls, I proceeded to shave. My anger was so raw, my tense muscles were causing me to do a pretty shitty job, but it would need to do.
“You okay?” Tony was one of the few guys on the team who talked to me. Likely because he had to since he’d been forced to accept me as his roommate. Sure, it was all meant to be temporary, but at least I’d had a place to land instead of a hotel when I’d arrived in Florida.
My funds were limited and I wouldn’t get paid for a couple of weeks. If I remained on the goddamn team. I could get somemoney from my parents, but doing so would make me seem weak.
If I wanted to lead a pack of my own one day, I had to be a man.
“Just perfect.” I continued shaving, my hot breath fogging the tiny mirror attached to my locker door.
“You can’t let the pressure get to you.”
I glanced at the right winger, snorting when I did. He’d made his mark on the team, getting just enough accolades he was almost never on the radar. “Yeah, well, I’ll do my best.”
He started to walk away then scratched his head. “Look, I hate to do this to you, but I need you to find another place to stay.”
“I’m working on it. I went to a place today.” But a hot little woman kept me from going inside. The thought of living next to the feisty girl was what fantasies were made of and yet would be another thorn in my side. While the kiss had been something special, her attitude was shit.
Yeah. She’d accused me of destroying her flowers on purpose. Now, why would I do that? I could still see her face and that wicked smile a split second before she turned on the water.
If I was so angry with her, why was I rubbing my lips and thinking about the awesome kiss?
After clicking off the shaver, I tossed it onto the top shelf. There. I’d followed orders.
“No, I mean as soon as possible.”
When I snapped my head in Tony’s direction, I expected to see fear. That was everyone else’s reaction. Maybe I was eager to see terror so I could be the asshole they all thought I was deep downinside. “Why? You don’t want a wolf living with you? Afraid your girlfriend will prefer a man with two cocks? Oh, sorry. A furry dude?”
His expression went from jovial to as if I’d assaulted him physically. “You need to get that fucking chip off your goddamn shoulder, Steve. I don’t know who you think you are, but you’re not that goddamn special. Your problem is that you’re angry at the world. Not that it’s any of your goddamn business, but my dad called. My cousin who’s had a hard time in life is looking to start over again in Tampa. Dad asked if I could keep a look out for my cuz for a few weeks. Sorry, dude, but family comes first.”
He gave me another hateful look, throwing me all kinds of shade before walking away.
As soon as he walked out, I smashed my fist against the locker several times. At this point, I didn’t give a shit what kind of damage I did.
When I was finished throwing the tantrum, I hissed as I placed both hands on the locker. What in the fuck was I doing with my life? He was right. I was furious with the world. I hated everything and everyone in it.
Especially myself.
Yanking off my jersey and grabbing my street clothes, I continued grousing under my breath as I replayed the practice one too many times. Leading to complete frustration.
And rage.
Just like what I’d experienced on the ice.
Once I was dressed, the sound of laughter coming from the showers finally tipped the scale.
I slammed the locker door, intent on getting the hell away from the team. But the anger caught me by surprise and I smashed the door again.
