Page 132 of Arctic Titans of Northwood U: Volume 3

Nick glanced around the restaurant to make sure nobody had overheard my little outburst. The waiter brought Nick’s trout and my salad after a few moments of awkward silence. My brother picked at the fish, pulling out the bones with focus and care, something teetering on the tip of his tongue. “You shouldn’t do those things. What if someone thought you were like them?”

“It would be the end of the world as we know it,” I agreed overly seriously. “People would die, Nick. I’m not oblivious.”

He rolled his eyes. “Do you want people to think you’re…”

“What? What will they think I am?” I chuckled. We were a year apart, yet he’d never let you know it. In so many ways, my older brother was a Victorian window. It wouldn’t have surprised me if he straight-up called me a harlot.

Nick’s fork scraped the edge of his plate. “You know who hangs around those parties?” he asked, tone casual, eyes anything but.

I kept my face smooth, spearing a cherry tomato. “He’s hard to miss. Plays hockey. Big deal around here.”

Nick’s gaze flicked up sharply. “Yeah. He’s always been a big deal, hasn’t he?” He said it like a curse. “Just…watch yourself. Guys like him don’t change.”

My pulse ticked faster, though I gave a half laugh to hide it. “Don’t worry. Damon Pierce isn’t exactly a recurring character in my life.”

“Good,” Nick said, leaning back. “That’s the only way forward, Seth. Trust me.”

The way he said it, quiet, almost sad, made something twist in my chest. He looked older suddenly, like the weight of whatever had shattered their friendship years ago had never lifted. I used to think nothing could come between the two of them. They’d been a matched set, and I’d been the kid brother tagging along. Now, even mentioning Damon made Nick’s shoulders tighten like he was bracing for impact.

I chewed slowly, thinking that maybe the reasons didn’t matter anymore. Some things, once broken, stayed that way. If I were smart, I’d keep my distance from Damon, too. But I wasn’t feeling particularly smart lately.

“So,” I said, forcing brightness into my tone, “any chance you’ll take me to the flea market later? Could use something for the dorm. Maybe a cursed lamp or two.”

Nick huffed a quiet laugh. “Yeah, sure. Sounds like fun.”

Truce declared. At least for today.

Chapter Five

DAMON

Wednesday’s practice was tremendous fun. I hadn’t laughed as hard or played as well in ages. Slamming my friends into the boards and chasing that puck on the ice had all the makings of a perfect afternoon.

Coach Neilsen had placed me as the captain of the mock team for a scrimmage, facing off against Keiran and his team. We clashed and crashed until there wasn’t a man without a bruise in the whole rink.

I like the rough play on and off the ice. Having a go at my closest friends was twice as sweet.

After I’d showered and dressed, I didn’t think this day could get any better. I’d already done the rounds of the gym and rink and had some introductory lectures that seemed like an effortless pass. So when I stepped out of the rink and into the evening air, I didn’t think the universe would make a random Wednesday even better.

Seth stood by the streetlamp on the curb, hands tucked into his pockets, jacket hugging him tightly around the shoulders.

I swaggered over to him and allowed myself to smile as if I had a choice once my lips stretched and locked. “Here to ruin my day?”

“Hope so,” he said, eyes flashing with delight. “I’m new here. Figured you could show me what’s what.”

“Please?” I raised an eyebrow with maximum condescension.

Seth barked a laugh. “I’d rather be lost forever.”

“Thought so,” I said. I gestured with my head down the street when I heard the laughter of my teammates, Seth’s face darkening a little with concern. We moved into the shadows and quickened our pace to escape the prying gazes of my friends. “I thought you didn’t want to be around me outside.”

“I didn’t,” Seth admitted. “Then I met my brother for lunch and changed my mind.”

“I love it,” I said, words huffing out of me with unrestricted joy. “If I ever want you to do anything, all I need to do is get Nick to advise you against it.”

Seth snickered. “So far, he’s advised me against every kind of sin in the Good Book, so take your pick.”

I rubbed my hands excitedly. “How do you feel about some gluttonous intoxication?”