Delmare rolled her eyes. “Trust me, Em. I’m better off alone. It’s what I deserve.”
Before I could say another word, Delmare hurried off, leaving her food behind.
A pit grew in my stomach as Delmare drew farther and farther away. I wouldn’t care if Delmare wanted to be single if that’s what she truly desired... but I didn’t think it was that way. Something in my gut told me she wanted to be with Stefan, but she didn’t think she was worthy of him.
“What’s with her?” Odette asked. The only things on her tray was a slice of cake, a cup of ice cream, and a couple of brownies. So healthy.
“I have no idea.” I shook my head. I wish I could get through to Delmare somehow. But her walls were so high, I didn’t know how to break them down.
Odette gabbed all throughout lunch about ballet camp while I played with my food listlessly. My stomach kind of hurt, and it made it hard to eat. I’d been looking around all day for Ethan, and I hadn’t seen him yet. I didn’t know if he was purposefully avoiding me or what.
Odette twirled a blonde strand around her finger. “What’s wrong, Emma? You seem rather gloomy.”
I looked up from the remnants of my meal. “I’m just worried about facing Ethan,” I confessed. “What if he hates me?”
“He doesn’t hate you. He never could,” Odette said innocently. “He loves you.”
I know,I thought. But would love be enough? My actions had cost him his dream.
“If he’s still mad, just show em the goods.” Odette cupped her boobs and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. I laughed out loud.
“Odette, Ethan isn’t going to magically stop being angry at me because I took my shirt off and flashed him my breasts,” I cracked.
“He might. Boobs create peace. Boobs change theworld,” Odette insisted. “Men can’t resist their power. Try it once.”
“I think not.” Though it’d be hilarious to see. The thought of Ethan’s jaw dropping open once I ripped my bra off and let my tits fly was enough to send me spiraling into a fit of giggles all over again.
“That’s the spirit.” Odette got up and patted me on the shoulder. “Theo and I are bustling off to ballet, but don’t you let your hopes fall. Your prince charming has forgiven you, I’m sure.”
A slight smile crossed my face as Odette skipped away. Odette had such a positive way of looking at things. I wished I could be like her.
Things still felt heavy as I left the lunchroom. There was too much on my mind; Gabby, Lady Korva, Delmare... Ethan. I couldn’t sit here by myself for hours and ponder it all. I had to clear my head, before I went fucking nuts.
The only place that made me feel better anymore was the ice. All my problems faded away at the rink. Nothing in the outside world mattered, so long as I was out there. It was like the boards around the arena created a barrier, a wall that kept all the bad things out and me in.
I just needed to go for a skate, to take my mind off things. Lady Magdalina insisted I take a few weeks off for recovery after the King’s Contest, but I hadn’t skated since, and I was dying to lace up my skates. A quick practice would do me good, and I didn’t have class until one o’clock.
There wasn’t much time to skate, but it didn’t matter. The familiar feeling of freedom came over me as I performed every jump and spin with ease. I fell a few times on some of my triples, but after a consistent effort, I got them back. I was pleased to see I hadn’t lost anything over break. Lady Magdalina would be satisfied with my progress.
After some time on the ice, I felt a lot better, and my head was clear. The empty locker room was friendly and kind as I changed back into my uniform. It felt familiar... normal.
Nothing ever felt normal these days. I wished I could stay in the rink forever, where it was safe, but at some point I had to return to reality. I swung my cloak around me, dreading the long walk back to campus.
As I entered the arena’s lobby, shivers encompassed my body from head to toe. A man was standing by the sliding glass doors, checking his phone. His shoulders were broad, and his dark hair was messy. Even through the sleeves of his shirt I could see the corded muscle. He stood tall and straight, his chiseled and perfect face set in a serious countenance.
He was only a few feet away, and that distance seemed cruel and taunting. I was sensitive to his verypresencenow. Just the sight of him sent butterflies rushing through my stomach and wetness seeping through my panties. Those eyes... gods, those amber eyes. They were wolf eyes, ones of a hunter, an alpha. I could fall into them forever and be happy about it. Iwantedhim to chase me. And I wanted him to catch me, too, because I desired to know what he’d do to me after.
The amber eyes looked up and landed on my form. His entire figure froze as his gaze roamed me up and down, mentally undressing me with his eyes.
Standing across from me... and looking hot as all hell in his hockey jersey... was the one man I was terrified to see.
Chapter Three
Ethan
Of course we’d run into each other at the rink. We both had practice here.
Seeing Emma for the first time since the King’s Contest broke me. I’d had so much longing for her that I nearly collapsed at her feet. I caught her scent as it wafted off her red hair, and my heart pumped wildly. She came to an abrupt stop in front of me, her wide green eyes roaming over my form in both fear and hunger.
