The goal loomed near. There were seconds remaining on the clock— Stefan passed the puck to me, and the world fell away as I took a one-timer shot, holding my breath. I’d done this a million times before, yet every time I did, it always felt like the first.
That shot was like a rocket. It ricocheted off my stick and flew past the goalie, sinking into the goal. The buzzer sounded, and the game was over.
A roar went across the crowd, compounded by groans from the Team C fans. A delighted yell rose over the stadium— it was Emma. She was jumping up and down and cheering. I beamed at her, proud that I’d pulled off a last-minute win out of my ass.
It was all for her.
My team stormed the ice and formed around me in a massive huddle, bumping helmets with me and clapping me on the back. I had the thought it really was stupid of me to consider quitting hockey— even if we’d lost today, I loved playing with these guys. It was one of my passions, and hockey had been my first love. I’d never give that up, even if I had to play with my poor sport of a cousin.
Elijah didn’t even get in line to shake the hands of the Team C players. He left the ice before we’d received the first congratulations on our win.
“What a little bitch,” Stefan said. Lucien had noticed, too, but he didn’t go after Elijah to lecture him— gods, was he afraid of what the repercussions would be, too? Being the future king didn’t give Eli a free pass for everything. I didn’t get that kind of treatment as prince.
But that was the difference. I didn’t scare people. Elijah did.
Emma threw her arms around me once I was out of the locker room and in the lobby. “Congratulations!” she squealed. She hugged me tightly— I embraced her back, feeling joy radiate all over my body. Getting a welcome like that after winning a game meant everything to me. I wanted to make her proud of me. I hoped I did that today.
“Eh, you did all right,” Delmare said while munching on a soft pretzel. “I’ve seen better.”
Stefan threw his arm around her shoulder and took a bite out of her pretzel. “Did you see that massive hit? Shows you how strong I am, baby.”
Delmare rolled her eyes.
Kiara lifted her fountain drink and said, “Party in the Rec Room?”
There were shouts of agreement, and we headed back to campus. The Rec Room was packed when we got there. A couple of dragon shifters had brought out kegs and were distributing mugs around the room. Quite a few team members from Team A were already here with their friends and mates, celebrating the win. Team C players were also scattered around the area, because hey, free beer was free beer, even if you lost.
Music blared from speakers someone had pulled out of their dorm. Our group snagged one of the last couches. I sat down and yanked Emma onto my lap— a whiff of her perfume crossed my nose as her red hair nestled against my shoulder, and my dick jolted.
Later, I told myself. When there weren’t so many damn people around.
Over the sound of the music, I yelled, “So how did you like the game?”
“Loved it!” Emma shouted back. “I’ve always had a thing for hockey.”
Coming from Detroit, I should’ve guessed that, but it still made a soft spot open up in my heart for Emma. That she actually liked my sport and didn’t merely put up with it made me happy.
“And hockey players, eh?” Kiara said, elbowing Emma in a tease.
Emma gave a coy look. “Hey, hockey players are really hot. Even though the figure skater and the hockey player getting together is a total cliche.”
“There’s a reason cliches are cliches, sweetheart,” Stefan told her. “They work.”
“I just like violence.” Delmare took another swig of her beer. “And hockey is very violent.”
“One of the few sports that allows you to still punch people.” Stefan clinked his glass against hers. “I like your thinking.”
“I swear, one of the highlights of my day was watching you punch Elijah in the face,” Emma said, turning to me. “You could’ve lost by ten points and I wouldn’t have cared, because that was awesome.”
“It was worth the price of admission,” Alexei agreed.
“Oh my gosh, you should’ve seen Gabby,” Kiara gushed. “She was sofuriousElijah lost that brawl. She threw her drink against the glass and everything. She let out a scream I thought for sure came from a banshee.”
“She probablyisa banshee. She’s such a wicked witch,” Emma said, and she gave a cackle.
“At least half banshee,” Alexei offered. “Kudos to the crazy man that slept with her mother.”
That got a laugh out of all of us, because Alexei was right. If Gabby was terrible, I bet whoever had raised her was just as big a monster.
