Page 168 of Top Shelf

My stomach has been in knots since puck drop. Not just because it’s the biggest game of the season, but because somehow, against all odds, the universe has decided to make me choose.

My current team versus my old team.

My boyfriends versus my best friend.

The Kings versus the Steelhawks.

Every time the Steelhawks score, guilt twists in my chest because Dylan is out there fighting for her season. Every time the Kings generate a scoring chance, my pulse spikes because three people I love are chasing the same dream.

It’s impossible.

I want everyone to win.

Unfortunately, hockey doesn’t work that way.

The buzzer blares, practically making me jump. I’ve chewed my nails down to the quick already, and my fingers make their way back to my mouth as players begin skating back onto the ice for the start of the second period.

I find Ronan immediately. Then Silas, and finally Lucian.

A familiar smile tugs at my lips despite the tension.

The three of them always stand out. Ronan looks calm and composed, talking strategy with a defenseman beside him. Silas is already focused, visor lowered, attention fixed on center ice.

Lucian—

My smile falters.

Something’s wrong.

My gaze runs over him, noting the tightness of his shoulders beneath his jersey, the way his eye is twitching, the snarl curling his lips.

Something isverywrong.

His focus is fixed on something across the ice, and following his line of sight, I find Isaac. The two of them have never gotten along, and I know the rivalry between them has only gotten worse this season. Still, the way Lucian is looking at him sends a chill down my spine.

When the puck drops, I’m even more anxious than before. Rightly so. All hell immediately breaks loose. It happens so fastI almost miss it. Isaac gains possession along the boards, and instead of supporting him, Lucian turns and drives straight through him, the collision enough to shake the glass.

The crowd erupts. Those who are here for the violence cheer him on. Those who are here for the game are as confused as I am. Teammate going after teammate is practically unheard of, especially in a championship game.

Isaac slams into the boards and stays down for a second. It’s only a second, but it’s enough for the entire arena to notice.

The referee skates in immediately, shoving Lucian back.

Isaac gets to his feet, glaring. Lucian says something. Whatever it is, Isaac’s face darkens instantly. The referee separates them with a word of warning before either can react. For a moment, I think that’s the end of it, but the back of my neck prickles with the spidy-sense that this is far from over.

“What the hell is going on?” I mutter to no one in particular. Everyone around me is as enraptured with the showdown on the ice as I am.

Play continues. The Steelhawks clear the zone, and Isaac jumps back into the rush. Lucian follows, but he’s not interested in the play. He’s chasing Isaac across the ice like a fox after a rabbit.

Thirty seconds later, he drives Isaac into the boards again. Harder this time.

The referee blows the whistle while making his way toward them. Lucian doesn’t pay him any attention as he shoves Isaac with enough force that Isaac’s head snaps back.

Isaac immediately shoves him back.

Words are exchanged, sharp, fast, and angry.

As their fight devolves into thrown fists, linemen rush between them.