Page 66 of Monstrous Serpent

“Atlas.”

I give a curt nod, and Hunter releases me. My mouth opens, though nothing comes out, which is honestly a first because I always have something to say. Always. Even when it's stupid.

Especially when it's stupid.

I shake my head and make my way to where both teams are already lining up. After a few feet, I glance over my shoulder.

Hunter’s skating off the ice. He just left without shaking hands.

My feet stop, throat tightening, and I watch him disappear.

The last time Hunter hid something from me, we both almost didn't make it out of those woods.

Chapter 18

Hunter

The arena doors hiss shut behind me. I keep walking, cutting across the pavement toward the oak at the edge of the lot.

He’s standing near it, hands in the pockets of a faded green jacket, ball cap pulled low. Waiting. He wanted me to find him.

My fists ball tighter.

Someone says my name. Then something about a good game.

I don’t look over. Don’t care.

Ten feet.

He raises a hand, giving a single wave, offering a weak smile.

A growl grinds up my throat as my eyes scan his waistband, followed by the parking lot behind him. The area to his left next, then his right.

He came alone. Maybe.

I stop three feet away. “Garrett.”

“Hunt.” He extends his hand.

I don’t take it. “You don’t belong here.”

Garrett pulls his hand back and tucks it into his pocket. “Well, hello to you too, little brother.”

My gaze cuts past him to the parking lot again. Cars are lined up in uneven rows under the lights. A blue sedan. White pickup. Two black SUVs. No red Prius with a 906 sticker.

I look back at him. “How the fuck did you find me?”

“Video popped up on social media.” Garrett shifts his weight, hands staying buried in his jacket pockets. “Glad you’re still playing.”

My fingers flex at my sides. “So you just show up?”

“What did you want me to do, Hunt? Call you?” He scoffs. “I don’t have your number. But would you have picked up if I did?”

“No.”

Garrett shifts his feet. “Yeah. Figured.”

I stare at him.