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The place is packed, and considering we are so far away from home, I can’t believe just how many of our supporters are in the crowd. The whole place is practically a sea of Dragons’ jerseys.
The crowd roars and chants as they see us coming out of the hallway, and I take it all in. My eyes search the stands and come to a stop on Charli, needing to know exactly where she is. She’s cheering her lungs out, surrounded by a group of the boys’ girlfriends and families.
She’s been to every game I’ve had since the Underground finished, and I must say, she’s become quite a fan of the sport. She hardly knows what she’s talking about, but I love it either way.
Charli blows me a kiss, and I send her a wink, making her cheeks flush red. There’s always been something about the way her cheeks flush that drives me crazy. Even though she’s not shy anymore, a wink from me always sends a flush her way.
We step onto the ice and have a quick warm-up before the referee blows his whistle and gets the game underway. Jaxon is center and takes off with the puck, Bobby keeping right up by him. I do what I can to get the opposition out of his way, but they’re not making it easy. These fuckers are just as fast as we are.
Jaxon scores the first point of the game, and the crowd cheers right along with us.
On and on it goes. Just as Coach predicted, this is the hardest game we’ve ever had to play, but with the adrenaline pumping through our veins and the encouragement we’re getting from the crowd, it’s not that hard to stay ahead.
We’re kicking ass, and the opposition already shows signs of fatigue, but we’re ready and waiting for more. Minute by minute, we continue to prove that we are the mighty Dragons, the Kings of Denver, and the rightful owners of that big-ass trophy.
Half an hour later, we no longer have to prove it.
We are the undefeated, two-time reigning champions, and it feels incredible.
I glance up into the crowd and find my girl staring straight back at me, looking as proud as ever, but I don’t get to look at her long before the boys are celebrating in the center. Looking up, I find Coach Harris has somehow made it over the ice and is been consumed by his rowdy team.
Too quickly, the officials are pulling us in for photos and a presentation of the trophy. Even though it’s been sitting on a big table in its special glass case while we competed all season, it had to come back to receive a new inscription, and will now be heading right back home again.
The boys and I finally make it off the ice, and we rush through our after-game showers, anxious to get back to our families and friends. Jaxon and a few of the other seniors are called back, and I wonder if it’s got something to do with their contracts for the NHL.
I wish them all luck as I make my way out to the ice rink to find Charli. The majority of the crowd has made their way out of the arena, but it’s still pretty damn busy. I find Charli leaning up against a big concrete pillar, staring off into space, and I make my way to her when two people insert themselves right in my path.
“Xander,” my father exclaims as he pulls me into a hug and claps me on the back a few times. “What a great game, son.”
What the fuck?
I can’t help the venomous scowl that crosses my face as I step out of his embrace, shoving him off me. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I ask both my parents.
My father ignores my question. “Glad to see you came to your senses,” he says with a grin, trying to look good for the press scattered around.
“Senses?” I scoff. “You need to come to your senses. This was my last game. As of now, I’m no longer a Dragon. I’m in training for the professional fighting circuit.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he scolds.
“Get fucked,” I scoff before shouldering past him. I don’t have time for his bullshit. I hear my mother’s outrage, but I don’t give them a backward glance. I should have known they would try this shit on for size. Besides, I’ve got better things to do. Like kissing my girl.
Charli is still staring out into space when I reach her, a wide smile across my face. She gasps in shock when I grab her, but quickly realizes it’s me and relaxes into my body. “You were great,” she mumbles, her lips pressed against mine.
“I was pretty fucking good,” I agree.
A beaming smile takes over her whole face. “You’re so full of yourself.”
