AllFreeNovel
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The fans of the Mississauga Miracles were a loud bunch, but they were rendered silent as Ishir buried the puck in the back of their net for his third goal—and sixteenth point—of the season.
Going out in Canada after a win was always hit or miss—some cities were more feral about their teams than others—but Mississauga was pretty chill. The team ended up in a slightly rundown pool bar, Ishir caving into Nicky’s request to play darts.
Nicky was one of the veterans, a depth guy playing on the third line as a winger. He was from a small town in Russia dominated by a steel factory, where hockey was the lifeblood of the culture. He’d never been a big star, but he was one of those players who rarely got injured, solid both in and out of the playoffs with two Cups to show for it.
“Does Zee want to play?” Nicky asked.
Ishir followed his gaze to where Zee was sitting at a table, watching them. “Nah, he can watch.”
“Yes, watch a lot,” Nicky said with a smirk. “Watch you lose this time.”
“You wish, big guy,” Ishir chirped even though he was, admittedly, pretty fucking bad at darts.
Something which Nicky didn’t let him forget. “Why you stand like that? Come.” Nicky grabbed Ishir’s hips roughly and moved him into position. “Keep this straight. Shoulders straight, yes? Steady. Make line with body.”
“What line?”
“Like this.” Nicky shifted his arm, holding his elbow. “Move only this part. Hand tracing line in the air. Wrist stiff. And then you let go. Try.”
Ishir huffed but did as he was asked. “Oh,” he said as the dart got a lot closer to the target. “Damn, okay, that actually worked.”
Nicky still won the game, obviously, but at least Ishir didn’t embarrass himself completely.
Zee caught him on his way to the bar. “Have fun?”
“Didn’t do too badly, huh?” Ishir grinned.
Zee hummed noncommittally, making Ishir roll his eyes.
“Come on, that was better than normal,” Ishir grumbled, but Zee was still looking pouty and weird. “You want something to drink?” Ishir offered.
“I’ll take another beer.”
Ishir ordered and was about to ask Zee what was wrong with him when someone bumped Ishir from the other side.
“Woops, sorry,” the person said. The scent of Omega wafted off him, as light and pleasant as his smile. “Oh, nice game on the darts.”
Ishir shrugged. “I mean, Ididlose, but I can ignore that fact if you can.”
The guy laughed. “I’ve seen worse losses, believe me. At least you didn’t stab anybody.”
“Oh, shit. That’s actually not too far off my normal level of skill.”
“Well, then. I guess you get the most improved prize.” The Omega winked and, stupidly, Ishir found himself blushing.
He wasn’t attracted to Omegas, sure, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t flattering to be flirted with. “I’ll take it. I’m Ishir, by the way.”
“Stephan. And yeah, I recognise you. Pretty miffed about that goal you got today, but even I can admit it was hot,” he teased.
Ishir was startled into a laugh by Stephan’s boldness but was saved from coming up with an awkward reply as Zee leaned over Ishir.
“Zane. Nice to meet you,” he said, sticking his hand out.
Stephan blinked, visibly surprised, but returned the gesture. “Stephan.”
“Nice to meet you, Stephan. Zam, our drinks are here. Think they want us back at the table.”
Ishir glanced at where most of their teammates were sitting. None of them were looking their way. “Okay? Uh, yeah.” He smiled at the Omega sheepishly. “Nice to meet you.”
