Page 116 of No Pucks

“We can do both, I think.”

THIRTY-SIX

LOGAN

Unfortunately, we make it to the semifinals and have to play the Monsters. If we lose this game, we’re out, since the Frozen Four is single elimination. Whichever team wins this advances to the championship. In the beginning of the season, I didn’t think we’d make it here.

“I bet he has a massive dick, doesn’t he?” Savage says, leaning over to me while we’re watching films before the game.

I laugh. I’ve gotten used to comments like that, and I’m not mad. “I’m not telling you how nice my boyfriend’s dick is.”

“You gave it away right there, bro.”

I wink and then laugh. “What makes you ask? I didn’t know you liked cock.”

He lifts his shoulders noncommittally. “I don’t know. I haven’t really had time to think about it.”

“I feel you there. If he wasn’t with us most of the time, I don’t think I’d have time either.” I return my gaze from where Anthony is passionately gesturing at the screen. He has been drilling this stuff into our head for days. “I wish he’d just let us do our own thing.”

“Heisgoing a little hard on it. But considering it’s your dad’s team, who can blame him?” Savage makes a good point.

“I just want to get on the ice.” I’m itching for it. I’ve rediscovered my love of hockey this season. I’ve always liked it and used it to cope, but this is different. I’m even looking forward to this game.

We head to the locker room to get changed for warm-ups, only to be met with what looks like the entire Monsters team. They shouldn’t be over here.

Wolfe pushes to the front, dominating just by sheer size. “What are you guys doing? You looking for a beating before the game?”

Archangel elbows up alongside him, his arms crossed.

Their captain, Barlowe, steps up to go head to head with Wolfe. “No, nothing like that, guys. We don’t like you and we never will. That’s just how it is. We just hate Coach Cox more.”

I balk and speak without thinking. “What?”

“Your dad is a jackass. I know all Monsters have to hate all Gods and vice versa, but your dad takes it to an unhealthy level.” Barlowe’s attention flicks over to me.

“And he’s a fucking awful coach,” another kid says.

“I’m not surprised,” I mutter.

“So? What is this about? You hate him. Take that to your school or, I don’t know, whatever you want to do. Why come over here before the game?” Wolfe asks.

Barlowe exhales, holding out a folder I didn’t realize he had. “Your dad not only has been sleeping with college age puck bunnies, which is bad but probably won’t get him fired, but one of them is my fucking sister.”

We all grimace.

I know my dad is a douche bag, but this is a whole new level. One of his own player’s sister?

Fuck, that is low.

“And why bring this to us?” Wolfe asks. “Is your admin not listening?”

Since our school isn’t doing anything about Anthony, I feel sick to my stomach. I’m not sure how comfortable the team will be saying shit, considering what they know. Panic chokes my throat, and I’m glad Wolfe is doing the talking.

“They don’t give a fuck. They want to win, and they think he’s the best shot at that. Still, they don’t even care he’s been pushing banned substances, so that’s where you come in.” Barlowe’s words erupt like a cannon, and the entire team is gaping again. “He’s been encouraging the team to blood dope, and I have all the proof.”

“Fuck,” Wolfe spits. “That is fucked up.”

“We know they’re going to try and hide it,” Barlowe sneers. “But I’m going to bury this motherfucker, and I figured if the people who hate him most know, it’s only going to help me.”

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