Page 87 of Penalty Zone

Mason was right. Life is unfair.

Earlier, I asked Grayson not to let anyone see me all messed up, but I didn’t realize he’d stop Leo from coming in. By the time Gray went to get him, Leo was gone. The biggest mistake of my life because, from his expression, he thinks I’m giving up on us.

I’m wearing my tiger eye crystal for him so it’s gotta give us some good vibes.

Leo holds up his hand to stop the shooting drill, but I see the puck Mason hit and everything happens in slow motion yet in the blink of an eye.

“Leoooooo,” I scream.

My world crashes to the ice with Leo.

He has to be okay. His larger-than-life frame crumples on the frozen slab.

His aura fades, and I can’t see it.

My heart cracks, bleeding out, regretting every second I’ve been away from him.

The time it takes to reach him feels like I had to skate underwater with weights for a year.

When I get to him, my pads and gloves are in the way and he’s not moving. “Help,” I yell, and see Grayson and Doc barreling toward us.

It can’t end like this.

He has to know I love him, and my stupid reason for leaving him.

Holding back a sob, I see the blood oozing from his mouth and his crooked jaw.

“Leo. Leo, wake up.” I need to tell him how much he means to me. We belong together—I don’t care what anyone thinks.

I’m thankful Doc and Gray kneel on the other side of him. “Pulse is strong,” Doc says.

Leo opens his eyes and reaches for me. “Beebee da,” he mumbles, and the relief shocks my system, allowing air to flow into my lungs.

“Don’t talk, Leo. Your jaw is most likely broken.” Grayson gets the stretcher in position, but Leo tries to wave it away and sit up.

“Don’t fight us, Griffin,” Doc scolds. “You were out cold, and we’re taking you by a stretcher to the ambulance.” We work together, and the EMTs pick him up.

“I’m going with you.” I grab his foot and skate behind them.

“Naanoo,” Leo sputters, unable to get his jaw to work, and more blood spurts out.

I deserve this. I pushed him away, and now he’s rejecting me. Leo snaps his fingers, getting my attention.

His hands make a heart over his chest, and his eyes tell me he loves me.

“Me too. But let me come with you.” My eyes sting, and I do my best to hold my emotions in because the press is here.

Leo makes a sweeping motion with his arms, then crosses his forearms in an X. He wants me to play.

I hear Coach yell, “Griffin, you going with your dad or playing?”

“Umm, I’ll, uh, I’ll play.”

My hand tightens on Leo’s foot.

“I’m going with him. I promise to take care of him for you.” Gray’s steady voice is the only reason I release Leo and do what he asks.

As Leo’s stretcher disappears, my fear turns to rage. I’m a bullet on the ice, intent on destruction. I tackle Mason at full speed. He could’ve killed his father.