Page 14 of Their Obsession

“Then let’s get out of here.” I push myself up in an attempt to fully stand.

Karmine is on one side and another one of the trainers I don’t know as well is on the other. I swing my arms over their shoulders and let them help me to my feet. I hiss in pain as I suck in a sharp breath the moment my left leg hits the ice.

“You’re good, man. We got you,” Karmine says as he gives me a reassuring nod.

Slow claps start echoing through the stadium as I skate on one leg, mostly pulled by the men at my sides really, off the ice. I can feel Lilly’s nervous energy wrapping around me as I’m hustled off the ice and through the tunnel. Back in the comfort of the trainer’s room, I attempt to hop up on the table. Blinding pain shoots from my knee and I double over in agony. A tight groan rumbles from my chest as I fight the urge to cry out.

“It’s going to be okay,” Lilly’s sweet voice whispers against my ear as she wraps her arms protectively around me.

I got this. I’m going to be fine. For my girl.My Sunshine.

“He’s gotta’ go for an MRI, Doc.” Karmine’s voice is hushed, worried.

“I’ll be fine,” I mumble as I lift myself back up.

Lilly’s hand falls from behind my back to give me space. But I don’t let her pull away. Grabbing her hand, I slip my fingers into hers and bring her hand to my mouth. Placing a soft kiss against her delicate skin, I smirk when her eyes widen at my sudden public display of affection. She tries to pull her hand away but I hold firm. She’s finally within my grasp, and I’m not letting her slip away.

“Nope,” Karmine argues, interrupting our moment. “The car’s already here. You’re off to the hospital for an examination, Kolgrim.”

Bringing my free hand up and looping it behind Lilly’s neck, I pull her to me, so close our breaths become mingled. She lets out a surprised little gasp that causes my cock to twitch. “Wait here for me?” I whisper against her plump, pink lips.

A lock of strawberry-blonde hair has fallen across her face, and I’m consumed with the need to run my fingers along her silky strands, breathing in the scent of her floral shampoo, and never letting her go. She’s spring — rain and flowers and everything bright and light. But Karmine’s right, the pain in my knee is getting worse, not better. Her verdant eyes scan my face, a thin line forming between her furrowed brows.

“Will you wait for me?” I repeat.

Her pause seems to stretch on for an eternity before she finally gives in, leaning her forehead against mine and whispering, “Yes, of course. I’ll be right here when you get back.” She sounds like she’s holding back tears.

Letting the trainers help me slip my skates off and my slides on to my feet, I hold her hand the entire time, unwilling to let her go until I have to. She’s the brightness in my life, and I will cling to my Sunshine for as long as I can. With caution, I slip from the table and allow some of the training team to assist me to the door. With a final glance back to my girl, I give her a reassuringnod.

“I’ll be right back to you,” I tell her before heading through the door to the waiting car.

The locker room is silent this late at night. I’m used to the loud clamoring of a locker room full of sweaty, testosterone driven men. An empty locker room is almost unsettling. It could be that it’s so late at night too. I’m just here to change quickly and grab my things.

It took hours to get all the imaging results back and triple checked. MRIs, x-rays, and physical exams all confirmed what I already knew—I’ll be fine. I was lucky. No tears, no breaks, just a bad strain. Had I not spun slightly at the last moment, things might have been very different. It was as if Volkkon was trying to take me out completely. I still have no idea what that asshole’s problem with me might be. I’ve been thinking about it all night while waiting for test results and I don’t think I’ve ever interacted with him at all.

I’ve been texting with Lilly the entire time, keeping her up to date. My inner alpha male growls in viscous delight knowing my girl was so concerned for me. I made a decision when I came to on the ice and saw her above me—I’m going after what I want.

Screw taking it slow.

“Noah,” a clipped voice comes from behind me. I jump and spin, the brace around my knee slowing me slightly.

Behind me is our GM, Clint Whitson. He essentially oversees and runs the team. I haven’t talked to him one on one much, besides a few brief conversations. Honestly, the man intimidates me. He’s all power suits and paperwork.

“Mr. Whitson,” I say hesitantly, wondering why he’s corneringme in the deserted locker room late at night.

“I heard your knee will be alright?” he asks with a quick glance down at the injury in question.

“Uh, yeah,” I mumble while running a hand through my dirty blonde hair. “I am limited at practice for a few days but should be good to go by the next game.”

He nods but doesn’t say anything. The silence stretches between us for several minutes before he finally talks again. “Coach Karr thinks something needs to change with the team if we’re going to be competitive in the playoffs this year.”

I don’t know what to say. A lump forms in my throat and discomfort rolls through my stomach. I don’t really know what he’s saying but it doesn’t sound good.

“Sir?”

“Look, you’re a good kid, Kolgrim. But we need a star. We don’t just want to win some games. We want to dominate this league. Mindset of a champion. We want tobethe champions. We want to fucking crush the other teams. We drafted you to be a game changer. It’s now or never, kid. Can you step up? Are you ready to take what you want and not let anything get in your way?” His cold stare bores into me as he speaks, the intensity near hypnotizing.

I get what he’s saying though. Winners are lucky, champions are relentless. And I want to be a champion.

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