Page 30 of Break the Ice
“Why would I be modest when I can be confident?” He tips his chin, the freckle on his cheek popping. “What do you think, Lucky?”
Elijah rolls his eyes.
“Lucky?”
“I think you should watch every game. You’re clearly a lucky charm.”
“Don’t listen to him, he sweet talks all the girls,” Elijah says, sliding onto the next stool.
“And guys,” Jayden adds with a boyish smirk, “I don’t discriminate between chromosomes.”
Even with a seat between them, their shoulders almost touch when they swivel—gravity tugging them in. The sight makes my chest buoyant.
Jayden palms a handful of blueberries and tosses them back. “What am I doing? Give me a job. Anything. I’m pretty good in the kitchen.”
“He’s great at everything,” Elijah says, heading for the fridge and returning with a bottle of bright purple smoothie.
“Aww, thanks, partner.” Jayden’s grin falters as he leans away and gulps. “How do you still drink that crap? I’ve regurgitated vomit that tasted better.”
“Of course, your vomit is like the greatest ever,” Elijah replies, deadpan.
“Well, duh, it’s mine.”
It hits me all at once how normal this feels. As though I’ve stepped into a life already in motion and found my place without thinking. Cooking for them, listening to the banter, catching Elijah’s soft laugh and Jayden’s steady spark.
A week ago, I was sure I’d never see Elijah again. Now I’m here, and for the first time in forever,I feel like I belong.
CHAPTER 9
ELIJAH
Unknown
He who walks away from the Light walks naked through the teeth of wolves. His name is swallowed by ash. The Light does not forget what was carved from its fire. It does not forgive what turns from its flame. Return before the Hounds are sent. For no lamb strays long without teeth finding flesh.
Another message. Another number blocked. Another reason why I can’t let Finley out of my sight.
The last three days have been unbearable. Being on the road when she’s all alone at home. Even with Christina around, Finley’s by herself most of the day.
“What in the fuck are you doing, Sylkes?” Hillier yells across the ice.
We’re halfway through our morning skate, and with two near losses, I know I need to focus on the game tonight. Except I can’t. Because all that’s going through my mind is Finley back home and the messages that keep coming.
“What’s going on, man?” Jayden leans over the boards. Eyes narrowed on the bench where I put my phone face down. “You’re distracted and?—”
“I’m fine.”
“Didn’t say you’re not fine. I said you’re distracted, and we need to fix that before the season gets fucked.”
“Can we not have a wives’ meeting right now?” Hillier snaps, slapping Jayden’s ass with his stick. “Get fucking moving, assholes!”
“You heard the man,” Jayden remarks, pushing off the boards with his stick.
I follow him onto the ice, and for the rest of the skate I try to ignore all the veiled threats The Fellowship have been hounding me with.
It’s not until we’re back on the bus back to the hotel, that Jayden asks, “Why won’t you tell me what’s going on? Ever since the game against The Wolves you’ve been absent. I get that you’re loved up and?—”
“Stop, JJ.”
