Page 30 of Knot Your Pucking Mate
The seat next to me is empty, and I wish Vae were here with me. Her company and commentary would make this a lot more enjoyable. But she’s avoiding the arena at the moment. I can’t say I blame her. That girl has a lot going on, and her step-brothers aren’t making it any easier. Those guys need to wake the hell up—before they lose something special.
The crowd roars, pulling my attention back to the ice as people leap to their feet to watch as the players shuffle from the benches onto the ice. I spot Chase skate out, taking up his position on the ice before he turns, his eyes staring in my direction, searching for something. My heart leaps when I realize he’s searching for me. My face breaks into a smile, and I offer him a wave. He nods in my direction, blowing a kiss before his attention turns to the center of the ice and the face-off that’s about to start the game.
My gaze lands on the bench where Axel is leaning against the boards, chatting animatedly with some of the other guys, his eyes watching his teammates on the ice. He must feel my eyes on him because he turns, his eyes locking with mine instantly. He smiles, and I swear I turn to goo. Thank God I wore my scent-blocking panties on top of scent-blocking spray today. Otherwise, there might be an issue.
I turn back to the ice only to realize the game has started. I follow Chase as he glides across the neutral zone. Yeah, that’sright. Neutral zone. Boards. I’ve learned a lot in the last few weeks. Enough to know that Chase is a defenseman. His primary role is to cover the area near the net and block shots and passes and force the forwards from the opposing team to the corners to limit their scoring opportunities. He said his favorite part is controlling the boards—whatever that means. I’m definitely no expert.
I’m engrossed as I track him across the ice, shifting to Axel when he switches with another player on the fly. The two of them are so smooth, so strong and steady on the ice. I might not understand all the rules, or even why they love such a physically violent game, but right now I feel like I could watch them play forever.
I’m so enchanted, so lost in watching the way my alphas move on the ice that I only realize it’s the first intermission when the players leave the ice.
The opposing team has scored once, and the Scorpions have yet to put a puck in the net. It’s easy to see why people say the team is fractured and at risk of being disbanded. While my guys look great out there, the team isn’t working together. They aren’t only aggressive towards the opposition, but to each other as well.
“It might not seem like it, but tonight has been an improvement in their performance. Maybe not for the entire team, but Axel and Chase are holding their own out there.”
I jump violently, Marilyn’s unexpected voice from the empty chair beside me startling me out of my skin.
“Oh my. I didn’t see you sit down,” I exclaim, bringing my hand to my chest hoping to calm my pounding heart. “You scared me.”
“Sorry, Mandy. That wasn’t my intention. I assume from the fact that you’re here tonight that the boys are taking their role to teach you about our sport seriously?”
“Of course they have,” I reply with a frown. Why would she doubt that? Surely she’s seen the PR around my relationship with the two of them. I’ve heard rumors this is exactly what she intended when she paired me with her players. Nothing softens alpha energy quite like an omega. It gives them someone to nurture, to protect, and satisfies those instincts that otherwise fester and come out in aggressive behavior, or fights for dominance.
“I’d expect nothing less. How are you going with your book?”
“Not too bad. I have moments of true inspiration, and moments of pure distraction.”
“I take it that distraction comes in the form of Axel and Chase.”
“Yes, but it’s a welcome distraction. I’ve been consumed with my writing for so long. It’s nice to feel something real again. I think it helps add more emotion to my story when I write about these kinds of butterfly feelings. It’s more real, I describe it better, because I’m experiencing it.”
Marilyn nods, her eyes focused far off in the distance as though she might remember a time she felt the rush of new romance.
“Cherish those feelings, Mandy. Hold them close. The bond between an alpha and their omega is like nothing else. But it’s not unbreakable. There isn’t always a second chance on the table” She pauses, taking a deep breath and then stands abruptly. I can almost see her walls come down, as though she’s shared too much and regrets it instantly. I wonder briefly what her story is. Who she lost. “I'd better be off. Let me know if you need anything, but I’d say our arrangement is going better than expected so far.”
“Definitely. My pre-orders are the highest they’ve ever been. Thank you, Marilyn.”
“You’re welcome. Talk soon.”
And with that, she’s gone, leaving me a little baffled by our conversation.
It isn’t long before the second period starts, and just like before, I’m drawn to my mates, watching them do their thing and show why they’re both here on this team.
A sudden wave of gratitude washes over me that Chase’s parents forced him to continue with his training and refine his talent. If they hadn’t, would he be here today? Would he have met and packed with Axel?
They certainly could have handled the situation better. So much freaking better. But Chase is right where he’s supposed to be, and we’ve found each other again.
Holding on to the hurt of the past does us no good. It’s time to move forward. To embrace the future.
And damn, it is looking bright.
Axel takes a pass from another player—Silas, maybe? I’ve been trying to study the team—and suddenly he’s charging toward the net. The opposing goalie positions himself as Axel lines himself up to take the shot. Chase is to his left, intercepting another player and leaving the way clear for Axel.
Axel shoots, and he scores just as the period's time is up.
The noise of the crowd is deafening. I’m on my feet with no recollection of how I got there, clapping and cheering like everyone else wearing the scarlet red of the Scented Scorpions. Axel does a quick celebratory lap around the rink, pumping his fist in the air. He slows when he passes me, bringing his fist to his chest instead and beating the spot above his heart twice before blowing me a kiss and driving the arena absolutely wild.
My cheeks flush, my heart going on an absolute rampage in my chest as I blow a kiss back and place my hand over my heart too.
