Page 164 of Puck & Her Blades

But what if I fall a second time?

What should I do?

Adrenaline surges through me. My palms are sweaty.

Then to my shock, Jackson begins to skate toward me.

Unlike when he’s playing hockey, his movements are elegant.

Thrillingly, even though he’s still dressed in his pads and jersey, he dances on the ice to the music, spinning. There is passion and emotion in every one of his moves.

He looks stunning.

Then he holds out his hand to me.

And — at last — he smiles.

My breath catches.

Jackson’s smile is small but genuine.

I understand now that he’s spent so many years being labeled as bad and violent, needing to remain guarded as he protects those around him, that a smile from him is precious.

Here, even if the spotlights and cameras are aimed at us, it’s meant for me alone.

I don’t think that my heart has ever been this full.

I skate to take Jackson’s hand. He pulls me hard against his chest.

“You’re good,” I praise. We skate slowly together to the music. “So, you’ve been secretly practicing, my Ice King.”

“Only since I first saw you on the ice and wished that I could dance forever in your arms, my Ice Queen,” Jackson murmurs.

When I glance up, I realize that the fans in the stands are dancing and singing along to the song.

Thousands of voices serenade Jackson and me, as we dance together on the ice.

I don’t need to replicate my extreme jumps in the World Championships to inspire hope.

Are my parents watching me now on the television? Can they see that I’m happy?

That I have a new pack?

I hope so.

But I no longer have anything to prove.

Instead, I can dance out of passion and love.

Here, where I’m happiest on the ice, I’m surrounded by my pack and in the arms of my Alpha who I saved — and who saved me.

Finally, I smile and purr.

CHAPTER 22

Snow Bunny House, Washington

One month later…

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