Page 73 of Puck & Her Blades

“We can’t just hide in here,” I whisper.

Cygnus hushes me. “We’ll make it worse for Ash, if we don’t. He’s had years of having no choice over anything. I always allow him that, and he wants me to keep you safe. I promised.”

Then the door slams open, and we both flinch.

The scent of burned coffee is overwhelming.

“Don’t move,” Roarke’s voice barks. He sounds as furious as he smells. “What the hell was that on the ice today? Why did you draw attention to the Reject? It wasn’t a sanctioned move by Sydney or any of the other staff. You’re just lucky that it’s pushed up sales and ratings, or I’d be destroying you.”

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“You’re not but you’re going to be. It’s the type of mistake that I’d expect from a rookie — not you.”

“You know me, I’m impulsive. I get hyped up, during a game. I was just messing around and playing a joke with the mascot. The crowds ate it up.”

Roarke growls, and Cygnus shivers.

In the dark, I burrow as close as I can to Cygnus.

If I can’t protect Asher, then at least Cygnus and I can take comfort in each other.

“You’re lucky that I have to be mindful of how much the crowds like your pretty face, or I’d beat that back talk out of you,” Roarke snarls. “You’re confined to your attic room, apart from games and practice, for a month after the Alpha Cup finishes as punishment. Perhaps, that will finally teach you to curb that damn impulsiveness.”

“Yes, sir.”

My eyes burn with tears.

It’s wrong that Asher is being punished because he claimed me.

He must have known that he would be. Yet he did it anyway.

“Now, onto your punishment for the low score in the game,” Roarke says.

There’s the sound of something heavy and wooden clattering onto the bench, and I jump.

Cygnus pulls back from me.

We’re both tense and scared.

Asher is the only player who scored.

I knew that there was bound to be discrimination against the only Beta player. Now that I know he’s a Companion, who Roarke has even greater power over, since Asher has no rights and no one to protect him, I expect that the situation is worse.

But surely, treating your star player like this is abuse?

How can I expose this dark side of hockey?

Because I will free Asher.

“You don’t need to do this,” Asher’s voice is tight with fear. “I swear that I’ll score higher in the next game, coach.”

“Oh, you will. I’m going to provide the motivation. Now, strip and take the position.”

“What’s…?” I whisper.

Cygnus shakes his head, holding my gaze like it’s a lifeline that’s stopping him from drowning.

I don’t look away. We can keep each other strong.

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