Page 109 of Rule Breaker

We hold on to our lead. For that period. For the second.

By the time intermission is done, and the third period starts, we’re rehydrated and ready to lock this thing down.

Maddox and I were true to our word. Out here, we’re teammates. That’s it. He’s his usual grumpy self, scowling at everyone during the break, and I’m joking around to ease the tension. The only time I go near him is right before we’re set to play. I skated around his net, tapped the bar twice, and headed back to my position.

Langston’s also benefited from a break, and they came at us hard during the third period. But Maddox blocked severalattempts on goal, holding steady. He looked like he was ready to play for hours.

The minutes counted down, and the atmosphere in the rink’s completely electric.

I was sitting in the box when the final minute hit and I knew, I fucking knew, that we had this locked down. I was so proud of Maddox, and our team, that my emotions swelled up like a rising tide. It was the first time all game that I let myself go there.

We didn’t score again. But Langston didn’t score at all.

The buzzer sounded off and with it, the reality that we beat the top college team in the country. The game was over, but for the Sutton Cougars, the party’s just beginning.

Maddox

My teammates flooded the ice, jumping around like they were part of a massive mosh pit, yelling, waving, celebrating. But I didn’t hear any of it. I was still soaking up the reality that we’d won.

When I looked up at the crowd, I spotted Daniel and waved at him. It meant more to me than I’d ever admit seeing him standing there, cheering me on. He was on his feet, clapping and smiling at me, like any proud parent would. I looked around the venue, finally taking a moment to appreciate the scene, the fans, the moment…

Then, my heart nearly stopped when I saw a man in the crowd who looked eerily similar to my father. What the fuck? I dropped my stick, my legs numb, my pulse racing. I reached for my net to stay upright. I blinked and no, it was a stranger. Of course, it was.

He’s dead. He’s gone.

Normally, I coveted my mask. My protection. Now I wrenched it off so I could fucking breathe. I took a huge gulpof cold air, in and then out, slowly, until my nerves calmed. Shaking off that weird reaction, I skated toward center ice.

We’d won. We’d fucking done it.

I didn’t want to get crammed in with my teammates, but I still wanted to congratulate everyone. Upsetting Langston College was a huge win for us.

Kayden spotted me, skated over, and took hold of my arm, pulling me in for a hug. I was shaking hard. We clutched tightly for a moment, and then I let go and waved at the rest of the team. It was as close to a smile and a handshake as they were gonna get…

After basking in the thrill of our win, we cooled down, showered and changed. A team dinner was happening, and for once, I didn’t crab about it. Not out loud, at any rate.

I slipped on my jacket when I heard a telltale buzz. When I reached for my phone, I saw the text from Daniel.

“Daniel’s waiting outside,” I said to Kayden, who was still getting dressed. “Join me when you’re ready?

“Sounds good.”

I headed for the hallway, and spotted Daniel standing at the far end. He wore a massive puffer coat and a beanie—or, as we Canadians call it, a tuque—looking like your typical hockey dad. When I finally reached him, he didn’t move to touch me. He knew me.

Pushing aside my fear, I reached over and hugged him. After all, I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for his help. He patted my back gently, and when I stood back, his expression was as shocked as mine.

What the fuck did I do? Who am I right now?

“I’m so damn proud of you,” he stated. “You were awesome out there. All of you.”

“Thanks,” I whispered, not comfortable with praise but not wanting to be a dick to one of my only friends. Courage on the icewas easy for me, but outside of it? I’d be working on it for a long while. “Join me and the rest of the team for dinner? I’m sure Coach Banning would love to talk shop with you.”

“That’d be great. By the way?—”

Daniel’s question was interrupted by Kayden’s sudden appearance.

“Hey, I’m Kayden Melnyk. And you must be Daniel Toth. It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”

Kayden held out his massive hand and Daniel’s got swallowed up by it. My former coach and foster dad looked at me and then back up at Kayden. Way up.

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