Page 2 of I Blame the Rival

He runs a hand over the slaughtered tiger, the darkness of its blood and mutilated organs bringing out the metallic colour of the blade slicing it right down the middle.

“That’s fucking horrifying.” Walsh, another forward player, bends over Vector’s shoulder to get a closer look, “You drew this?”

He glances my way and I give him a short nod.

“Damn. Your little bro’s got talent.” He slaps Vector on the back and gives me a toothy smile, “I’ll hit you up the next time I want a violent piece done, yeah?”

My shoulders tense and I quickly look away.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter that I don’t use my physical strength to hurt people. My temper is just as unhinged as my brother’s, the only difference is I direct mine to the ink on a page. I don’t hurt people, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t escape the monster inside me. The rage that controlled my father now controls my brother, and I’m terrified that one day it will control me too.

“I can’t wait to see the Tigers’ faces when they see it.” Vector passes my poster back and I take it with a dry throat.

“I didn’t draw it for them. I did it for you.”

“And now they get the chance to admire your artistry. It’s a win win.” Pulling me in for a quick hug, he whispers in my ear, “Hold it up high so I can see it from the field. Might help keep me under control.”

I know exactly what he’s doing, so I don’t respond when he releases me. Heart burning with broken shards, I turn and head back towards the exit door without another word.

I push through the door and almost make it outside when a black and orange jersey crashes into me. I stumble sideways and a muscular arm quickly reaches out to steady me.

“Sorry about that, my head is all over the place this morning. Should have checked where I was going.”

A concerned look takes over the guy’s face, his blonde fauxhawk giving him an inch or two over me, “Are you okay?”

I stare back at the Tiger’s team captain, wishing I could tell him to run before my brother is unleashed on his team.

“I’m okay.”

“Good. Wouldn’t want the Sabers losing any fans before the game starts.” Cody glances at my team hoodie and casts a smile at me.

He has a kind smile. One that doesn’t have menace or violence behind it.

“Yeah.”

He gives me one last smile before disappearing through the door I just came out of. I stare after him, hoping with all my heart that I was wrong.

Today will be a good day.

Vector doesn’t hit the field until halftime. It had been a close game with the Tigers one point ahead, but the excitement I was feeling cheering on the Sabers quickly turns into dread when I see my brother walk towards the front line.

He casts a glance at the crowd, and I know when he sees me – or rather, the poster I made him – because he gives me a grin that does nothing except increase my nerves. I watch the next few plays with eagle eyes, wincing when Vector makes an aggressive cross check, but his temper remains in check, and he leaves the poor guy alone.

Just like he promised.

Relief hits my chest when I see the uninjured Tiger player get pulled off the ground by Cody, the captain I bumped into earlier, and a dark-haired rookie. The defenseman shoves them off with a laugh and walks back to his starting position.

And that’s when it goes to shit.

The bleachers are too loud for me to hear what’s being said between the teams lined up on the field, but I can tell something is wrong. Vector yanks his helmet down over his face and staggers back to his position. The ref blows his whistle, and the players take off, my brother’s fumbling movements making me drop my poster and scream.

“VECTOR NO!”

His graceful athleticism is long gone when he goes charging towards the rookie running for the ball. I squeeze my eyes shut, knowing Vector isn’t thinking about stealing the ball right now.

He’s out for blood.

The crowd gasps as the ref blows his whistle again, and I peel my eyes open, forcing myself to look at the damage my brother left behind. The breath gets knocked out of my lungs when I register it isn’t the rookie lying unconscious on the ground.

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