Page 347 of Hate Mates

Sanders was always next. He was my right wing and, unfortunately, Adam was my left. As center, we should have a good relationship, but he simply did not want to follow the rules. I got on just fine with everyone else but Adam.

“Rickman.” Sanders calls out behind me, skating closer and taking position in front of me as we stretch.

“Sup.” I nod to him.

Sanders looks around, showing off his buzzed cut black hair before he slips his helmet on. “Heard Andrews was going to make it his mission to make you snap in front of coach today.”

Andrews. As inAdam Andrews. Cliche fucking name.

I huff out a laugh. “I’d like to see him try.”

“Don’t worry, man. I’ve got you,” Sanders assures me.

“Alright, ladies! Three on three fast play,” Coach barks.

I skate over to the side to line up and notice Adam across from me. I smirk. Let the games begin.

***

My helmet smashes into Adam’s.

“Bet your little adopted sister will look so fucking good wrapped around my cock.”

I push his chest to get him off me, gritting my teeth and throwing my stick down. He’s been on me all practice. Taunting me and pushing me to my fucking limit.

A strong hand on my shoulder gives me pause as I turn to see Sanders shaking his head slightly at me. If it wasn't for him, Adam would have met my wrath thirty minutes ago.

The whistle blows as I grab my stick. “Hit the showers, ladies. Great practice today!”

I’m the last one to skate off the ice and hit the showers. I towel dry my hair after hitting the shower. Slipping my sweats on and a plain t-shirt before pushing my socked feet into my shoes. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I head out of the locker room, running into Sanders who seems to be waiting for me.

He nods, pushing off the wall and stepping up beside me as I make my way out. “Wanna head to After Hours?” He runs his ebony hand over his short hair.

The name rang a bell. “Is that the sports bar?”

He smiles, nodding. “Yeah, you’ve been there.”

I shake my head, “No, my adopted mother worked there when she went to school.”

Sanders snaps his fingers. “That’s right, you’re Desmond Rickman’s adopted son.” He laughs. “Fuck, I wish a hockey legend would have adopted me.”

And I’d trade it all to have my mom back.

But I don’t voice that vulnerable shit. I tuck it and the ball in my throat deep inside me, hoping to drown the useless emotions. All emotions have ever gotten me is hurt.

“Yeah, it was cool.” I shrug. Not a lie, at least.

We round the corner and the neon sign hovers not too far ahead, but that’s not what halts my steps, it’s my little moth and Adam’s lips so close together all I can see is red.

My steps pick up and I vaguely hear Sanders yelling from behind me, but I’m too far gone.

Ana’s eyes widen when she sees me. My hand grips Adam’s shoulder and I jerk him back, causing him to fall on his ass at my feet. He better get used to that fucking seat. Bending, I grab my moth by the waist and toss her small frame over my shoulder.

“What the heck, Trenton.” Her small fist pounds on my back. “Put me down.” I ignore her and my two teammates that are yelling behind me.

“Listen to me closely, Little Moth. I’m five seconds away from murdering the both of you.” Her body goes slack on my shoulder. I hold my hand up, setting her down but gripping her by the back of the neck waiting until a taxi slows and stops for us. Opening the door, I throw her ass in the back seat. Climbing in beside her, I look over to her, her lips parted and I shake my head in warning, barking orders to the driver.

The ride feels like forever, but I don’t calm down in that time. If anything, I turn lethal. She almost gave away one of her firsts. What’s mine. My hands shake as I wrap one around her, pulling her out and through the lobby. For some reason I don’t release my hold until we’re both in the penthouse. She backs away from me, lighting up my predator instincts.

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