Page 47 of Puck'N Enemy
“I will,” I tell him, my voice low but firm. “I’ll protect him from Pete and anyone who tries to rip us apart again.”
Coach studies me for a moment and then, smiles. “Good. I won’t have to worry too much about the kid, then.”
I drain my coffee mug and push my chair back. “I’ll see you around, Coach.”
He waves a hand as I get up and walk out of the kitchen.
Bright sunshine pours down on me as I walk out of the apartment moments later. The dark clouds of uncertainty have finally cleared from my mind, making me inhale the cold, fresh air deeply.
Dylan was finally back in my life and this time, I’ll make sure he stays by my side.
Just as I’m stepping off the curb, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Bringing it out, I see that it’s Mitchikov.
“Hey, pal,” I say, picking up the call.
“Dude, where are you?” Mitchikov asks in a breathless voice. The sound of weights clanking in the background tells me he’s in the gym. “Training session started half an hour ago.”
I glance up as a bus comes to a stop, its engine hissing. “Yeah. I’m not coming today.”
There’s a pause. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s fine. I just need to handle some personal stuff.” I rub the back of my neck, wondering if I should come clean about where I am. He’s the one who gave me Dylan’s address, after all.
“Oh,” he mutters. “When will we see you, then?”
“I’ll see you guys for practice this evening,” I tell him.
“You'd better. We’ve got scouts watching us this week.”
“I know,” I mutter, my eyes locking on the bus as the doors open.
I hang up before he can ask me anything further and hop into the bus. Taking a seat, I watch the streets pass by.
The bus is headed toward Silverlake University’s campus. The need to see Dylan again has become so unbearable, I can’t think of anything else.
Since I can’t get him out of my head, I decide to go after him.
It’s a quick ride to Silverlake’s campus. I step out of the bus along with a group of loud, bustling students and follow them to the tall gates.
Even though it’s early in the morning, the campus is alive with the buzz of students. I pull my hood low over my face, making sure no one recognizes me.
Just like Knightswood University, people at Silverlake University are passionate about hockey. I don’t want to risk being recognized and inviting trouble before I can find Dylan.
Walking around, I realize the grounds and the quads are bigger and more impressive than Knightswood U’s campus. There are also lots of security guards posted at every corner, making sure the students are safe.
A sliver of relief spreads through me.
There’s no way Pete Volkov would risk sending his men here. As long as Dylan spends most of his day on campus, he’ll be safe.
Well done, kid, I silently think.
Dylan must be exceptionally talented to score a place among the Silver Bears. It’s almost too bad he’s not looking forward to being drafted, but to train as a coach.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly come to a halt.
In the far distance, I spot a group of guys in practice hoodies with the Bear crest stitched across the back. There’sSawchuk, the Bear’s goalie, and right beside him is Brown, a forward.
And then, I see him.
