Page 119 of Treacherous
Eventually, sweat is dripping from me, my breathing is ragged. Willow seems to be in a similar situation.
“Time,” I say, skating past her and toward the bench.
Willow doesn’t follow me, so I pick her water bottle from her bag and bring it back. She looks between the bottle and my face, her brows raising.
“We’ve been at this for thirty minutes. We are having a break.”
“Fine.” She snatches the bottle, and my eyes lock onto her throat as she guzzles the water.
“Your shots are looking great.”
Willow eyes me, distrust lingering in them. “You’re full of compliments today.”
“We may disagree off the ice, but I don’t like to take shit onto it. It fucks with the rest of the team.”
She sighs, her chest deflating. “Okay. In that case, thanks, I appreciate it. I’ve been working on my shots since I knew I wouldn’t get a full preseason in.”
“Good. It’s paying off. I’m not sure what Coach will be thinking position-wise, but I think you’re a great chance to be second line, even first, depending on the next couple weeks.”
Willow’s eyes bulge. “What? Are you serious? But I–”
“–Just arrived. That doesn’t matter. If you work hard and pose as a better match up against our opponent, you’ll be in.”
The smile that forms on her lips is brighter than the fucking sun. I’ve never seen anyone more excited than to hear they are potentially starting a hockey game.
I glance over to the others, who look to be working on defensive drills. “Come on, let’s join the rest of the team.”
***
“Huddle up,” I say, after practice finishes. Everyone finishes their drills and skates toward centre ice. All the players form a circle, leaving an open space for Coach West and Harris.
West nods at me, signalling to me that I’m talking first.
“I’m happy with everyone’s intensity and development during the session. There is only a few more weeks until we take the ice, some of us for our last college season and some for their last hockey season. Last year, we were so fucking close to the trophy, but we were beaten by a better team. That isn’t happening this season.”
Everyone nods, determination settling onto their faces.
“With Rogers joining us this season, it is crucial we continue to work on integrating her into our plays. All of us bring something different to the team and she is no different.”
I glance around, briefly flicking my eyes over Willow’s face. There is a hint of a smile, but I don’t dwell on it.
“Anything to add, Coach?”
West shakes his head. “No, I think you’ve covered it.” He pauses, gaze moving over all of us. “This is our season. As Jayden said, for some of you, your careers in hockey are only beginning. But those of you who aren’t pursuing the sport, I can’t think of a better send off than winning the Frozen Four.”
Our cheers consume the arena, and the smiles are contagious. The Lakewood Hawks are winning this season, and as the captain, it is my responsibility to lead us there.
And if there is one thing I love, it is a fucking challenge.
Chapter 7
Jayden Allen
My muscles burn, dull aches forming in my shoulders but I relish in the pain.
My motto during gym sessions is: if it doesn’t hurt, you haven’t worked hard enough. Talent won’t take you far in the world, which is something I learnt in my teen years.
I finish my final rep on the bench press, lowering the bar to rest on the rack. Unlike usual, September didn’t drag on, passing in the blind of an eye. Today is our last strength and conditioning session of the preseason, with our first game on Saturday.
