Page 20 of Treacherous
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.
Despite the muscle aches, my body is riddled with excitement. This season is going to be special. Lakewood has been inchesaway from the Frozen Four for years and our experience will come in handy during high-pressure situations.
Willow joining the team has lifted everybody’s spirits, including my own. Belief and determination have taken over the team, all of us working even harder than usual.
Our sessions on the ice are improving every time and last Tuesday highlighted Willow’s skills will be a great addition to the team. I sit up, watching my teammates who are finishing the final sets of their training program.
Vibrations against my wrist force my attention away. Fuck. My class begins in an hour and I am woefully unprepared. Luckily, the Hockey House is a short drive from Active Hour–Lakewood University’s gym. After wiping down my station and collecting my belongings, I head home.
Sprinting inside the house, I pack my backpack in record time. My eyes continue to flick between my watch and the task I’m trying to complete. If there is one thing I hate, it is being late. It propels me another step toward losing control, beginning with the anxious pit that forms in my stomach.
My class is an elective,Race, Gender & Sports. I’m praying it has more interesting topics than my other business subjects that the moment. I swear I could fall asleep in some lectures.
