Excitement and adrenaline coursed through me as I lengthened my stride
 
 and formed a line with my teammates. Sam and Rayne were coming up
 
 behind us, and I really wanted to take Sam out.
 
 Sam wove between two of her blockers, trying to skirt around us, but
 
 Zara and I pushed ahead using our outstretched arms and asses to cut her off.
 
 Cheers rocked the warehouse as one of our blockers grabbed Rayne by
 
 the wrist and slingshotted her around the pack. Free from the chaotic cluster
 
 of jostling and cursing women, she flew forward, her long strides propelling
 
 her ahead.
 
 Sam growled from behind and burst through Zara and me with a laugh,
 
 nearly taking my arm off and causing Zara to lose her footing and swerve
 
 into the pit.
 
 My adrenaline surged, and only one thought filled my mind: Get even.
 
 Biting back the pain, I sped after Sam, hunting for blood. I’d been on the
 
 bench the whole game, and with seconds left to play, this was my only
 
 chance to blow off a little steam.
 
 Sam slowed slightly as she glanced over her shoulder, and I used my
 
 speed to cut the corner and propel myself into her. My hip crashed into hers,
 
 but she stayed upright. She elbowed me in the ribs and shoved me sideways
 
 with a wicked grin just as the ref blew the whistle.
 
 I crashed into the railing beside the rink, and the impact drove the air
 
 from my lungs. My teeth ached, the beds of my fingernails itched, and I was
 
 ready to murder. That, or collapse and moan a bit.
 
 Hands gripped my arms, and I blinked as faces from the crowd flooded
 
 my vision. Then Zara was beside me, cursing at the bystanders and pulling
 
 me back into the rink.
 
 The taste of copper filled my mouth, and I touched my lower lip, wincing
 
 at the sting, my gums throbbing.
 
 “What happened to your mouthguard?” Zara asked, looking at my busted
 
 lip with concern.