Chapter 16
CAELIA
I’m having a hard time remembering to take photos because this game is so freaking close. Instead, I have my video camera up on a stand and recording so that I can go through it later to pull still images from it.
We do what we can, right?
The score is currently tied, and they’re playing fiercely. There’s not much time on the clock, and I’m chewing nervously on the inside of my lip. I’m pretty sure we’re going to go into overtime.
Another fight breaks out in front of me, and I lean back as the players pummel each other. I can’t tell who they are, but blood flies as they beat the fuck out of each other. Dad yells for someone to pull them apart, and adrenaline fills my veins as I shake.
My anxiety is so much better than it has been before, but I only have four more heat pills left.
That’s not so great, which means I may need to talk to the guys about this.
They promised a heat wouldn’t be as imbalanced in power as I’ve built it up in my mind.
Maybe I need to stop reading so many articles about it.
The experiences are all told anonymously, yet few are actually positive.
Except, Miles didn’t push for more. Things were really nice, and the alpha can use his tongue in ways I’ve never imagined.
“Cae, are you good?”
My gaze jerks up to see my Dad looking at me worried, and I realize he’s making sure I’m okay after watching the fight.
“I’m good!” I say, giving him a smile.
My father gives me a grin and looks back at the game, happy that I’m not freaking out. I haven’t run into anyone yet from his old team except for Miles. I looked them all up the other day because knowledge is power, and found that the Dragons will be playing against them in a few weeks.
After this game, we have a week off, which means I can take a breather to figure out my life.
Levon is checked against the boards as Troy scoops the puck away from him on his blade, and I lean forward as he begins to skate in the opposite direction that Levon was going.
My fingers curl into my jeans as I turn my video camera toward the action, standing finally so I can both watch and check my footage.
“Holy shit,” I breathe, wondering if Troy is going to sink this puck into the goalie’s net.
I can’t choose who I want to win, so I’m simply living in the moment. The puck is smoothly passed back and forth, avoiding the Scorpion’s defense line despite how hard they’re trying.
My dad is watching intently, knowing that he’s done everything he can to prepare his team. It’s all on them now, all he can do is bear witness to the next few moments.
I barely breathe as Troy gets the puck again. He was lagging badly in practice, but something seems to have changed. He’s intently focused on the game. I wonder vaguely if he’s patched things up with his wife and pack before pushing it from my mind.
It’s none of my damn business.
He circles around the net, looking for a chance to shoot, and my heart is in my throat as I watch as he takes a slap shot. The goalie tries to block it, and almost does. It flips over his glove, and slides into the net, making my jaw drop.
“Fuck,” I whisper, grabbing my phone. Pulling up the camera, I continually shoot as Troy realizes that he made it and every Dragon screams in celebration.
Grinning, I ignore the tears that slide down my face. I’m happy for him. If anyone deserves to hit the winning shot, it’s him. The buzzer screams, and I pan across the stands to catch the celebrating fans.
Dad picks me up as I squeal in surprise, squeezing me hard before he puts me back down. There’s a stampede of excitement from players, and I laugh as I squeeze into a corner so I’m not squished.
“Caelia!” Rían yells behind me. Wiping away the rest of my tears, I turn off the video camera and stand on the bench.
“One second!” I call out, balancing on the balls of my feet as I take a photo of the players celebrating with Dad.
It’s time for me to go. Grabbing my things, I find my way into the stands, twisting to wave at my dad so he knows I’m leaving. He lifts his hand, and the stares of the players follow me.
“Running off?” one of them yells.
“Beating the crowd!” I say back. “Congratulations!”
Turning away, I follow Rían down to where he’ll drop me off at Dad’s office. I’ll text the group chat once I’m there to figure out if they still feel like going out. I have to admit, I didn’t know who would win this one. Both sides played their asses off.
“Do you need anything?” Rían asks, looking as if he’s ready to run back out again. I don’t blame him, it’s about to get really busy.
Picking up my water bottle, I shake it to make sure there’s still some inside it.
“I’m good, thank you. And seriously, thanks for walking me out every game. It helps not to feel as if I’m being pushed around,” I explain.
There’s been one game where the crowd was insane, and Rian yelled at everyone to back the fuck up. It was kind of impressive.
“It gets crazy out there,” he acknowledges. “Are you waiting for your dad here?”
“I have a date,” I say. “So I’m waiting for Miles I guess.”
“So that’s a thing,” he muses. “Interesting.”
Rían is gone before I can ask him what he means by that and I shake my head as I get comfortable in Dad’s office chair. Grabbing my phone, I send a quick text to the group chat I was added to before I get lost in checking my footage.
Me
I’m in Dad’s office working in case you’re looking for me later.
Ugh. That sounded awkward. My laptop is always a good place to fall into when I’m feeling embarrassed, which is exactly what I do. The video from the portable camera I used pulls me in, and I jolt when there’s a knock on the door.
Miles gives me a slow smile from where he stands, and I relax at the sight of him in his suit. I think I’m underdressed.
“Hey,” I breathe.
“Hey yourself. Keeping busy I see?”
“Definitely. This game was incredible,” I gush. “I really didn’t think we were going to win.”
“The Dragons were fierce tonight,” he admits, not looking upset at the loss. “We’ll get ‘em one day. For now, I get you.”
“Are you supposed to be back here?” a voice asks.
Standing, I walk out to see who is speaking. Ducking under Miles’ arm, I see Troy is glaring at him.
“Troy,” I say, brow raised. “It’s okay. Miles is allowed to be here. You can ask my dad if you need to.”
His face softens as he stretches his neck out. He looks like he’s spoiling for a fight.
“Yeah, okay. I wanted to make sure,” Troy says.
“I appreciate it. Don’t be surprised if Levon and Santo head over here too,” I tell him.
“Huh,” he grunts. “I’m glad you’re living your life, Caelia. You shouldn’t live in fear.”
“How are you?” I ask, wrapping my arms around my waist. I’ve been wanting to ask for ages.
“It’s rough,” he shrugs. “I think my wife is going to divorce me.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Miles says, reminding me that he’s there. I spaced out a little.
“That doesn’t always matter,” Troy says. “If you’re dating Cae, don’t fuck it up, okay? She doesn’t deserve that.”
“Never,” Miles says, his hand moving to rest over my arms. I can feel the heat from his body as he presses himself against my back and I give Troy a small smile.
“I’m sorry she didn’t believe you,” I tell him. “You should always believe your loved ones when they tell you hard things.”
“Yeah, I have a feeling she doesn’t love me, not anymore,” Troy sighs. “Whatever you’re doing tonight, have fun and be safe.”
I nod as he walks away, leaning against Miles.
“I feel so bad for him,” I say softly.
“It’s not fair,” Miles grunts. “At first, I was a little jealous at how you talked about him, but he seems like a good guy.”
“He is,” I agree. “I hope this doesn’t mean he’ll leave the team.”
Turning, I smile up at him.
“Can I greet you properly now?” he teases me.
“Properly?” I ask, watching as he leans down and his hand cups my head to tilt it up.
“Mmhmm,” he says, slanting his lips over mine.
Melting into his arms, I kiss him back. Even though I just saw him this morning, I really missed him.
“I missed you,” he groans, burying his face in my neck. “I want you to stay with me tonight, but I know Santo wants you.”
The way he says this makes me feel a flush of warmth.
“I cannot get turned on here,” I mutter under my breath as he chuckles under his. “Behave.”
“That’s doubtful, beautiful.”
Pulling away, I hear keys jingling in someone’s pocket. Turning, I see my dad walking toward us.
The SUV is at the mechanic, because they wanted to check it over with a fine tooth comb before they changed the battery and called it good. Therefore, we took the Buick here.
“What are your plans?” Dad asks gruffly.
I know to take it in stride, because there’s press to speak to, and people to coordinate.
“I want to go dancing, but I was waiting for Santo and Levon before deciding,” I say.
“They’re still willing to do that, despite the loss,” Miles says mildly. “Great game by the way.”
Dad glances past me to acknowledge him. It’s not meant in a bad way, his complete focus was on me. He can get tunnel vision at times. I’m used to it.
“Thanks. You too. Everyone played their hearts out. It’s the kind of game I love to see,” Dad says. “Traffic at night isn’t the best in town. Why don’t you grab a ride share so you won’t have to deal with parking?”
“I like that idea,” I say with a nod. “Parking the Buick is hard enough in broad daylight.”
“I know you love that thing, but it reminds me of my mother’s old cars,” Dad chuckles. “It’s built like a tank, though, so there’s that.”
“Is the SUV not drivable yet?” Miles asks.
“They’re making sure it’s not just the battery,” I explain. “Rideshare works. The Quarter always seems to be busy.”
“I’m ready for a week off,” Dad sighs. “If you decide not to come home tonight, text me please.”
I flush as I nod, while Dad looks amused.
“I’m locking up, I’ll bring your computer and backpack home with me so you don’t have to worry about it,” he adds.
“Thank you, let me grab my bag,” I say, walking back into his office.