34. Sabs
THIRTY-FOUR
Sabs
The atmosphere in the arena is electric, the stands a sea of people in orange caps and shirts.
“I’ve never been to a hockey game before.” Faye adjusts her new SVU Foxes hat on her head. It’s cute, with two little cartoon-like fox ears poking upward. It clashes horribly with her pastel floral dress, yet she’s as cheerful as ever, not at all concerned about it. “How exciting!”
On my right, Delilah grimaces down at the corndog in her hand. “They really need to re-think this recipe.”
“It’s greasy delicious goodness, Del!” I snag a bite of it. “It’s not supposed to be a culinary masterpiece.”
“Still…” She taps her chin, brow furrowing in concentration as she passes it to me to devour. “I’m sure they could enhance it.”
I’m beyond excited to get to spend quality time with my besties again after they all insisted on coming to support Adler.
“Better take a few photos for TVV.” Kady snaps away on her cell phone.
After what happened last time, Orin isn’t officially working the game, sitting in the seat to my left instead.
However, he’s still wearing his earpiece, allowing him to check in with the rest of the security team.
He even allowed Drax to help out because they’re short-staffed, assigning him to watch over the private suites.
Conveniently, the only one that is currently occupied happens to be where my family is.
“Thanks for getting my parents tickets, Orin.” I already thanked him earlier, but I want to make sure he knows how appreciative I am. I glance up at the suites to see Bug peering over the edge. “I’m sure they’re having fun.”
Although I had the option to join them up there, I declined.
Despite my scary encounter with the rutting alpha at the last game, I want to be in the stands, cheering alongside the other fans.
We’re sitting so close to the front, we’ll practically be able to see the beads of sweat on the players.
Orin wasn’t too happy with the idea, hence him deciding to be my personal bodyguard.
Every time anyone even seems to look in my direction, he snarls at them.
I spot Luca weaving his way toward us, holding gargantuan sodas in his hands before dropping into the vacant seat next to Orin.
“You made it.” I smile as Luca hands me one of the sodas. It’s a miracle he didn’t spill anything. “How are the guys feeling?”
He’s been down in the players’ locker room, helping them with stretches and prep along with the team physical therapist.
“Corbin’s freaking out.” Luca nibbles his inner cheek nervously. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the poor guy so on edge, but Adler’s fine. He’s in the zone.”
“And how does Adler Ace get in the zone?” Kady leans forward to ask him, thrusting her cellphone in his face to record him.
Delilah swipes the phone from her fingers. “No work, Kady!”
“Fine.” Kady snatches it from Delilah, pouting as she puts it back in her purse. “But he’ll have to give me an interview at some point.”
With Kady, Faye, and Delilah talking about the latest TVV issue, I spin to speak to my guys.
“How good are the Rhinos?” I point to the Riverside Rhinos on the other side of the rink. Some of their fans have already resorted to shouting leering insults, the rivalry nearing a fever pitch before the game has even started.
“Pretty good,” Orin begrudgingly admits, his hand resting protectively on my knee. “They’re an even match. The Rhinos seem to have an advantage on paper, but Adler is our ace for a reason.”
“Are those the pro scouts he spoke to last time?” Luca points at a group of people who have just entered one of the private suites.
Orin nods, jaw clenching.
“Adler’s got this,” I state with confidence as people around us stomp their feet and chorus, “Foxes, Foxes, Foxes!”
“This is the biggest game of the season.” Luca rubs his chin. “An even bigger deal since the Rhinos and Foxes have always hated each other. Most of the guys on that team are total assholes.”
Waiting for the game to start, I reach over Orin to grab a handful of M I was too distracted by my company.
” I tug at my collar. Despite the chill in the air, I suddenly feel a little hot, recalling what happened when Orin and I snuck off.
I change gears, not wanting to test my scent blocker.
“Orin busted some moves out on the dance floor.”
“You got Orin to dance?” Luca’s jaw drops. “No way!”
“You should have seen him.” I can’t stop the cackle that bursts from me. “He was an unstoppable force.”
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Orin glowers at me, folding his arms over his chest, which only makes me laugh harder. “Never again.”
“We’ll see about that.” I nudge him, then I notice what Delilah’s holding. “I thought you went looking for snacks.”
“I thought wearing team colors might bring Adler luck.” She hands each of us girls an orange jersey to wear over our tops. “They didn’t have any number ones left,” she mutters apologetically when she hands me one. “But here’s an eight.”
I tug the jersey over my tee. What difference does a number really make?