Chapter 7 Protective
Chapter Seven
Protective
~~Drakos~~
Time stands still as I watch Trent pass the puck to Dash.
I race down the ice, knowing I won’t get there in time to assist if needed.
Dash immediately shoots, and I swear the puck sails in slow motion toward the net.
I hear the clank as it slams into the crossbar before hitting the goalie’s shoulder.
Any other time the puck would’ve bounced harmlessly away from the net. Not this time.
Miraculously, it goes in as the clock ticks to zero.
The lamp lights. The goal horn blasts through the arena.
Every Icehawk out there freezes in disbelief for a split second before descending upon Dash. I’m one of the first to reach him as pandemonium breaks out. I grab him in a bear hug. The entire bench empties and swarms around us.
It’s fitting that Dash scored the winning goal. He’s been a staunch believer in this team from the beginning.
I’m thrilled for him. I shove my way through the throng toward a grinning Roman.
He pushes his goalie mask back on his head and skates toward me.
We engage in a bro hug before I move aside for the next guy to congratulate him on a great game.
The team moves to center ice. Holding our sticks in the air, we circle and salute the crowd who’ve been with us through thick and thin. They’ve been our ride-or-die.
And tonight, we’re riding right into the playoffs.
I soak up the jubilation and seek out every teammate to congratulate them. Dash comes toward me, wearing a broad grin.
“Hey, great timing to get that monkey off your back. They gave you an assist on my goal.”
I hadn’t thought about that. It’d been the furthest thing from my mind, and getting a point tonight is just the cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae. I don’t care about personal rewards as long as I contribute and the team wins.
I played pretty well tonight. From the second I noticed Aria sitting on the glass with Gardenia, I was driven to show her that she’s wrong. I’ve still got it. Those two games where I was benched were a wake-up call.
Maybe I didn’t completely show Aria and my doubters tonight, but she’s got to be eating some of her harsh words when it comes to me.
I glance toward her seat. She’s standing like everyone else, clapping and cheering.
The blond kid next to her wearing my jersey number has to be Aria’s nephew.
The poor boy, I feel for him having an aunt like her.
I recall the boy was in that group I spoke with at the rink several days ago.
Odd that she’s letting him wear my number, or maybe it’s a way to get under my skin.
I wouldn’t put anything past that woman.
She always has a self-serving ulterior motive.
Kirby skates up to me and slaps me on the back so hard, he almost sends me sprawling, but I manage to keep my skates under me.
“Good assist.” He’s smiling ear to ear, and I beam with satisfaction.
“You played a knockout game. No one could get near the net when you were out there.”
“That’s my job.” He winks, starts to skate off, then catches sight of Aria in the stands. He frowns, and his brow furrows. “Who’s the kid with Aria?”
“Her nephew. I guess she has custody. His mom died.”
Kirby’s attention swings to me. “You know an awful lot about her personal life.”
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”
“Wise words.” Kirby’s gaze is drawn back to the boy.
He narrows his eyes, studying the kid closely.
“There’s something about him…” His voice trails off, and he turns away, puzzled.
I glance in the nephew’s direction again, wondering what he sees, because I don’t see it.
Maybe surprise that he’s wearing my jersey when Aria and I have been at each other’s throats for two seasons.
Finally, we head for the locker room. I’m back to my old form, and as I enter, I shout, “Let’s party!” I’ve been the team DJ for our entire existence until my recent slump. Tonight, I’m back. I crank the music so loud, the walls vibrate.
I take a long shower, dry off, and dress. I’m ready to party. I stride back into the locker room where several teammates are still hanging out.
“Where’s the party?” I shout to be heard over the joyous din.
“We’re going to pizza with the kids. Wanna come?” Jakob asks.
“I’m going, too, with Addison and Leo,” adds Wild. He’s referring to his wife, who also happens to be the VP of marketing for the Icehawks, and his son.
I hesitate. If I go with these guys, it’ll be a family-friendly place and most likely dull as hell. No women to pick up or buddies to get shit-faced with.
“The entire leadership team is going. You’re in, aren’t you?” Dash comes up beside me and gives me one of those looks that insinuate I don’t have a choice.
“I guess I am.”
“Where’s the party?” Lucas Sutton, who isn’t old enough to legally drink, drapes an arm over my shoulder and Dash’s.
Coach whistles to get our attention. “Mr. Barlowe has rented the Pizza Zone for tonight. We have the entire place to ourselves. His treat. I expect to see every one of you there.”
A couple of the younger guys grumble, but that’s the only negative response I hear. I guess the whole team is going to family night after all.
I settle in at one of the long tables in the Pizza Zone. I’m starved to the point where I don’t care if there’s any available women around. I can always hit a club later with some of the single guys. Hell, maybe I’ll drag Kirby out. He can be the designated driver.
Content that I won’t be stuck here all night, I grab a pitcher of beer near me and fill an empty glass. I take a long pull, relishing the taste of a good IPA.
Banger sits across from me with Gardenia and the boys. I grin and fist-bump with Banger’s two little hellions. I like his kids. They’re spunky, and they’re entertaining. Even better, they’re not mine, so I can walk away when I’ve had enough.
Kirby takes the seat to one side of me, and a blond kid takes the chair on the other side. I smile at him before I realize he’s my archenemy’s nephew. Well, the poor boy can’t help who his aunt is. I frown when Aria sits next to him.
How the fuck did I end up at the same table as her?
In fact, what the hell is she doing at a team party?
I glower in Gardenia’s direction, assuming she’s the guilty party.
She winks and nudges Banger. The bastard snickers.
I’ve been had. I glance around for Koko to take this woman off my hands, but he’s already moved on to a new conquest, and is not the least bit interested in a woman with a child. I can’t say I blame him.
Kirby looks past me and holds out a hand. “I’m Kirby. Who are you, little man?”
“Noah,” announces the kid. He’s clearly starstruck sitting in this room with all these players. I can’t imagine how I’d feel at his age. I probably wouldn’t hold it together as well as he does.
They fist-bump, and I feel obligated to introduce myself. “I’m Drakos.”
“I know. You’re my very favorite player. I want to play just like you when I make the NHL.”
“Do you, now?” I’m amused. The kid is ballsy. I’ll give him that.
“Would both of you sign my jersey?”
“Noah, leave Kirby and Drakos alone. They didn’t come here to be badgered.” Aria avoids my gaze but acknowledges Kirby.
“I don’t mind.” I give her a smug smile, and she shrugs. Someone produces a Sharpie, and Noah turns away from me so I can sign the back of his jersey. Kirby does the same.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime.” Kirby’s expression is open and friendly, but I’m guarded and suspicious.
“Not a problem.” I smirk in Aria’s direction, and she scowls. She clearly doesn’t like me associating with her nephew. I realize it wasn’t her choice to sit at my table. Noah took the initiative, and she couldn’t do anything about it without making a scene, not that that’s ever stopped her before.
Regardless, I’m suspicious regarding how she’ll use any information she garners tonight against the guys and me. I ignore her and pepper Noah with questions. Not because the answers matter, but because talking to her nephew appears to irritate the hell out of her.
“Mr. Drakos, could you teach me how to do a slap shot like you?” Noah ducks his head, as if embarrassed he’s made such a bold request.
“Sure, I can do that. Maybe sometime when we’re both at the rink.”
“Wow. That’d be great.”
“Noah, why don’t you, Rowan, and Ryder play video games? Here’s some cash for the machines.” Aria effectively ends my conversation with her nephew.
Koko puts on music, and the place starts rocking. We’re a boisterous bunch heading for our first playoffs as Icehawks, and not even Aria can destroy the high I’m currently riding. Once the boys are gone, she moves to the chair next to me. I meet her gaze, curious what her nefarious intentions are.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d avoid speaking with my nephew.” She grinds out the words as if she’s biting back what she really wants to say.
“That’d be rude, wouldn’t it? You want me to be rude to him? He’s just a little boy.”
“You’re fucking right he’s just a little boy. I don’t need you breaking his heart by making promises you won’t keep.”
“Who says I’ll break my promise? I always keep my promises, but you wouldn’t know anything about integrity, would you?”
She cringes for a split second before recovering quickly. My comment crosses the line, and I know it. I can’t take it back, and I’m not apologizing to someone whose mission is to make my life a living hell.
“Fancy you lecturing me on integrity.” Her glare is a direct challenge.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You figure it out.”
“Aria, how old is your nephew?” Kirby intercedes before our altercation gets really ugly, and I’m grateful. I don’t want Aria to ruin my good mood, and she’s getting close to doing so.
“He’s six.”
“Nice kid.”