Chapter 33
Saint
The Chicago Sun: Can the Golden Boy of the NHL Make History?
The New York Times: The Wild Dogs Look Unstoppable
Sports Illustrated: Saint ‘The Savage’ Masters—All American Boy
All American Boy. It was certainly a preferable moniker to Wolfman.
“What are you chuckling about?” Lily asked as I took her hand as we walked down the sidewalk. It was obvious my parents had a huge turnout given the number of cars parked on the street. Somehow, I had a bad feeling my mother had purposely lied to me that this was an innocent barbeque.
“The latest headlines.”
“Hmm…” She handed me the bottle of wine and pulled her phone from her purse. As she did three dozen times a day, she checked social media, her skill at keeping my name in the press in glowing fashion a thing of beauty.
Just like the woman walking beside me.
“Well, the latest post has three million likes. I’d say you’re trending.”
“You mean we’re trending, baby.”
She wrinkled her nose as she flipped through the colorful photographs. “Don’t forget you owe me your career.”
“That I do and so much more.” We stopped just outside my parents’ house. I could hear the music from where we stood.
“This is just a get-together we were invited to. Right?”
“Yep. It better be.”
“Exactly or you’ll be sleeping alone tonight.”
“Then I guess I’ll need to shackle you to the bed.”
The last few weeks had been a complete blur. We’d traveled to several cities, basking in the glow of our wins. Thousands of photographs had been taken, hundreds of autographs given. The roar of every crowd lingered in my ears.
I’d never been happier than I was at this moment.
Round one of the playoffs had been a breeze.
Round two had been fraught with errors, two injuries almost derailing us. But we’d regrouped, managing to win the final game in a hard-fought battle.
The conference final? Well, the press had hounded us, but there had not been a single mention of a werewolf in sight.
In fact, I’d been labeled the golden boy of hockey, much to Steven’s chagrin.
We had one more game to win. Just one before we’d take home the Stanley Cup. In my mind, nothing could stop us. As the favorites to win, we had a home court advantage and as expected, the Denver Devils would play the final game.
My mind was still processing the entire season and I’d come to realize without Lily’s assistance and her companionship, all the success wouldn’t have meant nearly as much.
We were a couple.
A team.
We argued less and enjoyed each other’s company more.
While we hadn’t talked about our engagement, she hadn’t vanished from my life so I must be doing something right.
Between my father and my gorgeous fiancée, the Sungazer article had been shoved under a rock and not a single awkward picture had surfaced again.
To say I was on top of the world was an understatement.
I’d barely knocked on the door before my mother threw it open. Her expression could only be described as giddy.
“Thank God, you’re here. The natives are getting restless.”
“Mother.”
“Don’t ‘Mother’ me. When you have two sons who are celebrities, you become very popular in the neighborhood. Plus, since your father was elected president of the homeowner’s association, he’s been in demand.”
“Which you love.” I kissed her cheek.
“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to make anything,” Lily said in a demure voice. I’d needed to convince her that the barbeque wouldn’t turn into an engagement party before she’d agreed to coming with me.
I suddenly had my doubts.
We’d arrived back in Chicago less than an hour ago after the last game of the conference final in Phoenix, still riding high on the win. We’d just had time to grab a bottle of wine at a local grocery store on our way over. I knew I’d never hear the end of it if we didn’t show our faces.
“The wine is perfect,” Mom said and immediately handed it off to Dad, who was gazing at the two of us skeptically. “Now, I need to see the ring on your finger.”
While Lily dutifully lifted her arm, I sensed the tension mounting.
We’d enjoyed one hell of a night together, photographed more times than the Pope. Pictures had popped up on every social media platform. We were certainly the ‘it’ couple. She’d said very little, especially after she’d received a text she refused to tell me about.
Something was bothering her.
“That is perfect,” Mom said, her sigh an indication of how happy she was. “Your grandmother would be so proud of you, Saint. Let’s get you guys a drink so I can introduce you to some of our friends.”
As she’d done before, my mother led the way. Dad and I dutifully followed while keeping a slight distance.
“How are things, son?” Dad asked.
“Good. Excellent. The game was sweet last night.”
He chuckled. “I’ll say. You had style. What about your relationship?”
“Not bad.” I grinned and he clapped me on the back.
“Glad to hear it. How is Lily with… learning the truth?”
I stopped walking, still marveling at how beautiful Lily was in her summer dress. “You were right. Her parents told her she has some wolf in her ancestry.”
“Then even better. She is your mate. Let’s just not mention that to our friends. No wolves here today.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Pops grabbed me a beer and as I joined Lily, I noticed her nose was scrunched up as she did when trying to keep from laughing.
Steven eyed me from a distance, swaggering closer with a grin on his face. “How’s it shaking, puck boy.”
“Better to be a puck boy than a puck bunny,” I told him.
“Something you don’t need to worry about any longer. I kind of missed the two of you camping out at my place.”
“Like hell you did.” I laughed. With everything quieting down, we’d returned to my house, where the enchanting but nerve-racking woman had continued turning my life upside down.
This time with decorating tips.
“How do you feel about the draft?” I had insider info that he was on the short list. I couldn’t be prouder.
“I’m not getting my hopes up this year like I did last time. But we’ll see.”
“What if we’re on the same team?”
He lifted his eyebrows. “Then I quit.”
We both laughed and Mother motioned for me. “Time for appearances.” My groan sounded more like a growl.
“Just be warned. This isn’t the party you think it is.”
“And you didn’t warn me sooner?”
Steven shrugged. “Father swore me to secrecy under the threat of disowning me. And I need the money.”
“Yeah, you do given the way you go through it.” I was laughing as I walked away, crowding Lily’s space so she wouldn’t feel like I’d left her to the neighborhood vultures.
“Mary, David. You remember Saint and this is his fiancée, Lily Weathers.”
“Oh, Saint. Great game last night, man,” David said as he immediately stuck out his hand for a shake.
“Thanks. I feel good about it.” I accepted the handshake as I quickly glanced at the crowd.
My father had gone all out. There were several coolers filled with beer, and three grills going, although he had no intention of doing the grilling.
He’d hired a caterer to handle the food.
The pool was open and heated just in case anyone enjoyed the thought of jumping into the water on a warm June day.
There was a bar set up and a band currently playing jazz music.
None of that bothered me. What did was the table filled with presents off to the side. I didn’t need keen vision to notice the wrappings were in gold and silver, wedding bells and flowers. Oh, shit. My mother had turned this into an engagement party.
“Lily. So good to meet you,” Mary cooed. “Charlotte has gone on and on about how much the two of you are in love. I’m so thrilled for you both.”
“Thank you. Saint is a handful, but I’ve got him controlled.” Lily grinned in her mischievous way before following my gaze. When she lifted her sunglasses, she offered a death glare.
Shrugging, I gave my father a quick glance, his sheepish expression stating he had nothing to do with turning this into a fiasco.
“All men need to be controlled,” Mary said, laughing.
“Some more than others,” Lily said in response through tightly gritted teeth.
Mother was flitting around, exciting the guests as to our arrival. Within seconds, we were surrounded by well-wishers.
I would hear about this for weeks.
As if reading my mind, Lily punched me in the ribs with her elbow, but she was otherwise doing a very good job of accepting all the attention.
The next thirty minutes were a blur, both of us paraded around as the happy couple. By the time I was able to whisk her away for a moment alone, her smile fell and she grabbed my arm, yanking me around the side of the pool house.
“You are so in trouble,” she huffed.
“What? I had nothing to do with this.”
“Right. Why don’t I believe you? There must be fifty or more gifts on that table.”
“We’ll send them back.”
“And break your mother’s heart? Not a chance.”
I crowded her space, pressing one hand against the building. As I lowered my head, she lifted hers. “Then what are you suggesting?”
She pressed her hand against my chest, her breathing rapid. “Maybe we set a date.”
“A date?” Her grin sent a thrill through me. “You mean like to get married?”
“Yeah, why not?” As her grin turned salacious, the lust rolled through me like a tidal wave.
“When are you thinking?”
“Well, how about August? That way we could get in a little honeymoon before you are hot and heavy with practice for the new season.”
“Hmmm…” I breathed and brushed my lips across hers. “Not a bad idea. Are you certain you can handle a furry mate?”
“I still haven’t seen you shift.”
“You really want to see that?”
“Why not? I’ve seen everything else. Every inch of your handsome body. I think I deserve to discover the rest.”
“I’ll think about it. But only if you’re a very good girl.” I captured her mouth, holding her lips in place. When I opened them slowly, she moaned. The sound could easily drive me crazy. I crushed my weight against her and she rolled her hand over my shoulder.