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‘So much!’ I mouthed back, needing his lips back on my mouth.

Epilogue

Max - Spring

“We have the last ones,” Nate huffed as he and Guns filed through the front door. “Where do you want these?”

“In the hall. Thank you.”

Guns put the cardboard box down and punched my shoulder.

“Sure thing, Raven. It’s been ages since I helped anyone move. Where’s Vee, by the way?” he asked Nate, and looked around as if he expected the giant chicken guy to hide behind a pile of boxes.

“He had a guided tour this morning.” Our centre dragged his shirt up and used it to wipe his face.

Damn. I’m still jealous of those abs.

“He should be here in a few minutes, though. He’s picking up some food on the way.”

“Bless him.” Arne poked his head out of the living room where he and Nik were building bookshelves for my book collection. “I’m starving.” His eyes flickered over to me for a heartbeat.

Me too, Viking. Can’t wait to bend you over our new kitchen table.

As if he had heard me, his face heated. He choked on air, then hastily pulled his head out of sight.

Fuck, I love our mate bond.

“Did you hear about the new guy, by the way? He moved here a few days ago. Jerke told me,” Nate explained.

One of our left wingers had retired spontaneously at the end of the last season. He’d been in recovery from a bicep injury but hadn’t seen the results he needed to keep playing professionally.

“I think he’s a good kid.” Guns crossed his arms before his broad chest and leaned against the doorframe. His tattooed biceps bulged and strained against his T-shirt sleeves.

“Have you met him before?” I asked, taking out a few of my coats and hanging them up on the rack in the hall.

“Nah, he played for the Füchse for a season, and I know their goalie. They were sad to see McCoy go, but…” He trailed off and shrugged.

“That’s what happens when you don’t give someone a spot on your roster. That guy is too good to be benched for most of the season. He’s young and hungry,” Nate explained as he collapsed the box I had just emptied.

“Speaking of hungry.” A deep, silky voice from behind us chuckled. “Food’s here.”

“Baby!” Nate’s eyes lit up with excitement as he hurried over to his fiancé. “I missed you,” he cooed, getting up on tiptoes to kiss Vee.

A year ago, I would have been sad and jealous of them. But that was just before I kissed the Viking at training camp and before we fell in love. My heart squeezed in my chest, and my man reciprocated the emotion.

Nate and Vitus would tie the knot a couple of days before Christmas. Their wedding invitation had come in the mail only a couple of days ago. Arne had stuck it on our fridge, and I intended to keep it forever.

It’s the first document with both our names on it.

“Come in, Vee. Let’s have some lunch.”

“I’m starving. Thanks for saving me, man.” Guns bumped his fist to Vitus’ as we all made our way to the living room.

At the sight of the dozen pizza boxes, Nik and Arne abandoned the bookshelf. I grabbed bottles of shandy from the fridge for everyone, then walked over to the Viking and plopped down on his lap.

He immediately wrapped his arm around my waist, dragging me closer to his chest.

“Hey Raven,” he muttered, nuzzling his face into my neck and pretending to fall asleep.