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I can’t help but cast a glance at Tyler as he sits forward, elbows resting on his knees as Jon delivers his final pep talk before we hit the ice.

He holds eye contact with me, chewing on the corner of his mouthguard. Since the GM didn’t put him on the trade list, he’s largely kept out of my and Kendra’s way and been more professional in games. Although the animosity between us has never been greater.

“You’re finally playing like a goddamn team,” Jon continues. “But let me tell you this. It’s something I’ve not said in briefings and prep this week, but I think the warning needs to be out there for the rookies.” He thumbs over his shoulder, motioning to the rink. “The Scorpions are more like a family. The kind of ride-or-die team that can be three to zero down in the third, and it’s not over.”

Jon looks directly at me and then Tyler and Matt. “Give Zach Evans half a chance to board you, and he will. His entire game is built on intimidation and strength, but don’t be fooledby his distribution capabilities, as I showed you in game footage.”

He then looks at Archer. “And I know I’ve said this fifty thousand times, Moore, but somehow, Callaghan has gotten even better than he was last season. Despite recently becoming a dad, he’s faster and stronger, and God only knows he’s after some of my own records.”

There are a few chuckles from around the room, including one from Archer.

Jon smiles and tucks his iPad under his arm. “But you know what they don’t have experience with?”

The room stays silent as we wait for Coach to speak again.

“Most of them can’t remember what it’s like to struggle. To have fans leave the rink cussing them because their team is going through an overhaul and trying to find its feet again. Most of them have forgotten what it’s like to truly fight. So, let’s fucking show them!”

Jon leaves the locker room to cheers from freshly motivated players.

I nod my head over at Sawyer, who’s doing a last-minute check on his skates. “Ready?”

He nods back, and we both head for the ice, the rest of the team following behind our captain.

I’m nervous every night, but tonight, I made the second line, and I know Kendra will be up there, watching me. I also know how much this game means to Jon personally. Last season, the Blades got wrecked by the Scorpions, and I know he’s anxious about it happening again.

“Something on your mind?” Tyler comes to stand next to me.

I shrug and listen to the team announcements. “Nope. Just pumped for the game, is all.”

“Not seen her at the arena yet. Kinda weird, don’t you think?”

“Kinda weird that you still give a fuck,” I reply.

Jesus, I hate this guy and how he still affects Kendra as she learns of all the ways he fucked her over.

With his hands braced on the end of his stick, he leans across to me, still chewing on the corner of his mouthguard, wearing the kind of cocky grin I’d like to remove with a single punch.

One fucking day.

“They say rebounds last around a month, sometimes as long as a year. You’re doing well. But I’ll be waiting.”

One swipe, and I could knock him clean out. I fight with every shred of willpower to keep my hands on my stick. “Yeah, went pretty fucking well last night when she wore my jersey too.” We begin walking out, and I throw him a smirk of my own. “If you look up and to the left, you might even catch a glimpse of her in it tonight.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

JACK

Jensen Jones is a machine.

Not one damn goal past him, as opposed to the three netted by Callaghan.

Ready for the line switch, I stand and wait for Matt to leave the ice before I’m skating over to position, ready to support Tyler in the slot. This is the most ice time I’ve had so far this season, and with ten minutes left in the third, the fatigue is really setting in.

When Tyler emerges with the puck, I see Zach Evans make a beeline, ready to board him and spill it for a turnover.

“I’m open!” I shout, banging my stick on the ice.

At first, I think he’s too preoccupied with finding a route to the goal to register my position, but then he lifts his head in my direction and makes full eye contact with me.