Page 32 of Puck My Life

I sniff, but I can’t relax; those words go round and round, tempting and teasing me. Because, yes, God help me, but I want those things, and I want them with them.

Mal doesn’t say anything, but, then again, neither does Deacon, but when I turn around, I find the latter watching me with a stare that can only be called predatory. I shiver, but despite my apprehension, there’s also an awareness because he has never looked at me like that before.

Raynor grips my wrist, dragging my palm up and kissing the centre of it. “Thank you for the food, gorgeous.”

I gape after him as he glides out of the room. My palm is tingling, tingling!

Mal casts me a long look and then follows him, but Deacon stays right where he is. Silently assessing me.

Pan’s found a new game to play, one that may very well destroy me.

“You have to remember that you love me; don’t torpedo our relationship because you’re mad at me.” I try to reach him, sending a warning that might stop this before it starts.

Deacon stands up, moving to stand right beside me. He glides a single finger down my cheek and taps my chin.

“I have never once forgotten what I feel for you, Vae. Anyway, I’m heading out. It’s been a very interesting day.”

He ducks down, and, before I can stop him, presses his lips to the corner of mine. I freeze as he slowly pulls backwards, smiling widely.

“Very illuminating. Thanks for lunch, Vae.”

I turn, watching in mute distress as he glides away. Everything in me wants to call him back, I want to run and hide. I’ve given myself away, we’re gliding too close to one of my secrets now, and the Lost Boys aren’t going to let go, no, they’ve scented blood in the water, and it’s all over.

How can I stand against them?

They know all my weaknesses.

Vae

PAST

Deacon skates on the ice like he was born to do it. He flies across it; he makes it look effortless and easy.

He told me that when he was on the ice, he could fly; I didn’t really believe him, but I can see it now. I’m jealous because I want to fly, too, but I can’t fly like he does. The ice and I are like a combination made in Hell. I turn from an elegant teen into a damn health hazard.

“Look, see. I told you, isn’t he hot?”

I glance at the group of girls beside me. One of them is an emerging omega, and I just know my boys are going to be alphas when they present.

Deacon filled out. He’s hot now.

I feel a strange mix of pride and jealousy.

But for the moment, he’s mine.

***?

PRESENT

“Vae, I need you to come in and deal with this before I sack the pair of them.” Coach Wallace is in a wrathful mood, and since he’s calling me, I can guess exactly who has set him off. “We’ve got a week until we’re on the ice, oneweek until we play for our lives, and those…those brats are out there burning everything I worked for to the ground!” he bellows.

I grimace and gesture to the cleaners to continue working.

“What’s going on?” I ask meekly.

“Well, as near as I can figure out, these two idiots are throwing tantrums,” he snaps, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I close my eyes. “What do you mean, tantrums?”