Page 18 of Puck’N Enemy (Thunder Knights #2)

Dylan

The area around the Thunder Knights’ hockey stadium is well-lit even though it’s quite late in the evening. Keeping my hood pulled low over my face, I lean against a railing just outside the arena’s exit gate.

Logan texted me earlier, telling me he’s done with his training. The moment he’s showered and changed, he’ll meet me, and we can go out for a proper date tonight.

My breath fogs in the cold evening air as my anticipation rises. I couldn’t stop thinking of Logan the entire day today. He ruled my heart and mind, barely letting me focus on any of my classes.

The sound of low laughter reaches my ears, alerting me. The first few players trickle out of the exit gate, chatting with their teammates.

I duck my head, making sure no one notices me.

“Hey. You! Over there!” A sharp voice cuts through the chatter.

I raise my head an inch and find a group of guys in Knight’s hoodies standing right before me. One of them squints, recognition dawning on his young face.

“Wait a second,” says a second guy I recognize as one of the team’s forwards. “Isn’t that Dylan Larson? He’s the Bears’ new forward.”

“Yeah,” a third guy chimes in. “He’s the guy who crushed our rookie goalie at our game with the Bears.”

And just like that, the mood shifts. They fan out around me, circling me like sharks smelling blood.

“Well, well, well,” someone sneers, breaking through the circle surrounding me. “What’s a Bear doing here? Are you trying to spy on us?”

I recognize the new guy immediately. It’s Mitchikov, the Knights’ troublesome defenseman, who punched me last time.

I want to wipe the smug smirk off his face but I know he’s close to Logan. Even though it’d satisfy my ego, I don’t want the consequences to land on Logan.

Forcing myself to stay calm, I keep my expression neutral. “I’m just waiting for someone,” I say in a low, deep voice. “There’s no need to make a thing out of this.”

“Oh, it’s already a thing,” Mitchikov says, stepping closer. “I don’t know what you’re up to but I won’t let someone like you trouble Logan. He went to look for you, so you’re here to settle scores with him. Is that it?”

“No, it’s not about that.”

“Did you really think we’ll let the enemy hang around our arena?” Mitchikov fumes, intent on not giving me a chance to explain myself.

“I’m not here to trouble Logan—” I’ve barely gotten the words out to explain myself when Mitchikov lunges at me, swinging his fist.

My reflexes kick in, blocking the punch with my forearm. I step back, keeping my stance defensive but controlled.

I don’t want trouble, not here. I can take him down if I have to, but I know it’d cause a mess.

Committee heads from both schools would get involved if this fight got out of hand. I don’t want any of that mess while I already have my own shitty problems to handle.

“Look,” I say in an even tone. “I’m not here to spy on you or sabotage your teammates. Just back off and we can talk calmly.”

Mitchikov just glares at me, looking like he’s ready to beat the shit out of me. He steps closer, ready to swing harder, and I realize I have no choice but to fight.

“Enough!” A familiar voice cuts through the tension like a blade.

Everyone freezes.

Turning around, I see Logan. He’s wearing a casual black T-shirt that clings to his massive, muscled chest. His dark hair is still damp from the shower he took minutes ago. His stance is relaxed but his gaze is sharp and deadly calm.

Striding forward, he walks past Mitchikov until he’s standing right between us.

“Don’t touch him,” Logan says in a deep, commanding voice.

Mitchikov falters. “But—”

“Cap, he’s a Bear,” a guy mutters from behind Logan. He looks as confused as the rest of his teammates.

Logan turns his head just enough to pin the guy with a glare. “I don’t care.”

Standing to his full height, Logan turns around to face every single one of his teammates. “Listen carefully,” he says in a low, deep voice. “Dylan’s with me. He’s my boyfriend. He’s not a threat, and he’s definitely not your punching bag.”

He glares particularly at Mitchikov, who stares at him with his mouth hanging open.

“If anyone touches him again…” Logan’s jaw tightens. “They’ll answer to me.”

The Knights shift uneasily, glancing at each other.

“You’re dating a Bear? Since when—?” Bastian, the Knights’ center, asks, looking genuinely baffled.

“Since yesterday,” Logan says in a loud, clear voice. “But I’ve loved him a lot longer.”

Silence falls over the group. Everyone’s staring at me now, trying to get a good look at me.

Ignoring them, Logan turns toward me. His expression softens when his eyes meet mine. “You okay, Dylan?”

I blink, momentarily stunned by his concern. My throat feels tight but warmth spreads through my chest.

Because Logan didn’t just step in. He did it without any hesitation.

I nod. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Logan’s hand brushes against mine. It’s a light, innocent touch but it grounds me completely.

He glances back at his teammates, voice returning to that cool steel. “We’re leaving for our date. Don’t you dare follow us.”

And just like that, Logan guides me away from the group of stunned Knights, their whispers fading behind us.

As we walk down the dimly lit street, I feel something bloom in my chest. It’s a quiet happiness I haven’t felt in years. For the first time, it feels like a real step toward something I thought I’d lost forever.

“Where are we going?” I ask as Logan guides me down a neat pavement lined with trees.

“There’s this diner right outside the campus that makes amazing home-style meals,” Logan says, squeezing my hand. “I’m starving after practice, so that’s where we’re headed.”

“Sounds good,” I say, feeling hungry after a long day.

The café Logan chose is tucked away on a quiet street corner. It’s the kind of place people come to escape the noise of the city. Warm light spills from its windows, creating a welcoming ambience.

“Come on,” he says, leading me through the doors and inside the restaurant.

“It’s so cozy,” I say, grinning as we enter the warmly lit dining area.

We sit down at a corner table and within seconds, a waitress comes to our table. She’s about to hand us the menu cards but Logan stops her.

“We’ll have the mushroom soup with fresh bread, the garden salad, the roast chicken platter, and the chocolate cheesecake,” Logan says without stopping for a breath.

“Those are great choices,” the waitress says, grinning.

“You’re so bossy,” I tease softly.

Logan smirks as he takes a sip of water. “I know what I want and I don’t hesitate to go after it,” he says, his eyes darkening.

I duck my head, hiding the warmth rising to my cheeks. Logan’s just so damn... intense .

“How was your day?” he asks, leaning toward me.

“Fine,” I mutter. “I attended my classes and spent a couple of hours at my part-time job. That’s it.”

“Did you notice anyone keeping tabs on you or following you?”

I shake my head. “I didn’t see anyone suspicious hanging around.” I take a deep breath and ask him the most important question on my mind. “Why did you tell your teammates the truth about us? Aren’t you afraid of what they’ll think about you dating someone from the enemy team?”

A chuckle escapes him. “Every opposing team is an enemy,” he says, meeting my gaze.

“But I believe in leaving the enmity on the ice. Off it, we’re all just people.

Besides, my teammates know me. They trust me enough to know I won’t spill our secrets just because I’m sleeping with someone from a different team. ”

“Do you think they’ll leave you alone for dating a guy?”

“They’re good guys, Dylan,” he says in a reassuring tone. “None of them are homophobic assholes. They were giving you a hard time because they thought you were there to create trouble. Just give them a chance, especially Mitchikov. He’s extremely loyal and protective of his friends.”

A scoff escapes me. “That guy wants to kill me.”

Logan chuckles. “He won’t dare to touch you now. He knows you’re mine .”

His eyes glow with such an intensity, my heart skips a beat.

Sheesh! We’re here for dinner but Logan’s intent on making sure I know just how possessive he is of me.

He smirks, knowing the exact effect he’s having on me.

It’s almost a relief when the waitress comes back with our food.

For a while, we barely talk. The food is so delicious, I find myself taking huge bites and devouring everything on my plate.

The silence between us isn’t awkward, though. It feels familiar and comfortable, like no time has passed between us.

“Here, have some more bread,” Logan says, pushing the basket of bread toward me. “Use it to soak up that gravy.”

Warmth spreads through me as Logan keeps telling me to eat more in his quiet, protective way. And for the first time in weeks, and maybe months, I feel full. Not just from the food, but from the way Logan’s watching over me.

When we’re done with our meal, Logan pays without hesitation.

“We should’ve split the bill,” I mumble as we step out of the restaurant.

“It’s fine,” he says, glancing down at me. “I wanted to treat you to a meal.”

A smile blossoms on my lips. Shifting closer to him, I peck his lips. “Thank you.”

He touches the spot I just kissed and for a moment, he looks almost lost.

“I’m not sure if I can make time to see you tomorrow but I’ll definitely try,” I say, grinning up at him.

He raises an eyebrow. “You’re most definitely seeing me tomorrow,” he says in a gruff voice. “Because you’re spending the night with me.”

“Huh?”

“Come on,” he says, grabbing my hand and leading me back toward the campus gates.

“You want me to spend the night in your dorm?” I ask, surprised. “Is that even allowed?”

“We’re going back for my car,” he says. “After that, I’m taking you home. My home.”

The word makes my chest tighten. It’s been years since I went to Logan’s home.

“Are you sure you want me there?” I ask, feeling worried. “Your mom might not want me there.”