Page 46

Trayton

I hold Daxton’s hand, feeling the pressure as he squeezes it so tightly that I fear it’s going to break. Just ten minutes ago, I asked him to loosen his grip, and he did—for a few fleeting seconds. It’s Dax’s first time on a plane, and it’s clear he won’t be eager to repeat the experience. Beads of sweat roll down his forehead, showing just how nervous he is.

“It’s nearly over,” I murmur, gently tracing soothing circles on the back of his hand. He lifts his head, eyes wide with panic, and gives me a strained smile as I pull his hood down. His expression screams internal meltdown, and I hate that I can’t do anything to help him. And he hasn’t even faced the roughest part yet.

The landing.

“Just close your eyes; we’ll be on the ground soon,” I say, wrapping an arm awkwardly around his shoulders despite the armrest between us. He pulls his hood up again, resting his head on my chest, one hand clutching my shirt while the other remains locked around mine. I glance to my right at Kal, who remains fixed on the same spot he’s been staring at since takeoff, his leg bouncing restlessly.

“Psst,” I mutter to get his attention. His head jerks toward me, then down at Daxton’s hooded head, and back up with a frown. “You’re not scared of flying, so what’s up with you?” I shift my gaze to his jittery leg. He places a hand on it, freezing the movement.

“I’m good,” he insists, nodding toward Dax.

“Never flown before. Not a fan.”

Kal’s lips twitch into a slight smile, and I shoot him a warning look, gritting my teeth. He raises his hands in mock surrender. I’m not letting anyone tease my man—except me.

“Never again,” Daxton mutters, looking as pale as a ghost. We linger outside the airport, waiting anxiously for Bohdi to pull up and take us to our hotel. Brayden is completely in the dark about us being here and the huge surprise party Bohdi’s planning at his brother’s place. It’s happening tomorrow night, and the rest of the team is flying in then because we couldn’t get enough seats on this flight.

At least tonight, I have Daxton all to myself in this new city. Kal has already announced his plan to just chill at the hotel. Now I remember where he met that girl. I understand why he’s sulking.

“Dax, it was only an hour and thirty minutes,” Kal says. I turn sharply to Kal, frowning and hugging Daxton even tighter.

“Yeah, a really long hour and thirty minutes, Kal,” I reply, shooting him a look that screams shut up. Kal just stares back, bored, then shifts his gaze between Dax and me, rolling his eyes.

Miserable jerk.

Right then, Bohdi honks his horn, and we all head for his car parked on the sidewalk. He jumps out, his smile as bright as ever. He slaps Kal on the back, then comes over to me and does the same, smirking, before turning his attention to Daxton. Dax beams back at him as Bohdi wraps him in a hug that ignites a flicker of jealousy within me. I quickly grab Bohdi’s arm, pulling it away from Daxton. “First, he’s mine. Back off.” Bohdi raises his eyebrows at me. “Second, why don’t I get a hug?” Kal bursts into laughter as he hops into the car, shutting the door.

“You don’t deserve a hug.”

I throw my hands up in bewilderment. “What have I done now?”

“When have you not done something?” Dax rolls his eyes next to me. I squint at him and then shift my gaze to Bohdi.

“You and that big trap of yours. Brayden’s been grilling me all morning because you let it spill that the whole ice hockey team was going on a weekend trip somewhere.” I look at him, utterly baffled.

“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?”

“Oh, Jesus,” Daxton mutters beside me, and Bohdi squeezes the bridge of his nose, looking like he’s had enough of me. I still can’t figure out what the big deal is.

“Brayden’s part of the team, Trayton. He’d know if there was a trip planned. He knew something was off, and now I’ve had to text someone who can’t stand me, asking him to ignore Brayden’s message. Brayden texted Denny, wondering about this so-called trip he wasn’t invited to.”

Well, when he puts it like that… “I didn’t think of that, did I?”

“Clearly,” Bohdi and Daxton say together, their voices laced with frustration.

“Hey, you can’t be mad at me,” I say, pointing at Daxton. “This weekend’s for us too. I don’t want you upset with me. I’ve got too many plans involving my dick and your ass and your mouth.”

“Trayton,” Daxton hisses, his eyes wide.

“What?” I say, genuinely puzzled. His face turns crimson as he glances at Bohdi.

I laugh. “Oh, Bray’s told me some stories about him and Mr. Stiles here,” I smirk. “Or should I say Sir?” Bohdi shakes his head, trying to dismiss the comment.

“Just get in the car,” Bohdi says, walking away.

As he leaves, I lean down to Daxton and whisper, “School sauna, his old desk. You name it, they did it there.” Daxton tries to look serious but can’t hold back a grin when I wiggle my eyebrows. “I’ve been wanting to try the sauna and the gym pool, if you’re down?”

“God, I love you.” He beams, the warmth in his eyes unmistakable.

“Trayton,” Daxton whimpers, his legs trembling under my touch. I’ve got him face down, ass up, offering me that perfect ass as I indulge, my tongue savoring every moment. The sounds he makes while I lick him are enough to drive me wild. I pull back, slowly sliding my index finger in. This tightness feels like it was made just for me.

“Do you want more, baby?” I ask, going deeper. His legs shake with anticipation.

“Please, please.” He’s desperate and wanting, and I love it. I add a second finger, and his breaths come faster. “Tray, I need all of you inside me. Please fill me up,” he begs, repeating his pleas as I work my fingers in and out, curling them just right. “Jesus, Tray.” He gasps, overwhelmed. His cries are so intense that it feels like he’s on the edge of tears. I’m holding back, barely managing not to come just from his moans and the feel of him clenching around my digits. He’s absolutely perfect. I slowly pull my fingers away and lean back.

“Turn around.” When he does, I draw him close and capture his face with mine, pressing our lips together. It’s a messy, urgent kiss, full of passion. He wants me as much as I want him. “Lean over the table.” I breathe into his mouth, still kissing him as he nods, trying to move away, but I can’t let go. I tug on his lip ring with my teeth, and he moans, panting against my mouth. I guide him to the table across the room and gently push him down on it so his back is to me. He complies easily, stretching up on his tiptoes. I walk back to the bed, reaching over, grabbing the lube and both of our phones. I turn around, walking slowly toward him as he watches me with pure hunger. Fuck, I could drown in him when he looks like this. Begging and waiting patiently with his ass open for me. I place his phone next to him, and he watches me with wide eyes as I call him.

I video call him.

“Pick up, Dax,” I grunt, pouring lube on my hard length and then running a finger along it before slipping two fingers inside him.

“Tray,” he cries, and I revel in the sound of my name from his lips. It’s beautiful, a sound I want to hear again and again.

“Answer the phone,” I repeat, and Daxton scrambles, his hands shaking as he answers, his head dropping back onto the table with a soft thud as I prepare him. The camera focuses on my face, but I switch it around.

“Watch the phone, Daxton.” I breathe, showing the camera as I insert two fingers. His eyes remain fixed on the screen, moans escaping his lips. I remove my fingers.

Dax doesn’t take his eyes off the camera as he pleads, “More, Tray.”

I smile, positioning myself at his entrance. From the camera, I see Daxton’s eyes widen with desire. He looks predatory, and the sight alone makes me close my eyes in pleasure. I slowly enter him as he gasps sharply.

“Count,” I hiss through clenched teeth.

Daxton breathes rapidly. “Count what?”

“Count every inch you take of me, baby.”

“Fuck.” He gasps again as I push in slightly.

“Daxton,” I growl when he doesn’t count.

“One.” He breathes in. I push in again.

“Two.” His voice cracks.

“Three.” His breathing gets heavier.

“Four,” he whines, one hand clawing the table above his head.

“Five. Tray, fuck me,” he begs. I grip his hips tightly so he can’t move as he tries to back up onto me.

“Be patient, baby.”

I get a moan and then a grunt as I push in another inch. When he doesn’t say anything, I pull out slightly.

“Six, six, six,” he cries out.

“Se—” He stops as his eyes roll back, and I grit my teeth because all I want is to bury myself deep inside him. But I want him to see how perfectly he was made for me; how perfect he looks when I’m buried deep inside him.

“Seven,” he finishes.

“Two more inches, baby, and you’ll see how perfect we look together.”

I push myself in one more inch, gripping his hips tightly as I struggle not to go all the way.

“Eight,” he rushes out, eager for me to push myself to the hilt. I can’t hold back either as I finish in one quick motion, and he screams, “Nine!”

“Nine whole inches of me inside you, baby. Look, look how tight you grip me.” Daxton tenses, and I almost drop the phone from how intense it feels.

“I don’t just want to fuck you, I want to love you, Dax.” Remembering what I said when I told him I hated him, and I just wanted to fuck him.

He gasps. “Then fuck me and love me, Tray.” He moans.

He stares at the camera, eyes wide as I pull back and push deep into him, gripping his hips and pulling him into me as I do.

“Jesusshitfuck.” I grit as I pull back, feeling like I’m going to come already. “You feel too good. I’m not going to last long.” I moan. I wanted this to last longer, but he always does this to me. He draws me in and leaves me wanting more.

I keep up my relentless thrusts, my hips slamming against him each time. I rise onto my toes, pushing myself as deeply as I can. I want to be inside him forever. Daxton’s hand moves frantically beneath him as he watches the video.

“Tray, oh god, I’m coming.” He moans, his body shuddering, panting breaths escaping his lips. That sends me over the edge. I pull out, spin him around, and pull him off the table to his knees on the floor.

“I don’t want to be dripping out of you at the party. I want you to be full of me. Now, drink me down,” I say, as Daxton’s lips wrap around me. I don’t need to move as I come, his tongue swirling around me, and my legs tremble so much that I grip the table and hold on to Daxton’s head. I lose track of the phone. When I think it’s over, though my body continues to quiver, I pull away and drop to the floor in front of him, pulling him close as we lie on the hotel floor, panting.

“That was the hottest thing ever,” Daxton declares.

“It was.” I pant. “And you ticked off the first ten things on my list.” I smile.

“What were they?”

“The first nine was you counting each inch of me filling you.” Daxton bursts out into laughter, his eyes screwing tightly shut as his mouth opens wide. “Number ten was me making you come.”

“Well done for getting the list done.” Dax pats my chest.

“No, I still have ten more.”

“Ten? What are the last ten?”

“To tell you ten things I love about you.” I smirk as I sit up slightly, holding Daxton’s scarred arm up.

“I love your scars.” I kiss his arm.

“I love your freckles.” I place a gentle kiss against his nose.

“I love your eyes.” I kiss his eyelid as he laughs.

“I love your tattoos.” I kiss the tattoo he got on his arm on my twenty-first birthday.”

“I love your neck.” I place a gentle kiss against his neck.

“I love your dick.” I lean down, placing a kiss on his dick.

“I love your ass,” I say, turning him around as he giggles, and I kiss his bare ass, before turning him back around.

“I love your lips.” I place a long lingering kiss on his lips.

“Most of all. I love your whole heart.” I place a kiss on his chest.

“I love you, Daxton.”

“He so knows.” Kal bursts out laughing in the dark as we sit in Bohdi’s brother’s house, the anticipation thick, while Cash waits for Bohdi to show up with Brayden. There’s something in the family genes—Daxton’s eyes widened the moment Cash stepped through the door, and I nudged him hard. The nerve he has to look at someone like that. But then he grinned, and I got an elbow in reply when my jaw literally dropped. Jesus Christ, these guys look like they just stepped off a fashion runway ad.

They can’t hold a candle to my Dax though.

“Shut up, I’m already on Bohdi’s shit list,” I hiss, sparking a few snickers from behind. Just then, the key turns in the door, and it swings open. We all freeze for a heartbeat, my excitement ready to burst. I know today’s been rough on him. Celebrating your twenty-first birthday without your twin is a pain that’s hard to imagine. I texted him earlier, and although he tried video calling me and Kal twice, we both dodged the calls, feeling like absolute crap.

The moment the light comes on, we all leap up, yelling, “Surprise!” The shock on his face melts into a staggering smile, the one that lights up our world as his eyes well up with tears. Kal and I rush forward, scooping him up and taking turns wrapping him in tight hugs. Amid it all, I lean close to his ear and mutter, “I’m not fucking crying in front of these male models. Don’t make me cry, Brayden Quake Anders.”

He laughs into my ear, squeezing me a little harder. “Thank you so much for coming. I love you, Tray.” I step back as Daxton slips in beside us. “Why is Kal wearing a cap? He never wears a cap,” Bray whispers.

“I have no idea; he told me he wanted to wear it. He’s been acting weird since we got here, and Bohdi’s brother, Cash, keeps looking at Kal weirdly. Bray frowns at me, his eyes scanning the room, no doubt looking for Kal. Daxton pushes an envelope toward him.

“Happy Birthday, Bray,” Dax says with a warm smile, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He’d already let the tears flow in my arms earlier, talking about Bex and all the plans they once dreamed up.

Brayden’s lip trembles as Daxton hands him an envelope. We wanted to give him something with true meaning behind it.

He opens it slowly, unfolding the certificate. “Bex was a shining star in a lot of our lives,” the certificate reads, and Dax’s voice trembles as he explains, “Tray and I went to the lighthouse and found the perfect star in the sky. It’s the biggest one.” His voice cracks while I bite my lip to keep my emotions in check. Brayden’s eyes stay fixed on the certificate, silent except for the endless tears streaming down his face.

“And we picked out another star, right next to it,” I say, handing over another envelope. Brayden struggles to hold back tears as he opens it and reads the contents.

“Guys, it’s perfect. Thank you so much,” he says, choking up as he pulls us both into a tight hug. He grips the second certificate, smiling through his tears.

“What’s the second star called, Bray?” Bohdi asks gently beside him.

He looks at me and Dax, beaming. “BB for life.”

A few hours later, everyone is happily drunk—no more tears, just joy. Karaoke is blasting, and I realize everyone in the Stiles family is unbelievably hot. It’s very weird. Cash Stiles’s wife is stunning and has a personality to match. Though I’m pretty sure she’s here to steal my man. She’s been talking to Daxton for the last hour. I swagger over, tipsy from my fifth beer, and drape my arm around Daxton’s shoulder.

“Uh, Rylee, can I have my man back, please?”

“Tray, it’s been an hour, you caveman,” she says, rolling her eyes with a smirk.

“And I’ve got ten years to make up for,” I say, grinning at him. “I want to make every moment count.” I wasn’t planning to tell him until we got back, but my drunk self can’t hold it in any longer. I dig into my pocket, pull out a set of keys, and place them in his hand.

“What’s this?”

“Our apartment keys.” Daxton’s eyes dart from the keys to me and back.

“What?” His voice cracks.

After our last game, two NHL teams approached me. I told Daxton. It was Ice Rapids, in Detroit, just an hour and a half from Hawksview, or Blizzards in Winnipeg, Canada. Who also approached Kal as well as Washington Shards. And Brayden had a few teams approach him. None of them being near Hawksview, but Washington Shards, which is near here. Near Bohdi’s family. Cope got approached by Ice Rapids, too, and he told me the other day he signed the contract. Dax has anxiously been waiting to hear what teams we are going to. Kal and Bray haven’t decided what they are going to do, and I know wherever they are in this world, they will always be my brothers, and they will never leave me. I truly know that now. But I already made my decision. It was an easy choice.

“I signed the contract with Ice Rapids.”

“But Blizzards? That was your dream team,” he says, staring at me with shock, disbelief, and maybe sadness. I look down at him, frowning.

“It was once upon a time. Then you came back for me,” I say with a smile. “Everyone left, but no one ever came back. You did.” I breathe, kissing him.

“Shit,” he chokes out as Rylee sniffles beside us.

“Sorry, this is sweet, but I need to hug you both.” She pulls us in, whispering to Daxton, “Life’s too short. Don’t ever let him go.”

Rylee steps back, tears in her eyes, and walks away. I look at Daxton. “Say yes.”

“You’re doing this for me?” he asks, looking at the keys in his palm.

“I’m doing this for us. For the life we owe each other. You’re my dream now. Our future is my dream. There’s no dream without you.” Tears fall, and he closes his hand around the key.

“Fuck yes.” He breathes the words.

“Fuck yes.” I grin, and Daxton laughs as we kiss.

“I love you, Daxton Rivers.”

“I love you, Trayton King. Always have.”

“The parrrtaaayyy is here!” a girl yells from the doorway. I turn, still grinning because Daxton said yes.

“Toni!” Rylee screams, running to the door and jumping on the blonde. A tall, blond guy follows, holding a little girl no older than two.

“Why does she look so familiar?” I whisper, my mind scrambling as fleeting images spike behind closed eyes until—snap! Recognition strikes. “It can’t be.” My gaze darts around the room until it fixes on Kal, motionless in the crowd. His pale face locked on her. A surge of panic has me sprinting toward him.

“Bro.”

“It’s her,” he murmurs, voice low, resolute; his eyes are glued to her as she greets everyone with a beaming smile.

“What’s happening?” Daxton interjects, arriving with a beer that I immediately shove into Kal’s hand—it feels like his lifeline right now.

Words falter on my tongue. “I don’t even know where to begin. I’ll explain later,” I manage to say, entranced by the scene unfolding. As we stand rooted to the spot, Kal steps forward. “Bro.” I try seizing his arm, shaking my head in silent alarm. He hesitates—a brief, pregnant pause—then continues, halting as her gaze finds him.

In that moment, her entire demeanor shifts as if a chill wind snuffed out the spark in her eyes, replacing her radiant smile with sheer, haunted disbelief. Her mouth parting, she utters, breath catching, “Ka—Kaleb.”

A collective quiet crashes down on us; even Rylee’s gasp booms like a warning. “Oh my god, I knew I recognized him,” Rylee says, holding her hand to her mouth.

I haven’t heard anyone call him Kaleb in years. It’s always Kal.

“Kaleb?” Bohdi questions from behind Toni, confusion marring his face.

“I knew I recognized him, I just couldn’t pinpoint where from,” Bohdi’s brother Cash says, standing next to Bohdi. Then he leans in, whispering into Bohdi’s ear which makes Bohdi’s face pale a considerable amount.

What the fuck is going on?

I turn my focus to Kal. His eyes flit between Toni, Rylee, Cash, and Bohdi, each face now mirroring the shock of witnessing a ghost. Bohdi’s voice comes in an awed whisper. “It all makes sense…” as if Kal has morphed into someone unrecognizable. “Bu-but…” Bohdi falters, his usual smooth tone shattered. The revelation sits heavy: This runs deeper than Kal has ever let on.

“The auction.” Bodhi snaps his fingers like he’s trying to remember something. “Hawks. I remember seeing the papers the day after. Kaleb Hawks.”

“Auction?” I hiss, leaning in, full of suspicion. “What the fuck have you gotten yourself into?”

“Hawks,” Bohdi scoffs, as he runs his fingers through his hair as it all clicks into place in his head. And here I stand, reeling at the face of a girl—a girl Kal has been relentlessly chasing, fucking pining, for nearly three agonizing years. And she’s now strangely linked to Bohdi. Kal has been making moves and hasn’t even told me or Bray. Wait until I get him on his own.

“Toni,” Kal calls out, his eyes fixed on her, softening as he swallows hard, a bittersweet grin flickering across his features. “Long time.”

Before Toni can answer, a small commotion shatters the heavy air—the little girl bursts through like a sudden heartbeat, dark hair in playful pigtails, her tiny fingers clutching Toni’s leg desperately. Time seems to slow. Toni looks down at the child, then uncertainly shifts her gaze to Kal. Rylee’s hand flies to her mouth in another gasp as her eyes begin to glisten. I watch, transfixed, at the little girl, Toni, and the man with the blond hair. It strikes me that the little girl’s hair is a dark, rich brown. Nothing like the mom’s or the blond guy standing behind them. But much like the guy standing next to me.

I edge up beside Kal. “How long ago were you with her?” His intake of breath is jagged, his eyes locked on Toni, who lifts the little girl, cradling her against her chest as tears streak down Toni’s face. Kal’s face pales further; it’s almost ghostly. My glance flits to Bohdi and Brayden—Bohdi whispering as Brayden’s hand rises to his mouth in a silent, shocked acknowledgment.

I point to the little girl, voice a trembling whisper. “Kal…” No one says it aloud; it lingers, unspoken, but heavy in the air. Then, as I turn to meet his searching eyes, I repeat with a mix of dread and resolve, “Kal…” Slowly, he swivels to face me. “Is she yours?”

The end.

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