problems faded away at the rink. Nothing in the outside world mattered, so long as I was out there. It was like the boards around the arena created a barrier, a wall that kept all the bad things out and me in.
I just needed to go for a skate, to take my mind off things. Lady Magdalina insisted I take a few weeks off for recovery after the King’s Contest, but I hadn’t skated since, and I was dying to lace up my skates. A quick practice would do me good, and I didn’t have class until one o’clock.
There wasn’t much time to skate, but it didn’t matter. The familiar feeling of freedom came over me as I performed every jump and spin with ease. I fell a few times on some of my triples, but after a consistent effort, I got them back. I was pleased to see I hadn’t lost anything over break. Lady Magdalina would be satisfied with my progress.
After some time on the ice, I felt a lot better, and my head was clear. The empty locker room was friendly and kind as I changed back into my uniform. It felt familiar... normal.
Nothing ever felt normal these days. I wished I could stay in the rink forever, where it was safe, but at some point I had to return to reality. I swung my cloak around me, dreading the long walk back to campus.
As I entered the arena’s lobby, shivers encompassed my body from head to toe. A man was standing by the sliding glass doors, checking his phone. His shoulders were broad, and his dark hair was messy. Even through the sleeves of his shirt I could see the corded muscle. He stood tall and straight, his chiseled and perfect face set in a serious countenance.
He was only a few feet away, and that distance seemed cruel and taunting. I was sensitive to his very presence now. Just the sight of him sent butterflies rushing through my stomach and wetness seeping through my panties. Those eyes... gods, those amber eyes. They were wolf eyes, ones of a hunter, an alpha. I could fall into them forever and be happy about it. I wanted him to chase me. And I wanted him to catch me, too, because I desired to know what he’d do to me after.
The amber eyes looked up and landed on my form. His entire figure froze as his gaze roamed me up and down, mentally undressing me with his eyes.
Standing across from me... and looking hot as all hell in his hockey jersey... was the one man I was terrified to see.
Chapter Three
Ethan
Of course we’d run into each other at the rink. We both had practice here.
Seeing Emma for the first time since the King’s Contest broke me. I’d had so much longing for her that I nearly collapsed at her feet. I caught her scent as it wafted off her red hair, and my heart pumped wildly. She came to an abrupt stop in front of me, her wide green eyes roaming over my form in both fear and hunger.
There was anger, there, too. It hadn’t faded. I wanted to be free of it, but still, I had resentment.
I didn’t want to be that way toward her. I had to be a gentleman, and remain in control.
“Hi,” Emma started. Her voice sounded small and meek.
“Hi,” I responded. Gods, could we do something else besides stand here and stare at each other? It was awkward.
Not to mention there was a heat creeping over my skin that made me want to shed my clothes. And Fuck, this was an ice rink, for the gods’ sake.
“What are you doing here?” Emma tried to make small talk, but she wasn’t very good at it. Her eyes ripped from mine and glued to my shoes.
“I had a meeting for the hockey team,” I said. “It was a luncheon to get the season kicked off.”
“Oh.” She hugged her bag closer. “I just came for a break.”
I knew the feeling. “How was Poland?” I didn’t bring up that I hadn’t called.
“I was sick a lot. Don’t tell anyone else. I said I had a great time.” Her voice was deadened, but honest.
The pit in my stomach twisted. “I’m sorry to hear that. My Christmas was full of pompous royal affairs. It wasn’t anything to miss.”
She grimaced. “Ethan, I—”
“You don’t need to apologize. What’s done is done,” I said. “It’s time we moved on from it.”