The Mate He Can't Claim

Flames Before The Freeze

The academy rink was electric with tension four days before the championship tournament. Banners from teams hung all around the walls and the air was thick with the smell of sweat and aggression. Lyra put on her skates with hands but her heart was racing. She felt a connection with Kael and it was giving her focus but it was also making her feel all hot and bothered. Every time they practiced it felt like they were getting ready for something

Coach Harlan blew his whistle loud and clear. It was time for a scrimmage with mixed teams. He told them to treat the visitors like enemies because that is what most of them were.

Lyra got into position beside Kael. When their shoulders touched she felt a spark of electricity run through her body. On the side Darius, the guy who was next in line to be the leader of the Riverrun team was staring at her with a smirk on his face. His eyes lingered on the mark that Kael had left on her neck. It made her feel uncomfortable.

The game. It was chaotic. Lyra won the face-off. Skated as fast as she could. She passed the puck to Kael. He passed it back to her perfectly. They moved together like one unit reading each others minds through their connection. She dodged a defender. Took a shot that the goalie barely blocked. When she got the rebound she slammed it into the goal with all her might.

The crowd went wild cheering and clapping. Kael skated over to her. Pulled her into a tight hug pressing their bodies together. " Job " he whispered in her ear his breath hot against her skin. "Keep playing like that. I will reward you tonight."

His words made her feel all inside. She looked into his eyes. Saw the hunger there the desire to be with her. "I will hold you to that Captain," she said, her voice above a whisper.

The Riverrun players were not happy about the goal. They started playing trying to intimidate Lyra and Kael. Darius checked her hard into the boards his body pinning hers for a second long. "You smell like you belong to someone " he growled, his voice low and menacing. ". That will change when we win this tournament."

Lyra was furious. She drove her elbow into his ribs. Shoved him away. "Touch me again and I will hurt you " she warned him.

Kael appeared out of nowhere slamming Darius away with a snarl. His fists were clenched, ready to fight. The referees intervened,. The message was clear: the rivalry between the teams had gone too far.

Practice ended with Lyras team on top. Everyone was bruised and threatened. In the locker room Kael waited until most of the players had left then he pulled Lyra into his office locking the door behind them.

"I cannot wait until tonight " he said, his voice rough with desire. "Seeing him touch you made me so angry."

He kissed her hard his tongue tangling with hers. Lyra moaned into his mouth her hands fisting his jersey. She could feel how hard he was pressing against her stomach.

"Take me now " she breathed, her voice husky with desire. "Remind me who I belong to."

Kael growled in approval. He spun her around bending her over the desk and pulling her pants down enough. His fingers found her wet and ready stroking her once twice before he thrust into her with one stroke. Lyra cried out at the fullness the stretch perfect and overwhelming.

They moved together their bodies slamming into each other. The connection between them was intense flooding Lyra with emotions: lust, jealousy and love. She pushed back meeting him thrust for thrust chasing the pleasure that built fast and intense.

"Harder Kael " she demanded, her voice husky with desire. "Mark me again."

He leaned over her biting down on the mark on her shoulder while his hand rubbed circles on her c**t. The combination sent her spiraling out of control her orgasm crashing through her like a wave. Kael followed, his body tensing up his knot swelling to lock them together as he spilled hot and deep inside her.

They stayed connected, panting and trembling. Kael pressed kisses along her neck whispering words of love and praise. "You are everything to me Lyra " he said, his voice full of emotion. "My mate, my partner, my future."

When they finally separated Kael cleaned her gently with a towel helped her straighten her clothes. They shared one slow kiss before slipping out separately.

The rest of the day was a blur of strategy meetings and light drills.. Then Elias found them looking serious. "Riverrun has made an alliance with two other teams " he said, his voice low and urgent. "They plan to target you both during the games. If they cannot have you they want you broken."

Kael nodded, his jaw tight. "We will be ready " he said, his voice firm.

That evening they escaped to the cabin again. The moment the door closed Kael lifted her carrying her straight to the bed. This time he took his time stripping her completely worshipping her body with his mouth. He sucked marks onto her breasts and inner thighs before settling between her legs. His tongue explored every fold circling her c**t with pressure until she came twice screaming his name.

Then did he enter her, slow and deep his eyes locked on hers. They moved together in rhythm their connection glowing bright between them. Emotions flowed freely: love, fierce protectiveness and the growing fear of what the tournament might cost them. Kael knotted her again holding her close as they stayed locked together for minutes.

Afterward they lay tangled under the blankets talking in voices. Kael shared stories of his childhood of the pressure of being the heir. Lyra told him about the years before hockey when she felt something missing inside her. The conversation drew them closer their hearts syncing through their connection.

Their peace was interrupted by a sharp knock, on the door. Rylans voice called out "Captain, trouble. Selene was seen meeting with Darius.. Your father has called another private council. He wants Lyra tested again before the game."

Kael cursed, pulling on clothes. Lyra dressed quickly beside him. They returned to the academy, where the alpha waited in his office with Selene and two elders.

"The connection has been proven " the alpha said coldly ". We need assurance of loyalty. Tomorrow before the opening match Lyra will face a controlled shift test in front of the council. Prove your blood serves Frostfang or the connection will be challenged again."

Lyra lifted her chin, her heart pounding in her chest. "I will do it " she said, her voice firm. "I have nothing to hide."

Kael stood beside her his hand brushing hers, hidden from view. "We face this together " he said, his voice full of determination.