The Mate He Can't Claim

Bloodlines Awakened

The week brought more snow and tougher practices. Lyra worked harder her determination fueled by the memory of Kaels touch. Her speed and shots improved noticeably. Coach Harlan watched her with an eye but said nothing.

During a scrimmage Rylan passed her the puck with a grin. "Show them what you're made of " he said.

Lyra dodged two defenders. Scored a goal that left the backup goalie frustrated. The team started to respect her even if it was begrudgingly.. Selenes hatred only grew. After the drill Selene skated close. Whispered, "Enjoy your moments with the captain. They won't last once his father chooses a mate for him."

Lyra felt a growl rising in her chest. It shocked her. She had never growled before.

Kael appeared at her side his presence a shield and a temptation. "Back Selene " he warned.

Selene. Retreated. For now.

That evening Lyras uncle, Elias Vale arrived at the academy. Lyra met him in the visitors lounge her heart pounding. Her uncle looked older with silver in his hair and shadows under his eyes.

"You should have told me sooner " he said. "About the symptoms. The pull. The power surges."

Lyra explained that she didn't know what they meant. Her uncles expression turned serious. "You're not fully human, Lyra. Our bloodline carries alpha traits. Rare. Powerful.. Hunted by those who fear it."

Lyras mind reeled. "What does this mean?"

Elias glanced around then lowered his voice. "Kael Draven is your mate. The bond confirms it.. Accepting it will put a target on both your backs."

The truth settled heavy in Lyras chest. She had many questions but one burned brightest. "Does Kael know?"

Elias hesitated. "Not everything.. He feels enough. Be careful Lyra. Love in our world comes with teeth."

As her uncle left Lyra stepped outside into the snow. Kael was waiting for her his eyes locked on hers.

"We need to talk about what we're " he said, pulling her into the shadow of a nearby building.

Lyra told him everything her uncle had revealed. Kael listened his jaw clenched, emotions raw on his face. When she finished he cupped her face his thumbs brushing her cheeks.

"Then we face it together " he said. "No more fighting the pull.. We keep it hidden until after the championship."

Their kiss was slower deeper. Hands explored with purpose. Kael lifted Lyra wrapping her legs around his waist pressing her back against the stone.

The locker room was tense the team filing in after another practice. Lyra lingered at her locker her fingers trembling as she peeled off her shoulder pads. Every muscle burned,. The real fire raged deeper.

Kael avoided contact with her all afternoon but his presence pulled at her constantly. She could feel his gaze now from across the room.

The bond was strengthening daily. Lyra wanted more than his hands and friction. She wanted skin on skin. Teeth on her neck.

Rylan dropped onto the bench beside her wiping his face with a towel. "You two are going to combust before the game if you don't figure this out " he muttered.

Lyra shot him a glare. "I'm trying. It's not exactly something I can switch off."

Across the room Kael finished his conversation and locked eyes with Lyra. He clenched his jaw then jerked his head toward the side exit. A silent command.

Lyra waited until most of the team had cleared out before following him down the hallway.

The door shut behind them. Kael was on her instantly. His hands gripped her waist lifting her onto a stack of mats. Their mouths crashed together in a kiss that held no restraint.

Lyra moaned into him her fingers digging into his hair. The taste of him flooded her senses.

"Gods, Lyra " he growled against her lips. "I can smell how wet you are. Its been driving me crazy all practice."

His words sent a rush of arousal through her core. She arched, pressing her breasts against his chest.

"Touch me " she whispered, voice husky with need. "I need your hands on me, Kael. Please."

He didn't hesitate. One large hand slid under her shirt cupping her breast. The other hand dipped lower pushing beneath her waistband and straight into her soaked panties.

Lyra rocked against his hand shamelessly chasing the building heat. Emotions flashed raw across his face. Lust, protectiveness and a possessive hunger.

Kael slipped two fingers inside her curling them against that spot. Lyra cried out biting his shoulder to muffle the sound.

The stretch felt incredible, but not enough. She wanted all of him deep filling her completely.

"Faster " she begged, hips jerking. "I'm so close."

He obliged, pumping his fingers harder mouth latching onto her neck sucking a mark that would linger under her collar.

The bond thrummed between them pulsing with shared pleasure. Lyra could feel echoes of his arousal his c**k straining hard against his pants.

"Come for me Lyra " he commanded, voice rough with alpha power. "Let me feel you fall apart."

The orgasm hit her like a slapshot to the chest. Pleasure exploded outward tightening every muscle as she clenched around his fingers.

Lyra shook in his arms moaning his name like a prayer and a curse. Kael held her through it kissing her softly now as the tremors faded.

The locker room smelled of sweat, ice and barely contained tension as the team filed in after another punishing practice. Lyras heart twisted with hurt and anger.

My father called me in this morning Kael said, voice turning serious. He suspects the bond. Selene fed him rumors to make him watch us both. He wants me to choose a mate from the approved bloodlines before the championship tournament. Someone like her.

Lyras heart twisted.. What do you want?

"You " Kael said, the word coming out fierce and immediate. ". Wanting you could cost me the pack. It could cost you your life. Rival scouts were spotted near the academy borders night. They're looking for you now that word of your latent alpha traits is spreading."

Lyra stepped back running a hand through her hair. "Then we fight smarter. I'm not some human anymore Kael. Whatever is in my blood its waking up fast."

Kael pulled her against his chest resting his chin on her head. "We train harder. We keep this hidden until we have no choice.. When the time comes I will stand with you against every alpha who tries to tear us apart."

A loud bang echoed from the locker room breaking their moment. They slipped out separately hearts pounding. Back in the area Coach Harlan was waiting with a grim expression.

"Team meeting now " he barked. "Riverrun just issued a challenge for a pre-tournament exhibition match in three days. They're bringing their enforcer line. This is not about hockey anymore. It's a statement."

The team gathered, tension crackling. Selene shot Lyra a look from across the circle. Kael stood tall shoulders squared,. Lyra caught the protective glance he sent her way.

Rylan leaned close, to her. "High stakes now Vale. They'll come for you on the ice. Try to break you."

Lyra replied, voice steady even as her pulse raced. "I'm done hiding."

That night Lyra lay in her bed thinking about every touch from the storage room. Her body still felt good. She wanted more. She needed the bond now it wasn't a feeling anymore. She touched the mark on her neck that Kael had left and smiled in the dark.

Across campus Kael stood on the balcony of the alpha house looking at the moon. His fathers voice was still in his head telling him to obey.. He kept thinking about Lyra and how she reacted when he touched her. The bond, with Lyra was making him feel something something that wouldn't listen to the rules of the pack.