The Mate He Can't Claim

The Primal Pull

Lyra woke up before it was light outside. Her muscles were stiff. Her mind was sharp. She got dressed quickly in the clothes she wore to practice and went to the rink by herself. The cold air hit her like a slap when she got there and started to put on her skates. She needed some time to think before the rest of the team showed up. The smell on the hoodie from the night before had been in her dreams. She did not want to let it get to her today.

She stepped onto the ice. Started skating around stick in hand practicing her shots. The puck went where she wanted it to every time. For a moment she felt like she was in control. Then the doors at the end of the rink opened with a bang and Kael walked in by himself. He did not look surprised to see her. Instead he put down his bag. Started to put on his skates never looking away from her.

You are here early Vale he said, his voice echoing across the rink. Trying to prove something?

She stopped skating. Stood still stick in hand. Just staying sharp she said. You have a problem with that Captain?

He skated towards her slow and on purpose. Each time he moved he got closer until he was circling her like an animal looking at its food. Lyra felt that pull again stronger now. Her breath got shorter. She could smell him that mix of cold and wild that made her legs feel weak.

Kael stopped in front of her. He looked at her mouth back at her eyes. Whatever this is he said quietly it has to stop. I do not need things getting in the way. The team does not need them.

Then why are you here she asked, her heart beating fast. Why not just let me practice by myself?

Because I can not he said, like the words were being pulled out of him. His hand went up like he was going to touch her face. Then he put it back down. A low sound came from his chest like a growl. Lyra felt it like it was vibrating through her body. She felt heat between her legs, which was embarrassing. She took a step back. The wall stopped her.

Kael moved again. Their chests. Lyra felt sparks. She wanted to push him. She wanted to pull him down and kiss him. She was torn.

This is crazy she whispered. I do not even like you.

Good he said, but his voice was rough. His fingers touched her wrist. Lyra felt something primal wake up. For a second his eyes looked golden. She thought she heard a faint howl in her mind. Then he pulled away breathing hard.

Practice with the team starts in thirty minutes he said, turning around. Do not be late.

He left her standing shaking and feeling a need she did not understand and a anger she was happy to feel. Lyra spent the rest of the time pushing herself harder than ever trying to skate the chaos inside her.

When the whole team got there the practice was brutal. Coach Harlan made them do contact drills. Lyra did okay but every time Kael was on the ice the air felt thick. Rylan kept smiling at her while Selene Blackthorn watched from the sidelines with eyes. The girl had gotten there late with her hair braided tight and her stick taped with silver that looked like claws.

During a three on three drill Lyra and Kael ended up on teams. She took the puck from him again. This time when he chased her their bodies got tangled. They fell to the ice in a heap legs locked. His weight held her down for a heartbeat. Their faces were so close she could feel his breath on her lips.

Get off me she hissed, even as her hips moved up.

Kaels eyes got darker. Make me he whispered.

The coach blew the whistle breaking the moment.. The damage was done. The whole team had seen how they moved together like magnets. People started whispering. Lyra ignored them skating off the ice at the end of practice with her head high. Inside she was reeling. The pull was getting stronger. She did not know how to fight it.

Later in the cafeteria Rylan sat down across from her. You and the captain are causing a lot of talk he said, eating a fry. Be careful Vale. Some bonds are not safe.

What are you talking about she asked.

He leaned in voice low. Ask your uncle when he comes to visit. There is more to you than you know.. Kael he is not the only one who feels the pull. The whole team can sense it.

Before she could ask him more Selene showed up at the table. Stay away from Kael, human she warned, her voice sweet. He is promised to someone than you.

Lyra stood up slowly. Try me she said.

The tension snapped, like a stick breaking. Selene jumped at her. Rylan got in the way. Not he said. Save it for the ice.

Lyra stormed out her heart racing. She was not going to back. Not from Selene. Not from the whispers.. Definitely not from the way her body still felt from Kaels touch.

The first real game of the season came faster than Lyra expected. The Frostfang Wolves were playing the Riverrun pack team. The arena was full with students and alumni in the stands cheering like they were howling. Lyra put on her skates in the locker room her hands steady even though she was nervous.

Kael was standing at the front giving last minute instructions. His eyes found hers across the room. Held. The bond, whatever it was was visible with emotions undeniable. She saw the conflict in him the same hunger. He looked away first his jaw tight.

On the ice the game was violent from the start. The Riverrun players were bigger and meaner. They targeted Lyra from the first whistle. One of them hit her hard to send her falling. She got up angry and ready to fight.

Get up Vale Kael shouted from the ice. Show them what you are made of.

She did. She scored the goal with a shot that left the goalie stunned. The crowd erupted.. The hits kept coming. During a power play Lyra found herself pinned against the boards by two Riverrun players. Their eyes glowed yellow. One of them leaned in close. Trash he whispered. You do not belong here.

Something inside Lyra snapped. She felt a surge of power. She exploded out of the pin driving her stick into the ice and launching herself forward. The puck was hers. She deked past both defenders. Slammed a second goal home. The arena shook with cheers.

Kael was on her after the whistle. His hand gripped her arm pulling her close. What the hell was that he growled in her ear. You glowed. Your eyes.

I do not know she said, breathless.. It felt right.

His grip tightened. This changes everything Vale. You are not what we thought.

Before she could respond the Riverrun captain skated over his eyes narrow. Your new pet is interesting Draven he said with a sneer.. She will not last the season. Not when the real teams come for her.

Kael shoved him hard. Touch her again. I end you.

The threat hung in the air thick with promise. Lyra felt the shift in the team dynamics. Rylan gave her a nod of respect. Even Selene looked unsettled. Coach Harlan watched from the bench his eyes knowing.

By the end of the period the score was. Lyra was exhausted but excited. In the locker room Kael cornered her in the hallway. Alone.

Tell me the truth he demanded, his voice low and urgent. What are you hiding?

Nothing she said. I am a girl who can play hockey.

Liar he said. I feel you, Lyra. In my blood. In my bones. This bond it is not normal.. If the teams find out what you might be they will hunt you.

Her heart stuttered at the emotion in his voice. The cold captain was. It was because of her. She reached up without thinking. Touched his jaw. The touch sent fire through both of them. Kael inhaled sharply his eyes flashing.

Do not he warned, even as he leaned into her hand.

Why not she whispered. You feel it too.

He kissed her then sudden and fierce. It was not gentle. It was like he was claiming her. Teeth and tongue and months of frustration poured into one moment. Lyra moaned into his mouth her hands fisting, in his jersey. The kiss tasted like ice and danger. Everything she had been fighting. When they broke apart breathing hard reality came back.

This can not happen Kael said, his voice hoarse. Not yet. Not until we know what you are.

He left her standing her lips swollen her body aching for more. The second period started with Lyra playing like she was possessed. Another goal. Another assist. The Wolves pulled ahead.

As the final buzzer sounded a shadow fell over the celebration. In the stands a man who looked like a version of Kael watched with cold calculation. Kaels father, the alpha.. Beside him stood Elias Vale, her uncle, his face grim.