The mate he can't claim

Rising Blood

The first official game of the season arrived faster than Lyra expected. Frostfang Wolves versus the visiting Riverrun pack team. The arena was packed now students and alumni filling the stands with chants that sounded more like howls than cheers. Lyra laced her skates in the locker room hands steady despite the nerves twisting in her gut.

Kael stood at the front giving last minute instructions. His eyes found hers across the room and held. The bond whatever it was thrummed between them visible emotions raw and undeniable. She saw the same conflict in him the same reluctant hunger. He looked away first jaw tight.

On the ice the opening face off was pure violence. Riverrun players were bigger meaner and they targeted Lyra from the first whistle. One of them cross checked her hard enough to send her sprawling. Pain flared in her shoulder but she rolled up snarling. Get up Vale Kael shouted from center ice. Show them what you are made of.

She did. She scored the first goal with a blistering shot that left the goalie stunned. The crowd erupted. But the hits kept coming. During a power play Lyra found herself pinned against the boards by two Riverrun forwards. Their eyes glowed yellow and one of them leaned in close enough for her to hear his whisper. Human trash. You do not belong here.

Something inside her snapped. A surge of power flooded her veins. 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 and slammed a second goal home. The arena shook with roars.

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

I do not know she admitted breath ragged. But 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 eyes narrowed. Your new pet is interesting Draven he said with a sneer. But she will not last the season. Not when the real packs come for her.

Kael shoved him back hard. Touch her again and 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 eyes knowing.

By the end of the period the score was tied and Lyra was exhausted but exhilarated. In the locker room between periods Kael cornered her in the hallway. Alone.

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

Nothing she insisted. I am just a girl who can play hockey.

Liar. He stepped closer until their foreheads almost touched. I feel you Lyra. In my blood. In my bones. This bond it is not normal. And if the packs find out what you might be they will hunt you.

Her heart stuttered at the raw emotion in his voice. The cold captain was cracking and it was because of her. She reached up without thinking tracing a finger along his jaw. The touch sent fire through both of them. Kael inhaled sharply 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 claiming. Teeth and tongue and months of pent up frustration poured into one heated moment. Lyra moaned into his mouth hands fisting in his jersey. The kiss tasted like ice and danger and everything she had been fighting. When they broke apart both breathing hard reality crashed back.

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

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

But as the final buzzer sounded a shadow fell over the celebration. In the stands a man who looked too much like an older version of Kael watched with cold calculation. Kael father the alpha. And beside him stood Elias Vale her uncle face grim.

The game was won but Lyra knew the real fight was just beginning. Twists were coming secrets were unraveling and the bond that had snapped into place on that first chaotic day was about to drag them both into a war neither had seen coming. She glanced at Kael across the ice. His eyes met hers full of promise and peril.