The mate he can't claim

Awakened Pull

Lyra woke before dawn the next morning muscles stiff but mind sharp. She dressed quickly in practice gear and headed to the rink alone. The cold air slapped her awake as she laced her skates. She needed this time to clear her head before the team arrived. Last night lingering scent on the hoodie had haunted her dreams and she refused to let it weaken her today.

She stepped onto the ice and began skating laps stick in hand practicing her wrist shots. The puck flew true every time. For a moment she felt in control. Then the doors at the far end banged open and Kael strode in alone. He did not look surprised to see her. Instead he dropped his bag and laced up with deliberate movements never breaking eye contact.

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

She stopped skating and planted her stick. Just staying sharp. You got a problem with that Captain?

He skated toward her slow and purposeful. Each glide brought him closer until he circled her like a predator sizing up prey. The pull hit her again stronger now. Her breath shortened. She could smell him again that intoxicating mix of frost and wildness. It made her thighs clench involuntarily.

Kael stopped inches away. His gaze dropped to her mouth then back to her eyes. Whatever this is he muttered it ends here. I do not need distractions. The pack does not need them.

Then why are you here she challenged heart pounding so hard she felt dizzy. Why not leave me to practice alone?

Because I can not. The words seemed torn from him. His hand lifted as if to touch her face then dropped. A low sound rumbled in his chest almost a growl. Lyra felt it vibrate through her own body. Heat pooled between her legs unbidden and embarrassing. She stepped back but the boards stopped her.

Kael closed the distance again. Their chests brushed. The contact sent sparks racing across her skin. She wanted to shove him. She wanted to pull him down and taste the anger on his lips. The conflict tore at her.

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

Good he replied but his voice was rough. His fingers brushed her wrist and the touch ignited something primal. For a second his eyes flashed golden and she swore she heard a faint howl in her own mind. Then he pulled away breathing hard.

Practice with the team starts in thirty he said turning sharply. Do not be late.

He left her standing there trembling with a need she did not understand and a fury she welcomed. Lyra spent the remaining time pushing herself harder than ever determined to outskate the chaos inside her.

When the full team arrived the session turned brutal. Coach Harlan ran them through full contact drills. Lyra held her own but every time Kael was on the ice the air thickened. Rylan kept shooting her encouraging grins while Selene Blackthorn watched from the sidelines with narrowed eyes. The girl had arrived late hair braided tight and stick taped with silver that glinted like claws.

During a three on three drill Lyra and Kael ended up on opposite sides. She stole the puck from him again and this time when he chased her down their bodies tangled. They crashed to the ice in a heap limbs locked. His weight pinned her 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 arched up instinctively.

Kael eyes darkened. Make me he whispered.

Coach blew the whistle breaking the moment. But the damage was done. The entire team had seen the way they moved together like magnets. Whispers spread. 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 and she had no idea how to fight it.

Later in the cafeteria Rylan slid into the seat across from her. You and the captain are causing quite the stir he said popping a fry into his mouth. Careful Vale. Some bonds are dangerous.

What are you talking about she demanded.

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

Before she could press him Selene appeared at the table edge. Stay away from Kael human she warned sweetly. He is promised to stronger blood than yours.

Lyra stood slowly. Try me.

The tension snapped like a stick breaking. Selene lunged but Rylan stepped between them. Not here he said. Save it for the ice.

Lyra stormed out pulse racing. She was not backing down. Not from Selene. Not from the whispers. And definitely not from the way her body still burned from Kael touch. The game was changing fast and she was right in the middle of it whether she wanted to be or not.