ICE HEARTS

CHAPTER 8: JEALOUSY AND PROTECTION

The next few days were pure bliss. Liam was softer, lighter, and the team noticed the change immediately—even if they didn't understand why.

"He's actually smiling today," one player whispered.

"Must have won the lottery or something."

Liam ignored them. He felt invincible. As long as Noah was nearby, everything was perfect.

But perfection never lasts long.

It was during a team meeting when the trouble started. The coach was going over strategies, and then he turned to Noah.

"Noah, since you're fast and agile, Jake is going to work specifically with you on offensive drills. He's good at teaching new techniques."

Jake was a forward on the team. He was nice enough, friendly, and... annoyingly handsome.

Noah turned to the guy next to him and grinned. "Sure! Thanks, Jake. Looking forward to it."

Liam saw Jake smile back and put a hand on Noah’s shoulder. "No problem, rookie. I'll make you a pro."

Something inside Liam’s chest snapped.

Don't touch him.

His jaw tightened instantly. The warm feeling vanished, replaced by a cold, heavy weight. His eyes narrowed, locking onto Jake’s hand still resting on Noah’s shoulder.

Mine, his mind snarled. Get your hands off what's mine.

Noah felt the sudden change in the air. He looked across the table and met Liam’s gaze. His smile faltered slightly. He had never seen Liam look this angry, not even during a game.

The meeting ended, and everyone stood up to leave.

"Come on, Noah, let's go check the gear," Jake said, pulling Noah along.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming!" Noah laughed, allowing himself to be dragged away. He glanced back one more time, but Liam was already walking in the opposite direction, his posture stiff and furious.

Later that day, the rink was divided into groups. Liam was supposed to be supervising the defense line, but his eyes were glued to the other end of the ice.

Noah and Jake.

They were laughing. They were passing the puck back and forth. Jake was demonstrating a move, standing way too close for Liam’s liking. He was pointing at Noah’s stick, adjusting his grip.

Liam saw red.

He didn't think. He just skated. Fast. Hard.

He slammed into the space between them, sending a spray of ice shavings onto Jake’s skates, forcing the other man to jump back in surprise.

"Captain?" Jake blinked, looking confused. "We're working here."

"Move," Liam said, his voice like ice. "I need him."

"But Coach said—"

"I said move!" Liam snapped, not even looking at Jake. His eyes were only for Noah.

Jake, looking terrified, raised his hands and skated away quickly. "Okay! Okay! Chill!"

Now it was just the two of them.

Noah looked up, a mix of amusement and worry in his eyes.

"Someone is grumpy today," Noah teased softly.

" What is wrong with you?" Liam hissed, grabbing Noah’s arm and pulling him away from the center, towards the quieter side of the rink. "Are you trying to make me mad?"

"No..." Noah bit his lip. "I was just working, Liam. Jake is just teaching me stuff."

"He was touching you," Liam growled, grabbing Noah’s waist and pulling him flush against his own body. "He was standing too close. He was smiling at you like you were his."

"Oh my god," Noah’s eyes widened, and then a slow grin spread across his face. "Liam Stone... are you jealous?"

"So what if I am?" Liam challenged, not denying it. He leaned down, his face dark and intense. "I don't like sharing, Noah. I don't like people looking at what belongs to me. And I certainly don't like them touching you."

Noah felt a shiver run down his spine. Liam was being so dominant, so possessive. It was scary... but it was also incredibly hot.

"You're so cute when you're jealous," Noah whispered, wrapping his arms around Liam’s neck despite the angry glare.

"I'm not cute!" Liam argued, but his arms tightened around Noah’s waist. "I'm serious. You're mine. Only mine. If anyone else tries to get close... I'll break them."

"No you won't," Noah chuckled, patting Liam’s chest. "You're just a softie who loves me too much."

Liam groaned, hiding his face in Noah’s neck, inhaling his scent deeply, trying to calm the raging fire in his blood.

"I can't help it," he mumbled against Noah’s skin. "The thought of anyone else having you... it drives me insane."

"You don't have to worry," Noah said softly, stroking Liam’s hair. "I only have eyes for you, Captain. Remember? I chased you."

Liam lifted his head, looking into those sincere eyes. The jealousy slowly faded, replaced by relief and love.

"Good," Liam whispered, leaning his forehead against Noah’s. "Because if you ever look at someone else the way you look at me... I don't know what I'll do."

"You'll probably freeze them," Noah laughed.

"Exactly," Liam smirked dangerously. "Now. Forget Jake. I'm teaching you today. And I do it better than anyone else."

"I know you do," Noah smiled. "My Ice King."