Julian’s POV
The weight of expectation sat heavy on my shoulders that morning, thicker than the leather of the jacket I shrugged on before heading into my office. Every corner of Silverstone was buzzing about the upcoming match against the Falcons. It wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. My return. My redemption.
The Falcons weren’t weak opponents, either. They were fast, vicious, and hungry to prove themselves against the Alpha who had once been the King of the ice. Every bone in my body itched for that game, but at the same time, every nerve screamed that I wasn’t ready.
Not ready enough. Not strong enough. Not whole enough.
I pushed those thoughts down and turned to the pile of paperwork that Aby had placed on my desk. She was meticulous, far more organized than I’d expected when
