CLAIMED ON ICE

"This season is already proving to be a success for you, Rowan," the interviewer began, a smile on her face. "Do you have any new goals for the upcoming games?" Rowan ran a hand through his sweaty brown hair, a small smile on his lips. "The success of all the games so far is a collective effort of the team." "And the sole goal is to enjoy the game." He flashed the camera a smile followed by a wink. As expected, the interviewer blushed. "As expected of the captain of Helios Blades." She tucked a stray hair behind her hair. "Adrian Voss has publicly said that he'll beat your record of fifty-nine goals this season and has already scored twenty-four. How do you feel about that?" Rowan maintained the smile on his face, though his hands formed fists, hidden behind his back. “Records aren't meant to go on forever,” he started, keeping his expression neutral. “I wish Adrian the best.” The interviewer regarded him for a moment before she exclaimed, “Brilliant!” Though her disappointment couldn't be hidden as she gave Rowan a smile. The alpha noticed this and bit back a smirk. Good luck looking for something to post on those disgusting blogs. Luckily, Rowan's coach, Samantha Owens pushed forward and gave the interviewer a smile. "I think that's enough for today. He needs to rest." The other nodded. "Of course." She looked back at the alpha. "Thank you for your time, Rowan Kane." "No problem,” Rowan murmured, watching her leave before turning to his coach. "Thank you for the rescue." "You answered the questions perfectly," Samantha said as they walked towards the locker rooms. "All those months of media training didn't go to waste." The alpha resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “I don't like answering questions about him and you know that.” “That interviewer isn't coming back again,” Samantha assured, making the tension in Rowan's shoulders lessen. They stopped at the door of the locker room and could hear the rowdy cheers of Rowan's teammates. It seems they were still riding the high of their success. Samantha looked at him. “As the captain, you know what you have to do, right?” Rowan didn't hesitate and nodded. “I'll work hard. I won't let you down, coach.” She looked into his eyes and nodded faintly, satisfied. “Good. You have to train extra hard for that and remember everything I taught you.” Without waiting for a response, Samantha pushed the doors open, revealing the players roughhousing. She clapped twice to draw their attention and silence descended in the room. “You all did well today. I'm very proud.” Cheers erupted in the locker rooms and Rowan smiled faintly. Samantha's gaze swept over the room and landed on the team's rookie, Evan Talon. “You did good for your first match.” Evan straightened as she continued, “Though you have to be more fluid with your footwork.” “T-Thank you, coach!” Evan stammered, a slight flush on his cheeks. “I'll do well next time.” Samantha chuckled lightly. “That's good to hear.” “When do we get a break, coach?” a voice asked and the room turned to Jonah Krell, the team's goalie. Samantha clicked her tongue in mild annoyance. “When you learn how to block your Captain's shots.” “That's impossible!” Jonah exclaimed, brows creased in a frown. “The captain is a beast on ice.” “He'll probably destroy your hands in the process,” someone added and the coach shrugged. “Then no breaks for you all till then,” she said. The room erupted into protests and Rowan's lips curled in a smile as he leaned against the wall, briw This was one of the reasons he loved hockey. ****************** “Hey!” Jonah called as Rowan walked into the gym a day later. The space was quiet save for the few teammates doing bench pressing and lifting weights. Rowan waved at them before making his way to his friend who was running on the treadmill. “I was wondering where you were,” Jonah said as Rowan joined him on the treadmill. “I got held up,” the alpha murmured, adjusting his face cap. “I had something to do.” “Something…” the other looked at him. “Your parents?” Rowan kept his gaze on the wall. “They're busy. I'll just call them tomorrow.” He shrugged. “I should've called at the right time.” His parents might not be the best but they supported his career. They had other things to do than always be on their phones to pick his calls. They were good to him and that's all that mattered. Jonah raised a brow at that. “That's bullshit and you know that, right?’ Rowan clenched his jaw, eyes flashing with sadness which was gone in as soon as it came. “It's fine. They've probably seen the news so they don't need me to tell them what happened.” “Besides, we've not even qualified for the playoffs yet.” The other hummed and decided to change the subject. “Did you see Adrian's interview yesterday?” The alpha shook his head. “I didn't. Why?” “Dude,” Jonah murmured, wiping his sweaty face with a towel. “It was crazy. That asshole boasted about beating your record. He sounded so cocky and it was annoying.” “Just because they won the Aurelian cup last year, he probably thinks their team is better than ours.” Rowan jaw clenched subtly. That sounded typically like Adrian. He never missed a chance to rub his win in their faces. “He's allowed to feel that way,” he said instead, not letting his annoyance show on his face. “It's not easy to be a champion.” Jonah sighed. “Are you sure we're going to bring the cup home this season?” The alpha threw him a glance. “We'll do our best. There's no pressure about it.” “Don't give me that bullshit,” Jonah murmured, turning off that treadmill. He got off and grabbed his water bottle, taking a large gulp. “I know that coach has been hard on you lately.” “The perks of being captain,” Rowan commented dryly. “I'm used to it.” “This is why I hate Adrian Voss,” Jonah said after a while. “He's the reason why everything is so difficult for you but you don't seem to harbor any bad thoughts towards him.” “I commend your self-control, man. I'll break his nose if I was you.” Rowan huffed, irritated by the persistent mention of Adrian's name. He threw his friend a glance. “Aren't you going somewhere?” “Leave already.” “Ouch. You hurt my fragile heart.” Jonah burst into laughter as the alpha rolled his eyes. He grabbed his bag, throwing it over his shoulder. “I'm on parenting duty today. My kids are demanding ice cream.” “Is Jacqueline sick?” Rowan inquired. “Nope,” his friend murmured. “She’s going for a girl's night out.” “See you tomorrow,” Jonah said as he walked out. The alpha continued running, increasing his speed. He closed his eyes, the world fading around him. “Fancy seeing you here, captain.” The faint scent of eucalyptus teased Rowan's nose and his brown eyes snapped open and found himself staring into the unwavering gaze of the person that was the current cause of his predicament. Adrian Voss, the star centre of the Virex Frostwolves.