My Hockey Alpha



"We did good," Enzo corrected with a grin.

As Matt and Enzo chatted about their final victory together, I glanced over, distracted from the festivities, and my gaze settled on a familiar figure. Luke stood by himself, leaning against the dimly lit wall. His posture, though relaxed, belied the concerned expression on his face. Our eyes met, and he nodded slightly, beckoning me over.

Taking a deep breath, I weaved through the crowd, finally reaching him.

"Hey, Luke, what's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light despite the heaviness that seemed to emanate from him.

He hesitated for a split second before speaking. "I was out on a scout mission in Riverford today, and I found something," he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

I frowned, trying to keep up. Riverford was a town close to Mountainview, only a thirty-minute drive away. My friends and I often visited the area to go shopping at the mall that was there.

"What is it?" I asked.

Without responding to my question, he pulled out his phone and handed it to me. On the screen was an image, and as the image came into focus, a chill ran down my spine.

It was Edward.

He sat in an old pickup truck in the parking lot of a gas station, the rusted body and chipped paintwork of the vehicle evident even in the grainy photo. Edward looked different-a thick beard covered his face, and a tattered baseball cap sat askew on his head.Belongs to © n0velDrama.Org.

Despite these changes, recognition hit me like a punch to the gut. Memories of our past flooded back, and I felt a pang of nausea.

I forced the words out. "This was today?"

Luke nodded. "Yes. I tried to stay on his trail, but he noticed. Before I could approach, he opened a portal and vanished."

"And you have no idea where he might've gone?" My voice trembled slightly.

Luke shook his head, his frustration evident. "Somewhere in the werewolf realm. That's all I can assume. But I won't give up. Edward has to face justice for what he's done."

Swallowing hard, I tried to regain my composure. "Thanks for letting me know, Luke."

His gaze softened as he scrutinized my face. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, even though everything felt far from alright. Edward had retumed, in disguise, just a stone's throw from me. Was he planning a return to Mountainview?

"Yeah, I am," I lied. "Please, don't say anything to Enzo, at least not tonight. Let him have this one night."

Luke looked like he wanted to argue, but after a beat, he relented. "Alright. But Nina.. he needs to know. Maybe he shouldn't leave."

"And that's exactly why I need to wait before telling him," I said. "I don't want this to get in the way of his dreams."

"But Nina..."

"Enough, Luke," I spat out, shaking my head and handing his phone back. "Let's not talk about it anymore tonight."

Luke shot me a worried look, but said nothing. He nodded and slipped his phone back into his pocket without a word.

We made our way back to the table, attempting to blend into the jovial atmosphere once more. It was then that Matt, ever the life of the party, slapped the wooden table and declared, "I think it's time for another round! On me, your new hockey captain!"

Everyone cheered in agreement. But when the waiter approached, asking for drink orders, I declined. "Just a soda for me, thanks."

Matt raised an eyebrow, a playful grin on his face. "Really? You're turning down a free drink?"

Before I could answer, Enzo interjected with a light laugh, "Maybe she's had enough excitement for one night, Matt."

Matt laughed, nodding in agreement. But even as the banter continued, I could feel Enzo's eyes on me. It was a searching look, filled with a mix of concern and something else-as if he suspected there was more beneath the surface.

I was about to say something, anything to divert the attention, when Jessica suddenly stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"Nina," she said, her tone firm and insistent, "come with me to the bathroom. Now."