My Hockey Alpha by Eve Above Story PDF

Chapter 0464

The excitement of the game always sent adrenaline pumping through my veins, but today's energy was mixed with a bittersweet emotion. Knowing it was my last game here had everyone, including myself, a bit on edge.

The locker room was abuzz with the usual pre-game chatter, players discussing strategies and joking around. But amidst the usual hustle, my long-time friend and teammate, Matt, approached me with a somber look on his usually jovial face.

"Hey," he began, clapping me on the back. "Gonna miss having you around, man."

I took a deep breath, pushing back the rush of emotions. "Thanks, Matt. It's hard leaving all of this behind. But... it's a good opportunity for me. I hope everyone understands that and isn't too mad at me, you know?"

Matt's eyes softened. "I know. And we're all really happy for you. No one is mad. But damn, I'm not gonna lie, it's going to be strange not having you on the ice with us."

A light chuckle escaped my lips. "Well, at least you'll be taking the reins. You'll make a damn good captain, you know."

He smiled sheepishly. "Thanks, Enzo. That means a lot coming from you."

We shared a moment of understanding before Matt's gaze shifted, becoming more serious. "Hey, have you thought about Nina? She's going to be all alone while you're gone."

The mention of Nina's name brought a warm feeling to my chest, but also a hint of anxiety. I had spent many nights laying awake and thinking about this, how Nina would be kept safe while I was gone.

And lately, ever since everything had happened, I was growing more and more worried about her. She didn't want to show it, but I could tell. The Crescents, the Luna, Edward... All of it haunted her, day and night.

"I know," I said with a sigh. "It'll be tough. But she's strong. And she has Lori and Jessica. They'll look out for her."

get that, but...

transported to that night-a memory I had tried to suppress, but one that always lurked in the back

was awakened by the soft rustling of sheets

and I had shared countless nights together, always seeking solace in each other's arms, but tonight was different. The weighty silence of the room was broken only by the faint hum of crickets outside. It took me a moment to realize Nina wasn't beside

none. Several moments went by during which I heard and saw

I checked the other rooms, but she was nowhere to

back door and found it ajar, the gentle breeze rustling the curtains. My heart raced as I stepped out onto the dew-covered grass. The moon, full and luminous, cast an eerie glow over

appeared against the pale glow of the moon. My heart caught in my throat. It was Nina, standing eerily still, dangerously close to the edge, her nightgown fluttering in the wind. Her face was blank, eyes unseeing,

hit me like a ton of bricks. One false

every ounce of courage, I took cautious steps, speaking in hushed, gentle tones. "Nina? It's me, Enzo.

in a trance, a nightmarish world

my throat. Every second felt like an eternity. When I was close enough, I reached out, wrapping my arm

was then that she snapped out of her trance. Her eyes, once vacant, were now

erupted from her lips. I tightened my grip around her, pulling

whispered, trying to calm her. "You're safe

in my chest, tears soaking my shirt as sobs quaked her slender body. "I... I don't know how I

misting over with a combination of fear and relief. "Shhh,

dear life, both of us

cleared my throat, trying to hide the

finally admitted, my voice