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."

clearly choosing his words carefully. "I get that,

like a ton of bricks. I was instantly transported to that night-a memory I had tried to suppress, but one that always lurked in the back of

awakened by the soft rustling of sheets and the chill of an empty

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

heard and saw nothing. An unsettling feeling settled in my chest, and I got out of bed, moving silently across

softly. No response. I checked the other rooms, but she was nowhere to be found. A sense

I stepped out onto

my throat. It was Nina, standing eerily still, dangerously close

the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. One false move,

cautious steps, speaking in hushed,

It was like she was trapped in a trance, a nightmarish world

my heart in my throat. Every second felt like an eternity. When I was close enough, I

vacant, were now wide with terror as she looked around, trying to

from her lips. I

I whispered, trying to calm

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

the top of her head, my own eyes misting over with a combination

for dear life, both of us coming to

the present, I cleared my throat, trying to hide the emotion threatening to spill

night a lot," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. Matt was the only one who