The next three weeks have been filled with school, assignments, practice and trying to find time to be with Star. We all realised that Laura spends more time at my place with Ace then she does at home and that I spend more time with Star then I do in my own room. So we decided to move some things and now I'm living with Star. I still have stuff at my place but the majority of my clothes and daily needs are here. Laura still comes over once in a while to grab something and we all spend at least two or three days a week together.

As much as I love living with her, I haven't been on a run for a while, and my adrenaline is kicking in and my inner wolf is telling me I'm going to lose control if I don't get out. I text Ace, and he comes up with a boys night on the full moon, as I need to be present for it. The full moon this month lands on a Sunday, meaning the night before is the formal dance, and I have no idea how we are going to pull this off.

☾

Friday night arrives, and I'm pumped for tonight's game against Lakewood. I kiss Star goodbye, and she informs me she will follow shortly and that she just needs to finish typing up her essay. I walk out her door and throw my equipment in the bed of my truck.

Arriving at the arena two hours before the game kills me every time, but it's worth it. Coach has us do warm ups, which consist of running around the rink, whether it be rain, sun, or snow; we're out there doing laps. The warm ups help us get our blood flowing and mentally prepare for the game ahead. It also gives us time to bond as a team and discuss our game plan.

As the team and I run our final laps, we see the bus pull in and park. Lakewood Lycans painted across it. Ace grabs my shoulder and tries to calm me down. I shake him off and continue running. We head back into the arena for a breather and some water. We all sit in the locker room and talk about the pack's entry into our territory.

Ace looks at me with concern and asks if I'm okay. I nod and take a deep breath before joining in on the conversation. Ace's phone goes off, and he informs me that the girls are here. A smile crosses my face, and I get up. Ace follows as we head toward the front doors of the arena, all eyes on us. As we walk, I can't help but laugh at all the girls who are wearing a copy of my jersey. The smell of vanilla fills the air, and I stop as I hear the conversation outside.

"Hey, gorgeous," Zion says.

"Um, hi?" Star looks unamused, and I can't help but let out a little laugh. "Do I know you?" She continues.

"Wait, you have no clue who we are?" He says, being dramatic.

"Hmm. You all must be the Lakewood Lycans." She states.

"So you have heard of us." He shows a cocky smile.

"Oh, wow, I'm honoured to be in the presence of such esteemed individuals," she says with a heavy amount of sarcasm. "I mean, who hasn't heard of you guys, right? You're like the Kardashians but with less talent." She begins to laugh, saying, "Well, I'm going in to support my boyfriend; good luck tonight." She turns to walk away, and Zion grabs her arm. Anger pools within me, and I walk out the doors. "Who's your boyfriend?"

"I am." I growl.

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here, Gage Moon." He begins, "It looks like you've got a sexy little thing."

I push Star behind me and step toward him. "What the fuck do you want?" I question him.

"Well, for starters, we're going to kill you guys on your own home ice." He looks at Star and says, "Then I'm going to take your girl home with me."

I clench my fists. My heart races as I try to control my anger and frustration. He looks down and laughs. "Now, now, Gage, we don't want you to have a suspension before the game even starts."

"I'll happily take it if the reason is that I put you six feet underground. If you keep pushing me like this, I'll make sure you never play again. Don't underestimate me. You don't know what I'm capable of."

I feel Star's hands on my arm. "Baby, look at me." When I turn to face her, her gaze is fixed on mine. "It's not worth it." I take a deep breath, and she wraps her hands around my torso. Her lips brush against mine. I wrap my arm around her shoulder, and as we walk away, I shout. "I'll see you on the ice."

I kiss her once more. "Good luck," she says. I walk into the locker room as she joins Laura in the stands.

☾

We step onto the ice, and I look up to see Star; she smiles, and I'm ready to defeat this team. I take a deep breath and focus on the puck as I stand in the net. I can feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as the game begins. The sound of skates scraping the ice fills the arena, and I feel a rush of excitement. The opposing team takes possession of the puck, and I prepare myself for whatever comes my way. I know that I have to be quick and agile, always ready to react to any shot that comes my way. It's a feeling unlike any other—the thrill of being in the heat of the game and knowing that everything is on the line.

We enter the third period and are winning one nothing. I can feel the tension rising as the clock ticks down, and I know that we have to keep up our defence if we want to come out on top. Every second counts, and I am determined to give it my all until the final buzzer sounds.

The Lakewood Lycans get a breakaway, and Zion skates up with the puck. I'm standing in the net, my gaze fixed on it. Zion fakes left and then right, but I stay with him every step of the way. With a quick flick of his wrist, he shoots the puck towards the top corner, but I make a diving save as the final buzzer goes off.

The crowd erupts in cheers as my teammates rush over to congratulate me on the game-winning save. As I skate towards the bench and look up. Star claps and screams as she runs down the stairs. I walk off the ice, take my helmet off, and shake off my blocker and glove as she jumps into my arms.

She cups my face and says, "Congratulations." I kiss her and say, "I couldn't do it without my shining star." I kiss her once more, and she tells me she will meet me in the parking lot.

As I head to the locker room, my eyes narrow in Zion's direction. He throws his stick and looks at me. Anger filling his eyes. A smile crosses my face as I whisper, knowing he can hear me.

"Must suck. Losing the game and embarrassing yourself in front of the girl you were determined to try and bring home."

I hear his growl, and I laugh as I push the door open to the locker room. I get undressed, and the boys pour water all over me. I let out a laugh as our pack howls, signalling to the Lakewood Lycans that we are undefeated. Ace and I quickly get dressed and head to meet the girls.

☾

We make our way into the parking lot, and I notice Star parked next to my truck. I place my things in the bed of the truck and walk up to her window. "Hey, sexy," she says.

I lean in and kiss her. "There's a place I want to show you. But after I shower."

"Okay," she smiles. "But I need to do something first." She steps out and backs me against my truck. Her hands run under my shirt, caressing every hard line as the sweat drips down my chest. Her lips brush against mine, and she whispers. "You look hot when you're all sweaty," I kiss her, and my hands run up her back, freezing the outside world. We kiss passionately as the heat between us intensifies as the world around us fades away.

"MOON!" I pull away and clench my jaw as Zion shouts my name. "You're a dead man," he says as he and his pack walk toward me. On cue, my pack appears, surrounding them. Laura runs up to Star and takes a step back as I push Star behind me.

I try to diffuse the situation, telling Zion that we don't want any trouble, but he just laughs and says that they're not leaving until they get what they came for.

"And what's that?" I ask. My eyes never leave his.

"You're dead." He runs toward me and swings. I dodge his attack and grab his arm, twisting it behind his back. "You're not fast enough," I say calmly. He struggles to break free, but I keep a firm grip on his arm and push him to the ground. "Now, let's talk about why you're trying to kill me," I say as I tighten my hold on him.

He gasps for air and says, "For what you did to me." He says.

I lean in and whisper, "I didn't do anything; you're the one who went rogue. I had to stop you before you hurt anyone else," I say, loosening my grip. I let him go, and he takes the opportunity to try and strike again. My fist collides with his jaw, and he spits out blood. He staggers back, and I step forward, ready to defend myself. He looks at me with hatred in his eyes, and I realise that this fight is far from over.

He tries again, and I grab his arm. The sound of his bones cracking is music to my ears. I push him away, watching him fall to the ground in agony. I stand over him, feeling victorious.

He looks at Star with pain in his eyes. "You have no idea who he is, sweetheart. I'd be careful if I were you." He says as he stands up. My eyes shift, and he backs away. I watch as he and his pack head to the bus. I take a deep breath and turn around to face Star.

"What is he talking about?" She questions me.

"He thinks I'm still the old Gage he knew. That's all." I lie on the spot. Her eyes search mine, and she narrows them.

"Okay. I'll see you at home." I watch as she pulls away. I clench my fists and have the urge to hit something.

I clasp my hands together and raise them above my head as I try to stay calm. I take deep breaths. As I inhale, I imagine the cool air filling my lungs, and as I exhale, I visualise all the tension leaving my body. It's a simple technique, but it always helps me to relax and focus on the present moment. "That was close," Keenan says.

"No, shit," I growl. I get in my truck and start the engine. I turn the volume up as I drive home.

☾

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle above me, but my mind is still consumed with anger. I drive down the dark road of my street and park beside Star's Jeep. I cut the engine and lay my head back. I take a moment to get myself together before grabbing my equipment and heading inside. I enter the house and throw my stuff into the storage room. I head to the bedroom to see Star holding her diary in her hand.

Shit!

"I can explain," I start, but she stops me. Her eyes locked on mine, and guilt consumes me. I know that I have hurt her, and I wish I could take it all back. But the damage is done, and now all I can do is wait for her to speak.