My Hockey Alpha

Nina

That night, I returned to the arena for the hockey game. There were still protests happening outside, but there were fewer people now that campus security was standing around — and apparently, as Lori and Jessica explained to me on our way there, several students were arrested for throwing objects and starting fights. After the mini-riot, more students also realized that such negativity was toxic, and decided to join the pro-werewolf club. I was relieved to hear this.

The hockey game that night was a landslide victory on our part. Although the crowd on our side of the arena was much smaller than it normally was and our cheerleaders had completely boycotted the game, our team played hard. Enzo used a lot of different tactics to outsmart the other hockey captain, and I began to wonder as I watched them if the other captain was even nearly as skilled in hockey as Enzo, or if he was only placed in that role because he was a Crescent werewolf. It made me think, as our team scored goal after goal, that there really was nothing special about werewolves in particular that could help them win this tournament over skilled hockey players.

I was also shocked to see that Enzo was not only performing incredibly well despite his recent injuries, but so was Matt. In fact…

Matt’s performance was far above what it used to be, and his injured hand was perfectly fine now. It was almost superhuman.

…

The next morning, I went to class after another uneasy night of sleep that was full of nightmares. I could practically feel the dark circles under my eyes as I walked to class, and even the coffee I bought at the dining hall didn’t seem to be helping much.

How much longer would these nightmares last?

I arrived at class with Jessica, and vowed to focus solely on my classwork. I couldn’t let Enzo, Edward, anyone or anything else invade my thoughts anymore. Now, my grades were the only thing that I could focus on.

At the end of class, however, the professor called me down to his desk.

“I’ll catch up with you at the student center,” I said to Jessica before swallowing the knot in my throat and walking down to the professor’s desk.

grades have been slipping, and you were out without any

I was missing from class because I was being held hostage by the campus counselor for days on end and was brainwashed

“Well?” the professor asked.

just dealing with some personal issues,” I said, which wasn’t entirely a lie. “I’m sorry. Is there any way I can make

in his chair. “I don’t normally do this, but I like you and I know that you’re a good student,” he said. “Tell you what: there’s a symposium next week. If you

professor,” I said with a smile. “I promise I’ll do my best and I won’t let my grades

professor nodded, then let me

started on my presentation. Much to my surprise, I spotted James crossing the quad from afar. I waved, then jogged

James,” I said with a smile as I approached. “Where are

his bag on his shoulder.

just heading to the library,” I replied. Then, after biting my lip for a moment: “Did you hear what happened

said, his eyes shifting from left to right and giving him an uncharacteristically suspicious appearance. “I guess lots of people aren’t thrilled about

get apprehensive about James’ behavior, so I decided to pry just a little bit more.

throat and opened his mouth to speak — but before

were fixed unwaveringly

his gaze from James. “Do you have that jersey I

dug into my bag for it. “I was gonna find you later to give it back to you,” I said. “Thanks

that protest hurled a rotten tomato at Nina?” Enzo asked. His voice was low, and almost accusatory. “Whoever

cleared his throat again and shifted from one foot to the other. “Uh, yeah,” he said, moving to walk around Enzo and me.

Enzo or I could say anything, James suddenly turned on his heel and stormed off. He moved so quickly, in