Page 104 of Breakaway
Jumping over the boards, I rushed toward my sibling, managing to get there a few seconds before the rest of the team, who’d needed more time to untangle themselves from penalty box Jenga.
Wrapping my arms around Reese, I tried to hop on my skates as we screamed.
“You were amazing!” I grabbed Molly, bringing them in too. “Both of you. That was some awesome teamwork.”
Tears fell down my cheeks, this moment feeling so much bigger than an elite academy championship. This was the win for all the kids who doubted themselves. Who were told they weren’t as good because of who they were.
This win was for a school who’d been brushed aside; their past too complicated for anyone to give them a chance.
It was for all the players who wanted to play a game because they loved it but were never given the opportunity.
This was the heart of hockey.
The rest of the team caught up, joining in the celebration as they slapped their sticks on the ice, and the crowd pounded against the stands, cheering for us. Streamers exploded from the top of the arena and fell onto the ice as music played. The noise was thunderous as everyone screamed out ‘Blizzards,’ bodies pressing in from every direction. The screens even flashed with, “Congrats, Breakaway Blizzards!”
I kissed Reese’s head before letting go and stepping back, letting their teammates hug them. Braden was there to take my place, picking Reese up onto his shoulders. Reese screeched as they tried to get their bearings. Cam and Jack lifted Molly between them, her goalie pads making it more awkward. The three of them skated around the ice for the fans.
Reed and Fletcher came up behind me, grinning wide as they wrapped their arms around my shoulders. Dax slipped on the ice in his shoes, no skates on his feet, but he didn’t care. He wouldn’t miss this moment. I pulled him into our huddle, helping him stand.
“You did it, Petal.”
Beaming, I scanned the crowd for the rest of our crew, spotting them waving and celebrating as they jumped and hugged one another. I blew kisses, so happy to share this moment with them.
I turned back to watch the team celebrate with my three guys, soaking in the joy. The refs stood off to the side, smiling as the team skated around the ice. I searched for the other team, finding Kurt yelling at the players as they hung their heads. Fletcher followed my gaze as my face hardened.
“Don’t you think it’s time to put Kurt in his place?” he asked.
“Yep. Couldn’t think of a better time.”
I nodded to Dmitry, who’d come down with the trophy, handing it off to the ref as they skated out to the center. Dmitry gave me a salute, letting me know it was in motion.
The team made their way to the ref, crowding around as shirts with champions were passed out, pulling them over their jerseys.
“And the championship title goes to Lux Brumalis! Congrats, Blizzards, on your win. You’ve had a great season.”
The team accepted the cup, lifting it over their head as they raised it up for the crowd to see.
“And the overall MVP award that includes a scholarship goes to Reese Henshaw.”
“Yes!” I shouted, turning toward Reed and Fletch as we cheered for Reese.
They stumbled forward in shock, accepting the award plaque from the ref and posing for a picture. The refs skated off the ice then, and we were gestured over for a group picture. Standing with the team, I soaked in the happiness and the accomplishment I felt standing here. It felt amazing, and the best part wasn’t even here yet.
Grabbing the microphone, I looked at Kurt, who hadn’t come onto the ice yet to congratulate us or shake our hands. He stayed in his box, his arms crossed, as he stared us down. I didn’t know if he was in shock or perhaps in a lucid dream state, but the time for him on our ice was over.
“Despite all of your attempts Kurt, you’re still not better than this woman. How does it feel?” I asked, lifting my eyebrow. He only glared, not giving me a response. The crowd had quieted down, realizing that something was going on.
“I could’ve done this before the game, but I wanted the team to know they were the true victors. Honesty is important, isn’t it, Kurt?” I asked. “Does your team know you bet against them? You didn’t even believe in them to win. Or perhaps you’re fixing games? It’s why you allowed them to degrade and taunt our team, hoping to keep the spread where you wanted it? How sucky for you… not only did your team lose today, but your career is over. Goodbye to the little legacy you had.”
His face turned red as I slapped my leg, grinning wide.
“Oh, yeah. I sent information we had to the league. They’ve already opened an investigation into all the games you’ve played, stripping you of all your accomplishments—minor that they are, they’re gone.”
I made a boom motion with my hands.
“By not believing in your team, you lost a ton of money today, didn’t you? Hope your bookie is more reasonable than they portray them in the movies.” I grimaced, turning to Anders. His face was red, the scowl becoming a permanent fixture.
“Your attempts to bully, threaten, and undermine our team didn’t work. We were still better than you. How does that feel? Huh? Oh, and the schools you’ve applied to have all been made aware of your actions against us. Good luck having your father get you out of this one. Wait, that’s right. He’s currently facing charges for attempted murder and kidnapping. Gosh darn, I guess you’ll have to face your own consequences for once. Good luck with that.” I waved over my shoulder and skated off the ice, done with having to deal with those two ever again.