Sounders Hockey Book 1: Forward Defense

MEDA

Meda arrived at the arena before the rest of her team. She was craving some alone time on the ice before any of the players showed up to challenge her. She glided around the rink, savoring the solitude.

As she picked up speed, she reveled in the chill of the ice and the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She dropped a puck and raced down the ice, imagining an opponent beside her. She was so engrossed in her own game that she didn’t notice her team starting to trickle in.

Suddenly, a hard check to her left shoulder shattered her peace.

“Wake up, Dakiedes! Play like you mean it!” Apollo, her twin, was grinning at her. His blue eyes were bright. “Even Thalia plays better than you, and she’s only two! Are you going to let your toddler cousin outdo you?”

He checked her again, swiped the puck, and took off.

“Not on my watch, big brother!” Meda grinned and chased after Apollo.

She matched his speed, but her reflexes were sharper. She quickly regained control of the puck and scored. The twins continued their playful competition, with Meda scoring each time.

Brandon watched the twins from the end of the rink. “She’s so fast! Did you see those reflexes? She’s like a ghost out there!”

“Holy shit!” Liam whistled as the twins rounded the goals at a breakneck speed. “She’s even faster than you, Blake. I didn’t think that was possible.”

The puck was a blur as it passed between them. Blake moved to the front for a better view. He watched Meda circle the rink, her powerful legs propelling her as she stole the puck again.

He realized something at that moment. He had spent years with his vision clouded with anger every time he looked at her. He had never actually stopped to watch her play.

“How does she move so fast?” he muttered under his breath. He stood still, watching.

With a triumphant yell, Meda scored again.

“Hell yeah!”

The team erupted in high-fives and laughter. Meda removed her helmet, shaking out her long blond ponytail. Her grin was full of wild happiness.

Apollo placed his hand on her shoulder, looking her straight in the eye.

“You’re incredible, Meda, and you know it! You’ve got the speed and the skill to win. I’ll help you prove it to these guys if I have to. You own this ice!” Apollo pulled his sister into a bear hug, lifting her off the ice.

“Thanks, big brother. You’re my favorite.”

He set her down and kissed her forehead. “Just don’t tell the others.”

The sound of whistles and applause echoed through the building. Coach Lubeck stood by, a knowing smile on his face.

Brandon called out to Meda from where the other players were standing. “Damn, Meda! You’re insanely fast!”

He turned to Apollo, narrowing his eyes. “You’ve been holding back during practice, haven’t you?”

Apollo pushed his unruly hair out of his eyes. “None of you are my sister. We’ve been playing together since we were four. We know each other’s moves before we even make them. How was I supposed to play like that with you guys acting like assholes?”

“It’s also about trust, guys,” Meda added. “We’ve been together literally since before we were born. We have a connection no one else understands. I trust Apollo and he trusts me. Together, we’re unstoppable!”

Brandon extended his hand, grinning broadly.

“I think I’m falling for you, Andromeda. You’ve got some serious skills along with a killer bod! You’re gorgeous, sexy and play like a dude! I didn’t think anyone was as fast as Blake, but you were practically invisible out there. Both of you.”

Meda rolled her eyes. “You know, Brandon, women are more than just sexual objects.”

Brandon paused, looking surprised. He gave her a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, Meda. You’re right. I shouldn’t assume you like being talked to like that. Wanna kick my ass as compensation for me being a dickhead?”

Meda laughed. She looked around at all the other men, who were standing at attention.

“Are we done with this drama about not being able to play with a woman and treating me like some side piece?”

“Yes, ma’am!” the players answered. Or at least, most of the players. Blake was silent.. Meda turned toward him, and her eyes seemed to bore into his soul.

“Any of you still want to challenge me?” she demanded.

After another brief second holding her gaze, Blake skated forward. “I’ll take that challenge, Meda. Don’t expect me to go easy on you. You want to play like a man? Let’s play.”