Excitement and adrenaline coursed through me as I lengthened my stride
and formed a line with my teammates. Sam and Rayne were coming up
behind us, and I really wanted to take Sam out.
Sam wove between two of her blockers, trying to skirt around us, but
Zara and I pushed ahead using our outstretched arms and asses to cut her off.
Cheers rocked the warehouse as one of our blockers grabbed Rayne by
the wrist and slingshotted her around the pack. Free from the chaotic cluster
of jostling and cursing women, she flew forward, her long strides propelling
her ahead.
Sam growled from behind and burst through Zara and me with a laugh,
nearly taking my arm off and causing Zara to lose her footing and swerve
into the pit.
My adrenaline surged, and only one thought filled my mind: Get even.
Biting back the pain, I sped after Sam, hunting for blood. I’d been on the
bench the whole game, and with seconds left to play, this was my only
chance to blow off a little steam.
Sam slowed slightly as she glanced over her shoulder, and I used my
speed to cut the corner and propel myself into her. My hip crashed into hers,
but she stayed upright. She elbowed me in the ribs and shoved me sideways
with a wicked grin just as the ref blew the whistle.
I crashed into the railing beside the rink, and the impact drove the air
from my lungs. My teeth ached, the beds of my fingernails itched, and I was
ready to murder. That, or collapse and moan a bit.
Hands gripped my arms, and I blinked as faces from the crowd flooded
my vision. Then Zara was beside me, cursing at the bystanders and pulling
me back into the rink.
The taste of copper filled my mouth, and I touched my lower lip, wincing
at the sting, my gums throbbing.
“What happened to your mouthguard?” Zara asked, looking at my busted
lip with concern.