Novels by martha

Jade stood at the entrance to the rink, hands on his hips, body leaning on the wall. The glass door in front of him reflected the bright lights inside, the cheers of the fans. Behind him, laughter erupted from his new teammates. Loud, careless and mocking. Coach Declan appeared at the end of the hallway, hands shoved into his jacket pockets. The hallway instantly quieted down."All right, listen up" he began, voice firm and sharp."Tonight, We're not facing a small team. Tonight, it's Titans versus the Black Bears, a team that thinks they can walk in here and take our ice. Guess what? They're wrong. Fucking wrong!" He paused, scanning the group with sharp eyes."We're faster. We're smarter and we are going to remind them why Titans don't lose. You're not just playing for yourself. You're playing for this jersey, for this rink...for every fan out there." Then his gaze sharpened on Jade."Riccio!, here is not Apex. Here, you have to earn your spot, like everyone else."Jade's

The next day, Jade met his new teammates. After Mendez dropped him off at the training facility, Jade made his way inside. He was directed to the Coach's office, where he met the coach and after a brief meeting, he led Jade down to the locker room. Jade's heart hammered as they approached the locker room. They soon stopped in front of a door marked "Titans Locker Room."Jade's grip tightened around his duffel bag.Coach Reynolds knocked before stepping in, Jade behind."Morning Coach""Good Morning Coach Reynolds""Coach""Listen up people" Coach Reynolds called and everyone in the room raised their head up, including Elliot. For a moment, they locked eyes. Jade felt the air shift.Elliot didn't even smile. He didn't frown. He just stared, slowly in a way that makes Jade's stomach twist."Jade Riccio. He's a forward and he'll be playing right wing for this team starting today.""Elliot.""Yes, Coach" Elliot replied, finally looking away. His eyes flicked to the coach."As the te

Jade knocked on the door to the Coach's office, heart hammering.Mendez patted his shoulder, trying to ease the tension."Relax, we'll sort this out" he assured and Jade nodded."Come in" Duiz's voice came through the wooden door and Jade pushed the door open.His eyes scanned the small office. It smelled of old coffee and paperwork."Riccio." Duiz called from where he sat behind the wooden table cluttered with stacks of paperwork and pencil shavings."Come on in. Take a seat" he offered and Jade finally stepped into the office. Mendez close behind.He clasped his hand in front, trying to steady his racing heart. He sank into the chair, right next to Mendez.Coach Duiz didn't waste time. He leaned in his chair, eyes on Jade."Let me guess, you want to talk about your transfer" Duiz said, smirking.Jade nodded and swallowed "Yes, Coach..I..." Duiz held up a hand to shun him."Save it, you want to stay with Apex Vanguard." He said."Yes...I..." "You can't." Duiz cut Jade off before

The sky was already fading when Elliot pulled up into the estate. The long day was over. The large iron gates slid open, revealing the Lombardi mansion, modern sleek glass, sharp angles. It carries the heavy air of old money, power and influence.He parked by the front steps and stepped out, slinging his hockey bag over his shoulder. Next second, Vause, the house butler rushed out to meet him."Welcome home, young master" Vause said, bowing his head as a sign of respect.Elliot didn't bother responding. He tossed Vause the key to his sleek, black Lamborghini veneno roadster without even looking at him.Vause caught them with practiced ease."Your father requests your presence in his study" he said quietly.His jaw clenched and he gave Vause a short nod before heading inside.His heart hammered as he approached his father's study.Gently, he knocked on the wooden door."Come in" his father's thick voice came through the wooden door.Elliot turned the knob and pushed the door open.

The crowd roared, some cheered, some booed echoing across the rink as the referee pointed sharply towards the penalty box.Jade Riccio skated off without looking at Elliot. He clenched his jaw as he slid into the penalty box, helmets still on. He muttered curses at the refs and mostly at Elliot Lombardi.A second later, Elliot dropped into the seat next to him. He was also trying to catch his breath, tapping his stick against the wall in annoyance. For a moment, neither of them spoke Then Elliot let out a low, sarcastic breath. "Real mature, Riccio."Jade didn't look at him."Shut up, Lombardi." "We're stuck in this shit-hole because you're allergic to staying in your own lane" Elliot fired back.That made Jade turn his head. "Oh, so it's my fault? Did you forget you held onto my jersey so I'd miss that goal?" Jade asked, his teeth clenched."I touched your jersey, I didn't hold you back but instead you threw punches" Elliot replied."Lies" Jade snapped."That's all you do. Lie" h