Chapter 25: Pup Paws on Ice

Winter settled deeply over the lakeside cabin, but inside the little house the world had changed completely.

Finn and Liam were three months old now, and the quiet hockey retreat had turned into a lively family home. Tiny socks and baby blankets seemed to appear everywhere. The twins had already developed personalities of their own—Finn was curious and noisy, while Liam watched everything with calm, serious eyes.

Both had dark hair like Alex and bright blue eyes like Jake.

And yes—when they yawned, tiny little fangs showed.

Alex laughed the first time he noticed.

“Well,” he said, holding Finn carefully, “there’s the family trait.”

Jake grinned. “Future power forwards.”

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A Letter in the Snow

The peaceful routine lasted until one morning when Jake opened the cabin door and noticed something strange on the floor.

A sealed envelope.

There were no footprints in the snow.

Inside was a message written in dark ink.

Omega Thorne.

Your children belong to the ancient bloodline.

Refuse us, and winter will fall across every rink you love.

Alex read the words slowly while Liam slept against his shoulder.

“They’re still trying,” he said quietly.

Jake crushed the paper in his hand.

“They can try all they want.”

Within an hour Brody had arrived with extra security and a trunk full of supplies.

“No one touches those kids,” he said firmly. “Not while Uncle Brody’s around.”

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The Hockey World Reacts

Meanwhile, rumors were spreading online.

Some fans worried the elders’ threats could disrupt the upcoming hockey season. Others defended Alex fiercely.

Support messages flooded social media:

“Protect the Thorne family.”

“Let the captain raise his boys.”

The Grizzlies organization stood firmly behind him.

During a video call, Coach leaned toward the camera and said, “Family first. Hockey can wait.”

Alex nodded gratefully.

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Life at the Cabin

Despite the outside drama, daily life inside the cabin remained surprisingly warm.

The twins loved the sound of skates scraping across the frozen lake when Jake practiced nearby. Finn laughed whenever Jake swooped him gently through the air. Liam preferred sitting quietly with Alex, gripping a tiny hockey stick like it was serious business.

One afternoon they bundled the babies into thick blankets and stepped onto the frozen lake.

Jake laced up small training skates that Brody had insisted on buying.

“They’re three months old,” Alex said, laughing.

“Early development,” Brody replied proudly.

Finn wobbled in Jake’s arms while Liam giggled from Alex’s.

The whole moment felt strangely perfect.

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Ending the Threat

A few nights later, the elders made one final attempt.

Six figures appeared near the edge of the frozen lake, chanting softly as icy wind swirled across the surface.

Jake stepped outside first.

Alex followed, leaving the sleeping twins safely inside.

The confrontation was brief.

Jake moved with quiet, controlled power while Alex stood beside him, eyes blazing with determination.

Before long the elders retreated into the forest, their threat broken.

Brody arrived minutes later with security teams sweeping the area.

“Looks like they finally got the message,” he said.

---

The Future

Spring slowly began to replace winter.

Snow melted from the trees and the lake softened under warmer sunlight.

Inside the cabin, Finn and Liam were growing quickly—rolling across blankets, chewing on toy sticks, and laughing whenever Jake made dramatic goalie saves in the living room.

One evening Alex sat on the porch holding both boys while Jake leaned against the railing beside him.

“You think they’ll love hockey?” Jake asked.

Alex looked down at the twins.

Finn was already waving a tiny stick around like a sword.

Liam was staring intently at the frozen lake.

Alex smiled.

“Yeah,” he said. “I think they will.”

The long season of danger had passed.

Now there was only family, laughter and two future players getting ready for their first real skate.