Chapter 5: Fractured Ice

The message from the league arrived like a hard hit on open ice.

Both Alex and Jake were ordered to appear at the NHL headquarters in Toronto. The building stood tall and shining in the center of the city—glass walls, security everywhere, reporters already waiting outside.

Alex flew in from Vancouver, staring out the plane window the whole flight. His neck still tingled where Jake had bitten him. A strange energy ran through his body, like he had more strength than before.

Jake arrived on a separate flight to keep up the appearance that they were still just rivals.

But they texted constantly.

Alex: I can still feel your bite.

Jake: Suite door will be open tonight.

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The Media Storm

Outside the league building, cameras flashed as soon as they arrived.

Reporters crowded around them.

“Jake! Witnesses say your strength at the gala looked impossible!”

“Alex! Why were you defending Harlow? Are you two fighting or friends?”

Jake stayed calm, his expression smooth and confident.

“Old rivalry stuff,” he said. “Nothing more. Hockey is the focus.”

Alex simply nodded and walked beside him into the building.

---

The Investigation

Inside, they were taken to a quiet conference room.

League executives sat around a long table covered with folders.

One of them leaned forward.

“Mr. Harlow,” he said. “Witnesses claim your movements during the incident were… unusual. Faster and stronger than expected.”

Another executive added carefully:

“Some rumors online even claim supernatural explanations.”

Jake leaned back in his chair without showing any fear.

“Test me,” he said.

Doctors stepped in and took blood samples.

Alex watched silently while the needle slid into Jake’s arm.

Minutes passed.

Finally a technician returned with the results.

“Everything is normal,” he said. “No performance-enhancing drugs. No irregularities.”

The executives exchanged looks.

“You’re cleared,” the commissioner said. “But the next scandal could end both of your careers. Stay out of trouble.”

---

The Suite

Later that night, the door to Jake’s hotel suite clicked shut.

The tension from the hearing finally broke.

Jake stepped closer, eyes dark and intense.

“Two days without you,” he said quietly.

Alex pulled off his jacket.

“Too long.”

They kissed hard, like they had been holding back all day.

Jake’s cool hands moved across Alex’s back, pulling him close. The world outside—the league, reporters, hunters—faded away for a while.

Later they lay together on the bed, catching their breath.

Jake gently touched the marks on Alex’s neck.

“You’re changing slowly,” he said. “The venom does that.”

Alex flexed his arm experimentally.

He really did feel stronger.

“Not complaining,” he said with a grin.

Jake laughed softly.

---

Back to Hockey

The next morning they flew back to their teams.

Alex returned to practice in Vancouver. His teammates slapped his shoulder and joked about the viral videos from the gala.

His coach pulled him aside.

“Whatever happened in Toronto,” the coach said, “leave it there. Preseason starts soon.”

Alex nodded.

But at night he kept meeting Jake in secret—quiet skates on empty rinks, quick moments together away from teammates and cameras.

Their rivalry on the ice was still fierce.

Off the ice… it had become something completely different.

---

The Threat Returns

One evening after practice, Alex’s phone buzzed.

A message from his teammate Brody.

“Something weird going on. A scout asking questions about Harlow… and about you.”

Then another alert appeared.

News headline: Victor Kane Escapes Police Custody

Alex felt his stomach tighten.

Moments later, a voicemail arrived.

The same rough voice.

“We’re getting closer, Thorne. Decide whose side you’re on… before it’s too late.”

Alex stared at the phone.

That night he dreamed of endless dark skies, sharp fangs, and Jake’s bright blue eyes glowing in the dark.

When he woke up, his throat felt dry.

But it wasn’t water he wanted.

It was Jake.

And somewhere out there, Victor Kane was still hunting.