Chapter 7: League of Shadows

The league finally made its decision.

At a press conference in Vancouver, officials stood behind microphones while cameras flashed nonstop.

“Both players have passed all medical tests,” one executive said. “They are cleared to play. However, they will remain under league observation.”

The statement exploded across sports media.

Outside the arena, crowds argued loudly. Some fans held signs that said “Vamp Out!” while others waved Grizzlies flags and fake plastic fangs.

Inside the locker room, things were quieter.

Alex walked in wearing sunglasses to hide the faint silver shine in his eyes. Conversations stopped for a moment.

Then his coach walked over and slapped his shoulder.

“Just win games,” the coach said. “That shuts people up.”

His teammate Brody pulled him into a quick hug.

“Whatever you are now,” Brody whispered, “we still need your goals.”

Alex smiled.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

---

Secret Practice

The league arranged a private joint practice at a smaller rink outside the city.

Both teams arrived quietly.

When Alex stepped onto the ice, he immediately spotted Jake skating slow circles at center.

Their eyes met.

The drills started.

When they were paired together, their timing was almost perfect. Alex sent quick passes across the ice, and Jake fired powerful shots that goalies struggled to stop.

Players on the bench watched with disbelief.

“Okay,” one joked, “that’s definitely a vampire power play.”

During a break, Alex and Jake slipped behind a stack of equipment crates.

“You’re enjoying this chaos,” Jake said with a small smile.

“Maybe a little,” Alex admitted.

Jake leaned closer.

“Careful,” he whispered. “There are cameras everywhere.”

---

Preseason Finale

The final preseason game brought both teams together again in a packed arena.

Twenty thousand fans filled the building.

The Vancouver Grizzlies against the Calgary Flames.

From the opening faceoff, the energy was intense.

Alex scored first with a fast shot into the top corner.

Later Jake answered with a strong defensive play that led to a Flames goal.

The hits were hard and fast. At one point Jake checked Alex into the boards, holding him there for a moment longer than necessary.

Alex pushed off him with a grin.

In overtime, Alex stole the puck and passed it to Brody.

Goal.

Game over.

The Grizzlies won.

---

Rooftop Meeting

After the game celebration, Jake slipped Alex a small note during the handshake line.

Roof. Now.

Later, Alex climbed the stairs to the arena rooftop.

The city lights stretched far below.

Jake stood waiting in a long coat, the wind moving his dark hair.

“You played incredible tonight,” Jake said.

Alex laughed.

“Not bad for a vampire.”

Jake stepped closer.

“Winning deserves a reward.”

They stayed up there a long time, talking and laughing while the wind blew around them. Away from cameras and reporters, they could finally relax.

---

Fame and Suspicion

The next morning sports headlines were everywhere.

“Vamp Duo Delivers Another Win.”

Fans were buying shirts that read “Fangs & Fire.”

But not everyone was celebrating.

Victor Kane had posted new claims online, accusing Jake of being connected to mysterious disappearances from decades ago.

On dark corners of the internet, groups of vampire hunters were starting to talk again.

One evening Brody pulled Alex aside.

“There’s something you should know,” he said quietly. “A scout named Ramirez has been sending emails to Kane. Information about you and Jake.”

Alex’s smile disappeared.

“Seriously?”

Brody nodded.

“Be careful.”

---

The Plan

Later that night Alex texted Jake.

Alex: We might have a spy inside the league.

Jake: Then we set a trap.

The plan was simple.

The home opener was coming soon in Vancouver. Everyone in the league would be watching.

If someone was secretly working with Kane…

That game would reveal them.

Alex looked out across the empty rink after practice.

The season was about to begin.

The stakes were bigger than hockey now.

But one thing hadn’t changed.

Whatever came next, he and Jake would face it together.