Hockey Alpha’s Plus-Sized Human Mate

Emilia

“Blake and Athena sparks dating rumors after posting photos together.”

I saw the headlines, and my stomach lurched. It was everywhere, and I was staring at it through my blurred vision.

I was standing outside Blake’s house, ready to drop by to see how his training was going when the news buzzed its way in.

My chest tightened as my heart began to pound loudly in my ears, it was a mistake, maybe this was a publicity stunt set up by Athena, they’re trying to gather traffic for the game coming up.

The brightly lit passage seemed to waver in mockery with each step I took. The sitting room door had been left open. It was unusual but maybe he was so engrossed in training that he forgot to lock the door.

Athena was my best friend and there was no way she would date Blake, she knows how much we adore and love each other.

“You need to do away with her before the  season starts.” It was Athena.

“I know, I’m fucking tired of her, I wish she can go away or jump down a cliff…”

The words were like a direct dagger to my heart, my lips quivered, Blake wished I would go away?

“Oh please, the ground is going to suffer if that happens, we might experience an earthquake.” They burst out laughing and hot tears began to trickle down, scalding, but the pain was nothing compared to what I felt within me.

With great strength and an open mind, I took a few more steps ahead, and pushed the door to Blake’s room and the sight before me got my jaw on the ground.

Athena was dressed in the jersey I had purchased for Blake a few months ago, one I had saved up for 8 months to be able to afford, her blonde lustrous hair resting on his chest while they scrolled through his phone.

It was just so perfect, something the gram would eat up and a gasp escaped my lips.

They both glanced up at the same time and rather than remorse or fear, Athena sat up while Blake cleared his throat as he averted his gaze.

He opened his mouth to speak while I waited frantically for him to debunk everything. “You’ve seen the news.” They were clearly unfazed by my presence. 

“B… At… Athena… Blake… Wh… What's going on?” I stammered even though there was enough detail right before me.

“Please tell me it’s a lie.” I was desperately wishing for it to be a lie.

“I never wanted you to find out this way…”

“Is there a better way?” I inquired and he flinched.

Gone was the warm eyes of my best friend and now all I could see was a cold, icy face that made chills roll down my spine.

“The Glaciers changed everything, Emilia. I’m finally getting noticed. Scouts, Sponsors, Fans. People are starting to care who I am and there’s you… drawing me back into the shadows.” The last sentence struck so hard, I bit back tears.

A lump wedged in my throat, so thick I feared it would slit me to death. My world was crashing right before my eyes.

“I know you’ve always supported me, you’ve been with me for five years now and you’ve invested which I’m willing to pay you, you’re not the kind of girl the media wants beside me, I need someone like Athena… We’re perfect for each other.”

He was correct, I was dressed in a faded blue jean with a camisole, I was soft where Athena was slim, comfortable where she was polished, ordinary where she seemed made for magazine covers.

“Athena has helped me plan interviews, she knows what the sponsors and media wants, I’ve stepped in great places because of her… she gets it, you never did.” 

Athena hadn’t said a word this whole time. Now she did. “You should’ve seen this coming.”

“Athena…”

“What? You want me to pretend I feel bad?” She almost laughed. “Blake is going to be at the peak of his career soon and it’s because of me, I got him sponsors you wouldn’t have known where to start with. Don’t you get it, a superstar hockey player has no business with a swine like you. It’s high time you stop living in a fantasy, Emilia.”

“I taught myself editing for a month straight so you could get that job…”

“I took an opportunity you were too scared to take, it’s your fault, not mine.” The words stung but it was the fucking truth.

“I… I can change…” I whispered, ready to take a second chance. Blake was the first and only guy who has ever truly loved me, my first everything and God knows I’d climb mountains just to keep him.

I sniffed as I locked my gaze with him. “I’ll hit the gym, I’ll learn how to dress well, I can use ozempic or any other product, please, Blake…”

“Emilia, that’s not just it. You’re…” He took one glance at me, disappointment etched on his face.

“You’re attractive in your way and I’m sure you’ll find a great guy out there.” He whispered softly and I scoffed.

“We shared vows… You promised me forever…”

“Enough! Don’t you get it, Emilia? you’re going to ruin everything, You don’t understand what Blake needs now, Emilia, hockey stars don’t do average girls, they date the best. Five years ago, you were enough.”

I stopped breathing. 

“I didn’t steal him from you. I simply filled a space you could never occupy..” Athena cut off and I went numb.

“A… Athena…” I crumbled to the ground, my knees too weak to hold me.

The words kept blasting in my head. All my life I’ve thought of just one thing, Blake.

I’ve worked day and night just to help him, had an extra year in school just to afford his tuition, worked three jobs at the same time so he could afford to get his first hockey gear and at the end of the day all I get is being unworthy to be by his side.

And Athena? I’ve loved her all my life, she was like the family I never had.

Five years with Blake. Three years with Athena and all I get in return is a double betrayal.

“I’m sorry but you have to accept the harsh truth…” Without another word, I dashed out of the house, heading towards the rink, it was always cold and quiet, just what I needed for the writhing pain rattling through my veins.

I didn’t know where else to go. The rink had always been my safe place. Blake had spent countless hours there.

I’d spent almost as many watching him. Tonight, I needed somewhere that still felt familiar.

My lungs burned as I dashed through the busy alley, the noise in the street faded into nothing, nothing mattered anymore.

It was all gone, everything I cherished and built… I collapsed to the ground as I made it into the rink.

It was empty, quiet and the white lights were blinding. 

I let it all out, weeping loudly as the pain in my heart doubled.

I laid there, numb, crushed and unsure of what my life had become. A notification buzzed in my phone and my heart skipped.

Could it be Blake? Pulling it out of the pocket of my jeans, my blurry vision managed to make out a word.

“Accepted…” I blinked rapidly, staring at the words as my phone slipped out of my hand.

Congratulations, Emilia. Your application for the New York Glaciers Media Department has been accepted. You will report to Athena Williams, Head of Media, Monday at 8:00 a.m.

It was laughable, was God trying to mock me? As if betraying me wasn’t enough. Now I can’t even run from them?

“Whether mockery or fate, I’m going to take this job and I know it’ll kill me to see the two of you every damned day but I won’t let you guys dictate my life anymore.” I vow with clenched teeth.