Chapter 108 - Antalya's POV"Wait," I said, grabbing Dominic's arm before he could leave. "What do you mean you're handling the Lacie situation? Is she still at your house?"Dominic's expression grew uncomfortable. "Not exactly.""What does that mean?" I pressed. "Where is she?""She's..." he hesitated. "She's coming here.""Here?" My voice rose in alarm. "To the training camp?""I just found out myself," Dominic said quickly. "She somehow got herself accepted into the program."This can't be happening, I thought with growing dread. Lacie here, with me trapped for weeks?"Did you have something to do with this?" I demanded. "Did you arrange for her to come here?""Absolutely not," Dominic said firmly. "I would never put you in that position. I only learned about it this morning when Coach Martinez mentioned they had a last-minute addition to the team.""This is a disaster," I said, pacing around the small office. "She's going to make my life hell here.""I won't let that happen," Domi
Dominic's POVMy phone rang while I was reviewing pack security reports, and I recognized Coach Martinez's number immediately."Mr. Alfonso," she said when I answered. "I'm calling about Antalya."My blood ran cold. "What happened? Is she hurt?""She's not injured, but there was an incident yesterday. She got into a physical altercation with her roommate."A fight? That didn't sound like Antalya at all. She was stubborn and strong-willed, but she wasn't violent unless she was pushed beyond her limits."What kind of altercation?" I asked, already standing up and reaching for my jacket."The girls had to be physically separated," Coach Martinez explained. "There was shouting, hair-pulling, the works.""And you're calling me because...?""Because I know Antalya isn't typically aggressive. Something must have provoked this behavior, and I thought you might have some insight."Someone hurt her, I realized with growing anger. Someone pushed my pregnant mate into a fight."What did the othe
Antalya's POVMy hands were trembling as I walked toward Coach Martinez's office. Each step felt heavier than the last, and my mind raced with possible explanations for what I would say when confronted about my pregnancy.This is it, I thought desperately. My secret is out, and my dreams of competing are over.I knocked on the office door, trying to steady my breathing."Come in," Coach Martinez called from inside.I opened the door and immediately saw my worst fears confirmed. There, spread across Coach Martinez's desk, were my medical records - pregnancy test results, prenatal vitamin prescriptions, and early ultrasound images. The evidence of my secret was laid out like an accusation."Please, sit down, Antalya," Coach Martinez said, her voice serious but not as angry as I had expected.I sat down across from her, unable to take my eyes off the documents. How am I going to explain this?"I suppose you know why you're here," she said, gesturing to the papers."Coach, I can explain—"
Antalya's POVIt had been exactly one week since I arrived at camp, and today was ranking day. Everyone gathered in the main gymnasium, the tension in the air almost palpable as Coach Martinez prepared to announce our performance standings for the week.I wonder where I'll place, I thought nervously. I've been working hard, but so has everyone else."Before I announce the rankings," Coach Martinez said, holding a clipboard, "I want everyone to remember that these are based on overall performance - technical skills, teamwork, improvement, and attitude."The room was completely silent as she began reading from the bottom up. When she reached the top five, my heart started pounding."In second place," she announced, "Sarah Mitchell."I saw Sarah's face fall. She had clearly expected to be in first place, as she apparently had been for previous weeks."And in first place this week," Coach Martinez continued, "Antalya."First place? I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I actually ranked
Chapter 102 - Antalya's POVThe past few days at camp had been a mixture of intense training and social isolation. My roommate Sarah continued to avoid me completely, shooting me hateful looks whenever our paths crossed. But I had decided to focus entirely on why I was here - to improve my hockey skills and prove myself worthy of the national team.I didn't come here to make friends, I reminded myself as I laced up my skates for morning practice. I came here to play hockey.Despite the hostility from Sarah's group, I had managed to connect with a few other players. Jessica and Amy, the girls who had tried to welcome me on my first day, remained friendly. There was also Maria, a quiet defender from the west coast, and Lin, an aggressive forward who appreciated my skating technique."Good morning, Antalya," Jessica said as I joined the group heading to the rink. "Ready for today's drills?""Always," I replied, grateful for her consistent friendliness."Don't get too excited," Maria warn
Dominic's POVI couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my chest since dropping Antalya off at the camp. Every instinct I had was telling me to go after her, to make sure she was safe and being treated properly. But I had promised to give her space to prove herself.At least I took some precautions, I thought as I paced around my study. I had called Coach Martinez before Antalya even arrived, making it very clear that any mistreatment of my mate would have serious consequences."Coach Martinez," I had said during that phone call. "I'm calling about one of your new players, Antalya.""Yes, Mr. Alfonso. She seems like a talented addition to our program.""She is talented, and I expect her to be treated as such," I said firmly. "If I hear about any problems, any discrimination, or any unfair treatment, there will be consequences. Do I make myself clear?""Perfectly clear, sir. We pride ourselves on treating all our players fairly.""Good. See that you continue to do so."