Chapter One.

EPILOGUE:

“Stay away from every guy on the team, Ava. If any of them tries to talk to you, keep it short or ignore them completely. You’re here to do your job as the new PR, nothing else you hear me? Because those guys will chase anything pretty wearing a skirt…especially Liam.”

Ethan’s warning still echoed in my head, word for word.

I didn't take his words that serious yesterday. And shit, those last words felt weird hearing it from him.

I nervously laughed it off in his face, telling him that nothing of that sort would happen because Ethan has always been that protective big brother whenever it came to anything that has to do with me. I understood that he didn't want me to get hurt.

He knew how soft hearted I was and he was also aware of my previous heartbreak that happened a few months back.

My ex was an athlete. I still don't know how or why, but I always seem to have a soft spot for guys who were into sports or something, and Ethan was aware.

You're a dummy, Ava. How could you forget what he did to you so soon? A pissed off voice scolded me at the back of my mind for even thinking of my ex, reminding me how I got played the last time.

I shook every thoughts out of my mind, dragging in a deep breath.

This is it, Ava. It is just three months. Three months of keeping your head low, finish your intern project and get the fuck off. I memorized in my head, clutching my clipboard with my favorite camera dangling on my chest, the rope around my neck.

Chapter One.

Ava’s Pov

Snowflakes clung onto my coat as I crossed the parking lot.

The stadium lights glowed against the dark winter sky. I had come to surprise Daemon after practice. I wasn't a fan of invading his personal space but I needed a response from him. Christmas was only a few days away, and I’d bought him a scarf in his team colors. I couldn’t wait to see his face.

But when I reached the tunnel, I heard laughter. Very loud and filled with mockery.

“Daemon had the camera rolling,” I heard a chuckle, “You should have seen her when she said she loved him, so desperate.”

Followed by Daemon’s voice, “This was the easiest dare ever, she fell so fast. It was almost pitiful.”

A cold sensation rushed down my spine. Was it about me? It couldn't be, right?

Another guy added, “And the shower pics? Bro, send those again.”

Pictures? What pictures? My stomach twisted.

“I want to be up next, she is sexy,” Another guy added and they erupted in laughter.

I moved closer until I could see them gathered near the field. Daemon stood in the center, tossing a puck between his hands. He looked so normal, so relaxed, like he hadn’t just shattered everything, like he hadn't ripped my heart out of my chest

I gulped hard and stepped forward. “Daemon?”

Their laughter seized immediately they heard my voice.

“Ava, what are you doing here?”

With a shaky voice, “What did you do?”

“You heard us, didn't you?” He made a loud sigh in annoyance.

“What do you mean a dare? My throat tightened, “Everything was a lie?”

My gaze shifted from one person to another till it rested on Daemon. The boy I had given my virginity to and grew to love.

Daemon let out a loud laugh, “Don't be dramatic,” Everyone stood still, no one said anything in my defense.

“You took pictures of me? Naked pictures?” I asked, shakingly.

“And so?” I couldn't believe my ears. I covered my mouth because I nearly let out a scream.

“Daemon?” I tried to read his eyes, but they were filled with disdain.

“They were mostly steam,” he said with an unbothered shrug. “Barely anything was seen.” They all chuckled, mocking me with their eyes. I knew they saw it all.

My hands curled into fists. “And you recorded me telling you I loved you?”

“Yeah,” he said casually. “That was the whole point. Get the good girl to fall in love with this hot dude. Honestly, I didn’t think it’d be that easy, but it was. You were so easy to play.” he laughed.

My chest felt like it was being crushed. “You’re disgusting,”

“I am just being honest, Sweetheart.” He glanced at the gift bag I was holding and looked back at me. “I can see the little Christmas present you brought. You can take it back, this cute game was good while it lasted. Unfortunately, it's over now.” A game? I was just a game to him?

My legs felt weak, “You used me!”

He smirked, "It was a game, and I won. Don't be dramatic over nothing.”

Something snapped inside of me, “We are done,” I whispered.

His smirk only grew wider, “We were never a thing,” He sized me up and let out a chuckle.

“I hate you so much, I gave you everything!” I screamed in agony. My chest tightened instantly.

I turned and walked away before he saw me bawling my eyes. Tears spilled down my face as I tried to catch my breath.

It was freezing but I could barely concentrate on anything, so I made my way to the car in the parking lot and unlocked it.

My scarf slipped into the snow as I entered my car. I didn't look back. I was too broken to do so. I left it there and drove off, tears blurring my vision as I sobbed in the car. My heart wrenching in unbearable pain.

Four months later

The sunlight spilled through my curtain. It brought greater comfort than winter. It painted my room in gold, catching the edges of all the small changes I had made in the past months, new plants, and I tried my artistic skills on a couple of paintings.

I had no artistic bone in my body. And a desk full of color-coded notes instead of gifts from Daemon I had already thrown out.

I made sure to get rid of everything that reminded me of him, even my favorite blanket we both laid in at our first picnic date.

Everything felt different now, lighter, now that I had scrubbed him out of my life. I sat up on my bed, running my hand over my wolf cut. The layers settled on my face in a messy wave. My phone buzzed and it was a text from my dad.

‘Hey, hunny bun. Ready for your first day? Super proud of you,’

A smile tugged at my lips. Dad didn’t say things like that often. Not because he didn’t care, he just had a hockey coach’s personality. Tough love, short words but a very big heart. I liked how we never drifted apart.

I quickly freshened up and looked at myself in the mirror. A few months ago, I couldn't stare at myself in the mirror without seeing the version of me Daemon broke.

This new hair cut made me feel…untamed. I couldn't recognize myself anymore and to be fair, that was the point.

I grabbed my bag and made my way downstairs, the smell of coffee was the first thing that greeted me. Mom had already left for work, but she’d scribbled a note on the counter in her rushed handwriting.

‘You’ve got this, hun. Be safe. Don’t skip lunch.’

I tucked the note into my pocket and dashed through the door. The pleasant summer breeze brushed through my skin.

I finally reached the stadium and I couldn't help but bask in how large it was from the outside. I felt overwhelmed by that feeling from months ago but I took a deep breath.

“Let's do this,” I tightened my grip on my back and exhaled one last time before walking steadily.

My eyes scanned through the large hall, and I turned to look at the beautiful decorations. I walked backwards as I admired the interior. Then suddenly I collided with someone.

“Shoot, I am already causing trouble.” I closed my eyes, then slowly opened it and bit my lips as I turned around to meet his gaze.

My eyes widened as I saw the man. My brain scrambled to catch up. He was very tall. With broad shoulders and sharp jaws.

His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, like he constantly ran his hand through it.

His eyes? oh goodness, his eyes were a deep, stormy gray that locked onto me the second I looked up. A warm skin that was hidden under his fitted team jacket stretched over solid muscle.

I forgot how to breathe.

“Are you okay?” He looked concerned, “Hello?” He called out as I didn't respond to his question.

“I–I am so sorry, I didn't–” I tried backing away from him out of embarrassment but I stepped backward too quickly. My foot caught the edge of the carpet, and suddenly the world tilted. My stomach dropped, oh no.

Before I hit the floor, his strong hand wrapped around my waist, warm and steady. He pulled me up effortlessly, like I weighed nothing.

“Are you hurt?” He stared directly into my eyes, and for a moment we couldn't break our gaze.

“Yeah, I thi..I think so.”

He smiled warmly, and I could feel my heart beating faster.

“Be careful.”

“I will be. Thanks. I am here for an internship,” I was blabbing so I wouldn't die of embarrassment. I could feel sweat forming at the back of my neck.

“Welcome to Pinecrust, I am Liam. See you around, Bumble.”

“Bumble? Pinecrust? Really?” I furrowed my brow with a pout.

“Yes, you're clumsy and adorable.” Then he winks and walks away with a smirk on his face.