Chapter 2 The Hockey Captain

6 months later

Linda POV

"Hey, you're Linda, right?"

I set foot on the stairs of the campus lobby as a group of girls approached me, carrying leaflets.

It's my first day at my new college, Willow Da Vinci College.

Huft, I know this is probably the stupidest thing I've done since I moved to the place of the hockey captain I kissed six months ago. But it's also a decision I've thought through, including the consequences.

I wrinkled my forehead. "Do you still remember me?"

"Of course! I'm the cheer captain here. You were very famous on social media even a few weeks after the game because of the two backflips you did. I don't know why you moved but would you like to be part of our team? Yeah, although it might sound funny that you joined the opposing team."

That's not the problem. The problem was that if I joined cheers again, then I would definitely run into Drake and I couldn't imagine it.

"We saw how you did that backflip that time and it was amazing! Right guys?"

They all replied in unison, agreeing.

Honestly, I didn't have any plans after being accepted to this campus. But that doesn't mean I want to join cheers again.

"I'm sorry but I want to focus on my academics."

"I know that second-year business students aren't too busy yet. Because one of our members has the same major as you."

I had just opened my mouth when my eyes accidentally caught the figure of Drake who had just come out of a room and was walking down the stairs, heading here.

Oh my, this is so bad. I need to get out of here!

"So do you accept my offer? Try it first, if you're comfortable, then we can talk about it."

I didn't really listen to what she said and just nodded and left. I turned around, hiding in a place where Drake wouldn't see me.

My heart was beating so fast that I could hear it. Not only that, I was also breaking out in cold sweat.

This is strange, what's wrong with me? Why am I reacting like this when I see Drake again?

*****

It was because of my reflex response that I ended up at the ice rink again for cheers practice. And I'm the only new member they've recruited. It's pretty awkward because I don't know anyone yet.

So I just followed the others as they started warming up.

But suddenly someone bumps into me from behind so we both fall down.

"Gosh I'm sorry. I feel so horrible for being out of focus."

I stood up and helped her up. "Are you okay?"

"I should be the one asking you. Oh yeah, I'm Hazel, bases, business major."

So she's the one the cheer captain was referring to. I welcomed her hand. "Linda. We're in the same department."

"Oh yeah? That's great! We'll become best friend."

I smiled slightly and was about to continue warming up again. But Hazel pulled my hand and directed my body towards the hockey players who had just arrived at this building.

"Look, he's our college hockey captain. His name is Drake. He's a really good player but if I could be his girlfriend, I wouldn't." She whispered into my ear. "Drake is a playboy. Even if he doesn't like the cheers members, you should be careful."

"Why doesn't he like cheers?"

Hazel shrugged her shoulders. "Because everyone is crazy about him. Like a game, everyone wants to sleep with him. Because he's handsome, dashing, and definitely good at 'it'. You know what I mean, right?"

I wanted to scream right now. I didn't know that the guy I kissed back then was like that.

But did he also think that everyone wanted him?

"He never approaches women first. He never makes a move first."

"Why?"

"Don't know. Play hard to get, maybe?" Hazel giggled to herself.

Meanwhile, Drake was looking over here. He must have heard what Hazel said. If only Hazel knew she was in danger for provoking his anger.

"We should go because they're going to practice."

I immediately took a position on the right so that I would be the one to cross paths with Drake because I didn't want Hazel to get hurt.

Unfortunately, that's when I heard something I didn't want to hear.

"We need to talk. Wait for me there."

*****

The second stupid thing I did today was waiting for Drake. I should have refused but I was hypnotized and agreed to wait for him, alone, in the audience seats.

Drake, who had just finished rehearsal, gave me the code through his eyes to go somewhere.

Surprisingly, I complied. I went to the back of the building after making sure no one was watching me.

Drake had arrived first and he was packing his gear into a bag.

He smiled wryly. "It turns out you were really waiting for me. Are you interested in me?"

"I'm accompanying my friend. She wanted to see you guys practice."

"Then where is your friend now? I saw you alone."

"That's because she just got home after getting a call. I'm not lying."

Drake closed his bag and then looked at me. "You know, you're a terrible liar."

I clenched my fists at my sides. He's so annoying!

"If you want to talk about that kiss, then I'll apologize first-"

"It was my first kiss."

I immediately glared. How is that possible? Hazel said he was a playboy. Ah, he must be lying to make me feel even more guilty.

He chuckled but a second later put on a serious face. "You're not much different from what I thought. You're just like the other cheer members. Let's be honest that you're interested in me too."

"You're very confident."

I hurriedly left because I didn't want to talk to him more. He was testing my patience.

To make sure he didn't follow me, I looked back a few times. I didn't want him to know where I lived and make a mess.

At first, everything was safe until after leaving the college and walking down a quiet street, I felt that someone was following me.

When I looked around the first time, I found nothing. But the second time, I saw a glimpse of two human shadows.

I walked faster and hid behind a wall. It turned out that my guess was right, two men were looking for me.

I recognized them, they were from Pack Dryden. But what business did they have looking for me?

I came out as they passed me by. I attacked them because I wanted to know their motive for following me here, into Pack Houghton territory.

But who would have thought that I would suddenly get help from someone I never imagined.

Yes, it was Drake. He joined the attack on the two men and managed to take them down easily. Just before Drake hurt them, I stopped him.

"I know them. We're from the same Pack."

"What?"

Not even you Drake, I was surprised why they did it.

"Why are you following me?"

No one wanted to talk at first. But after Drake twisted their arms, they spoke up.

"Alpha Jude told us to. He wanted us to keep an eye on you because he didn't want you to get close to him."

Drake and I looked at each other. But then I broke eye contact faster.

"Tell Jude that I'm not his mine so he doesn't need to keep an eye on me. If I still see another stalker, then he'll see for himself what the consequences are."

They ran away as soon as I let go.

"Why did you let them go?"

"What's the point of holding them back? I just need to make Jude aware of his position in my life."

"He's the captain who kissed you at the bar that time, right? You rejected an Alpha? You're in big trouble."

I tightened my jaw. "Just like you who don't like the cheer team, I also have the right to not like him without having to explain to you why."

Just as I was about to take a step, Drake held back my hand. "Don't forget the price you paid for stealing my first kiss. I'll demand it one day."