All Chapters of ICE- The Alpha’s Playbook: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

"Vega, move your ass. We need to find something to eat before I starve to death," Santiago grunted, though his voice lacked any of its usual bite. He lay on his back, thick arms stretched over his head, a lazy, predator-like grin on his face."You aren't making an escape then?" Isaac asked, propping himself up on an elbow. "My last 'connection' always developed a sudden craving for some specific coffee across town the second the sun came up. He never asked if I wanted a cup. It was just a race to get me out of his territory and back to my apartment in my wrinkled gear.""I said 'we', didn't I? I’m not Derek. I don't run from a good thing. But I do need a shower. I think I’m still wearing half of you."Isaac let out a short laugh. "Messy?""Messy, but worth every second. I’m so sticky I might have to shift just to lick myself clean. Actually, I’m pretty sure you won’t even be able to walk straight for the morning skate after what I did to those thighs.""You aren't entirely wrong. My m

"Vega, look at your nephew," Saul Rivera called out, gesturing toward the sectional where the Warhawks roster had congregated. Mateo was systematically dismantling Tyler Hayes in the hockey video game while Valeria watched over them like a protective she-wolf."What’s the word, Saul?" Santiago asked, joining the circle."Why’d you keep it a secret that you were hiding a hockey prodigy and a sister this breathtaking?""Why do you think?" Victor Alvarez answered, swatting the back of Saul’s head before Santiago could. "He was smart to keep them away from scavengers like you."Valeria stepped over, a look of mock-sternness on her face. "How is he this good? He’s only allowed thirty minutes on weekdays.""Don't look at me," Santiago said, holding his hands up. "I know better than to break pack law in this house.""Lucas has this game at his den," Mateo chimed in without looking up from the screen. "We played for four hours straight last time he tried to beat me.""I’m having a word with t

By the time Santiago Vega found a scent-marking near the downtown district of San Antonio, he was already late for his meeting with Isaac. His focus was fractured; the looming shadow of the California move weighed on his beast like a lead weight. He wasn't eager to see Isaac’s independent streak flare up when he realized their territory was about to be separated by thousands of miles.He rounded the corner of the Bella Vida Salon and collided with a solid chest."Watch it," Santiago growled, before realizing he’d nearly flattened a blonde Alpha with a razor-thin smirk. "Coleman.""Hey, Vega," Derek said, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Small world, finding you sniffing around here."Santiago’s gaze snapped to the salon entrance. It was mid-day; the shop should have been empty of clients. "Why were you inside bothering him?""Who says I was bothering him? Isaac seemed thrilled to see a familiar face. We both know he hasn't truly moved on.""You’re delusional.""We had five months of hi

"Isaac?" Camila Ortiz called out from the front of the Bella Vida Salon, her voice sharp enough to cut through the hum of the blow dryers. "What in the depths of the lunar cycle are you doing here?"Isaac Corres stopped mid-motion in the back room. He had been meticulously organizing the specialized grooming oils, trying to drown out the memory of Santiago Vega’s roar in the locker room. His first instinct was that Derek Coleman had returned to crawl back into his territory, perhaps seeking a trim before the Warhawks flew out for the final showdown at the Capital Ice Dome.The bite of his previous resentment toward Derek had dulled, replaced by a hollow ache that sat heavy in his chest. Despite the way Santiago had cast him aside, Isaac couldn't find it in himself to wish for the Alpha's downfall. He understood the pressure of the pack and the weight of a pro career."Isaac?" Camila appeared in the doorway, her brow arched."If Derek is out there looking for a touch-up, tell him I’m b

Isaac Corres was busy gathered the remnants of a busy afternoon's work at the Bella Vida Salon, the scent of expensive pomade and steam hanging in the air, when the chime above the door rattled violently. He turned, expecting a late walk-in, but instead found a man who looked like he’d been dragged through a rock slide.Derek Coleman stood in the center of the lobby, his blonde hair a mess and his face a map of fresh bruises from the previous night’s locker room brawl. He looked fragile—a state Isaac had never seen the cocky Alpha in."Isaac," Derek rasped, his voice cracking. "Do you know? Tell me the truth."Isaac gripped the broom handle, his heart hammering against his ribs. He knew that look. It wasn't the look of a rival looking for a fight; it was the look of a man whose entire world had just been upended by a single truth."I don't have a slot for you today, Derek," Isaac said, trying to maintain his professional mask despite the sudden chill in his blood. "The team should be