Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

50 youthey

i stood frozen on the sidelines as Maddox skated off the ice, shoulders rigid, jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscle jump from where I stood. The crowd roared around me, but the sound felt distant, like it came from another world. Paramedics rushed past, boots thudding against the boards as they reached the Avalanche player still sprawled on the ice Blood stained the white surface where Maddox’s fist had landed. There was a high chance of a concussion. I knew that much from the force of the hit.

I grabbed my medical kit and hurried onto the ice, careful on the slick surface. The injured player groaned as I knelt beside him. His helmet lay a few feet away, cracked. I checked his pupils, his breathing, the swelling already forming around his eye. Nothing immediately life-threatening, thank God.

I cleaned the cut above his brow with steady hands, applied a bandage, and handed him ointment for the bruising.

“You will be okay,” I told him quietly. “Rest tonight. You’re not playing tomorrow.”

He nodded, dazed. I helped the paramedics load him onto the stretcher, then grabbed my duffel bag. The arena lights felt too bright. The cheers from the Vipers fans mixed with boos from the Avalanche side. My head pounded. It was getting late, and all I wanted was to see Zara and Mom for a few minutes before heading to the condo. I missed them both so much it ached in my chest.

“Nia,” Coach Riggs called from behind me.

I turned, forcing a polite smile. “Yes, Coach?”

“I know you are probably exhausted and have a lot on your plate, but can you check on Maddox for me?” Concern lined his face, making the gray in his hair look more pronounced under the lights.

“Alright, I will.” I exhaled slowly. No matter how much I hated Maddox and everything he brought into my life, I could not turn down Coach’s request. The man had always been fair to me.

“Thank you.” He gave my hand a gentle shake before walking off.

I pulled out my phone and called Maddox. Straight to voicemail. I tried again. Nothing. Where had he put his phone? I scanned the hallway as I walked.

“Did you see Maddox?” I asked Liam when I passed him near the locker room entrance.

“No. I have not seen him since he left the ice,” Liam replied, shaking his head. As I turned to leave, he added. “Nia? Do not bother looking too hard. He probably wants to be alone right now.”

I gave him a polite smile and kept walking. I understood what he meant. Maddox was called the Beast for a reason. His temper could swallow rooms whole. It was never smart to approach him when he was like this.

I stepped into the parking lot. The cool night air brushed my skin. There he was, perched on the curb beside the team bus. still in full hockey gear, helmet beside him, head bowed. His broad shoulders looked heavy under the lights.

“Maddox,” I said, shock coloring my voice.

He did not look up. “Go away, Nia. I’m not in the mood.”

“And you think I am?” I reached down and yanked his helmet off the ground. “Look at you, sitting out here still in your gear. face battered. Get up. I am not in the mood for your antics either.”

He stayed where he was.

“I said go away, Nia.”

14:37 Tue, Jul 7 M

Chapter 27

“And I said get up.” I didn’t soften my tone. “Or do you want that jaw getting worse?”

His jaw tightened. For a second, I thought he would snap.

Then he exhaled sharply and pushed himself to his feet.

No glare. He simply picked up his duffel bag, tossed it into the back seat of my car next to mine, and slid into the front passenger seat.

“Seat belt.” I said, already pulling out of the lot.

He clicked it on without a word.

I drove in silence toward Rogers Arena. Every few seconds I glanced sideways at him. He rested his face in his palms, staring out the window at the passing lights. The silence between us felt strangely calming after the chaos of the square. No roaring crowd. No flashing cameras. Just the hum of the engine and the soft glow of streetlights.

The air between us still felt charged, like the fight hadn’t ended-just followed us off the ice.

“Where are we?” Maddox finally asked when I turned off the ignition in the arena parking lot.

“We need to check your bruises before they get infected.” I stepped out and headed to the physio suite. He followed slowly behind me, steps heavy.

“Sit, please,” I said, gesturing to the examination bed. I slipped on my lab coat and gloves.

I examined him carefully. The cut on his jaw was angry but not deep. I cleaned it with gentle strokes, applied antiseptic, and placed a bandage. He winced when I touched a tender spot near his nose.

“Sorry,” I whispered.

“I am exhausted,” he said, voice rough. “Really exhausted. I have not felt this tired in a long time.” He shook his head slightly. “Even when I try my best, it feels like my best is never enough. I keep ending up in situations I cannot explain.”

I paused with the bandage halfway on his nose and looked at him. For a moment he did not look like the Beast. He looked smaller. Almost vulnerable. I had never seen him like this before.

“You will be fine, okay?” I said softly as I finished.

“I hope so.” He lifted his head and met my eyes. His gray eyes looked warmer tonight, almost like Zara’s. His gaze dropped to my mouth and stayed there a second too long.

Something in my chest tightened.

“I really hope it does, Nia.”

The way he said my name sent a small shiver down my spine. Almost sensual. Almost dangerous.

“We should leave,” I said quickly, stepping back. “Where did you park your truck?”

“I did not drive today.” I shrugged off my lab coat and gloves.

“Oh, that is rare.” I said as we headed back to the parking lot.

“I can call my driver to pick me up,” he teased lightly.

“Boy please. After driving you all the way out here? I should have left your ass at the square.” We both laughed as we got into the car. The sound felt strange but good after the tension of the night.

14:37 Tue, Jul 7 MAA

Chapter 27

The laugh faded too quickly, like neither of us fully trusted it.

We pulled into the condo driveway. I turned off the engine. We both stepped out.

“Thank you for today,” he said sincerely as we reached the elevator.

55

I nodded and watched him disappear into his floor. I sighed deeply as I stepped into my own apartment Today felt different. All because Maddox had acted a little different. Less sharp. Less guarded.

It was almost annoying how much his smallest actions affected me. I had felt butterflies in my stomach while we were in the physio suite. I had to force myself to finish quickly and get us out of there before we did something we would both regret Mostly me.

I took off my clothes and stepped into a hot shower. The water beat against my tired muscles. I was exhausted. I put on my pink pajama top and matching bottoms and headed to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and made a mental note to go grocery shopping soon. I had almost nothing left. I settled for instant ramen with a couple of eggs.

I sat on the couch to eat when my phone buzzed. A message from Natalie. It was a screenshot of an Instagram post from Bella. She wore Maddox’s hockey jersey, smiling at the camera.

The caption read: “You are mine, even though the world doesn’t see it yet. You still are, secretly.”

Something cold slid into my chest, snuffing out whatever warmth the night had left behind. I let myself hope too much tonight. For one brief moment in the physio suite, I had almost believed Maddox and I could find some kind of truce. I should’ve known better.

I set the phone down and stared at the wall. The noodles tasted like nothing now. The warmth from the shower faded. Reality settled back in, heavy and cold.

Six months.

I still had five and a half months left.

I finished eating, washed the bowl, and climbed into bed. The condo felt too quiet. Too empty. I pulled the blanket up to my chin and closed my eyes.

Tomorrow will be another day. Another fight. Another performance.

But tonight, I let myself feel the weight of it all. Just for tonight.

14:3 Tue, Jul