Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

“Beep, beep,”

The alarm blared. I slammed my hand down on it so hard the clock almost slid off the nightstand. My whole body felt heavy, like I’d barely slept. Yesterday’s bullshit-the kiss, Bella showing up, my father’s call, kept spinning in my head all night.

I dragged myself to the kitchen, mixed my usual protein shake with electrolytes, and chugged it. The built-in gym was one of the best things about this place. I started with a twenty-minute sprint on the treadmill, legs burning, then dropped for hundred push-ups. I kept the weights light today. My body already felt wrecked.

While I cooled down, yesterday’s mess with Bella hit me again. “The passcodes,” I muttered. I walked over to the security panel and changed every code. No more surprises.

After a quick shower, I threw on black sweatpants, a white tank top, and my hoodie. Classic white Vans on my feet. I grabbed my duffel with my gear and headed out.

The valet had my truck waiting, engine already warm.

“The woman who came by yesterday,” I said coldly before he could open his mouth. “I don’t want to see her here again. Ever. Tell the head of security. Are we clear?”

“As crystal, Mr. Kane.”

“Good.”

I drove to Rogers Arena and parked in my usual spot. Perks of being one of the top guys on the team. Nia’s Honda Civic sat a few spaces away. Of course she was early. She’d always been like that, even back in high school.

The coach called an emergency meeting for playoff prep. The Stanley Cup was within reach this year. We’d been through tough series before, but this time felt different. I wanted it badly.

“Nice of you to join us, Kane,” Coach Riggs said the second I walked in. Every head in the room turned.

“I’m only three minutes late,” I growled, checking my watch.

“That lateness just earned you fifteen laps after this.” He planted his hands on his hips, staring me down.

I groaned inside but kept my mouth shut. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on Nia. She sat quiet in the corner, wearing a soft pink baby tee that hugged her body and white cargo pants. White Nikes on her feet. Her dark hair was up in that high ponytail she always did, but today she had on her glasses. She looked exactly like the smart, quiet girl from high school, only better. More dangerous.

“Kane, Stop staring at her like that and sit down,” Coach barked.

The whole room exploded with laughter. I glared at every single one of them until it died fast. Nia’s cheeks turned bright pink. She wouldn’t even look at me as I dropped into the seat next to her. Not one glance since that kiss got blasted on live

If that’s how she wanted to play it, fine.

The coach went on about formations, defensive positioning, and power plays. Nia took notes like her life depended on it, nodding at the important parts. I barely lifted my head. I only spoke when he asked me something directly, and my tone made sure he didn’t push.

The second the meeting ended. Nia snatched her pink duffel and bolted for the door. I felt my stare burning into her back the whole way.

14:32

Tue, Jul

Chapter 6

35 smushed

“Damn, that’s a fine piece of ass. Too bad the Beast already got his paws on her,” Liam said with a smirk as he walked up.

“Stay the hell away from her.” I stood up fast, fists tight.

“Whoa, easy boy.” Liam laughed. “You’re gonna be telling off half the league if you keep that up.”

“Kane,” Coach called before I could lose it.

I turned, breathing hard. “Sir.”

He put a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Son, you need to get that temper under control. It’ll destroy everything and everyone that you care about.”

I nodded once. “Okay, Sir.”

“You better be running those laps by the time I come out, or I’m making it twenty,” he shouted as I left.

I headed toward the locker room, jaw clenched. Soft laughter floated down the hallway. Then I saw her.

Nia stood there talking to Jimmy Dust, captain of the fucking Cubs. He reached out like he was about to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

I crossed the distance in seconds and swatted his hand away.

“Maddox?” Nia’s eyes went wide.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, baby.” I gave her a slow smirk and brushed my fingers softly down her cheek.

“Thanks for keeping my girlfriend company,” I told Jimmy, then shoved him lightly out of the way and grabbed Nia’s hand.

“Save it for the rink, Beast,” Jimmy chuckled before walking off.

The second he was gone, I pulled Nia into the empty locker room and pushed the door shut. Her back hit the wall.

“What the hell was that, Maddox?” she snapped, breath uneven.

I stepped closer, crowding her space without touching her. Not yet.

“You tell me.” My voice came out low. Controlled. “Looked pretty friendly from where I was standing.”

Her brows snapped together. “I was being polite.”

“To him?” I let out a short, humorless laugh. “That wasn’t polite, Nia. That was an invitation.”

Her eyes flashed. “You don’t get to decide that.”

“Yeah,” I said quietly, stepping even closer, “I do.”

That shut her up for half a second.

I braced one hand against the wall beside her head, caging her in without actually touching her.

“This isn’t high school,” I went on, voice steady, colder now. “You’re tied to me for the next six months. Everything you do reflects back on me and I don’t deal with distractions.”

Her chin lifted. “I’m not one of your distractions.”

“No,” I said, eyes dropping briefly to her mouth before snapping back to her gaze. “You’re the problem.”

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14:32 Tue, Jul 7 MAA

Chapter 6

Her breath caught.

I didn’t explain it. Didn’t soften it. Didn’t trust myself to.

My fingers brushed her chin, tilting her face up just enough.

“Keep it clean. No rumors. No mixed signals. No situations I have to fix.”

A beat.

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