His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Claire’s POV

The morning of the Ridgeview game dawned with a crisp chill that seeped through the windows, making me pull the blankets tighter around me before finally getting up.

My heart beat steadily, no flutters or skips, thanks to the new meds, but the nerves fluttering in my stomach were all for Elijah.

This wasn’t just any game; it was the rematch against their biggest rival, with scouts in the stands and pack pride on the

line.

He’d been tense all week, pushing himself harder in practice, coming home with bruises and a focused intensity that made my wolf want to curl around him and protect him from the world.

Downstairs, the kitchen was already alive with the smell of coffee and toast.

Mom was at the stove, flipping eggs, while Ethan read the paper at the table.

Elijah sat across from him, staring into his oatmeal like it held the secrets to the universe. His hair was still messy from sleep, and the dark circles under his eyes told me he hadn’t slept much.

“Morning,” I said softly, sliding into the chair beside him.

He looked up, his blue eyes meeting mine with a small, tired smile. “Morning. You ready for tonight?”

“As ready as I’ll be,” I replied, pouring myself coffee. Our knees brushed under the table, a quick touch that sent a warm spark through me. “You?”

He shrugged, stirring his oatmeal absentmindedly. “As ready as practice can make me. Coach has us drilled to death.”

Mom set a plate in front of me. “You’ll be great, honey. You’ve worked so hard.”

Ethan folded the paper. “Just play smart. Ridgeview plays dirty-don’t let them get in your head.”

Elijah nodded, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw clenched slightly.

His wolf was close to the surface, alpha instincts kicking in for the fight ahead.

I wanted to reach over and smooth the worry from his face, but with Mom and Ethan there, I kept my hands on my mug

instead.

School that day was electric. The halls were decked out in black and silver banners, students wearing team jerseys, teachers even letting classes run short for the pep rally.

I walked through it all with Jessica, her arm linked through mine as we dodged excited underclassmen.

“This is bigger than last time,” she said, eyes wide. “Scouts are coming. Elijah’s got to be freaking out.”

“He’s handling it,” I said, though my stomach twisted thinking about the pressure on him.

She bumped my shoulder. “You’re his good luck charm. Sit with me in the stands?”

“Of course.”

The pep rally in the gym was loud-cheer routines, band playing, the team paraded out to cheers. Elijah stood at the front, captain’s C on his jersey, waving to the crowd with that easy confidence he wore like armor.

His eyes found me in the bleachers, holding for a second longer than necessary. I smiled, hoping he could see the

encouragement in it.

After school, I went home to change-warm layers, team scarf, boots for the cold rink.

Mom and Ethan met me there, the drive to Ridgeview’s arena tense with anticipation.

The place was packed when we arrived-red and black banners everywhere, their fans loud and rowdy. Our section was a pocket of black and silver, chanting back.

Jessica saved seats high in the bleachers, waving when she saw me.

“Here!” she called, scooting over. “Best view.”

I settled in beside her, heart starting to race a little-not from my condition, but from the energy in the air. Mom and Ethan sat a row below, talking with other parents.

The teams took the ice for warm-ups. Elijah led stretches, his movements fluid and focused. He looked up once, scanning the stands until he found me. I waved subtly. He nodded, a small smile breaking through the concentration.

Jessica leaned in. “He’s got this.”

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Chapter 204

The game started fast and mean. Ridgeview came out swinging-hard checks, sticks high, trash-talk echoing across the

ice.

Mason Reed, I recognized him quickly from the smug look he had even behind his helmet, targeted Elijah from the first shift,

a late elbow that sent him into the boards. The ref missed it, but the crowd booed.

Elijah popped up shaking it off, but I saw the flash of gold in his eyes, his wolf pissed.

First period was scoreless, both teams testing boundaries. Our goalie made a huge save on a breakaway, glove hand snatching the puck out of the air. The rink shook with cheers.

Second period, we drew first blood. Felix tipped in a shot from Elijah, the puck deflecting past their goalie. 1-0.

Ridgeview tied it minutes later on a power play-slap shot from the point that screamed past our defense.

The physicality ramped up. Elijah took another hit, this one clean but hard, his body slamming into the glass right in front of our section. I stood without thinking, hands gripping the railing.

He skated away rubbing his shoulder, but I saw the wince.

Jessica grabbed my arm. “He’s okay.”

I nodded, but my heart pounded-condition or worry, hard to tell.

Third period opened with Ridgeview scoring on a lucky bounce-2-1 them.

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