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#Chapter 22 Growing Pains
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 23 Bandages Ripped Off Hurt More
It took me a while to calm down enough and gather my energy together to move from that spot. But Alex spoke to me the entire time, right until he, miraculously, ran out of things to say for the moment. We ended up not hanging up, just breathing on both sides of the phone until I got home.I’ve been sleeping a bit better recently despite anxiety with the performance coming up. Getting home that day and imagining Alex talking as I started falling asleep…uhm. As embarrassing as it is to say, I can’t deny that may be a part of why.Anyway, I get to school the next day with a fresher mind than I’ve had for the last few.It’s good that I am since the upcoming play is only three days away. Thankfully, it’s on a night Alex doesn’t have a hockey game, so he’ll be free to play his part. Still, seeing all the effort he puts into his own interests and mine…If only Alex wasn’t a bit of a mindless flirt, he’d be a really good boyfriend.I think I’m mature enough to admit that.He’d be pretty good
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 24_Returning To The Limelight
Whatever happens with Danielle and Oliver isn’t anything I really care to pay attention to anymore. Their lives are theirs, and mine is here. Maybe they will now finally leave me alone altogether.I have enough on my plate as it is. Which, at this point, is about 80% the fact that, for the first time in four years, I’m going to be on stage. Moreover, I’m going on stage as a lead.I feel like I’ve been doing pretty well, all things considered. Or, maybe, the drama club is doing really well.Because no matter what I try, I can’t stop stuttering.It’s something that’s always bothered me. Apparently, I was stuttering almost immediately as I learned how to speak.Certain Ss and Rs always end up slithering and rolling from my lips. Even when I know the next word I want to say, sometimes my voice stops against my will, leaving my sentences incomplete. If I get tired enough, I’ll just say individual words and hope that gets the point across.But the thing about being on stage is, well, abridg
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 25 Proper Skillset
…For some reason, the comparison between the two kinda hurts.But he’s not wrong. Just like in acting, the roles work best if the actors mesh well with each other, pick up on each other’s cues, and remember their lines. We stumbled a lot in the beginning, but…We’ve gotten so good at it at this point, even I’m sometimes forgetting it’s just a role I’m playing.Just like with actors, specifically ones that practice method acting, we can get lost in our emotions. Or rather, the emotions we feel appear strongly. As real as breathing, as solid as steel.Meshing with Alex like this has become easy… And though I think about the crowd, like the bullies or the girls vying for his attention, it’s somehow less important than the play itself.Right…Because what I’ve always loved about theater are the stories. Whether they have lessons in them or simply tell the lives of non-fiction or fictional characters, I’ve always enjoyed them.I enjoyed playing in them because it was just fun. Being with A
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 26 Friends in Fast Places
I stare at her with wide eyes, shocked.“But…why?”“What do you mean ‘Why’? You were great up there! Not only did you and Alex help refine the script and storyline, but your performance was fantastic! Carter still sent me the details. I know you adlibbed that line during a titular scene. And it fit well! It’s a waste to have you stay in the background, so I want to see you on stage more.”For a moment, I’m speechless. Anxiously, I look back at Alex, who gives me two thumbs up. But that’s not reassuring at all!“…What about the, uhm, sss…stuttering?”She hums. “What about it?”“Won’t that rrr-ruin some of the linesss?”“Oh, hon.” She starts counting off with her fingers. “Bran Walden, Yearny Easton, Emilia Frank. That’s just three of my favorite actors who stutter or had one at some point. Emilia Frank’s is neurogenic, so she always takes slower-speaking roles. Still, isn’t she amazing?”“Ah…”Mrs. Taylor walks over and puts a hand on my shoulder.“Having a stutter doesn’t mean you can
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 27: Frightful Feelings
Something’s wrong when Cynthia walks in the cinema doors.I joke all the time about her being a deer in headlights. This time, she actually looks the part, visibly shaking and unsteady on her feet as she stumbles in.“Cynthia?”She looks up at me, hazel eyes swimming.As I approach her, I catch a whiff of an unusual smell.Cynthia usually smells like old cotton, lavender soap, and a faint hint of lilac. There’s also my smell on her. I’ve hugged and held her enough that it’s stuck, however faintly.But there’s something new there. Something like…fog, maybe.It’s faint, but the fact it’s there and it’s unusual…I take a hold of her arm.“C’mon, twig legs, you need to sit.”She doesn’t tell me to shut up or punch me playfully. In fact, I don’t think my comment even registers to her. My teeth clench in worry, getting us a seat on a nearby bench.Len and Cynthia’s friend, Hailey, come over.“Cynthia? What happened? You alright?” Hailey asks in quick succession. I watch as she takes a hold
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 28: Apologies in Action
“…I don’t like that he belittled me jussst now,” Cynthia says softly. “He doesssn’t do that. So, I’m not sure why he would today.”Her assertion that I wouldn’t belittle her makes me happy and stabs me in the chest. She sees me kindly, if not a bit annoying. But I’ve never talked down about her like that before.“What he did wasn’t right. I’m sure you’re a great actor.”“…Thank you.”“I think, perhaps, he’s just gotten jealous and lashed out. He used to always do that when we were younger, too, lil brat.”It frustrates me that I can hear the smile in Mikey’s voice. Crossing my arms, I grumble under my breath.“Jealous? Why?”“Well, maybe it has something to do with me. He’s a chatterbox, so I know he’s starting to feel some kind of way when he goes quiet. Still, he could do better.”“Hmmh…don’t know what he’s jealousss about.”“Maybe because I’m having such a good conversation with you?” Mikey presents, definitely teasing me.I feel tempted to kick the wall slightly as a way of tellin
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 29: Staking Claims
Shifting always comes with a level of discomfort. It’s unavoidable, considering the changes to your body. I’m good at mine, so the sound of my bones cracking and muscles shifting is minimal compared to the stalker.I was prepared to fight without transforming. But since the stink decided to pull out his wolf first, well. You don’t fight a wolf in human form unless you’re okay with having 42 very sharp knives coming for your very unprotected neck.Instead of a half-shift, he becomes a scrawny 4-foot-5 wolf with graying, crinkled fur. I have a size advantage at 4-foot-8. I can’t take that for granted, though.The stalker charges at me with a snarl, and I growl right back, keeping my ground.I dodge to the right, his teeth clacking as he misses. A swift turn, and I’m jumping at his back. It’s surprisingly easy to sink my teeth into his shoulder.But his skin’s tough. Hard to break through. I shake my head to try to force my teeth in.He yowls and twists, finally dislodging me before jump
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 30: For Yourself
While I accepted Alex’s invitation happily at the time, once I get home, my eyes truly open.There’s no way any of my current clothes will be good enough for me to wear to this dance. It’s supposed to be black-tie optional, not semi-casual, and just about all my clothes are semi-trash. The outfit I managed to put together for the movie was basically fool’s luck, but that’s entirely too casual for this dinner party.I realize, with startling clarity, that there’s no way I can go when I’ll be so severely underdressed.I start to panic a bit, emptying out my closet. Maybe there’s some magical dress or something I haven’t worn in a long time? Maybe it’s tucked away, like, from a funeral or something…No, actually. Since Mom and I got ousted from the family, we’ve had no funerals to go to. So I can’t even put on a black ensemble and act like it’s black-tie optional and not meant for the dead.I’m truly shit out of luck.“Hhhhaaaaagh…”Okay. Okay.Calm down, me. Maybe I can fit my mom’s clo
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Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 100: Pitter-Patter
The house is a mess because I’ve been in town visiting my mom for a few days. I knew it would be, which is why I returned early in the morning, so I could clean up before I had to begin my day.Things aren’t exactly how I expected when I walk in. Yes, the house is a mess, but Alex is scrambling to clean up the kitchen. I drop my bag and look around at the array of clothes and shoes thrown around the living room.“Hey, babe… I really was going to have this cleaned up before you got home.”“I see that.”He smiles at me and I can’t help but forgive him. The problem is that he knows that, and someday that charm might run out. Except with my luck it won’t.“When are you leaving?”“I’m going to hang around a couple more days.”“That’ll be nice,” I say as I give him a hello kiss.We’ve been married for almost two years now, and even with our duties, I feel like we’re in our honeymoon stage. I’m every bit as in love with him now as I was when we first mated, and I wouldn’t change any part of
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 99: Goodbye Old Life
My senior year is a whirlwind. I’m in all advanced classes and spend a lot of time studying. When I graduate, I will have a Bachelor’s of Creative Arts and Writing. That was my Epiphone. Just because I’ll be required to love among and lead my pack, doesn’t mean I can’t still express my creativity.In fact, my senior project is the play I began writing as a 17-year-old human with intense complexes and assassins on her heals. The story follows my own, sometimes a little too closely, but it seems like the perfect way to blend my two lives together.Alex is supportive. So is my pack. When I approach the Council with the idea of working on the side as a freelance writer, they are supportive so long as the pack and our home remains anonymous. I tell them I will work under a pen name, and when I release my first play, Furry Butterfly, I do so under a pseudonym.It turns out to be a success, and the money I receive allows me to conquer my first project as Luna.That summer, I officially join
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 98: Finding Balance
Right before finals my freshman year, I receive the dreaded call. “It’s Michael,” Alex says. His breathing is loud, erratic. “He passed away last night.”Of course, there’s nothing I can do over the phone. I borrow Hailey’s car and leave that very night.When I get there, it is after dark and Alex is at Michael’s house, sitting in the kitchen with Rita. When I walk in, it’s quiet. They’re not talking or doing anything aside from staring at the table.They look up at me and I see their sorrow. I run over to Alex and wrap my arms around him, absorbing his sobs of mourning as I cry into his shoulder.I hear Rita sniffle, and I let go long enough to cross the table and give her a hug. “I’m so sorry!” I whisper into her ear. “I’m so sorry…”That night is when Alex and I take our physical relationship to another level. I wanted to make him feel better, if only for a little while.When we get back to his house, I follow him into his room and lock the door behind us. I don’t care if his paren
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 97: Star of the Show
I plan on visiting during my fall break. Mom thinks I have a trip for drama, so she’s not expecting me. I hate lying to her, but it really is for her own good.The following week leading up to our opening night is stressful. The play only runs for two weekends, but everything has to be perfect for the first show. I scramble to make last-minute changes to costumes and learn a few lines that just don’t seem to be sticking.Which is what makes opening night more stressful when Alex and Mom both show up with flowers. Talk about feeling loved…and feeling the pressure to perform!Alex plants a big kiss on me and Hailey, who plays another one of the teens, ooh’s and ah’s over us. So does Mom, and I’m starting to wonder which one of us she likes more.Alex and Mom sit with Lenard through the show. I peek out from the back curtain to find their seats, so I know not to look there. I can’t risk catching one of them smile at me and throwing me off. Tonight has to be perfect because I’ve worked so
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 96: Freshman at State
The next day really is my birthday. Mom makes me a cake and we celebrate in the morning over coffee. Then we spend the day in Marona, a nearby hippie town with awesome shopping, and Mom splurges on a few new outfits for me to take to school.I’ve realized I’m grateful for every moment. When I was at the Ayzena base I was grateful for their hospitality, when I’m with Alex I’m grateful for his love and attention—not to mention his body! Now that I’m with Mom, I’m grateful I ended up with her. In spite of our hardships, I’ve realized she endured everything for my sake. There’s no greater love than that.And today is a great day. We share food and laughs in a way we’ve never been able to before. It makes me determined to help take care of her when I’m able, so we can spend more time like this when we’re together. Away from drama, having fun.Alex comes by later that day and brings me a present. He was sweet to give me the day alone with my mother, though it helps that I reminded him he’ll
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 95: Back to Normal…For Now
Over the next couple of days, things go back to normal. At least as normal as they can be now. I’m not able to hide my appetite or my newfound desire for meat. I tell Mom it must be my hormones.The stutter is becoming difficult to hide, mostly because I don’t want it anymore. I’m finally free of the one thing that placed the wrong kind of spotlight on me and when I finally get the chance to be free of it, I have to fake it again.I just have to remind myself that it’s temporary.Alex and I meet Hailey and Lenard for a double date, and it’s like nothing has changed.Except Alex isn’t shy about public displays of affection, though I wonder how much of it is a put-on for shock value. It works.We meet at the diner down the street from the school. As soon as I walk in, I can smell grease and meat, and my stomach starts to rumble. “I have to hide my appetite at home so Mom doesn’t get suspicious,” I whisper to Alex, who can’t help but cackle.I nudge him in his rock-hard belly. “It’s not
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 94: The Truth Comes Out
The ring of the doorbell startles me, rattling my nerves even though I’m the one who rang it. The chime doesn’t make it through two rounds before the door is open and Mom is gaping at us from inside.We stare at each other for a few seconds before either one of us moves, while Alex waits awkwardly behind me. I can smell fresh-baked cookies and cinnamon.Finally, Mom rushes through the door and wraps her arms around me. “Oh my god!”Her body begins shaking with sobs, and I can’t help but start crying. We stand there, holding each other and crying, for what feels like several minutes.When we finally break apart, Mom grabs my hand and pulls me in, using her other hand to wipe her face.Alex stands on the doorstep, not sure what to do. “No—come in Alex, please,” Mom says, ushering him in.Once she closes the door, Mom looks us over with a curious eye. “You two look…good.”She takes my hands again and grips them in hers. “You look…older.”She noticed! My mom doesn’t disappoint. “I mean, I
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 93: A Sad Goodbye
With so much resolved, my time to leave finally arrives the following morning. I have to say, I’m sad to go. I feel like I’ve found a place here…and with the Malkeye pack. I never thought my life would turn out like this, but I’m grateful for the turn of events.Alex decides to escort me back, so the most difficult goodbyes are with Michael and Rita. I feel like I’ve come to understand Rita and hope our connection can last the distance until I return. But I know I may never see Michael again.I hug Rita, who holds on a little longer and a little tighter than I expected. “You know where to find me,” she says with a smile, but I know that I may not see her for a long time.I turn to Michael, unsure of what to say. “I am so glad my brother found his future with you,” Michael says as he embraces me. “You are a strong female and I pray to the Great One that your union is blessed,” he adds after a light squeeze.I try really hard not to cry, but this moment feels so final.If Michael passes
Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain #Chapter 92: A Truce Between Packs
Once I decide to hold a meeting—my “Unification Council”—with both packs to discuss the future, I clear the idea with Michael. It takes a little explaining, not necessarily because of prior distrust between the packs, but because packs are private.“Traditionally, when members of different packs mate, one member leaves their pack to join the other,” Michael explains. “They may see other members of their family, but they are no longer members of their family’s pack.”Rita, who hasn’t left Michael’s side since his meeting with Alex, knows where I’m going with my request. “They won’t be able to do that,” she observes.I explain to Michael that this is exactly what our packs can’t expect if Alex is going to inherit the Ayzena pack and I am the only remaining descendant of the Malkeye’s Alpha. “We will have to find a way to lead them both—together.”He immediately understands the issue and the need to get both packs on board. I discuss with him and Rita what Alex and I have in mind, Michae
