Chapter 1 - Through to the next round.

Ava

I SUSPECTED SOMETHING WAS A LITTLE OFF when a strange man tried to sniff me right before I was just about to go onto the ice for my finals, but I was in the zone and had to stay there. I didn’t have time to waste on strange men doing strange things. This was my moment. The one I had been practicing for all my life.

The ice was hard under my skates as I made my way to the center of the arena and I held my head high taking my spot. My heart was racing, and I tried to calm myself. The music started and I pushed off. Within seconds, I was pushing my body to its limits as I worked my way through my perfectly-planned-out routine. I finished with a Lutz jump as the beautiful music hit its highest before skating into the center of the ice and taking my bow.

I did it. I knew I did the moment I landed my jump so perfectly. My grandmother was there to congratulate me, and we took our seats, so I could wait for the results. When they came through, I had to hold back my excitement. I didn’t want to jump up and scream the same way some other competitors did. I waved to the cameras before rushing through to the change rooms. I did it! I was through to the final round of the world championships.

I changed quickly and as I walked up to my grandmother in the foyer, I noticed the strange man talking to her. I frowned. Why was he there? Who was he? Most importantly, why the hell did he sniff me?

“Ava, darling, I would like to introduce you to Daniel Black. Mr. Black is a scout from one of the colleges. I’m sorry, Mr. Black. My old mind can’t remember which one.” My grandmother babbled, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Black, but I’m sure my grandmother has told you that I’m not interested in scholarships. I don’t intend on going to college. I intend on becoming the world champion and that will take all of my time.” I tried to get out of their conversation the only way I knew how. After years of being on the ice and having to deal with people from all walks of life, I have learned how to get rid of strange ones quickly without offending anybody.

“I actually wondered if the two of you would join me for dinner, miss Talbott.” He smiled, and I felt my stomach make a little flip. His entire face changed the moment he smiled, and I was completely caught off guard. “I promise I won’t push you to make any decisions. I just wanted to take you and your charming grandmother out for a celebratory meal.” I sighed deeply when my grandmother grinned at me.

“Okay, fine, but we can’t stay out too late. My grandmother can’t be out in the cold night air.” I had no idea why the hell I agreed, but I did.

“Oh, sweetheart, I won’t be going along. I have other plans. You two enjoy yourselves.” My grandmother whipped around and waved at some of the other ladies from the ice-skating circles and walked away. I swear, I had never seen her walk that damn fast in my entire life, and I was stuck with the man standing in front of me. He was handsome, and although he was clearly older than me, he didn’t look that old.

“You aren’t going to disappear on me too, are you?” He smiled and I sighed deeply.

“As long as you promise not to kidnap me.” I wasn’t joking, but he laughed, and I followed him to his car. I wasn’t surprised by the sleek and clearly expensive car. I was surprised that I had agreed to go to dinner with a complete stranger. He opened the door and I slipped into the passenger side. Watching as he put my bag in the boot before he slipped in beside me on the driver’s side. The engine came to life and I wondered what the hell I had gotten myself into.

My grandmother had to know him, surely. She wouldn’t have set me up like that if she hadn’t. The old bat was forever trying her best to set me up with some man. It had to be safe, didn’t it? He radiated something and I felt drawn to him in some way, but I couldn’t exactly explain it. We drove to the restaurant in silence and as we walked in, I felt incredibly self-conscious. It was one of those expensive places, and I wasn’t dressed for the occasion.

“Ah, Mr. Black. Welcome back. Your regular table?” The hostess greeted him oozing lust and I fought the urge to hurl. He was sexy with his black hair and blue eyes, but I wasn’t interested. He was a lot taller than I was, and I noticed it the instant he put his hand on my back.

“Yes, please Lila.” His voice was smooth as he smiled, and she took us to his regular table in the back, which turned out to be a private booth. We took our seats and the girl handed us our menu, but not without giving me the stink eye. I sighed and rolled my eyes and only realized he was looking at me when he started laughing.

Daniel

I was on my way to a meeting in the city when I caught her scent. Following it into the building, I tried to find her, but there were so many of them, it was difficult. When I sniffed her hair, I knew instantly that the human girl about to go onto the ice was my mate. If my pack found out, they would kill her. I couldn’t allow that, but I also couldn’t leave without at least speaking to her.

I needed to know more about her, but I had no idea how the hell I was going to do that. In the time she was on the ice, I did some research and quickly found my opening. Her grandmother. Thanks to my charms and the old woman, I was now seated across from the one creature I wasn’t allowed to see and the one creature I wanted more than anything in this world.

“So, tell me about this college you are from.” She was clearly uncomfortable as her eyes darted back and forth from the surrounding tables to me.

“I have a confession to make.” I decided to tell her the truth. At least, as much of it as I could. There were things about me she couldn’t know. Not now. “I’m not from a college. I’m not a scout. I’m simply a man who saw the most beautiful woman this morning and who wanted to take her out for a meal.” I smiled and she looked furious.

Damn! That did not go as planned. I was used to girls falling at my feet. Not glaring at me as though I was some kind of pervert.