My Hockey Alpha novel Chapter 443

“Ah. A taste of your own medicine for once,” I said with a laugh. “I’m jealous, though.”

“Why?”

I shrugged. “I dunno. I’d like to join in on the training, at least a little bit, but… apparently being a few months pregnant and a princess means I can’t do anything.”

Enzo sighed softly. “You know that’s not the case.”

“I know, I know. It’s just… a lot to get used to sometimes.”

“You’re used to doing everything yourself,” Enzo said quietly. “It’s not really in your nature to accept help, or to accept the fact that maybe it’s okay to sit back and let others do the dirty work.”

“You got me,” I said. There was a long silence as we laid there for a while, looking up at the stars.

It was a beautiful night out; perfectly warm with a slight breeze and a symphony of crickets chirping. The others were inside in their own private rooms, enjoying the amenities of my father’s mansion; a welcome reprieve, I was sure, after only the first day of their grueling training.

“Rose.”

The word slipped out without even really meaning to. Enzo looked over at me and shot me a curious look.

“What?” he asked.

“I like the name Rose,” I said, rubbing my barely-protruding belly. “Or Will, if it’s a boy.”

For a moment, Enzo just blinked at me. I slowly turned to look at him and propped myself up on one elbow. “Unless you have any better ideas,” I said.

Enzo finally smiled ever so slightly. “No, I… I like those names,” he said softly. “Rose. Will. Both simple, classic… They’re nice.”

I smirked. “Just ‘nice’?” I teased. “Enzo, I was sort of hoping that our future child’s name could be, I don’t know, show-stopping or spectacular.

“Alright, alright.” He chuckled and thought for a moment. “I like… Abigail for a girl,” he said. “And Alex for a boy.” “Hmm… Alex is a beautiful name,” I said. “But I’m still stuck on Rose for a girl.”

Enzo smirked. “Well, maybe we’ll have twins and we can split the difference.”

“Still.” He frowned and sat up. “I feel like I can’t rest until she’s dead.”

Just as I was opening my mouth to retort, Enzo stood. I reached for his hand, stopping him.

“You know that death isn’t the ultimate revenge,” I said softly. “And you’ll still be in pain when she’s gone.”

Enzo just stood there for a moment, his jaw set hard as he looked out over the garden. I felt his hand tighten around mine, felt his grip grow firm and his fingers begin to tremble slightly.

But then… he let go.

“I’m tired,” he said.

And with that, he turned on his heel and stalked inside.