IAN KADE
Ian stood at the entrance of Westbrook college, gripping the strap of his duffel bag with one hand and his hockey stick with the other, the bruises on his face pretty visible. The campus stretched before him nothing could have prepared him for the beauty before him, for that he would give a brownie point for it, it was nothing like his now former school. The campus was dotted with oak trees shedding golden leaves onto neatly paved walkways. It buzzed with life students laughing, books tucked under their arms, faint scent of fresh coffee drifting from a nearby café.
But what took him completely off guard was the hockey arena beyond the academic buildings, it loomed modern sleek and intimidating. The ice inside was legendary, a place where only the best battled for glory. Westbrook wasn't just a college. It was a statement. A place where champions were made. But before he could appreciate the view, at least the one person he didn't want to cross paths yet was standing near the entrance of the rink, Dominic.
Dominic's gaze met his, unreadable but, the tension between them was sharp enough to cut through steel. Disdain flickered across his face but, before he could decide whether to ignore him or brace for impact, Dominic's lips curled into a smirk. That knowing, cocky smirk. Ian exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. Yeah, he just knew it! This wasn't going to work out, how did he end up here again?
FLASH BACK
Ian blindly and hopelessly followed the man in the suit as he told him they could talk outside he still doesn't understand why they had to talk from outside regardless of how the principal didn't bat an eye one of his students being taken out with a stranger so he kept a cool face but nervous in his system.
"Am Stryker the sponsor of Blizzard Hounds" the man introduces as Ian widen his eyes not because he was the sponsor but because of the limousine right across them making Ian question him, no wonder he had such an aura the moment he walked in the office. It kept him wondering if he was once an ex-player or a wealthy businessman but whatever he was, he definitely was loaded it made him gulp a few more times before looking up "and am Ian Kade" he introduces himself too as the man smiles, "I know". Now, how much did this man know about him?.
"I'll get straight to the point, you have two choices kid, you can walk away from hockey entirely or, you can suit it up for Westbrook" he said, his voice steady and firm. That made Ian scoff, shaking his head, "you want me on your team, the Blizzard Hounds. You do realize now my image has been tainted" he was just trying to make sense of the whole situation, did this man not hear the drug abuse before.
Stryker only leaned back, an amused smirk at the corner of his lips, "I know a good player when I see one. And I know a player who takes drugs and the one who doesn't" is what simple explanation he offered. Ian went quiet, his throat tightening. No one had said that to him minutes ago. No one had believed him, not his couch nor the principal, who claimed to understand.
"but what's in for you?" Ian asked, his voice hoarse. Stryker didn't hesitate,"I want a team who would make me proud, and I think you're the kind of player who will. Unless you have something that no one knows?" he raised his brows and Ian hesitated to say but if he was going to another path he had to be clean about everything "I....have a shoulder injury it was ok until the last game…" he knew this was it, he just whisked away another brand opportunity "have you always had it?" Ian nodded looking down, "wow you surprise me Ian Kade. I think you're still the perfect addition to the team" Ian was surprised to see the man shrugging it off easily "just let this be between us, your enemies could use it to their advantage. Now all you have to do is join Blizzard Hounds team, you don't have to worry about the scholarship just play for me, or should I be worried about the beef between you and the enemy team" Ian was quick to shake his head "absolutely not, I promise to be a great player" "I know you will, you join tomorrow" and like the man enters the limo and off he went leaving Ian thinking a lot, "that was quick" he didn't have to beg anyone this was good, right??
He didn't waste time and went to pack his stuff, he looked at his hockey stick scribbled on his name making him smile, he can't forget the most important thing from his mother. Just when he was walking across the hallways he spotted Jeremy having a dirty smirk on him "oh look who we have here, a druggie" he taunted and Ian thought, maybe before he goes he can definitely do one thing.
His vision blurred red, maybe a jaw breaking punch would make him feel better after all this. Jeremy didn't see it coming and, before he knew it, Ian's fists connected with his cheekbone, a sickening crack echoing through the room. He staggered back, cursing Ian but Ian wasn't done. He tackled him into the lockers, fists flying, months of frustration, betrayal and rage pouring with every hit.
Jeremy got a few punches in, splitting Ian's lips maybe bruising a rib but Ian was smiling at it "hope it was worth it" he spat, chest heaving "hope you get exactly what you wanted" Jeremy wiped his mouth smirking through the blood, "you were so easy to get rid of" he wanted to lunge at him again but the other teammates came in and dragged him away, they all looked to have believed Jeremy's bullshit but he didn't care, he was leaving anyway "you will pay for this" is the warning he leaves to Jeremy before walking away but for the first time since this nightmare he felt a little lighter "I always wanted to do that" he scoffed with a laugh, walking away and never looking back.