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    The chill of the ice rink was a wee reprieve from the stuffy hotel. Although Nina and I had made up, I still couldn''t get past the fact that something was clearly on her mind this morning-whether it was our argument or something else, I wasn''t sure. I just remembered that she got up the night before, but what was really strange was that she had gotten up not once...N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    But twice.


    I was barely awake when it happened, but I knew she slipped out two times. Making a call, maybe? Or just couldn''t sleep?


    Either way, if something was going on, I hoped that she would talk about it tonight. It hurt me to my core when she bottled things up, which was a trait she had picked up ever since the war on the Crescents.


    And who could me her? But the war was over, and she didn''t need to push her feelings down. Not anymore. Not with me here.


    "Hey, Enzol"


    The sound of the team calling for me mixed with their skates slicing across the ice brought me back to reality, and I shook my head to dispel the thoughts. I was here to work; whatever else was going on could be dealt withter. And it would be dealt with. I was sure of it.


    Several grueling hourster, the team made their way off the ice. It was a lot different training a human team, but they had the same fire as my team, which filled me with pride. "Good work today, tearn," I said as they tugged their skates off over on the bench. "I''d like to see more of that teamwork we talked about. Today was an improvement, but remember, you''re not just a team, you''re a family. That''s how you get an edge over your opponents." The yers nodded, some making mental notes, others simply absorbing my words. As they dispersed towards the locker rooms, I grabbed my water bottle and towel, heading to the bench. My thoughts drifted to Nina, the look in her eyes this morning, and our conversation fromst night. I looked forward to our dateter. I think we needed it.


    Suddenly, before I could dwell on it for too long, I was snapped out of my thoughts again when Tim approached with a clipboard in his hand. "Great job out there, Enzo," he said, a smile warming his features. "The team respects you. You''re making a real difference already."


    I managed a smile, feeling a sense of aplishment. "Thanks, Tim. I''m just trying to get them ready for what lies ahead."


    Tim''s expression turned serious. "Speaking of which, I wanted to talk to you about something."


    I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What''s up?"


    "Well, we''re impressed with your performance. The higher-ups, the team, everyone thinks you''re a perfect fit," Tim began, his tone earnest. "And so I was wondering if you would consider starting officially next month instead of in August. We''d offer a raise and a bonus for the trouble."


    The offer hit me like a wave. It was ttering, enticing, and frankly, a great opportunity. But it also meant a significant change in our ns-ns I had made with Nina. With a baby on the way, every decision had an impact. Could I really leave her when her pregnancy was still on the rocks?


    "I appreciate the offer, Tim," I replied, my mind racing. "But I need to discuss it with my wife. This would change a lot for us."


    Tim nodded, an understanding look in his eyes. "Of course, familyes first. Just know that we would be thrilled to have you start sooner."


    As Tim walked away, I caught sight of M by the kitchen counter, her gaze lingering on me. She approached, her walk confident, a curious glint in her eye.


    "Heard most of that, did you?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.


    "I sure did. And it''s quite the opportunity, Enzo," she said, her voice tinged with something I couldn''t quite ce. "But you should follow your dreams, not always wait for permission from your wife."


    Herment took me aback. "It''s not about seeking permission. Nina and I, we make decisions together. We''re a team."


    M smiled, though it felt a bit forced. "Of course. I just meant it''s a significant opportunity for someone your age. It''s not a decision to be taken lightly. Remember that."


    I furrowed my brow, confused by her nerve, but decided to chalk it up to misced helpfulness. "Thanks, M," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "I''ll keep it in mind."


    I watched her walk away, feeling a twinge of difort. She was right about the opportunity, but it wasn''t a decision I could make on a whim. It needed careful consideration and, most importantly, a conversation with Nina.


    The rest of the day was a blur of training, sweat, and maybe even a little blood and tears. The team put in their all, and maybe I pushed them a little too hard, but they took it well.


    And yet, my mind kept drifting back to Nina. If I took this opportunity, then it would be a huge game-changer for us. I would potentially miss out on most of Nina''s pregnancy. Was that really something that I wanted? And what about her? How would she feel, going through a pregnancy all alone?


    What really bothered me, too, was that I knew she would support it. I knew she would tell me to go, and that was the problem.


    "She''s always putting you first," my wolf said, breaking through my thoughts as I leaned on the rail and watched the team go through onest mock-scrimmage before the end of practice. "When will she put herself first?"


    "Honestly, I wish I had the answer to that," I replied, keeping my gaze on the puck as if it was a lifeline. "But it has to happen eventually. I can''t keep tiptoeing around, wondering if she''s


    going to put herselfst again and wind up making herself sick."


    "Or getting herself hurt," my wolf mused.


    His words gave me pause. I hated thinking about that possibility, but there was no escaping it. Nina could be a little reckless sometimes, and although I knew that she always had the best of intentions, I often wondered if she would shift her mindset now that there was a baby in her belly.


    And not to mention the sleepwalking. Oh, the sleepwalking. It terrified me. Although it hadn''t happened in ages, or so I thought, I couldn''t bear the thought of something happening to her while she was in a daze.


    Suddenly, before I could continue my musing, the sound of someone calling my name brought my attention back to the ice.


    "Coach Enzo!"


    It was one of the team members, asking a question about his form. I skated over to him, deciding that for now, I would switch off Enzo the Husband, or Enzo the Alpha-and be Enzo the Coach for just a little while longer.


    After all, what else could I do? I couldn''t be everywhere and everyone at once, no matter how much I wished I could.