Page 7 of Beach Bats

Gem knew the tiger was still the same shy and sweet boy that he loved, yet times like this were extremely humbling. There was so much about their relationship that others wouldn’t understand.

In their world it was unusual enough for Gem being younger and also the dominant. Their size difference was something that Gem had struggled with on his own. He knew that what he offered Luka was important, not what they looked like to the outside world. Even in their shifted forms there was a huge difference.

Gem stepped away from the massive tiger and started his own transformation.

In his fruit bat shifter form, Gem was so much smaller than the tiger. He flapped his wings, landing on the back of Luka’s wide neck. He buried his claws into Luka’s neck and started to groom his partner.

Just another way for Gem to care for his love.

Luka allowed Gem to groom him for a short while before huffing and walking toward the pool. Gem launched himself into the air as his tiger splashed his way into the long pool and began to swim.

Gem flew circles above, watching his partner closely. He might be a small fruit bat but Gem would protect his lover with his life if ever needed. Not that there were many dangers in the suburbs of Seattle.

2

Vin

Music blared from the speakers situated around the arena as the Vegas Vikings and the Dallas Hawks met at center ice. Their captain had just put the Vegas Vikings up by one goal. The score 1–0 in the middle of the third period.

Aries bounced on his skates as he faced his opponent for the face-off.

Vin could see the captain of the Dallas Hawks eyeing Vin’s boy with disdain. Making note of the possible threat, Vin bent, preparing for the whistle. Aries had been flying up and down the ice, making plays and assisting their teammates all night long. Aries might not have scored but he was playing an amazing game. Vin was proud of his boy. He was proud of the entire team and organization.

From where Vin had started at the beginning of the season to now was like night and day.

Starting the season, Vin had been stuck in a rut and struggling to find his motivation. Aries had been the breath of fresh air that not only did Vin need but the entire organization.

With the players ready, the ref held the puck above the ice.

Seven minutes to go.

If they could last for seven more minutes, the Iron Cup would be theirs.

Vin gave a quick glance up to the suite where his new family was rooting for them. Some old friends along with the family that Aries had given him. Parents, Nix and Evan, and Gem and Luka.

He’d once convinced himself that he’d liked being by himself. That he didn’t need anyone in his space or to give attention to. Vin hadn’t even wanted to try clubs in search of a little. Now he couldn’t go an hour being away from his boy. And if anyone hurt Aries, Vin would make them pay.

The ref dropped the puck and chaos erupted.

Aries won the face-off, passing the puck to Bane who shot it to Shawn. Vegas was headed back down the ice and Vin had his eyes on protecting his teammates. Luckily Aries, Bane, and Shawn were in rhythm. Vin and Robbs needed to do their damn jobs and give their guys a chance to score.

Shawn aimed for the net.

Dallas’s goalie knocked the puck away but didn’t secure the rebound, leaving Aries open to pick it back up. Aries skated around the back of the net as Dallas’s defense went after him.

Robbs knocked one player onto the ice before shouldering the other into the glass. Aries ducked under another player as he swiped at him before shooting the puck. Straight to Vin’s stick.

Vin lifted his stick, just trying to get the puck back in front of the net so one of his teammates could score.

The puck sailed across the ice before hitting against the back skate of a Dallas player and knocked between the goalie’s legs and into the net.

Holy shit!

Vin lifted his arms as the goal light behind Dallas’s net lit up.

“Yes!” Aries screamed, skating toward him.

Bane reached Vin first and smacked his back, nearly distracting Vin as Aries launched himself at Vin.