Cross Checked Hearts (Wyncote Wolves, #1)

by Cali Melle

In front of everyone, he kept me at arm’s length and acted like I was his little sister. When no one was looking, he would sneak into my room and hold me in his arms until the sun rose.

I was his dirty little secret. At least, that’s how it felt. Even though we never went any further than kissing, I was still his damn secret.

August was the sun, while Logan was the moon. He shone brighter than my brother, but only in the darkness.

“You are a constant in my life. And I hate the fact that I’m going to be leaving you. The fact that I won’t see you almost every single day. I won’t see you sitting in the stands, cheering me on at every game.”

“You think your brother would be okay with this? Your parents? Shit, Isla… you’re my best friend’s little sister. You have to know that no one else would understand or accept this.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Since when do you give a shit about what anyone else thinks?”

It’s not what I really want, but it’s the best that I can do. And if we can only be friends, I’ll be the best fucking friend she’s ever had.

Does no one else believe in this fucking girl? She might not be August Whitley—hockey superstar—but that doesn’t mean a damn thing. She’s Isla fucking Whitley and she can do anything she puts her mind to.

Not to mention the fact that she looks like she was sent here from heaven.

Possessive. Protective. Fucking jealous as hell thinking about her there with her douchebag friend that she made.

“That’s where you’re wrong, babe.” His voice is low, soft and warm, just like his palms on me. “Everything you do will always concern me.”

“You’re not my keeper, Knight.” I glare up at him, feeling my body sway on unsteady legs. “You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do.” Logan’s face falls and he tilts his head to the side with a pained look in his eyes. “Don’t do that,” he whispers, his voice strained. My eyebrows pinch together. “Do what?” “Don’t call me Knight, like everyone else.” “Your friends call you Knight.” I roll my eyes in a dramatic fashion before pushing past him. “I’m just making sure that I’m playing the part right.”

I know August is lurking around here somewhere. I don’t even care at this point. Let him fucking find us. Let this all go up in flames. At least I’ll burn, knowing I had one last taste of her before it all went to hell.

“Because even though I don’t deserve you, that doesn’t mean there’s anyone who comes close to you. I refuse to settle for anything less than greatness, baby. And that’s exactly what you are.”

Oh my god. I really just hooked up with Logan Knight… My brother’s best friend.

Logan slipped out of my room like nothing happened and I didn’t see him after that. All it took was one moment, one close call with my brother, and I’m back to being Logan’s dirty little secret.

Fuck you and your silence, Logan Knight.

Number 15 fucked up when he slashed at Asher and got away with it. I don’t regret a single thing from the fight, because that’s what you do for family, for those that mean the world to you. You go to fucking war for them.

I’m not ready to ruin my friendship with my best friend, even if that means I can’t have her.

“I want you to be my first.” The corners of Logan’s lips lift. “And your last, Isla. I’m going to ruin you for anyone else. I’m going to leave my mark so deep in your fucking soul that you won’t ever want anyone but me.”

So, when I tell her brother tonight, I will make sure Isla makes it out unscathed. She isn’t the villain of this story. I am.

“It wasn’t a choice for me—it was never a choice.” He pauses, his eyes finding mine through the darkness. “It was written in the stars, August. It was completely inevitable.”

August cuts his eyes at me. “I fucking know you, Logan Knight. You’re a good guy, don’t get me wrong. You’re my best fucking friend for a reason. But the two of you don’t belong together. You’ll hurt her in the end and then I’ll really have to kill you, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to do it.”

Plus, I did exactly what he asked of me. Not only for him, but for her too. I just hope I made the right decision.

She saw the entire accident happen and she’s still here. I never would have expected her to stay by my side this entire time, but that’s Isla Whitley. She’s a ride or die type of girl. My girl.

“I can’t stand the thought of losing you, Logan Knight. Even though you’ve decided we can’t be together, I still need to know you’re on this earth. Even if it’s not with me.”

“I’ve always been yours, Logan Knight, ever since we were kids.” She pauses, the pads of her thumbs slowly stroking my cheeks. “You’ve just been too stupid to realize it.”

“You’re the only teammate that matters to me—that I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me, Isla Whitley?”