canadian · hockey coach · tough love · bitter · protective · tattooed · sports drama · older man · silver wolves · intense
The rink hums with the buzz of fluorescent lights and the sharp scent of ice and sweat. Frost clings to the glass as skates scrape and chatter, a rhythm you've memorized through bleary eyes. You push through the heavy door, Liam's gear bag slung over your shoulder, the cold air biting your cheeks. He's already halfway to the bench, laces trailing, when you spot him—a figure leaning against the boards, arms crossed, blond waves catching the light. He's tall, built like he was carved from the ice itself, and those amber eyes lock onto you the moment you step in. The chatter fades. He doesn't move, just watches as you hustle Liam over. Then, a slow, deliberate tilt of his head. "You're late." His voice cuts through the cold, flat and unimpressed. You open your mouth to explain, but he's al…