The Mane Squeeze
Page 111

Gwen eased out of his arms, her body gliding away because of her skates, her gold eyes peering at him curiously. What?
I said, go put your clothes back on and let me take you home. This is no place for you. Youre mine now and I want you safe and preferably unmarred.
Her hands went on her waist, her red, white, and black nails tap-tap-tapping against her hips. You dont think I can do it.
Lock shrugged. Sweetie, shes gonna kick your ass.
Did you just call me sweetie?
You rather I call you baby?
Without another word, Gwen rolled past him and into the main hallway that led to the stadium.
Good, he said behind her as the Babes rolled out of the locker room, Blayne moving in front of them.
Ill take you home and we can forget all about this. Ill always take care of you, Gwenie. Youll never have to worry about anything.
Blaynes eyes grew wide and her gaze bounced back and forth between Gwen and Lock.
Slowly Gwen faced him. I dont need
anybody to take care of me. Especially freakishly sized bears with kumquat heads. She held her hand out and one of the Babes slapped a helmet into her palm. Now get the fuck out of my way.
She rolled toward the stadium entrance, where theyd wait to make their grand entrance, and the team followed right behind her.
Reaching out, Lock snagged Blayne by the forearm and pulled her back. When this is over, she still better love me.
Dont worry about anything, Blayne promised. She leaped up and kissed his cheek. Youre the bestest bear ever.
Yeah, but I better not be the loneliest, he called after her.
Typical. Absolutely typical. Show a man a moment of weakness and he figures he can turn you into a barefoot breeder making him honey-soaked meals all day.
You all right, Gwenie? Blayne asked.
When all Gwen could manage was a growl, Blayne didnt say another word.
As they waited in the long hallway that led out to the stadium, the Furriers rolled in. Their uniforms were cute little plaid skirts and tiny pink and black tops to match. But it didnt matter. McNelly still looked like a big bitch in a cute-girls outfit.
McNelly stopped in front of Gwen and stared down at her. What was happening between McNelly and Gwen was something that went back to their mothers time when the derby queens wore a lot less makeup but lived the life of the true derby girl.
Now all that past shit was coming down to this and Gwen wouldnt back away. Yeah, her mother embarrassed the holy hell out of her, but she was still her mother and Gwen was still an ONeill.
See you out on the track,ONeill.
McNelly followed after her team and Blayne muttered, I hate her.
Yeahbut I hate her
more.
And that was why
if Gwen went down tonight, shed go down fightingand shed make sure to take McNelly with her.
Lock stood at one of the entrances to the VIP seats, searching for his parents and Ric. His father had insisted on coming. How could I miss something so interesting? Of course, his mother was no better.
Females in a battle of strength? Why would I miss that? Besides, its our Gwenie! Iona, however, had simply stared at him when he mentioned it to her. But she did promise to have the emergency room on alert should any of the players need medical care.
After a few moments, Lock saw Ric with Brody and Alla sitting behind him, but when he saw who surrounded them, he started to back away until two sets of strong hands grabbed him from behind.
Oh, no you dont.
The two lion brothers hauled him toward Ric.
You didnt really think wed let you get out of this so easy, did you? Brendon Shaw asked.
You wanna be with my baby sister, then youll have to get the
full experience, Mitch said.
They dragged him to the section that had been taken over by the ONeill Pride, the Smith Pack, and the Kuznetsov Pack. Several of them had banners, air horns, and superbly made Tshirts with Gwens name on it.
Lock! they all cheered when he stood in front of them.
Im so sorry, Ric mouthed. He glanced at the female who had her arm around him. Roxy ONeill.
Lock! You sit right here, baby-boy. She nudged Ric. Move handsome. I want this gorgeous grizzly to sit near me. Once Ric had moved over, she patted the empty spot beside her.
Mitch and Brendon pushed Lock and he snarled, snapping at them both.
Roxy ONeill laughed and clapped her hands together. And cranky just like a bear should be! I love it!
Remembering well how his mother warned him falling in love often had unpleasant side effects, Lock stepped past several rows of Gwens family and friends until he could drop down next to Gwens mother. He held his hand out. Hi, Miss ONeill.
Call me Roxy, Baby-boy. Everybody calls me Roxy. She ignored his hand and pulled his head down so she could kiss him on the cheek. Ive just been chattin with your parents.
Its been fascinating, his mother said, but when he looked back at her, she crossed her eyes in exasperation.
But you and I will talk after the bout, Roxy threatened. I want to know