FORBIDDEN ICE: CLAIMING THE CAPTAIN'S SISTER

CHAPTER ONE

THE RULE

ISLA

The first thing I learned about being Asher North's sister was this:

Protection and possession often look the same, and everyone knew my name, but no one ever really saw me.

And I liked it that way.... Or at least, I told myself I did.

The rink was quieter than usual that night; the sharp scrape of skating shoes against the ice echoed throughout the rink. I was always at my brother's practice and his games; it was one of my favorite things to do... watch him play.

And tonight was no different.

I watched from the stands as I sketched lazily in my sketchbook, listening as my brother barked orders on the ice. And when it was over, I left with him like I always did-head down, hoodie up, and completely invisible.

Except I'd forgotten my sketchbook.

I had already gotten to my dorm door the moment I realized it. I groaned softly, turning back toward the rink again. I should've waited, but that book meant more to me than my comfort.

When I got to the rink door, I hesitated for half a second, fingers curling around the strap of my bag. The lights were dimmer now, and the place felt... different. Empty.

In and out, I told myself.

I slipped inside, my sneakers squeaking faintly against the polished floor as cold air kissed my skin. The stands were mostly swallowed by shadow, rows of seats stretching into darkness. I scanned the area where I'd been sitting earlier, heart steady and gaze focused.

Then a voice cut through the quiet.

"You lose something?"

I froze, taken aback by the sudden voice.

The sound came from the far end of the rink-low, amused, and unmistakably male.

My heart kicked hard against my ribs as three figures stepped into the light like they'd been waiting for it. They had hockey sticks in hand, jerseys damp with sweat, and were all tall. All familiar in the way faces become familiar when you've watched them from a distance for months.

Rowan Pierce.

Ellis Grant.

Noah Bennett.

Asher's best friends. All looking fucking hot.

My brother's rules echoed in my head, and I snapped back to reality.

"I-uh," I started, then stopped, embarrassed by how thin my voice sounded. "I forgot my sketchbook. I didn't realize anyone was still here."

Rowan leaned against the boards like he owned the place, eyes cutting straight to me. Not through me... at me. His gaze dragged over me slowly and unapologetically, and heat curled low in my stomach before I could stop it.

"You shouldn't be here," he said, mouth tilting into something that wasn't quite a smile.

His hand brushed mine as I moved past him toward the seats. It was an accident, I told myself, even though the spark that jumped between us felt anything but.

I pulled back instantly, flustered. "I'm just here to find my sketchbook; I'll be gone in a second."

Noah chuckled from behind him.