Fucking Alex.
I wish I had a recording of the session so I could go back and prove it, but that’s not a thing. Still, the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. ScorchedOmega entranced me deeply, calling to my baser instincts, even though we weren’t in the same room. The thing is, I got rid of my profile and told her I wasn’t coming back, so I’m not sure how to go about confirming my suspicions.
And if our omega is a camgirl, that shit needs to stop. I might share her with Julius, but that’s where my kindness ends. Nixie’s perfect curves are for our eyes only, and she’s not gonna be sharing her body with some creeps from the internet.
Even if I used to be one…
But things are already so strained between us since the disaster of a date, I can’t make another misstep with her. There needs to be no doubt that she and ScorchedOmega are one and the same before I level any accusations her way.
I wish she would just let us in, but where’s the challenge in that? Omegas need their Alphas to prove themselves worthy, and I am more than ready to take on the task.
As Asher skates over, along with Brenden one of his teammates, their eager faces force me to get my head back in the moment.
“Hey, boys, let’s take a few laps around to get used to your new skates, yeah?” Just like that, we set off, and the subtle burn in my thighs and calves helps keep my focus.
As we make our way around the rink, slicing through the thin ice on shining, sharp skates, Julius and his two kids saddle up beside us.
“Let’s work together?” he asks, his eyes trained on Asher. Being removed as his mentor was a sizable blow for Julius. Nixie was right to be protective, but I know Julius has Asher’s best interest at heart. And after our date, hopefully, things are moving in the right direction, so I’m willing to share, but only if Asher is on board.
As much as I hate to admit it, Julius is a better mentor for Asher. I’m a mediocre goaltender at best, and the kid has the potential to be a powerful forward. There is no better teacher than Julius. Hell, my packmate taughtmeeverything I know about hockey and pushed me every step of the way to becoming a professional player.
“Sounds good. As long as it doesn’t make him uncomfortable.” I nod in Asher’s direction as we pull up to the boards and grab a swig from our water bottles. Julius grunts in acknowledgment, then skates over to Asher and holds out his hand. The boy eyes it like a snake, and worry has me shifting on my skates.
Asher and Nixie are a package deal. Aperfectlypackaged deal, and while I wouldn’t change anything about them, Julius needs to be accepted by both. I’ve only known Nixie for a little while,but it’s clear that her son is her top priority. There will be no pack if Julius can’t make amends with Asher.
“I’m sorry for acting like an ass the other day after practice. But I’d still like the opportunity to help you win this exhibition.” Julius rarely apologizes, though I doubt Asher understands the gravity of such an admission. His nose scrunches, and he looks around uncomfortably.
I move to step between them, but I pause when Asher speaks. “My mom works really hard so I can play hockey. Some nights, she doesn’t even eat dinner to make sure I have enough food. Even when I lie and say I’m full, she knows. She’s a great mom…” Asher folds his arms across his chest—such a big gesture from such a little man. “If you promise to leave her alone, then I’m cool with us working together.”
“Can’t promise I’ll leave her alone, but I’ll certainly be respectful.” As honest as ever, Julius won’t make a promise he can’t keep, and I’m thankful for it. Lying to Asher would be a mistake; a son needs to trust his father, and we have a lot of intentions toward his mother. But leaving her alone doesn’t factor into any of our plans.
“Yeah, okay, whatever. As long as you never yell.” Asher shrugs, shuffling on his skates. It’s enough for the moment. We’ll have time to work on the rest, but for now, it’s time to get this practice going.
Blowing my whistle, I gesture for the boys to line up, and all four snap to attention. “All right, well, today we’re gonna work on your shots. As you all know, I’m the backup goalie for the Scented Scorpions, so today your aim is going to be to get as many pucks past me as possible. You’re going to line up in a straight line, and I’m gonna be in goal. Julius will help you determine the best route. Let’s start with one-on-ones, then level up to partner work.”
A few of the boys cheer excitedly, the thought of getting one past a real professional goalie too much to take. But Asher takes the whole thing seriously. Since I planned these drills, I’m already wearing the proper pads, and I skate straight to the net where I’ve left my water bottle, helmet, and stick. Tilting my head back, I take a quick sip from my water bottle, then lift the goalie helmet before jamming it down over my head.Showtime. A thrill races through my blood, and I’m eager to see what these boys can do. Julius lines them up on the blue line, going from one to the next and whispering in each of their ears.
Asher steps up first, speeding down the ice. The puck is firmly secured to his stick in front of him. He floats over the ice, stick a blur, before slapping one straight at me. It’s easy to see where the puck is going, and I slide over, placing my body in the center of its trajectory. It hits me square in the chest, then slips into my glove, and I toss it over to the corner. Save made. Asher frowns, disappointed, but the glint of determination in his eye gives me a thrill.
“You got some good speed on that, Asher. Now you have to look for a hole to slide it in. Never aim for center mass.” He nods, considering my words before skating back to the blue line. Honestly, this coaching kids thing is fun. Perhaps it might be a good career move after I’m done in the pros.
I block shot after shot, part of me feeling guilty and wondering if I should let them get one by, but that’s not how they’ll learn. We cycle through the boys over and over until finally Asher has his moment. He takes off like a shot from the blue line, slicing right, and I follow him. He gets the puck on his stick like he’s gonna go high, and I’m ready to make the save. At the last possible second, he swings his arm back and gets off a rapid shot, which goes low left, right into the corner pocket.
“You did it!” I shout, surprised that he got one past me.
He cheers triumphantly, raising his hands above his head. Julius runs forward, giving him a hug and lifting him off the ice. Asher’s face glows with pride, and I glance around, looking for Nixie to share this moment.
But she’s still nowhere to be found.Where in the world is our omega?
Practice is over way too soon, and the boys file off the ice, heading for the locker room.
“Did you see how quickly he learned?” Julius crows, excitement trumpeting from him as we get off the ice. The pro players have a different locker room, so we quickly walk in.
“He’s exceptional. But I didn’t see Nixie anywhere near the rink.” We rush through getting our pads and skates off, desperate to make sure we don’t miss her.
Nixie hasn’t said much to either of us since yesterday. Just a quick text to confirm that she was home safe last night and absolutely nothing to Julius. Unease ripples in my gut.
Have we lost her already?
