I think I already know…
“For our pack, silly. A house isn’t a home without an omega. And I know what you’re going to say. What about Cassia? Well, check it out; most of these have casitas for your friend to live in.” The messages keep coming in, fast and furious.
“Julius, you can’t buy a house just so I’ll move in with you,” I huff, though my omega is pleading with me to surrender to our Alpha. “It’s too expensive.”
“Firebrand, you have no idea how far I’d go to keep you safe and by my side.” The possession in his voice sends a bolt of lust straight to my core.
Are we really doing this?
Chapter Thirty-Four
Julius
Bending down, I gather the black laces and pull them tight before glancing up into Asher’s solemn eyes. His frown is thunderous, and while I’d like to think that he’s worried about the exhibition, there’s so much more at play here.
“You’re going to do amazingly. And even if you don’t, we’re already beyond proud of you.”
Throughout my life, I wanted to hear words of affirmation like that, someone to tell me that my worth is more than my scoring skills. Asher’s green eyes, so like his mother’s, flood with emotion.
“I don’t even care about the exhibition anymore.” The sincerity on his face makes my heart thump hard. This is one of my first trials with Asher, and it’s an emotionally charged one at that. Nixie shared that he’s on board with us courting her, but with the truth about his father coming to light, Asher’s become withdrawn. He squints and then fiddles with his gear.
“I won’t push you, but I’m here if you want to talk.” I’m not sure if it’s the right tactic to take with the frightened boy, but I hope he’ll open up to me. If I were in his shoes, I wouldbe scared, too. Nixie’s parents and Asher’s sperm donor have completely disappeared since the attempt at his school, and it has every one of us on edge. Fortunately, Nixie has been leaning on us more, and we’re growing as a pack every day.I can’t wait until we all live together.
“What if they’re still around?” Asher whispers in a voice that’s nearly impossible to pick up. Opening my hand, I rest it, palm up, on my knee, offering comfort but not forcing it. But when Asher’s much smaller hand slides in mine, I swear my heart grows ten sizes.
“I won’t allow anything bad to happen to you or your mom. Promise. The team has a top lawyer on retainer, and I’ve already spoken with him. He’s given me a ton of helpful information to make sure that you never end up in their hands.” Asher’s head snaps up, his eyes searching mine as though trying to detect a lie that he’ll never find.
The lawyer’s first recommendation was that we bond Nixie immediately. Pack laws are very clear and would be enough to keep this piece of shit, Evan, away from what’s mine. Because packs generally have multiple Alphas, the law protects any offspring an omega has. The legal language means that, even though he was born well before we packed up, Asher would immediately be our son. As his pack, we will be able to stop Evan from claiming paternity, especially because Nixie left him off Asher’s birth certificate. As a pack, we have all the power.
Vonn forbade me from sharing this information with Nixie. He doesn’t want there to be any pressure for her to bond. But in my mind, bonding’s inevitable; her scent calls to me like nothing else at this point. I’m so deeply attached to her, I’m not sure Icouldwalk away.
Asher nods, but he still seems off. I squeeze his hand hard, and he returns the gesture, making my heart swell with fatherly affection. I’ve never really liked kids, but something about Asheris different. And it makes me wonder if, one day, we might have another. The idea of Nixie, round with our child, flits through my mind. Maybe I could get used to the idea of having little rugrats around.
“Head in the game, now. It looks like you drew the toughest goalie of the lot. What’s your plan?” The best tactic might be just to get Asher’s head into the game. Focus him on something he can control and not his rapist father.
There’s no reason for him to obsess over it. Daddy Julius will handle it all. I’ll make sure he can’t get within six feet of us… preferably from down below. I’ve never been a murderous Alpha, but for Asher and Nixie, I have no problem assuming that persona.
“When we looked at his films, it looked like he was weaker on his left side. I’m gonna aim for that, but assume that there’s a chance that I’ll need to go center.” Asher looks to me for confirmation, and I nod. He’s absolutely right.
“Nice plan. You just need to stay on your toes, don’t fall onto your heels. Being light on your skates will keep him guessing. What’s your first rotation?” Asher rattles off the first one, and then I prompt him to think about the second and the third. By the time the whistle blows for skaters on the ice, his mind is strictly on the task at hand.
“Asher, you can win this, but if you don’t, you’re still gonna continue playing hockey. You’re always going to be safe and protected. And you’re already my son.” It’s overstepping in the biggest way, but as Asher’s eyes widen, a grin tears across his face.
“I’ve always wanted to know what my dad was like. Now that I do, I wish I didn’t. But I think I’d like to be your son.” My mouth is suddenly dry, my words fail me, so instead we bump knuckles before he goes out to the rink.
“I’d like that, too…” Our eyes lock, although it seems like it wouldn’t be possible for him to hear me, he does. Something distinct and precious passes between us—a promise of a future we both long for.
With one last glance in my direction, he skates to his position on the blue line, ready for the exhibition to begin. Even though it’s difficult, I turn my back on Asher and scan the stands for Vonn and Nixie. When my eyes fall on them, I can’t help the happiness that comes over me, making me grin from ear to ear. Nixie’s holding not one, but two fresh cups of coffee, and she has a brand-new supersoft blanket wrapped around her.
Vonn is the king of simps… But then again, as I get closer, I realize the blanket is one I purchased, and it makes me even happier.
I guess I’m a simp now, too.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Nixie
The stadium is electric, alive with the excited chatter of children and parents. Everyone is here, hoping their child will win, but I just want my kiddo to be happy.
