“She ran into me…literally,” I say flatly. “I was an ass. I apologized. End of story.”
Milton laughs, nudging me. “She’s hot, though.”
I don’t answer. My jaw’s tight. The scent of mint and green tea still lingers in my head, soft under the harsh tang of sweat and ice.
Korbin shakes his head, smirking. “She’s probably into fucksticks, anyway. Let’s go. I’m starving. I want a burger as big as my head and a stiff drink. Losing sucks. Even more so to the Krakens.”
“Yeah,” I mutter.
We start toward the exit. I look back once. Bayleigh’s still in Lennox’s arms, smiling up at him, completely oblivious to the mess she’s just stepped into.
By the time we split up, Milton and Korbin to their truck, me to mine; I’ve already lost the argument with myself.
I should stay away from her.
But I know I won’t.
9
Bayleigh
Benton pullsme closer to his body, his arm wrapping around me tightly with James on my other side, as we step inside Riptides. From the way the crowd reacts when we enter, I can only imagine they’re cheering for the hometown team and their victory. A few people step up and speak to my brother, and I quickly read their lips, happy with how they are congratulating him.
It makes me swell with pride that my brother is amazing and as loved as he is. The only downside is what he would say about me, being interested in an alpha who supports an opposing team. Rivalry is a good thing, right? Maybe I could convert Lincoln from the dark side.
“Benton, I’ve been waiting for you.” An auburn-haired omega with barely anything on steps in front of us, reaches out, placing her finger on Benton’s chest, dragging it downward. Her overly sweet apricot scent makes me cough.
“No, thank you.” He takes hold of her hand, knocking it away before she reaches his cock. “I’m sure there’s some other alpha or pack in here who’d be more than happy to entertain you.”
Her jaw drops and her eyes go wide as she looks at my brother in disbelief, and I can’t help the smug smile that spreads across my face. Omegas are always trying to latch onto him. More for the fame of snagging a professional hockey player than true love.
I want that for my brother. A pack and an omega he can love forever. A sister for me.
Benton pushes past her, heading to the empty table that is always kept available for us after a game. Matt, the Kraken’s center, joins us. It doesn’t slip my notice how he and James sneak glances at each other, and I immediately want to play matchmaker. Benton guides me over to the circular table, letting me slide in before him, while James heads to the other side of the table. And surprise, surprise, Matt sits down beside him.
The server scurries over to our table, her eyes on the men who surround me. If I had any interest in the men around me, all this attention would piss me off. Luckily, it amuses me.
My brother angles toward me and signs.What do you want to drink?
I give an evil smile, a glint of mischief in my eyes.Liquid Marijuana.
He glares at me, shaking his head.
Bayleigh. Seriously.He responds, speaking at the same time.
Come on. You’re here with her. It’s not like anything’s going to happen to her.James signs, having my back.
I can see Benton’s chest rising as he clenches his jaw, the muscles in his cheek twitching.
Fine.
He turns to the server, giving the drink order. James signs for me so I can see that I won the battle and I’m getting the sweet drink.
I got you a water, too. One drink, that's it.Benton signs, as he faces me, speaking so I can read his lips.I also ordered a bunch of baskets of wings and mozzarella sticks.
The server turns and leaves, adding an extra sway to her hips.
James starts signing, keeping me in the conversation as he talks to Benton. “What happened to toning down the fighting?”
