Lennox and Korbin, my brother, have been beating the hell out of each other for years. Fists flying, sticks snapping, it’s drama every time they’re together. I swear it’s a miracle neither of them has killed the other yet. And all because of an omega who isn’t in either of their lives anymore.
Stupid. Messy. Pointless.
Korbin thought that omega Gina was his future, his mate, his pack. But Lennox got to her first; they fucked, and after that, everything exploded. Now she’s apparently in some pack for the Dragons, living her messy little life without a care in the world while they still suffer from the fallout.
Korbin was crushed after everything happened. He went down a rough path for a while, and she didn’t even look back.
I shake my head, shoving the thought away. No point dwelling on past bullshit.
On my way to my seat, I detour through the stadium’s main concourse, past the buzz around the gift shop and duck into the smoke and brew shop. It’s a small place that always smells like cedar and roasted coffee beans. I grab a couple of cigars, the expensive ones Korbin and Milton like. If the Scorpions pull off this win, we celebrate. If they don’t, well… they’ll still want to smoke their frustrations out.
After paying, I take one last breath of the good-smelling air inside before heading into the chilly rush of the arena.
I pull out my phone and type into the group chat:
Me: Keep your head in the game, not in a fight. Try not to be a dumbass tonight.
A single middle-finger emoji pops up from Korbin.
I smirk. Definitely still pissed off about Lennox.
Milton drops a thumbs-up, then a knife emoji. No clue what that means, but it’s very Milton-coded, so whatever.
I tuck my phone back into my pocket and start moving, boots thumping against the concrete floor. The stadium is already buzzing; fans crowding in, faces painted, wearing jerseys of their favorites.
I take the stairs two at a time, heading to my seat. It’s not the cushy family box from the home games, but honestly, I don’t miss it. Those seats were too quiet, too tame—full of whining parents and girlfriends arguing with referees from behind glass. Here, I’m in the thick of it. Noise. Chaos. Fans breathing down my neck. This feels more alive.
A couple of fans glance at me, whispering. I ignore it. My scent alone is enough to keep most people from getting too close. Thick sandalwood and warm amber, a scent that grabs attention whether I want it to or not. Big, territorial alpha energy—that’s what James calls it. Says I could probably scare off a polar bear without trying.
He’s not wrong.
I find my seat and drop into it. The ice glows under the lights, a sheet of glass reflecting chaos waiting to happen.
The music blasts through the arena speakers, loud enough to rattle the seats. Announcers hype the crowd up, but there’s still time before the teams hit the ice. Too much time. My leg bounces restlessly, nerves firing like I’m the one gearing up to skate tonight.
Screw sitting still.
I stand, stretching out my shoulders, and glance around. When I passed by the concession stands earlier, the lines looked like a nightmare, but hot food might keep me from pacing a hole through the floor. And honestly? A beer wouldn’t hurt either.
I head toward the stairs, weaving through fans already loud on liquid courage. Teal and black jerseys everywhere. Kraken territory.
I’m halfway to the bottom when someone steps right into my path. An omega—foundation smoothed too thick, eyes rimmed in dark makeup, lashes heavy. A small bag slung over his shoulder and his gaze drags over every inch of me like I’m something he’s already decided to order.
His smile curls, slow and knowing. “Hey, big guy. You alone tonight?”
I grunt. “Just grabbing food.”
He leans closer, trying to press into my space. “Could grab something else if you want.” He lifts his eyes to mine, scent turning syrupy-sweet with interest. “Or… someone.”
Not happening.
I sidestep, but he reaches out and taps my chest. I catch his wrist before he can try anything else, pushing his hand away firmly.
“Not interested.” I bite the words out, leaving no room for argument.
“You’re kind of an asshole, you know?” he snaps. “I didn’t even want you. I wanted your brother. Korbin Brooks is hot as fuck. Should’ve figured his brother would be a dick.”
My jaw twitches. I have a tiny urge to growl. Just a little.
