I blink up at him and tilt my head. “But you like it?”
“More than I thought I would. I like being seen as a masculine man, and sometimes being an Omega takes away from that. It’s stupid, I know. But I never want someone to look at me and think that I’m hopeless or fucking can’t take care of myself.”
“Being an Omega doesn’t mean any of that.”
He strokes my back and nods his head. “I’m starting to understand that now. Sometimes things come naturally to me, and then other times they don’t. I’m learning to adapt, we all are.”
“You’re the best Omega I could have ever asked for,” I tell him softly and rest my face on his neck. Scenting him, the sweet strawberry citrus scent wafts off of him perfectly.
“How did we go from you being pissed at me to telling me I’m the best?”
I shrug and just soak him up. “It’s hard to stay mad at you. You’re too pretty to be mad at.”
He laughs and shakes his head. “Are you ready to go upstairs and go to bed with your pack?”
“I guess this is what they mean when they say don’t go to bed angry?”
“I guess,” he says, standing up first and holding his arms out to me. “Just so you know, my mom is thrilled you're my bonded. She told me I seriously bonded up.” I laugh and hold him tighter. Still hearing the little voice in the back of my head that I don’t deserve this, I shut it down quickly and just try to savor this moment.
CHAPTER35
I’m thankful I made things right with Piper as soon as I did because there’s no way I could function during this series without knowing we were okay—that she was okay. I never want to be the reason she cries ever again.
Not telling my mom was stupid, but God, that woman knows how to drive me crazy. I just wanted to enjoy being bonded and keep this a secret between Alexi and Piper. But it’s clear that I was more than wrong. I’m sure I would have reacted similarly if I were in her shoes, if I felt like she wasn’t proud to be my Alpha. It didn’t click for me at the moment, but when I felt her rejection through the bond, it felt like my heart was being ripped out. As if I would ever reject her, I love her and need her. But it’s become clear to me lately just how in her head Piper is.
I knew she was hard on herself, that she was an overachiever and in general a very determined person. What I didn’t know is how deep it truly is. I mean, I haven’t met her father, but from what Alexi and Piper have mentioned, he’s a fucking asshole. An asshole who made Piper feel unloved and undeserving for her whole life.
Well, I’m ready to remedy that. Along with all the other fucked up shit going on in our lives right now.
I’m happy that after our shower, I convinced Piper to come and sleep in the nest with Alexi and me. I’m not sure how other Omegas utilize their nest, but I just want to be here all the time with my pack. The room is filled with all of our scents, it’s dark, cozy, and I love that Alexi made it specifically for me.
I’m learning more about myself every day, how to enjoy being an Omega, how to be in a relationship, how to be someone's bonded. So much of this is uncharted territory for our pack, and specifically me. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve come to terms with the fact that being an Omega isn’t a curse, and I actually like a lot of the stereotypical Omega things—and there's nothing wrong with that.
I’m trying to stay focused for this last series, but I can’t deny that my heart is fully devoted to the people in this room. The idea of putting hockey in the same hierarchy of importance when it comes to Piper and Alexi is ridiculous. As soon as I have Alexi’s mark on me, I know I’ll feel complete.
Sure, having a championship title doesn’t hurt. But this—being cuddled next to these two people, it’s truly all I need.
“Morning,” Alexi groans in my hair. His hand slides from where it was resting over Piper’s stomach to squeeze my hip.
“We have practice today.”
His forehead rests on the back of my head, and he groans. I have no idea how he’s done this for so long. His hockey career has been beyond impressive, but I can tell that he’s tired, at least physically. I think if the game was all about mental power, Alexi could play hockey for the rest of his life. But physically, while he’s still in excellent shape, it’s just too much. Hockey is so hard on the body, and Alexi deserves a high note to his retirement.
As much as he wants to win this Cup for me, the more I find I want us to win for him.
“We can stay in bed for five more minutes.” His arm goes back around Piper, and he squeezes us all together.
Piper makes a throaty noise but settles back in against my chest.
“What are you doing today, Piper?”
“Probably go to the gym and then go to Charlotte’s.”
I nod my head and place my face in her hair. I have to remind myself that Charlotte is her best friend and nothing more. Can you blame me for having jealousy over my Alpha spending so much time with another Omega?
Piper must feel something down the bond as she spins in my arms. She pushes my hair back and places a soft kiss on my lips.
“Charlotte knows I belong to you. And it’s never been like that—ever. She’s my best friend, and I love her so much, but it’s not like this.”
