Piper Blake wants me but refuses to act on it.
I’ve tried to get her attention in multiple ways, but nothing seems to be working. Charlotte told me that Piper said I was attractive. Maybe she just needs more time to get to know me. All I know is I’m willing to do whatever it takes.
Anders hands me a piece of cake, and I glare at him as I take his offering.
“Alexi, I told you I was sorry.” We’ve been struggling this season without Anders. We can’t seem to find a goalie that fits in well with the team—not like Anders did. “Mikael said they’ve recruited one from the Icemen.”
I grunt and nod my head. “Supposedly.”
“It was time for me to come home and be with Charlotte and our growing family. I’m sure the Foxes will figure it out.”
I shrug and sigh. “You’re right, sorry.”
“You’re competitive. I know how much you care about the team.”
“I wanted this to be the year.”
Anders clasps his hand on my shoulder. “You never know, Captain.” I nod, but my hopes aren’t high. I was with Dallas for so long, and I was even lucky enough to win a Cup with them. But I just can’t help this need for one more Cup. One last major victory is what I need to leave the ice. My forty-second birthday is this year, and I’m an anomaly when it comes to hockey. To be able to play at this level for so long is impressive. But I can’t help but to want it all. If I could lead the Foxes to victory, I could leave and give my body a break—at least that’s what I tell myself.
Part of me thinks someone will need to break my kneecaps in order for me to leave the ice. I can feel it, all the years of hockey damaging my body, but I really don’t give a fuck. I gave up everything for hockey, relationships, packs, heats. And now that I feel like I could have those things, it makes me want to leave the game.
The Cup and the pretty Alpha hiding in the kitchen from me would make retiring more than worth it.
“You know she goes to Alpha fitness on East Avenue,” Anders says while his daughter runs to his legs and he picks her up. I arch an eyebrow at Anders, and he shrugs. “I owe Piper everything. If she’s not willing to make the first step, I will.”
I know most of their pack history; part of it is a huge reason why I’m so drawn to Piper. Charlotte has all but said that Piper basically saved her life when her world went to shit. I’m not sure how Anders, Mikael, and Eli got so lucky with this pack. I’m not usually a jealous man, but there’s a tinge of it now. It’s an overwhelming feeling, like I’ve missed out on something special.
I’m in amazing shape, I have a lot to offer, and I can’t help but to feel like now is the time.
Charlotte walks up to Anders, kissing their daughter and her Alpha’s cheek.
“She usually goes from 5–7 a.m.,” Charlotte says.
Mikael comes over, taking Katie from Anders’ arms as he shakes his head. “You two need to leave Piper alone and let her do what she wants.”
Anders and Charlotte shake their heads. “Yeah, because you’re so great at getting your own head out of your ass,” Anders says.
“Daddy said ass,” Katie says to Mikael.
“I know,ma chouette, let’s go get cake,” Mikael says, giving Anders a glare as he takes Katie to the kitchen.
“I’m tired,” Charlotte says. She’s small, minus the bump overtaking her form as she grabs Anders’ forearm. I want that, but I don’t need it. I like the idea of an Omega, who doesn’t? Someone who needs care and attention. But I can’t help but feel that I like how independent and successful Piper is. I can take care of her in my own way.
“Let’s say your goodbyes and take you down to the nest,” Anders says to his Omega. They both give me a smile before leaving the party so Anders can give their Omega the comfort she needs.
Part of me wants to go and find Piper again, maybe I can corner her to the point where she can’t run away. That’s when Eli comes up to me, handing me a beer.
“Are you ready for tomorrow?”
“As ready as I can be.”
“I watched his tapes, he’s good.”
“We need great,” I tell Eli, and he nods. Eli is just as hungry for a championship as I am.
“Maybe we can do some more defensive drills. I feel like that’s where we're lacking. Better defense means less scoring opportunities.”
“I’ll talk to Coach Applegate.”
