Definitely not for Sloane, the woman was all but flaunting it all last season. I’m guessing her father had more stipulations than the matchmaker for her to keep her job.
Sloane holds the phone, smiling as I watch the little skit she put together of me sneaking up on Max along with the stupid sound she picked. It’s cute and cheesy, but that’s what people want.
“Are you sure I don’t look like a stupid asshole?” Max asks her, making her replay it again.
“No, you look cute, less threatening.”
“I’m not threatening,” he says affronted.
“I didn’t mean it like that. You seem more approachable, easygoing, and it shows that you’re a part of this team.”
“If you’re sure.”
“You said you would trust me. What about you, Ethan?” she asks, and I immediately perk up. I like that she remembers my name and calls me by it. She treats the mascot like it’s a different part of me, and it’s refreshing.
“I trust you completely,” I tell her honestly.
She gives me a smile and looks down at her phone for the time. “We actually got that done a lot quicker than I realized. Do you mind if I skate for a bit?” she asks.
“Knock yourself out,” I tell her, and Max shifts on his skates.
“Mind if I skate with you?” he asks.
“Only if you can keep up,” she says, putting her phone in her pocket and skating off like a bat out of hell.
She doesn’t stand a chance as Max, even as a goalie, is swifter on his skates and has over a foot over her in height. They laugh as they skate together, and there’s a pang in my chest as I watch them.
When was the last time I connected to someone new? I’ve been in my own little bubble for so long. Outside of my foster dad and other foster siblings, I don’t branch out much. Becoming the mascot was supposed to be the outlet and that team comradery I’ve been missing since I left high school years ago, but it isn't what I thought it would be.
That is, until now.
Even though I’m on the sidelines watching them skate, I finally feel a part of something. And for the first time in a long time, I truly start to believe in myself.
Sloane is laughing viciously as Max chases her on the ice, and I just smile at the headstrong red-headed Omega who has faith in me.
“Grab his arm,” she says, and I blink as Max grabs my one arm and Sloane grabs another. It takes me a moment to collect my balance, but as long as I keep my legs locked, I glide over the ice as the two of them push me around.
The cold air smacks my face, and I smile, feeling a part of something, even if it’s small. It’s not the validation of the whole team, and Max is probably even on the outs, but it’s something.
And this something somehow feels like everything. I just don’t know how to explain it.
CHAPTER 5
Ileave the ice with a huge smile on my face, putting my skates away and trading them for a pair of comfortable heels.
I watch the video a few more times before a notification shows up on my phone.
Unknown
Would you feel comfortable coming to my place on Sunday? Or I can make a reservation. I know you want to keep this between us for now.
I smile at his message before frowning. I’d never want Bram to feel like I don’t want to be seen in public with him. I just need to make sure that he’s the right Alpha for me before I make the situation awkward with my dad. I change his contact information on my phone and reply.
Bram Nilsen knows how to cook?
Bram
Bram Nilsen knows a lot of things.
