“Thanks, Mom,” I reply.
“Also, I’d appreciate a heads up before you tell your dad about…” She glances over at me, and I sigh.
“Bram,” I whisper.
“I knew it. The alternate jersey you bought last year was his. But what about the new guy Connery?”
“We’re just friends,” I say with a hint of sadness.
“As long as you’re happy, Sloane we’ll be happy. Follow your heart and your instincts. Your body and your mind know what’s best for you. You just have to listen.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I’m always here for my girl,” she says as she kisses my head.
I think that despite my parents’ upbringings, I’ve been gifted the best parents in the universe.
CHAPTER 14
It’s post practice when my brother’s mate Alexi Bandnin approaches me.
“Come to dinner at our place,” he says. It doesn’t seem like a question, more like a command.
I’m slowly thinking of an excuse as Ethan comes by and bumps me on the shoulder. “You still able to help me with that video tonight?” he asks.
Bless this fucking Beta.
Having friends isn’t so bad.
“That’s right. Shit, sorry, Alexi, another time?” I say.
“Hmm,” the big Russian mumbles. “What videos does Finnegan the Fox need the goalie’s help with?”
Couldn’t just leave it alone? Could we?
“You’re avoiding your brother,” the over-perceptive Alpha says.
“Isn’t it enough that he bosses me around all day at work? I’m not sure I can sit at your dinner table again while you and Piper try to make small talk between the two of us. The only things we have in common are hockey and our overbearing mother.”
“Lori is the best,” Alexi says lovingly.
I’m sure he would think so, considering the woman coddles my brother like he won’t survive without her. At least she will be staying at their house when she comes to visit.
“Max said he would help me shoot some stunt videos,” Ethan lies.
Alexi clicks his tongue before wagging his finger at Ethan before tapping the Beta’s forehead. “Bad lying fox,” he says before walking away and thankfully dropping the invitation.
“I just lied to Alexi-fucking-Bandnin for you, so you owe me,” he says.
“I sure do,” I sigh.
“Your brother doesn’t seem that bad.” Ethan responds.
“It’s not that he’s bad, it’s just… I go over to his house, see his amazing pack, their fucking pictures winning the Stanley Cup, and how much better my brother is doing than me. It’s pathetic.”
“Nah, I think that’s just what having a sibling is like,” Ethan says, and I thankfully feel like less of an asshole.
“Really?”
