My stepdad gets his attention, casting me a quick look. He gives me a soft smile before bringing his attention back to his son.
I know that my stepdad is aware of what Damien and I are to one another. Damien told me everything after my heat ended. At first, I was worried he was upset, but when Damien told me he was supportive, I was relieved. My mother sure as hell didn’t feel the same way about it.
If Elliot could accept it, why couldn’t she? He has just as much to lose.
Why can’t she just want her kid to be happy like he does?
This is another reason of a million why I’ve always liked Elliot more.
Knowing I get to have him as a father figure, as my father-in-law, makes me happy.
For the rest of the night, I try not to focus on what happened earlier. And it works. Only now I’m freaking out because the announcers just happened to see the mate mark on Damien’s neck, and now it’s all they can talk about.
My eyes are on Damien the whole time, my stomach in knots for many reasons. Eventually, I’m able to lose myself in the game, which I’m thankful for.
The Royal Alphas end up winning, and I’m all smiles and pure pride and joy for my Alpha.
They skate off the ice, and Damien gives me the motion of texting. I nod, following the crowd out of the stands and wait for his text.
A few minutes later, I get one from him telling me he has to do a press conference in one of the big board rooms they have in the stadium, and to meet him there.
As I walk there, I wonder how this is going to go. Is he going to hide his mate mark? If not, and they ask about it, will he tell them the truth or lie?
The idea of them thinking he’s with another woman doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t want rumors of him and someone else going around.
I might hate the spotlight, but I’d rather be in it for the truth than hide in the shadows while lies spread.
The place is already packed with reporters when I get there. I show security my pass, and they let me in. I find a place in the back of the room and sit, waiting for Damein to come.
A few minutes later, Damien and four of his teammates come out and take a seat at the table in front of the room.
“Damien!” A reporter asks. “We all can’t help but notice the mate mark on your neck. Does that mean you’ve finally decided to join a pack and found your Omega?”
Damien leans in to speak into the mic. “You would be correct.” He grins, not saying anything else.
“Who’s the lucky woman or man?” another reporter asks.
Damien ignores them, looking towards the back of the room. His eyes find me, and his lip curls into a smile.
“Someone I’m head over heels obsessed with. The love of my life. Someone I’ve wanted for so damn long, but I was too in my head about it. All I cared about was hockey, my image, and how the world would see my family. I missed out on years with my Omega. But I’m not letting any more time go by without having her. She’s my world. My life.”
“When you say you cared about how the world would see you, is there a reason for that? Is she someone society wouldn’t approve of?” A reporter asks.
“Some might not. Some might see it as wrong or forbidden. Some might see it as a scent matched Alpha and his Omega. That it’s normal. Meant to be. That's how I see it. There’s nothing wrong with me loving who I love.”
The doors open, getting everyone's attention. I look over, and my eyes widen. Two massive hockey-playing Alphas walk in. But they’re not from Damien’s team.
“Carson. Reid.” I get to my feet. They both turn my way, smiling when they see me.
“Hey, baby.” Carson walks over to me and pulls me into his arms.
“Surprise.” Reid winks. They both lean in, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
Cameras start flashing, people start whispering.
“Is that Carson Rider and Reid Parker from the Scented Scorpions?" A report asks.
“Sure is,” Damein says, standing. “Everyone, meet my pack. And, the stunning pink-haired girl they’re with is our Omega, Addison Clark.”
