“What makes you think that?” I whisper, dread filling my stomach as my Alphas look my way. They look hurt, angry, and worried? What did Damien say to them to get them this worked up?
“From how he reacted to seeing Dean’s jersey on you when you came to their game the first time. The way he was worried sick about you at the gala when he went looking for you. Then looked like a kicked puppy when I told him I saw you leave with two guys, and the way he’s grinning at you right now like a lovesick fool? Yeah, I’d say big brother has it bad big time for you.” She grins, shaking her head. “Girl, I’m not sure if I should feel bad for you or envy you. That man is fine. And your Alphas?” She nods her head towards the ice. “Three hockey players? Yeah, I’m jealous.”
“It’s not like that with Damien.” I shake my head, feeling like I might be sick.
“No?” She raises a brow, not believing me. “You’re telling me you don’t have any feelings for that man?”
Looking back at the ice, I see Damien stretching. He does those hip thrusting things, and a spike of heat flutters through me. As if he can feel my eyes on him, his head turns my way. Through his blond hair, I can see him watching as a grin takes over his face. Another wink before he goes back to doing what he’s doing.
“He better relax before he makes it obvious who he’s looking at. I don’t think your stepdad would be too thrilled with finding out his son has a thing for you in the middle of a televised game. That can’t be good for the media.”
The game starts, and I’m a wreck the whole time. My stomach is in knots, my leg hasn’t stopped bouncing, and I think I’ve bitten off most of my thumbnail.
I just accepted the fact that I was going to let my feelings for my online friends go, to build what I have with my Alphas. Now I’m hit with the news that the one man I never thought to entertain my feelings for, because I knew it was never an option, is in love with me.
Maybe I’m being overdramatic, but I’m three seconds away from running away and joining a convent.
I miss the days when I just went to school, hung out with Cae, gamed, and that’s it. No love life, no worries. Just fun and sunshine.
Reality is a bitch, and she hits hard.
My eyes ping-pong back and forth between the guys. Every time Damien stops a goal, I want to cheer, but bite my tongue. And when the Scented Scorpions score, I get excited, wanting to jump to my feet and celebrate for my Alphas.
But I don’t, unable to bring myself to disappoint either side. The hurt look in Carson and Reid’s eyes when they cheer, throwing their arms up and then look my way, only to have their face drop when they see I’m sitting stone still with a guilty look on my face, makes it even worse.
I came here excited. I knew it was going to be awkward because of who my stepdad and stepbrother are, but at the time, supporting my Alphas trumped supporting my stepbrother. Right?
Boy, was I wrong. I can’t seem to please anyone. I’ve been wanting to just get up and leave, go home and think about what I’m going to say or do. Because I don’t have a clue. How do I even process all of this?
I watch as Carson skates by. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I know Carson and Damien are having words because Carson turns around and gets in Damien’s face.
“Looks like number 77 from the Scented Scorpions and the Royal Alphas’ goalie are having a disagreement. I wonder what it’s about? Is it their typical rival spat, or is there something more?” The announcer chuckles.
Carson gets in Damien’s face, and Reid skates over to pull Carson away. He says something to Carson, but Carson pushes him away. He goes to get back in Damien’s face, but a few of the Royal Alphas get between them.
More shouting starts, and the next thing I know, the players start throwing punches.
I jump to my feet, hand covering my mouth as tears sting the back of my eyes. I have no idea what’s going on or why they’re fighting, but I know it has something to do with me. The way Carson looks over at me when Reid manages to pull him away from the fight makes my stomach sink.
“Damn, girl. What is going on?” Nina asks.
“I–I don’t know,” I whisper, lower lip wobbling. I’m so confused, and I feel like the worst person ever. All I do is hurt people, and I don’t even know what I did.
“I gotta go.” I grab my bag and rush down the aisle. “Excuse me, sorry.” I apologize as I step over feet and other things in my way.
I can hear my name being called as I run out of the arena, but I don’t stay to find out who it is or what they have to say.
My chest is tight, pressure pushing down, making it hard to breathe.
Bursting through the arena doors, I stumble to a nearby bench. With my face in my hands, I cry.
The idea of upsetting my Alphas makes me feel like a bad Omega. What makes me feel worse is that when Damien told mehow he felt, part of me was thrilled. There was a whole body rush that made me giddy, hopeful, and excited. I shouldn’t feel that way. Not when I already have two men who adore me. Who I also care so much about.
When the tears dry up, I head back inside and find the nearest bathroom to clean up.
I groan when I see the mess of my face with all the smeared makeup. Digging into my bag, I pull out my makeup wipes and clean my face.
What do I do now? Wait around here to talk to them? Who do I talk to first?
