“Yes, and I pay dearly for it in the gym,” he snorted. “If I wasn’t an alpha I wouldn’t be able to get away with it.”
I took a sip of my tea and looked out over the lake before picking the conversation back up.
“Do you plan to stick around North Crossing past just these early seasons?” I questioned. “Is this your final destination in coaching?”
“I’m hoping it is,” he said. “I respect the hell out of Jeremiah Kingsford. What he’s done for the team already is incredible. And as much as it sucked to let so many people go, it was a necessary change.”
He glanced out over the water this time.
His jaw tightened. “I respect that he does what has to be done. Which is why I was so damn nervous. I’m trying to prove myself, and...”
He trailed off but I could easily fill in the blanks. Fear can make us act like assholes.
“And I could have made it worse if I reported that your team was a hot mess.”
He nodded, looking relieved that I was understanding more of what he was facing.
“Exactly. It was never really you. It was more the unknown. I can’t predict how they’ll behave. Hockey players take their game seriously, but they also celebrate and make mistakes and act like assholes from time to time.”
“I think you need to put some faith in these players,” I said. “They know what’s at stake this season just like you do.They’re showing it out there on the ice. I think we’ll see that at tomorrow’s game.”
“Speaking of the upcoming game… just a word of warning. Since you haven’t been around our games, the Narwhals are persona non grata among the other teams. They never miss a chance to put us down or go after the players. Greer gets it the worst, I think because he’s been in the spotlight lately and takes it the hardest. He might need you and Rylan outside the locker room ready to calm him down.”
“We’ll be there,” I promised. I hated that he was still dealing with the fallout of his previous teammates' actions. This was exactly why I was here.
“Maybe we should have a pack lunch later in the week,” Coach offered. “I’ll cater it in and work around practice. You and Rylan are there most afternoons anyway and it will give us all a chance to exist in the same room.”
“That sounds perfect,” I said, relieved that he was trying to get the pack together. It showed that he would be a good alpha for this pack.
He picked up his phone to do something while I gazed out at the view. I knew North Crossing had some incredible views, but watching the sun sink over the horizon, painting the sky in pinks and oranges, took my breath away.
“Oh, wow,” I breathed. “It’s gorgeous out here.”
“This is my favorite time of day.” He moved around the table so he was sitting next to me. He leaned over and placed a quick kiss against my temple before looking back out at the water.
After his effort and his words, I didn’t want to leave it at something so innocent. So, I reached up, caught him by the shirt, and pulled him back down, pressing my lips to his. He kissed me back without hesitation. His lips were firm and dominating, leading the kiss where he wanted it to go, reminding me that I wasn’t in charge.
I submitted willingly, letting my alpha have this. Our scents were stronger now, mixing together in a warm and sweet and rich scent that had me biting back a whine.
He was mine, there was no doubt in my mind.
When he finally broke away, he rested his forehead against mine for a moment, trying to catch his breath, hen gave me one last peck on the lips before looking back at the sky.
“I knew you’d be trouble, little bat.”
Chapter
Nineteen
Greer
My body was aching when I finally dragged my ass out of the shower. Rylan hadn’t been here long enough to truly work out the worst of my aches and pains. We were only two days back.
I didn’t expect anyone to be in the locker room when I walked out, knowing damn well I pushed the limits of the water heater in this old building.
It was silent as I changed into my street clothes and checked my phone. I’d been ridiculous with it since we left the resort. It felt like being a teen again, obsessed over my crush.
Only my crushes were a cute, little goth and my former ex.
