Page 40

"Just wait until playoffs," Luke says with a wistful sigh. "This looks like it'll be their best season yet."

Playoffs. I can't help but wonder if I'll still be around, still be part of this world. It's too soon to think that far ahead, too soon to imagine myself as a fixture in the lives of these men. And yet...

"Ms. Goodwin?" A staff member approaches our box. "If you and your guests would like to come with me, I can take you down to meet the team."

Jessica squeals, actually squeals, and Luke looks like he might pass out. I smooth down my sweater, suddenly nervous. It's one thing to see Darren and the others in private settings. It's another to meet them in their professional environment, surrounded by teammates and staff and media.

"Lead the way," I say, hoping my voice sounds more confident than I feel.

We follow the staff member through a maze of corridors, down to a restricted area where security checks our credentials before waving us through.

The sounds of celebration grow louder, music blaring, voices shouting, and the occasional whoop of victory, until we're ushered into a room adjacent to the locker room.

"The team will be out shortly," our guide informs us. "Please help yourselves to refreshments while you wait."

The "refreshments" turn out to be an impressive spread of catered food and drinks that would put most wedding receptions to shame. Jessica immediately gravitates toward a chocolate fountain, while Luke paces nervously, straightening his Grizzlies jersey every few seconds.

"Relax," I tell him, though my own stomach is doing somersaults. "They're just people."

"Just people," he repeats incredulously. "Just people who are the best hockey players in the league. Just people who could crush me with one hand. Just people who are apparently all dating my sister-in-law."

"They're not all—" I start to protest, but the door swings open, cutting me off.

Jax enters first, freshly showered but still flushed from the game. His gray eyes scan the room, landing on our small group with a warm smile. "You made it," he says, crossing to us with that confidence that seems to follow him everywhere. "What did you think of the game?"

Before any of us can answer, the rest of the pack files in and their faces light up when they see me in a way I can't deny.

"Lexie," Darren says, my name like a prayer on his lips as he crosses the room.

He hesitates just before reaching me, clearly unsure about appropriate greetings in front of my family.

I solve the dilemma by stepping forward and hugging him, breathing in the clean scent of soap and that underlying woodsmoke that's all him.

"You were amazing out there," I tell him as we separate. "Congratulations on the win."

His smile is blinding. "You liked it? The game, I mean?"

"Loved it," I assure him. "I still don't understand half of what was happening, but Luke's play-by-play helped."

"We can work on that," Darren promises, then seems to remember we're not alone. He smiles at Luke and Jessica. "Good to see you guys again."

Luke, who's been standing frozen like a deer in headlights, manages a jerky nod. "Big fan," he croaks. "Huge fan. Of all of you. The team. Hockey. Everything."

Jessica rolls her eyes fondly. "You'll have to excuse my husband. He's having a minor panic attack from excitement."

"Trust me, I know the feeling. Recently, in fact," Jax says graciously, extending his hand to Luke. "Thanks for coming tonight. Always good to meet fans."

Luke shakes Jax's hand with the reverence of someone being granted an audience with royalty, and I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. Jessica has no such restraint, snorting audibly before turning her attention to the chocolate fountain.

"Great sweater," Aidan says, gesturing to my modified Grizzlies gear. "I don't think I've seen that design before."

"Yeah, it looks amazing," Darren says, giving me an appreciative once over. "I've never seen our merch look this good."

"Oh. I uh, made it," I say, suddenly flustered. What if they think that's cheesy? Or pathetic?

"You made this?" Zayn asks, arching an eyebrow. He steps closer, examining the stitching with a critical eye. "From scratch?"

"Not entirely," I admit, feeling a flush creep up my neck at the attention. "I bought a standard sweater from the team store and modified it. Better fabric for the logo, took in the sides to fit a woman's body better, added some details."

"It's way better than our official merch," Aidan declares, looking genuinely impressed. "You should see the women's section in the team store. It's all pink and sparkly."

"The 'shrink it and pink it' approach to women's sportswear," I agree with a grimace. "Not exactly my style."

"You should design a line for us," Zayn suggests, and I can't tell if he's serious or just making conversation. "God knows our licensing department could use the help."

"Don't let them hear you say that," Jax warns, though there's amusement in his eyes. "They're very protective of the brand guidelines."

"Which is why everything looks the same and sells for three times what it's worth," Zayn counters with a dismissive wave.

"I'm glad you guys like it," I say, smiling, though I doubt I'll be mass-producing Grizzlies sweaters anytime soon. This was a one-off, a gesture of support for Darren and his team.

His pack. My... whatever they are to me.

The conversation flows easily after that, with Luke gradually finding his voice to ask insightful questions about the game, judging by everyone's reactions.

Jessica charms everyone with her straightforward humor, and I find myself relaxing into the dynamic.

It's strange how comfortable it feels, being here with these men who are simultaneously larger-than-life professional athletes and also just..

. guys . Guys who tease each other mercilessly, who argue about plays and passes, who congratulate each other on a game well played.

Guys who keep looking at me when they think I won't notice, with varying degrees of subtlety.

It's a lot of attention. More than I'm used to. But not unwelcome.

After about twenty minutes of mingling, Darren gently touches my elbow. "Can I steal you for a second?" he asks quietly.

I nod, following him to a slightly more private corner of the room while the others continue chatting with Jessica and Luke.

"I'm really glad you came tonight," Darren says once we're relatively alone. "It means a lot. To me. To all of us."

"I wanted to support you," I tell him honestly. "And the others. You played great out there."

"Yeah?" His smile is almost shy, a contrast to his physical presence. "I was worried I might be off my game, knowing you were watching."

"Performance anxiety?" I tease, unable to resist.

His laugh is low and warm. "Never been a problem before," he assures me with a wink that sends heat rushing to my face. "But this is different. You're different."

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. We've known each other such a short time, yet there's an intimacy between us that feels earned rather than rushed. Maybe there is something to this scent match business after all.

"Good different, I hope," I say, aiming for lightness but hearing the vulnerability in my own voice.

"The best different," he confirms, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture is tender, almost reverent. "Listen, we were thinking… We'd love to take you out tonight. To celebrate the win. If you want to, that is."

I hesitate, glancing back at Jessica and Luke. "I came with them," I remind him. "I can't just ditch them."

"Of course not," he agrees quickly. "They're welcome too. Or..." He pauses, considering. "Jones and Peterson could show them around. VIP treatment at all the best spots in the city. They're good guys, they'd make sure your sister and brother-in-law have an amazing night."

The offer is thoughtful, but I'm still uncertain. "I don't know..."

"Think about it," Darren suggests. "No pressure. We just thought it might be nice to spend some time together. All of us."

All of us. Not just Darren, but the whole pack. The thought sends a flutter of nervous excitement through me.

Before I can respond, Jessica appears at my elbow, a mischievous glint in her eye that immediately puts me on alert.

"So," she says, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Did I eavesdrop correctly? You boys want to steal my sister for the evening?"

I groan internally. Subtle as a sledgehammer, my sister.

"Only if that's okay with all of you," Jax says smoothly. "We completely understand if you had other plans."

"Are you kidding?" Jessica laughs. "Luke and I would kill for a night out without the kids while we already have the sitter. And Lexie deserves some fun after working so hard lately."

"We were thinking Jones and Peterson could show you around," Darren explains, gesturing to two players who have just entered the room. "They know all the best spots in the city."

Jones and Peterson turn out to be a pair of pleasant alphas who seem thrilled at the prospect of playing tour guide to Jessica and Luke. Especially when Jax discreetly mentions that the team will be covering all expenses for the evening.

"You sure about this?" I ask Jessica quietly while the arrangements are being made. "You don't even know these guys."

"They're professional athletes, not axe murderers," she points out. "Besides, Luke is in hockey heaven right now. I couldn't drag him away if I tried."

She's right. Luke is currently engaged in an animated conversation with Jones about some play from three seasons ago that apparently was controversial.

"And what about you?" I press. "Will you have fun?"

Jessica's smile softens. "I'll be fine, Lex. More than fine. It's been ages since Luke and I had a ritzy date night." She squeezes my arm. "Go be with your hot pack. We'll compare notes tomorrow."

I flush at her phrasing but can't quite bring myself to correct her. They're not "my pack." Not yet. Maybe not ever. But the possibility hangs in the air, tantalizing and terrifying in equal measure.

"Okay," I agree finally. "But text me if you need anything. And don't let Luke embarrass himself too badly."

"No promises on that last one," Jessica grins, then turns back to the group. "It's settled! You boys can borrow my sister for the evening. Just have her home by midnight, or she turns into a pumpkin."

"A pumpkin spiced latte, more like," Aidan murmurs, then immediately turns red when everyone looks at him. "I mean, because of her scent. Not that I've been thinking about it. Or her. I mean, not in a weird way?—"

Jessica looks quizzically at him, but I haven't exactly had a chance to tell her about the whole scent matching thing. Maybe because it feels like it's too impossible and bringing anyone else in will pop that magical bubble and bring me back to reality.

"Quit while you're behind, rookie," Zayn advises, clapping him on the shoulder. "We'll finish getting ready and meet you out front in ten?"

The suggestion is directed at me, and I nod, suddenly nervous about what exactly I'm agreeing to. "Sure. Twenty minutes."

As the pack heads back to the locker room to change, Jessica pulls me into a quick hug. "Have fun," she whispers in my ear. "And remember, no more than two hockey sticks in the net, max."

"Jessica!" I hiss, mortified.

"What? Five hot hockey players, all apparently obsessed with you? I'm just saying, pace yourself." She winks, completely unrepentant. "And I want details. Not graphic ones, but you know, the general gist."

"I hate you," I mutter, though we both know it's a lie.

"Love you too," she sings, already turning to join Luke and their new tour guides. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

Given that Jessica once skinny-dipped in the fountain at her college graduation party, that doesn't exactly narrow things down.

Twenty minutes later, I'm waiting in the VIP exit area, trying not to fidget nervously with my sweater. I've touched up my makeup and let my hair down from its practical ponytail, but I'm still wearing jeans and my modified Grizzlies sweater. Not exactly club attire, if that's where we're headed.

The doors swing open, and the pack emerges, all five of them looking unfairly good in casual but clearly expensive clothes. Darren spots me first, his face lighting up in a way that makes my heart skip.

"Ready?" he asks, offering his arm.

I take a deep breath, pushing aside the lingering uncertainty. "Ready," I confirm, linking my arm through his. "Though I have no idea where we're going."

"That's part of the fun," Zayn says with a smirk that somehow manages to be both irritating and charming. "Trust us?"

And that's the question, isn't it? Do I trust them? These five men who claim I'm their scent match, who want to integrate me into their already complicated dynamic?

"Yes," I say finally, surprising myself with how much I mean it. "I trust you."

With the night, if nothing else.

The smiles that break across their faces, five variations on the same theme of genuine pride, tell me I've made the right choice.

"Then let's go," Darren says, leading me toward the exit where a sleek black SUV waits. "The night is just getting started."