Page 38

Clark

T he clock ticked down as the Heartland Tornados, the team I grew up rooting for, raced across the ice toward Dean, trying to score. We were up 2-1, but if they got this goal, we’d go into overtime.

Nakey chased the forward, while Dimitri guarded Dean. The forward passed it to his teammate, who took the shot. Dean dove for the puck, stopping it, then smacked it toward the Tornados’ goal.

I sped toward their goal as Carlos got the puck. The crowd started counting down the seconds. Their defense was ready, but so was I. Carlos passed me the puck, and I shot it into the goal, right as the buzzer went off, indicating the end of the game, as the goalie dove for it.

For a moment the entire arena held their breath. The goalie opened his catching glove, only to raise it and find it empty–the puck behind him in the net.

Overhead, the replays started as the refs and commentators tried to figure out if the goal counted. Meanwhile, the Knights’ fans in the arena cheered. Goal or not, we’d won.

“That was some shot, even if it doesn’t end up counting.” Carlos said, putting an arm around me.

I hoped it did. While I’d gotten an assist, I hadn’t scored tonight. My entire family was here–my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins. Even my older brother, who was at university. If they could get to the arena by car or train, they were here. I loved it when they came to see me play.

My teenage sisters had signs that said Don’t Suck #55. My baby sister, Tess, was pouting, because she’d somehow brought a rabbit in her jacket and wanted to trade it for a puck from Gwen.

Ma had been about to confiscate it, when one of the goalies from the Tornados gave my sister a stick for it, with a promise to bring the rabbit home to his kids. Some poor steward was probably babysitting it during the game.

“There it is. The goal scored by Clark Edwards, #55, is valid, bringing the score to 3-1,” the announcer said. “The Knights are victorious over the Tornados.”

My music played. I held up my stick and spun around, then hugged my teammates. Before I could tap my helmet to Dean’s, Tenzin had me and hugged me so hard my skates lifted off the ice.

The air whooshed out of me, because I loved it when he did things like that.

“Good shot,” Tenzin told me, his helmet leaning against mine.

I finished celebrating with my team and found the Tornados goalie.

“Good game. That’s my sister who smuggled the rabbit into the rink. Thank you,” I told the goalie

He laughed. “My kids are going to love the rabbit. I admire that she got it through security in her coat. But who’s Gwen? She was awfully upset she wasn’t here.”

“Gwen’s one of our EBUGs. This just means when my sister comes to visit me in New York, my parents are going to have to check her suitcase. It’ll be spring and there could be lambs.” I grinned, then joined my teammates in the locker room.

“Good job, Clark,” Coach Atkins told me.

I wasn’t assigned to press duty, because the press didn’t want to ask me about the game. Before the game someone had asked me if I knew why Austin had taken ‘sick’ and hadn’t been seen for a couple of days. Like I knew or cared what that knotwaffle did. Maybe they should, you know, ask his own team.

“Everyone on dream team duty, you’re wanted back out on the ice,” Kylee announced, holding a clipboard.

There were a couple of children from a local hospital that had wanted to play hockey with the Knights. Some players were going to go out on the ice with them, then the entire team would have a little pizza party with the kids and their families. After that, we’d fly back to New York.

It would make for a late night. Usually we didn’t do stuff like this after a game. But today it was okay. After all, it was the holiday season.

Hurriedly, I showered and changed, so I could see my family before I had to report to the pizza party. I took out my contacts and put my glasses back on, along with my suit. It was my favorite navy and maroon striped one.

“I’m going to see my family. Have fun with the kids.” I gave Tenzin a kiss on the cheek.

“Enjoy. Tell them I said hi .” Tenzin smiled.

I took off for the small room that was reserved for the away team’s family. It was crowded with my family. They all cheered when I came in. They’d been so supportive of me over the years. From trying to figure out how to pay my fees, during tough years, to showing up at my games, to telling me it was okay to delay transferring to a university to go pro.

My baby sister ran over to me. “Why isn’t Gwen here? Will the bunny be okay with that goalie?”

I got down on her level. “He’ll take great care of the rabbit, better than Gwen could. She doesn’t travel with us. But hopefully you’ll see her when you come out for spring break.”

Tess’ lower lip jut out and her shoulders slumped. “Fine.”

“Now, Tess, you know you shouldn’t have even brought a rabbit to the ice rink.” Ma came over, a bit exasperated. “How would they get a rabbit on an airplane?”

“Same way Clark brought Snowball to New York.” Her look said duh.

I gave everyone hugs and thanked them all for coming out. It was nice to see everyone, even if this was a quick visit. I even had a few pucks for my cousins.

“My boy. You scored.” My grandpa gave me a huge hug. “Wish we could bring you home with us tonight.”

“Me, too. But don’t worry, I’ll be back for Christmas,” I assured him. Christmas Eve, everyone went to the grandparents’ house for a big dinner and a bonfire.

“Where’s the Yeti?” Mom looked around. “I want to meet the man that made you want to visit an art museum.” She was an omega and just a little over five-feet-tall, with short brown hair.

Mom did the books for the business, and also made pies, pickles, jams, and other tasty things, which she sold. Pops stood beside her, towering over her, since he was my height.

“There are some kids from the hospital that wanted to meet him. He says hi .” I grinned.

Ma joined us. “What’s this about buying a house? Did you sign a new contract? Do you think you’ll stay in New York for a while?”

“It’s too hard with us having separate places, so the three of us are getting a townhouse. I was going to bring this up at Christmas. Thanks Pops.” I gave him a look. He must have told. I’d asked him for measurements of the furniture I had in the attic, if there was a spare kitchen table somewhere, and ideas on the kitchen remodel.

Everything should be finalized shortly, then we could start fixing it up.

“Are you bringing them home?” Mom asked. “Gwen is such a dear.”

“Gwen’s going to see her dads, and Tens is going to see his baby.” I brought up pictures of baby Asher and quickly explained everything.

“Aren’t you rushing things? You’ve only been together for a few months,” Ma prodded.

Mom gave Pops a fond look. “When you know, you know.”

They’d met at a mixer and had just known.

“We’re not going to rush into mating or marriage, or anything yet. Gwen still has one more semester and who knows what team she’ll end up on. I won’t find out until the end of the season if the Knights will renew my contract. We’re just getting a place. Gwen and I already live together.” I tried to brush it off like it wasn’t a big deal.

Ma frowned. “Gwen’s the one I’m worried about. She was with her ex for so long, from such a young age. While I know you care for her, is it good for her to get so serious again, so soon? I worry that maybe she’s just trying to make you alphas happy and not being concerned about herself.”

“Ma, we’ve already been talking about what things are going to look like when she gets signed. We can make this work.”

“Are you ready to be with someone with a kid?” Ma added.

“I… I can be a good dad.” Inside I crumpled. Ma wasn’t being mean; she was a social worker, she was being pragmatic. But I also knew we weren’t just sweeping in and rescuing Gwen. She was working through everything with her therapists. Just like Tens.

Still, I looked forward to all the adventures Asher and I could have. Gwen had told me about her treehouse and we had so many plans.

“You know what, we can talk about this over Christmas.” Pops planted a kiss on her head. “Your Gran could use a little attention.”

“Okay.” I was glad to leave that. I knew Gwen was with us for us, right, not because she was afraid of saying no to alphas?

I spent a little time with Gran, showing her pictures of Gwen, Tenzin, and even baby Asher.

“Hey, was Gwen really censured?” my sister Mabel came up to me. She was seventeen, tall and muscular, with freckles and a tan, like she worked outside a lot or something.

“She did nothing wrong, it was some sort of mistake.” I’d talked to Gwen both last night and earlier today about it. It was a nonsense charge.

“But according to both her team and Have No Mercy, it’s real. Even if it’s bullshit.” She showed me some videos, including a very pissed off Coach Hirata, saying some very uncomplimentary things about the NACA.

“Shit. I’ll talk to her about it in the morning when I see her.” Had they managed to make it real, even though it was a garbage charge? That was her nightmare right there.

“Why would anyone do that?” Mabel frowned.

“Unfortunately, some people are assholes.” Like the Deloittes. It had to be them.

“Clark, what’s the Yeti like?” one of my cousins asked.

I talked to everyone, until the door opened and Tenzin came in, now in his suit.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but Clark, you’re needed.” Tenzin gave everyone a smile.

Mom stood next to me, beaming. “Oh, now you're a big boy. Your baby is so cute, congratulations.”

Everyone wanted to meet Tenzin, especially my cousins, so I gave all the introductions. Then I said my goodbyes and gave everyone one last round of hugs.

“Ma, I know it seems fast, we’ll be okay,” I told her, giving her a hug. “I’m glad you’re concerned about Gwen.” However, her words still made me worry.

“But I want to see Gwen.” Tess latched onto my leg.

“I know.” I ruffled her hair. “Hey, I have to go. Love you. I’ll see you soon.”

“It was nice meeting you.” Tenzin waved, and we left the room.

I took his hand and squeezed it tight, as we found the room for the pizza party. Several children wore personalized Knights jerseys.

Nat the Knight had come with us for this. He didn’t travel with us all the time. Currently, he was dancing to music with one of the kid’s moms. Their parents and siblings were also there, most wearing Knights gear. Everyone was eating pizza.

Which smelled delicious. We went over and got some.

What my sister said about Gwen’s censure being real bothered me. How could the NACA actually censure her if she hadn’t broken the rules?

We signed things for everyone, took lots of pictures, and finally, they left and we went to get on the bus to the airport.

“Kylee, do you know anything about Gwen and this censure thing?” I asked, cornering her. She looked tired. Things like this were a lot of work for her.

“Some. If they’re going after her for participating in the EBUG program, we have a problem.” She sighed. “The NACA approved it, and we got no notice they’ve changed their mind. I have a feeling Ty and the others aren’t in trouble, even though Ty also played in the same game and does more for the Squires than Gwen does.”

“Thanks.” I got on the bus and sat next to Tenzin.

“Is everything okay?” Tenzin frowned. “Something’s bothering you.”

I told him about the videos and what my sister said.

Tenzin nodded. “I’ve been worried since she told us yesterday. We’ll figure it out–and her lawyer is on it.”

“I still worry.” I checked in with her via text.

Me

Are you okay? Just checking in.

Gwen

I’m okay. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. I’m at Mercy’s.

Me

Have fun. Love you. See you in the morning. You’re coming to the brunch?

Gwen

I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Love you.

We got off the bus and boarded the plane. The two of us took what had become our usual seats. The flight attendants got us drinks and as soon as we were in the air, brought us dinner. Sure, we’d had pizza, but I was famished. As I ate my food, I kept going back to what Ma had said.

“Now what’s worrying you?” Tenzin kissed my temple.

“Ma thinks we’re rushing things. With buying a house and everything.” I frowned.

“Oh. Do you feel you’re rushing things? Because that’s not my intention.” His thumb stroked the back of my hand in a way that made my groin tighten.

I shook my head. “No. I have zero doubts and I’ve been having fun with this whole process. Designing kitchens and comparing flooring is my idea of a good time. Yeah, there are moments where I’ve been, wow, am I old enough to buy a house? But I haven’t felt rushed, just maybe not adult enough.”

“I know the feeling. When I bought my house in Portland, I was overwhelmed by it all,” Tenzin confessed. “I know you do a lot for your family. The house isn’t taking away from them, is it?”

“No. Ma’s mostly worried that we’re rushing Gwen. ” I moved the food around with my fork. “The idea that Gwen might be jumping into things to please us, because she’s used to making her alpha partner happy bothers me.”

“That would bother me, too. Do you know how we fix that?” Tenzin cupped my face with his hand.

I frowned. “How?”

“We talk to her about it.” Tenzin smiled. “We’ll see her in a few hours.”

“True.” The team was having a family breakfast, too, which would be fun.

He tapped on his phone, probably texting her.

“Maybe the three of us could go dancing?” I was growing fond of it. Tenzin kept taking me places in the cities we stayed over in. He was going to look amazing in the custom Professor Weird Cowboy boots I got him.

Tenzin nodded. “That sounds like a great idea.”

“Will I be a good dad?” It came out soft. “Ma doesn’t think I’m ready. But I can do it. It’s not like he’s living with us full-time right now.”

“Clark, Sunshine. Stop second guessing yourself.” His hand stroked my face. “You’re going to be a great dad.”

“Okay.” I rested my head on his shoulder, done with my food.

He stroked my hair. “Anything else bothering you?”

“How did my sister get a bunny all the way to the rink without a single one of my parents knowing?” My brows furrowed, because that was quite a feat. All I could think of was that Mabel helped.

Tenzin laughed. “I have no idea.”

It was early morning, but not obnoxiously so, when we arrived back at the training center for our family holiday breakfast. The room, which overlooked the rink, was full of family members and children, along with a dazzling display of breakfast foods, and lots of holiday decorations.

Gwen wasn’t among the MASOs. I checked her location on my phone and saw that she was at the rink. Somewhere.

“Do you think she’s in the little rink with the puck machine?” I showed Tenzin her location.

“Gwen’s running races with the Maimers.” Verity joined us, leaning on her pink crutch. “I don’t know what that means. But she slept over at our place. They baked way too many cookies and made dozens of bracelets.”

“Thanks. I’ll go find her, see if she wants any food,” I told Tenzin.

“I’ll come with you.” Tenzin put a hand on my shoulder.

We found her in the next smallest rink, literally having a skate race with Kaiko and Mercy, while Rusty timed it.

“Shit, you’re fast,” Rusty said, after Gwen won. “That’s in fucking hockey skates. I’m so curious how you’d do in skate smash skates.”

“Yeah, fuck this noise with the NACA. If you don’t get signed by a PHL team before the deadline, or this doesn’t get fixed soon, drop out and join us ,” Mercy said. “Our free agent deadline isn’t until the end of January.”

Gwen laughed. “And do what? I’m not a skate smasher.”

“We can teach you.” Mercy grinned.

What? But it was nice to know the Maimers loved her like that. Though I couldn’t see Gwen leaving hockey to play skate smash.

“We smell better than the Knights. We have more glitter and a better DJ for our games.” Rusty laughed.

“Hey, I resent that remark,” I teased as I carefully came out onto the ice in my dress shoes. Okay, Hockey had a smell that skate smash lacked, but still…

“Clark. Last night’s game was great.” Gwen’s entire face lit up, and she hugged me tightly.

“You didn’t even see the part where my baby sister brought a rabbit to the rink and traded it for a goalie stick,” I told her.

She started laughing. “Amazing.”

“Hey, Firecracker.” Tenzin joined us.

“Tens.” She buried her face in his shoulder.

I moved behind and sandwiched her between us.

“Things got super shitty yesterday, I hope today is better.” She sniffed into us, her scent getting salty with sadness.

“It will be,” Mercy assured her. “They’re full of shit.”

I kissed her. “How about you come up to breakfast and tell us about it?”

“There’s not much to tell. The NACA says it’s a real censure. Even if I didn’t break a rule, I have to appeal and prove it’s erroneous. I can’t get an appeal in before they close for the holidays. I’m looking at February, maybe. My lawyer is on it, though. It’s still shitty, because I’ll have to sit out practices and games until it’s lifted and it could affect my aid package.” Gwen looked heartbroken.

“I can’t fathom how they could get a censure through, given you didn’t break any rules.” Tenzin frowned, running his fingers through her hair.

“Money. Fuck.” Tears pricked her eyes. “Also revenge. But Coach Hirata is on my side.”

“If you’re banned from your team, can you still be an EBUG?” My heart twisted. I’d hate for her to have won against Mr. Longfellow, only for it to be ripped away.

“Yes. I checked yesterday. You don’t have to be on a collegiate team to be part of the program–or even be at a university. But I do need a team. If we can’t get this changed quickly, I’m going to have to join a rec league, but that’s fine. Some of the rec teams that play here are fire,” Gwen told us.

I tightened my arms around her. “That seems feasible.”

“I just wasn’t ready to leave collegiate hockey behind. Yeah, the last game I played was a good one, but it would’ve been nice to know if it was my last.” Tears streamed down her face.

“I know, Precious. Hopefully, it won't be,” Tenzin soothed.

“If it was, it’s because someone snatched you up and you’re off to play in the PHL, like your teammate,” I assured, kissing the top of her head.

PHL players were still being charged. Others were being put on leave for drug use. Teams were scrambling, moving people up from their farm teams and sweeping up their drafted players.

Though there’d been no goalies yet.

“What… what if I don’t get signed? What if the Deloittes succeed, and after I graduate, no one signs me?” she sobbed.

I rubbed her back. “Then you do what you planned on doing if no one in the PHL signs you, you go abroad. Maybe go to Italy and play for Mia and Gio? Or any other country you’d like?”

Someone would want her.

“Oh, yeah.” She hiccupped a little. “But… but what if no one does? What if they kill my hockey career? I know you say we’ll work it out and the assholes won’t win. But sometimes all the shit dicks in the world don’t brick the fucknuggets down.”

Her shoulders slumped. I hated the fact that not only was she right but had firsthand experience.

Tenzin tipped her face up. “Then you go work for the Bureau of Investigation and take down the Deloittes. Once their empire topples, go play for whoever you want.”

I nuzzled her neck. “Or, you let your dads buy the Belugas. We all move to Vancouver and visit the babies all the time. I bet Lenny will be the best uncle.”

I didn’t mention the other siblings, because I still wasn’t sure if I liked them–or was supposed to.

She giggled. “Oh, he will. Cooter, too. Do you think Cooter and Lenny would be friends?”

“Of course they will. We’ll take things as they come, Sweetness. Together,” I assured her.

Gwen gulped, and for a long moment, she just snuggled between us. The Maimers were talking softly.

“Austin’s not sick. He’s been arrested for hurting me. I didn’t have to go to trial and face him, but I had to make another statement. It was some secret closed-door thing, too, like with Grif Graf’s old agent. But my lawyer was there, even though they tried to keep her out. It’s the state prosecuting him, not me.” Her voice was soft.

“Sweetness, why didn’t you tell us?” I held her tight.

“I needed to do this myself, so I can put all this behind me. My lawyer was with me. I did it and I’m okay. Though I might have blown my budget by buying a ton of treats and having them sent to a domestic violence shelter. Then I bought meals and coffees for all the boards I knew of. I also bought lots of sandwiches from the deli and handed them out in the park.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

I stroked her hair. “That sounds like such a nice thing. Hey, let’s ask Kylee if there’s leftover toys and we can pick up some more treats and take them to another shelter. She might know of a good one to go to, too, if you want to go to a different one.”

“I’d like that,” she nodded. “Let’s buy Swoop out of candy canes and blinking hats.”

Tenzin kissed her forehead. “I’m proud of you for facing that.”

“I think that’s why I was censured. Revenge by his family. The timing works. Considering my ex will be punished, I’m afraid of what will happen next.” She shook a little.

“Jail?” I asked.

She shook her head. “They tried, using the accident as leverage. He got probation and community service. They worked it out so he can still play if his team lets him, which they will. It’s better than a slap on the hand.”

“His team might, but the PHL might not. Look at Carson and his teammates who are all suspended,” Tenzin reminded her.

“I guess.” She snuggled into me further and her eyes closed.

For a long moment we stood there on the ice, holding her.

“So, should we go have breakfast now?” Tenzin finally said. “Also, if you have no plans tonight, would you like to go dancing?”

Gwen tipped her face up. “I’d love that. Coach Dodd’s sick, so I’m yours all day, too.”

“Oooh, we could look at furniture?” My stuff was all rented, and some things might need to be ordered for the new place.

“Yes and pick out paint.” Gwen did a little giddy dance. She turned. “Maimers, I love you, but I’m finding the muffins.”

“Cookies aren't enough for breakfast? They were good, though.” Rusty laughed.

Gwen took off her skates, then we went upstairs and got breakfast from the buffet they had set out for us. Holiday music played and there were treats for the kids. She sat sandwiched between us as we told her about our few days away–including my little sister’s rabbit smuggling antics.

“The goalie already posted a picture and tagged me, so I could make sure my sister knew the rabbit was okay.” I showed her the video of little kids cradling the rabbit.

“I’m so sad I missed getting a rabbit. It’s nice that your whole family came out,” Gwen said as she nibbled on her muffin.

Hopefully, she was just full of cookies and not too upset to eat.

“You… you don’t feel pushed into moving in with us, right? You’d let us know if you did, right?” My belly twisted as I took a sip of coffee.

“No. I don’t feel pushed into anything. I feel like I’m making good progress and moving forward with my life.” She frowned. “Why?”

Relief whooshed over me. “Oh good. Ma thinks we’re rushing.”

“My sister thinks I’m not moving fast enough,” Gwen laughed. “She wants to plan us a wedding for this summer. Don’t worry, while I love you so much, and I’d love to marry you two, this summer’s a little soon. Next summer maybe, but not this one.” She wiggled in her seat and her scent went anxious. “I mean, if it’s okay to wait, and if you even want to marry me at all–”

Before she could say anything else, my mouth sealed over hers. I kissed her deeply, her lips tasting of muffins and coffee. In my kiss, I told her yes, yes, yes.

No sooner had I broken it off to breathe, then Tenzin grabbed her and kissed her so hard she nearly fell out of her seat.

“Hey, Ladybug, this is a family function,” Nia laughed as several other people cheered and wolf-whistled.

“You want to marry us, Precious?” Tenzin’s voice turned growly.

“Yes. In my sister’s castle. But I want to get my career started first. That’s okay, right? My sister thinks it’s too long.” She bit her lower lip.

“Your sister’s an omega,” Tenzin replied. “Personally, I think waiting until then, or even a little later, is a great idea.”

“Isn’t your sister’s castle in Italy? A wedding in Italy sounds amazing,” I breathed. “I’ve never been there. My family could come, right?” I’d want them there if Gwen was planning a big marital spectacular.

“Absolutely. Let’s have a big wedding in a castle. Isa says we can use it. She’ll even design my dress.” Gwen beamed. “If we need to wait a little longer, that’s fine.”

“Perfect. However, if at any moment you feel like the wait is too much, we’ll just elope, then have a big party in the castle,” Tenzin told her, stroking her hair again. “Just talk to us, we’ll figure it out.”

Oh. Gwen got omega-y sometimes. Omegas could get sick if they waited too long to mate with the person they were drawn to, because it felt like a rejection. I’d bite her first, then marry her, so it was legal, later if that’s what she needed. Also, we had to consider the possibility that she could become an omega in the future.

“That’s a perfect plan. But you have to have a goalie dance. That was my favorite part of JP’s wedding.” I grinned.

“Absolutely. Cooter needs a part in the wedding, his wife too, of course.” She giggled, as she played with the necklace he’d made her.

“Of course,” Tenzin agreed.

Was a made-up wife more or less odd than an imaginary cat?

“Did I miss the proposal, because they’re seriously planning their wedding over here,” Carlos blabbed.

“Hold on. I’ve got this.” Gwen ran over to the buffet table and came back with two donuts. “Tens, Clark, while it’s only been a few months, I can’t imagine living without you.” She held them out. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me, eventually?”

Even though I knew this was just play, there was also a reality to it. I wanted this. Not to mention there was something sexy about her standing there in her Puck Yeah crop top and some leggings, holding two donuts.

“I will absolutely marry you eventually,” I breathed. Closing the distance, I kissed her.

“Me, too, Precious.” Tenzin stole her lips from mine. “You, too, Sunshine.” He kissed me like he’d kissed her.

Fucking shit. Was there a closet I could have them in?

Gwen gave us each our donuts, and we sat back down. Tenzin pulled her onto his lap. I moved into her seat and put my arm around him. Gwen laid her head on my shoulder.

“I’m not sure what just happened,” Pauly said to Patrice.

“It doesn’t have to make sense to us, just them,” Patrice laughed, snuggling him and Nakey. The kids and the rest of their pack were there, too.

Those words hit me right in the soul. Ma might be looking out for our best interests. But in the end, what I did only had to make sense to me. Us.

“I love you two,” I told them. “I love you more than donuts.”

Gwen looked up at me. “I love you more than donuts, too.”

“I don’t really like donuts,” Tenzin laughed. “But I love the both of you.”

Moving in together, making tentative plans for the long term, even being parents, made sense to us.

We made sense together, and I was so grateful for it.