Page 45

Gwen

“Y ou look beautiful,” Tenzin told me, as the three of us walked into the over-decorated lobby of the Stonefeld Manhattan hotel. Skyline restaurant, where the MASO party was, occupied the very top.

“Thank you.” I struck a pose in front of the giant tree, festive music playing in the background. The earrings from Clark swung in my ears and I had on the necklace from my mom. I wore the purple sparkly dress, the one with the high slit and the low back, that I’d gotten for JP's wedding and had never worn. Also, I’d taken the time to style my hair, do my makeup, and paint my nails purple.

Clark nuzzled my neck. “You smell good, too.”

“Whose fault is that?” I smirked. After I’d gotten dressed and came out to the living room, they didn’t like that I no longer smelled like them and had to fix it.

Not that I was complaining. But now I smelled like I’d just been railed by two alphas.

They both looked casually smoking hot, in slacks and button downs. They and a bunch of others were going to play cards in the hotel lounge while we were at the party.

I was going to enjoy tonight. I was reinstated. The PHL called out the Deloittes. My guys loved me.

The only thing that could make the night better would be if Stu called me with an offer from a team.

The lounge was full of more than alphas, since Nia and LeeAnn were there, too. As was Carlos, even though he didn’t have anyone at the MASO party. Vickers wasn’t there yet, but they were coming and had even hired a babysitter, which Muriel was excited about.

“Bozh’ya Korovka, you look lovely, Valya is upstairs already,” Dimitri told me. Valya had been invited, she also helped me decide what to wear.

I gave Clark and Tenzin each a kiss and gave Clark my purple coat and scarf, and my gloves. “I’m going up to the party now.”

“Okay. We’re here if you need us,” Clark told me, taking them from me.

“Be safe.” Tenzin hugged me, moving in a way that got me even more drenched in his scent than I already was.

Ugh. Alphas and their possessiveness. I was going to dinner in the same building. Nothing would happen to me. Rolling my eyes, I got in the elevator. My phone buzzed.

Isa

Cute. You need a bigger necklace with that dress.

I knew I should have worn Nonna Luci’s pearls.

Me

When I’m home, help me choose what of Mom’s to bring back?

Isa

I’d love that. I’ll bring some clothes for you, too.

Me

I don’t need more clothes.

Isa

Yes, you do.

Mercy had sent me an insta-chat, telling me I looked amazing. I replied, wishing her luck. They had an away game tonight.

When I arrived at the restaurant, the hostess gave me a once over. Okay, my necklace was too small, but I was wearing a nice dress and heels. I had my purple bucket bag–and matching wallet–along with the bag with my gift in it.

“I’m here for the party,” I told her.

She showed me to the decorated back room that Atty and Patrice had reserved for us. This restaurant was known for their multicourse meals with booze pairings.

Most everyone was already there. Patrice had a clipboard, checking everyone in and putting numbered stickers on our presents.

“Gwen.” She started laughing, nostrils flaring. “I have de-scenter in my purse.”

“Alphas are annoying.” I affixed the sticker to my gift bag.

“You asked quite the question. I’m guessing you figured it all out.” Patrice wore a stunning dress and a sparkly necklace.

“Ugh, I asked if , not how.” I rolled my eyes, suppressing my grin. It had been fan-fucking-tastic.

Tegan slapped me on the shoulder. She was wearing a smart suit; her green shirt matched her hair. “Did you like my animation?”

“Clark found it educational.” I put my hand over my mouth, cheeks burning. “Yeah, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I won’t tell.” Tegan eyed my bag. “That doesn’t look alive.”

“Nope. My brother tried to talk me into a jet ski, but I had something else in mind.”

She leaned in. “You might want mine.”

“Oooh.” I settled my bag on the table. While some were beautifully wrapped, others were in bags, touting where they were from.

“Hey, I just realized what sort of shit those fucking asshats were putting you though,” Tegan added. “Sorry for that. Say the word and I’ll deal with it. No, seriously. I know people.”

“I’m sure you do. Thanks, Tegan. That means a lot.” I waved at Muriel as she entered. I was curious what she brought because that woman didn’t just own all sorts of cosplay outfits, she also had chain mail, battle armor, and a ballgown. Yeah, she wasn’t bringing bangles from Gauthier.

Tegan’s phone rang, and she went to answer it.

Atty came over to me, also looking amazing in a suit, though his was collarless. He eyed the blue bag. “Just confirming, someone bought this for you, and you didn’t sell your panties.”

“They were Clark’s panties.” I couldn’t hold a straight face. “My brother was in town, so he brought me shopping, because my sister didn’t want a gift from Athlete’s World.”

My part of dinner had already been paid for by Clark.

“That is sweet. Wow, that dress. Who are you trying to impress in that?” he teased.

“I’m dressing for me, thank you very much.” I rolled my eyes. It also showed off my finished spine tattoo.

“Um…” Atty’s nostrils flared. “Do you want some de-scenter?”

“Are you teasing or should I?” I twisted self-consciously.

“I’m teasing, Gwen. You’re among friends here and not the only one fucked senseless by possessive partners. I’ve seen you happier in the past few months than I have in the years I’ve known you. I’m ecstatic for you. Also, I heard you’re being reinstated with your team and that your asshat ex is being punished. That’s great news! I’m happy for you,” he exclaimed.

“Good thing that’s over.” I’d heard from Coach Hirata and my lawyer and I was ready for tomorrow’s away game against Natty.

Now I just needed things to keep going my way.

When everyone arrived, we all sat around the large, beautifully decorated table. Everyone was dressed up, most even more than me.

The servers brought us small glasses of white wine and a tiny plate of stuffed mushrooms and crab puffs. Those who didn’t drink, or were pregnant, got a fancy lemonade spritzer.

Patrice surveyed the glasses. “Is there anything anyone wants to share with the group?”

“I’m three months along. It’s a girl.” Celine gave a shy smile as she held up her lemonade.

We gave our congratulations. Baby Knights. Awww.

“No. No more. One and done.” Muriel chugged her glass of wine.

I grinned at her. “That’s what he said.”

She nearly snorted wine out of her nose. “I’m not sure it works that way.”

“I haven’t told them yet, I'm waiting for them to notice my scent changing.” Kaija ducked her head and gave a shy smile. She was Miko and Vaino’s omega and I didn’t know her well, though she’d made beautiful bracelets I’d bought for Christmas gifts.

“Gwen, given you were homeschooled and had to ask that enlightening question today, do you know how babies are made?” Atty smirked. “Tegan can make an animation.”

“I went to actual high school. Of course, I know where babies come from. Flamingos bring them.” I popped the entire little stuffed mushroom into my mouth, hoping we got more food than this.

The entire table started laughing.

The servers came back with a different wine and chestnut pumpkin soup. It was a cute, but tiny, bowl with little handles on it. I sort of wanted to shove it in my purse and take it home. There was also no bread, other than a single toasted crouton floating in cream, in the center. I texted Clark.

Me

The food is tiny. Get tacos after?

We gossiped more, and then the servers brought us some sort of spiced cocktail and a warm spinach salad with fruit, spiced nuts, and cheese.

“Is anyone following the custom Vecci dress drama?” Atty took a bite of salad.

“Rich people problems.” Tegan laughed and took a sip of her drink.

I poked at my salad, trying to find plain spinach. “Why is there fruit in my salad?”

Patrice grinned. “Fruit is good for you. Gwen, I have questions. Considering she’s your ex’s omega, and your sister works for Vecci.”

“Okay, so maybe my big sister got her custom spot taken away from her and then had her shadow-banned, so she can’t find another. My ex doesn’t know that my sister works for Vecci. Um, I’ve been basically no-contact with my family since I was sixteen. I’ve only just started talking to them again. And I’m still not entirely sure that’s a good idea.” I stabbed my bowl of food again. Yeah, this salad was a big nope.

“But you didn’t know he was a Deloitte, either,” Celine stated.

“True. He knows nothing about my family. But I wanted it that way. I mean, I’m the family fuckup.” The words went bitter in my mouth. Chiara telling me that they didn’t even miss me, kept coming back.

To some extent, they were true.

I let the server take away my salad, even though it wasn’t finished.

“Gwen, as someone who has been made to feel like a fuckup my entire life by my parents, I hope you know that you’re not a fuckup any more than I am.” Verity’s look went serious. “Look at us, we’re going to a great university, we’re doing things we’re passionate about, and we have people who love us.”

“I know. It’s difficult to not let them make me feel that way though.” Tears pricked my eyes and my throat swelled, as the server brought out squash gnocchi in brown butter, with pink wine.

“I know.” Verity squeezed my shoulder, then looked at the table. “None of us are fuckups. Some of us might be a little messy, but every single person at this table is amazing. My big sister once told me to stop sharing my amazingness with people who didn’t appreciate it and it’s some of the best advice I’ve ever received.”

Patrice lifted her glass. “I’ll drink to that.”

“That is way more profound than I was expecting for a holiday dinner,” Muriel added, raising her glass as well.

“I know, right? Okay, maybe it was petty to let my sister do it. But why is it such drama? I mean, yeah, it’s special to have a custom dress, but stores have lots of pretty gowns.” I still really didn’t understand the issue.

“You don’t even need a dress. We got married in armor,” Muriel replied.

“You were married in armor? I want to see,” Tegan asked.

Muriel got out her phone. They’d been on horseback and the photos were amazing.

“LeeAnn wore a gold dress she bought on sale and I wore my uniform.” Tegan frowned at the tiny plate of gnocchi. “Atty, please tell me there will be food?”

“This is a nine-course meal, Tegan, patience.” Atty rolled his eyes. “Nia wore her Army uniform.”

“Is your sister going to design you a dress one day?” Verity asked.

“Only because I told her she could when I was five. Well, that and I’m too tall for my mother’s dress and one of my sisters did things to it.” The gnocchi was strangely textured compared to what I was used to, though not bad.

They continued to talk about what people wore or might wear for their weddings, as the server brought out lobster cocktail and champagne.

“Doll food, Atty, you're feeding me doll food,” Tegan joked, holding up the dainty lobster tail.

“It’s tiny, though good. The sauce is nice,” I told them, finishing my lobster. I needed more.

Is this how Dean felt when they brought him special omega dinners at fancy functions? I texted him a photo.

“Who’s next? Gwen’s? We all saw the donut video. I can’t wait to see that goalie dance.” Celine grinned at me.

“My sister saw the donut video and is now probably designing the dress. Yeah, I’m just afraid if I let her in, they’ll all be in my business again.” I sighed. “I’m the youngest of eight and not looking forward to seeing them for Christmas. But as much as I want a goalie dance, no wedding for a while. I mean, my career is just getting started, and I’d like to at least have a season or two down. But yeah…” My look went dopey. “I’d marry those two in a castle in Italy.”

Everyone chuckled.

“Well, maybe you’ll get signed before Christmas and you can call your family and be like, ‘Papa, I cannot come home, I’m dropping out of university and moving to…’ whatever place signs you.” Valya grinned. “You still have time before the free agent deadline closes. Maybe you’ll get a call.”

“Oh? What happened now? I’ve been avoiding the news ever since I was censured.” I blinked as the server came in and took our empty dishes to bring us the next course.

“Yeah, things have gone to shit even more. A bunch more players had their contracts bought out,” Tegan said.

Contracts being bought out meant players were essentially being fired. They were handed money and told to fuck off, without even being traded, sent to the minors, or given away. Buyouts did partially contribute to salary budgets. But rookies were cheap, all things considered.

“The PHL is choosing to mass-excise the doping clause, since the asshats were willfully circumventing the drug tests,” Atty added. “It’s a mess. Teams are scrambling, because the free agent deadline is so close.”

“Oh, shit.” I sucked in a breath.

“Dean said something about Ty possibly getting swept up, because the Boaters are on the list and let a goalie go. But considering Hawai’i and Quebec let goalies go, too, maybe you’ll get that call. Hawai’i is far, but when I went there, with the Maimers, last year, I was in love,” Verity told me.

“Quebec is the best choice.” Celine grinned as she took a bite of her dinner.

“And closer. They’re both teams I’d play for. But I’ll go wherever. The guys support that,” I replied.

The server brought us beautiful looking pork medallions with roasted root vegetables, and more wine, this a red. There was so much wine. The menu also looked tailored to omegas. But I wasn’t complaining.

Except about the portion size. I sent Clark another picture.

Me

Kid’s menu?

“They better.” Patrice took a sip of wine. “Um, this isn’t common knowledge, but Mitchy, that forward filling in for Sarah, is going on leave. I think he’s taking those drugs and used fake pee to get around the test.”

“Wow.” I could see it, considering who his friends were. “Sarah’s baby is only a couple months old, do you think she’ll try to come back now? Or you think they’ll bring up someone from the Bantams until she’s ready to come back?”

Oh, the pork was very good. Still a dainty portion. But tasty.

“Probably the second,” Tegan said.

“You’d leave university to go pro?” Atty asked me. “Aren’t you nearly done?”

“Yeah, I’d leave in a moment. Coach Hirata told us it was fine. I’d just need to check with my scholarship benefactor.” I bit my lip, just realizing I should have done that before telling Stu I wanted to go free agent.

Verity laughed. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure they’d be good with that. You don’t have much time left, and NYIT is exceedingly easy going. Maybe you can do the classes online and still graduate. If you need any more cross-discipline elective units, I might come up with an independent study for you.”

“Online? Oh, that’s a thought. Independent study would be fun, but I got all the cross-discipline stuff finished. Mostly it’s my internship and forensic seminar, which is just a fancy project we present.”

I mean if Mercy could do online high school and play professional skate smash, I might figure out my last semester if I got signed.

Verity nodded. “You could figure that out.”

“Also, I can break my EBUG contract to go pro, as long as it’s a PHL team,” I added.

“You lot have contracts ? You’re literally paid in T-shirts and candy.” Atty’s eyebrows rose.

“Yeah, it’s so we’re responsible and don’t dip mid-season. It also protects us from mid-season nepotism and teaches us things, since it’s an education program. Hey, if I get signed, do I have to leave the group chat? You know, like when your significant other gets traded.” I took a bite of sweet potato. Not that I’d have time for it if I was on a team.

Atty shook his head. “As long as you’re still with your guys, stay. We’ll even order a playoff jacket for you, so if your team loses early on in the playoffs and you come back, you’ll have one to wear to games.”

“If you make it all the way, we’ll just make Clark wear it,” Tegan added.

The MASOs of the teams making the playoffs always had cute custom jackets. Last year the Knights MASOs wore leather jackets.

“Maybe my team will win. I love the idea of Clark wearing it–and he would.” I grinned. “Also, I want more jewelry.”

“Ladybug, I’ve been thinking a lot about what you mentioned about us doing things with some of the domestic violence shelters in the city and I have ideas,” Patrice said.

Atty nodded. “Me, too. I have a connection with one the Westside Omega Center runs.”

“Oh, I like that. I’ve been doing stuff for one that’s affiliated with a group that runs a food bank and does a lot on campus.” I finished my pork. The shelter loved all the treats. I’d send them more soon.

Muriel nodded. “While the galas are fun and raise money for a great cause, I think it would be nice to have our own things, too. I bet it’s not too late to help out for the holidays. My cosplay club did that back in Bayside. And if it is too late, well, people need help at more than this time of year.”

“True. I have a connection with toys.” Tegan got out her phone.

“My pack will do whatever you need,” Verity added. “We’ll have to work fast, but we can do this, right?”

As we finished our entrée and had the cheese course, we planned on adopting a couple of shelters for the holidays and organizing a hygiene drive at one of the games. It continued through dessert, which were tiny little pies. By the mignardise, which was handmade truffles and brandy, talk had moved onto babies and baby showers.

Ok, I was full, but it wasn’t super full. I texted Clark again.

Me

Dinner was delicious. But I still need tacos.

He replied with a picture of a bunch of them playing cards and drinking beers.

“Can everyone still stand? Time for presents,” Atty said as we finished.

A table had been set up with a bunch of numbers on each side, the middle clear.

“Rules. You drink your shot, then sling your glass down the table. The number you stop on is the gift you get off the table. If the number has been taken, then you get the next closest. You can either open your present, or do another shot and take someone else's, and then they do a shot and open yours. After the last person, the first person to go can then either keep what they have or do a shot and take someone else’s,” Atty explained.

Wow. I was a pretty good drinker, but I felt the nine drinks we’d had already, even if they were mini portions. Now we were doing shots? But then I was used to drinking beer or trash can punch, not wine and fancy cocktails.

We drew numbers to determine our order.

Atty’s shot glass went toward the end of the table. I could see people eying the bags and their numbers. He held up a number, and brought out a long, thin box from the table.

“I’m hoping this is an expensive sex toy.” Atty checked the tag. “It’s from Muriel. So, maybe?”

Muriel just grinned. She wouldn’t tell me what she was bringing.

Atty opened the box, revealing a stunning, omega-sized sword. “Wow. This is beautiful. Not really my thing, but very elegant. I could get behind some sort of warrior role-play.”

“It is nice.” Valya nodded.

Everyone started taking their turn, and people opened everything to be expected. A handbag from Faun. A week’s stay for one at the exclusive blue-door spa. A tropical getaway.

“This is from Tegan.” Verity took a card out of a gift bag. “A pink motorcycle?”

“It’s at my place. It’s not omega-size, but it’s not large. Also, I think Gweny’s gonna steal it.” Tegan grinned.

I sucked in a breath. “Yes, please. I’m going to make Tens my backpack.”

“Not sure anyone will fit on the back of that, let alone Bucket, but I want pictures,” Tegan laughed.

Patrice gave me a look. “You were in a motorcycle accident.”

“My ex’s asshole brother tried to run me over. Difference. Also, I need my own wheels, for when I get my team. Considering I have a feeling Bowerman’s going to have me dressed in pink sparkly gear, I might as well cultivate the image.”

“I love that for you.” Patrice took her turn and got my bag. “This is from Gwen. I adore you, Ladybug, but I want the vacation. Sorry, Muriel.” She did a shot and traded Muriel for it.

Muriel opened the bag from me and withdrew the signature blue box and sucked in a breath as she opened the lid.

“It’s not a vacation, but…” I bit my lower lip. This was what I’d gotten and now I was questioning if it was a good idea or if I should have just bought a jet ski.

“Holy fucking shit, this will go with my new ball gown. How did you know, you haven’t seen it yet?” Muriel withdrew the gold tiara with sapphires and sparkling crystals and put it on her head. “You all should come to the fantasy ball Shawn and I go to every summer.”

“I could get behind that.” Wear a pretty dress and dance with my guys? Yes please.

“That’s beautiful,” Patrice said. “Good job, Ladybug. I was afraid you were going to bring something completely random.”

“My sisters all had tiaras from Stephanie & Co for their excellent eighteenth parties. I always thought they were so pretty. Even Atty would look cute in that.” I grinned at him.

“You bet your ass I would,” Atty teased back.

“You didn’t get a tiara? If it was because you’re a beta, I will have words,” Patrice said.

“I was emancipated and living in Rockland, with my hockey host family by then. We played laser tag, then had a massive dance party at their ice cream shop. It was incredible,” I replied. “My plastic tiara was from the party store and something I treasure.” Well, had, until Austin fucking broke it.

Valya got the box from Gauthier which Celine had brought. “I want the sword.”

“Please, have the sword.” Atty handed it to her. No one had taken it from him yet. He opened up a beautiful watch. “Ooh. I think Nia would like this. She secretly likes delicate things.”

“My turn.” I was angling for the number on the bag from Hardwicks, but got a pretty gift bag instead. “I want the motorcycle.”

We did shots, and I traded Verity for it.

Verity opened the bag and withdrew a card. “A pony? My little girl dreams have just come true.”

Atty gave the omega a look. “No animals.”

“I thought you meant we just couldn’t bring them to the restaurant.” Kaija frowned.

“Not complaining. AJ’s sister has a farm,” Verity replied.

“A cute farm,” I agreed.

“The petty part of me wants to send the pony to London. My three little siblings would love it.” Verity grins. “My parents would shit pumpkins.”

“I support that.” I sent a picture of the card to Clark and Tens.

Me

Right now I have a motorcycle, I hope I can keep it.

Clark

I want to ride on the back.

Tenzin

Both of you are wearing body armor.

I could live with that.

Celine got a large bag from Verity and withdrew a plant in a very pretty pot. “Merde, this is a variegated rattlesnake monstera. I’ll have to try hard to not kill it.”

JP and Verity had become friends, because Celine’s plants were always dying, while she was away for work, and Verity, being a plant person, would help JP keep them alive. Choosing Verity’s bag had probably been a calculated move on Celine’s part, because I’d thought for sure she’d go for the purse or spa.

My phone rang. Stu. Trepidation shot through me, and several heads whipped toward me.

“Oh, fuck, it’s my agent. I hope it’s good. Val, hold this?” I gave Valya the gift bag, and went out the door of the room, answering the phone. “Hi, Stu.”

“Hi, Gwen. Sorry to call you at night. But, are you serious about wanting to sign with a team now, versus waiting until after graduation?” he asked.

My heart pounded in my ears. “Put me in, Coach. Given I’d be dropping out of university, I’d prefer knowing I’d play for a PHL team and not their farm team. But I’m not going to be choosy.” I ducked down a hall toward the bathrooms, trying to find a quiet place. “What team?”

“I just got a call from the Boaters. They’re very interested in you,” he told me. “I did a good job of talking you up, if I say so myself.”

“The Boaters? Sure.” That could be doable commute wise. It was also the team that had drafted Ty. It was a little close to Motor City, but whatever. “I’d also love Quebec. I speak French.”

A team was interested in me? Exciting.

“I’ve been calling every team with a goalie on that list and letting them know that you’re available and sending over your stats and those great videos. I’ve called Mexico City, too, just in case Nunez ends up not coming back, or something happens to Marsden, since he was also on that junior Olympic team. So we’ll see. If the Boaters offer, you’ll take it or do you want to wait for a different team?” he asked.

I couldn’t see Marsden doing anything douchey. But I didn’t know him well.

Things were a little loud in the restaurant, so I found myself in the back corner by the omega lounge and an emergency exit. “As long as it’s an offer you’d advise your own kid to take, I’m in.”

My only hesitation with the Boaters was because they’d drafted Ty. Hopefully if I got it over him, he wouldn’t be mad. They could still sign him at some point.

“Got it. I’ll keep you updated. Are you at a party? You sound a little tipsy.”

“I feel a little tipsy. The Knights MASOs are having their holiday dinner.” I leaned against the wall. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Enjoy the party.”

I ended the call and immediately texted Clark and Tens.

Me

Stu just called. Boaters called with interest. We could make that work?

My belly knotted. We could, right? Plenty of people did, like Dean and Grif before they both became Knights.

Clark

Absolutely

Tenzin

Yes

Good. Relief coated me. Someone entered the omega lounge in a cloud of candy scent. Someone else leaned against the wall, waiting for them to come back out.

I texted Ty.

Me

Don’t hate me. My agent got a call of interest from the Boaters.

Ty

We’d be teammates! They swept me up right after practice today. I was going to tell you tomorrow. I wanted to let my parents know first.

Me

Congrats!

Huh. But they might also need someone for their farm team, or there could be an injury I wasn’t aware of.

I closed my eyes and took a breath. Time to go back to the party.

“Gwen, run, ” a female voice I never heard shouted.

My eyes flew open, and I ran toward the exit, just in time to see the man waiting by the lounge move toward a woman who looked familiar, but I couldn’t place. I wasn’t going to stick around to ponder that–or how she knew my name.

Or analyze the fact that the man looked like the one who’d tried to alpha bark at me that one night after one of my games.

As I tore down the stairwell, I got out my phone to call Tenzin. No signal. Shit. There was a clink of heels on the metal stairs.

Someone was in the stairwell with me. A hit of sweet candy hit me. Oh, it was the omega who’d used the lounge.

The door above us opened, and I heard heavy, fast footsteps.

Heart pounding. I went to the door for the floor below and tried the handle. “Fuck, it’s locked.”

We were on the billionth floor.

“I know.” She had something in her hand and before I knew what was happening, she’d stuck me with it.

“Ow.” I frowned at her. Was that a needle? “What are you doing?”

The omega smirked, and the heavy footsteps came closer. My phone fell out of my hands as everything spun.

Fuck.