Page 15 of Puck My Life

“You want those boys to succeed, right?”

I nod but hate the way her eyes are gleaming. I want them to thrive, to own the world, to be all they can be.

“It’s amazing. I didn’t think an answer would just fall so neatly into my lap, but you-” she points one long, manicured finger at me, “are going to help me shape those Lost Boys into alphas deserving of a spot on the Scented Scorpion lineup.”

I gape at her. “You think I haven’t tried?” She knows our nicknames? I’m not entirely surprised but shocked to hear it.

“Oh, but, this time, you have the full support of the team and my brains behind you. I assume we need to add the little musician to the mix, too? Of course, we do.”

I take a step back as she takes my spot, pacing the office.

“The problem with the Lost Boys isn’t so much that they are aggressive and painful, they are two of the least problematic players, not that it says a lot because the whole team is a walking PR nightmare, but they need to learn some core lessons. Responsibility, empathy, the team existing outside the three of them, honing those destructive and sulky instincts into something adult.”

“Okay, but-”

Marilyn reaches the end of the office, whirls and smiles widely at me. It’s a dangerous smile, and I feel a bit like a pawn on a chessboard being moved without my say-so.

“You are going to teach those boys to grow up.”

I scoff and try really hard not to laugh at her.

“They call me Hook. Clearly, the idea of being anything like me is reprehensible. They hate the idea of growing up.”

“Even better. A pirate is one of the sexiest things alive, my love; don’t let their bluff fool you. You show them how to cook, clean, and be responsible for their own lives, and I will set you up with an apartment and a very trusted alpha friend of mine who will be incredibly discreet but good for your first heat.”

She reaches out, gripping my hand, no doubt seeing the panic and despair that’s written all over me. She explains everything that just happened in the team meeting. They have to go on dates? The team could disband?

The pressure on me triples, pressing heavily. I feel the weight of all of it.

“Don’t worry, Vae. You can do this. You can save their dreams. I will be right here to help you every step of the way. Truly, you are the only one who will be able to reach them.”

She’s not wrong. My boys don’t trust anyone except each other. It’s part of their struggle with the team; they don’t connect to anyone outside of our foster family. With the exception of one person. A young alpha named Henry who Deacon has taken under his wing. He currently is working as a janitor and doing odd jobs for the Scented Scorpions, but he’s a phenomenal skater, and I know Deacon’s been privately training him late at night. I know why, too, Deacon sees Henry as himself five years ago.

“If they find out I’m doing this, they will go completely the opposite way.”

Marilyn’s eyes light up. “So, don’t tell them. You’ll do it?”

I don’t see that I have much of a choice. I step away from her and back to the office door.

“Of course, I’ll do it. But you knew that before you said anything,” I say bitterly.

“It will help you.”

“I know, and I should be grateful. I am grateful, but…” My stupid eyes fill with tears, and I blink the room back into focus. “They’re mine.”

God, the pathetic whine that escapes from me almost has me bawling.

“Loss steals your ability to be happy.”

I take a shuddering breath, remembering her loss.

“I am sorry,” I whisper contritely.

“Let’s not focus on our pain. Let’s try to save the Scorpions.” Marilyn pauses. “What did you say the name of their girlfriend is?”

“Indy. Indy Danvers.”

I slip out of the office and walk away, not wanting to be part of it. I will teach them to survive, and Indy will go on their PR dates and save their careers.