Page 34

The Heat are up two to nothing, the team making it look easy, but I’ve attended some of the training camp practices. I know better.

I’m in the team’s box with West, Ziggy, Cadence, Santiago, and Maxim. I’ll admit, it should feel awkward to be surrounded by the people in Elliott’s life who matter most, but somehow it’s not. They’ve welcomed me with open arms and treated me like a member of the guys’ pack even though we haven’t discussed what those next steps look like.

We’ve all sort of co-existed this last month and a half. I’ve worked during the day and pitched in with dinners and house chores while the guys had long days at practice. They’ve made sure I felt at home, including Flint surprising me with a cozy office right off my room. It made the continued radio silence from Elle slightly more bearable.

Sure, we talk nearly every day, but the closeness we once shared is non-existent. It’s like an entire year of our lives was wiped clean, and we’re in this weird space where she acknowledges my existence, but that’s about it. I miss her snark, her hilarious stories, the brilliant mind that never fails to impress me. But most of all, I just miss her down to the very marrow of my bones.

“They’re looking good out there tonight,” Ziggy says conversationally, stepping up beside me.

He’s a good dude. Funny but dependable. We’ve gotten into multiple intellectual conversations about everything and nothing all at once.

“They are. I was worried, hearing how rough training camp was before I got here.”

He nods. “It was understandable, really. I remember when Nash put distance between him and West. You would’ve thought he’d just thrown on a pair of skates for the first time and didn’t know how to handle a stick. It was awful.”

“It makes sense, I guess. For the Alphas, there’s a deeper drive that they can’t simply shut off at will. It fucks with their basic senses.”

He eyes me. “Don’t discount us Betas, bro. Shit ain’t easy for us either. We’re supposed to be the glue. When that glue fails, it’s damn painful and all too easy to blame yourself.”

I swallow down the emotion suddenly clogging my throat. “You’re right. Ever since Elliott’s breakdown, I’ve wondered what I could’ve done differently. Something I could’ve said that would’ve made her stay. I kind of felt like I let the Alphas down.”

His hand clamps down on my shoulder. “You didn’t. You might’ve been the only thing keeping them from falling apart completely. I’m sure they’re grateful for that.”

They’ve said as much, but it’s hard to get my head to actually believe it. Before Elliott, I never had anyone who depended on me. Now, having the guys and seeing how much they’ve come to rely on me… Well, it’s filled me with a sense of purpose and importance that I openly welcome.

Down on the ice, Flint passes the puck to Porter, who flies around the back of the net looking for someone who’s open. He manages to slap the puck toward Nash, who takes the shot and…misses. The Fury’s center gets control, racing toward the opposite net, with Nixon and Rafferty blocking his path.

If I was that man, I’d be terrified because Raff looks ready to permanently maim someone.

The guys have used the games to work out their frustration on their opponents. Hockey is relatively new to me, but even I know things are not typically as brutal as what I’ve witnessed during the last three games.

The Fury’s center passes it to his left wing. Unfortunately for him, Raff is waiting. Using a quick poke check, he manages to knock the puck away before the player can take the shot. The left wing shouts something at Raff, who circles back around and body checks the dude. The Fury’s right wing doesn’t take too kindly to the hit, and the next thing I know, gloves are being thrown off and Raff takes a swing at the man in front of him. Blood sprays out of the guy’s nose and onto the ice as the whistles blow. The refs call the penalty, and Raff skates toward the box, a wide, slightly manic smile spread across his face.

“He looks way too happy about that,” Ziggy murmurs.

“Guess that’s one way to work off some aggression.”

Zig chuckles, glancing over his shoulder. I follow his gaze and see West and Cadence huddled together, whispering with Maxim.

“What’s going on back there?” I ask absently.

He shrugs. “Oh, you know. Pregnant Omegas talking about pregnant Omega shit.”

My head tips as I study them closer.

“What are your thoughts on the plans for the holidays? Think you’ll still be around then?”

Something feels off, but maybe I’m just being paranoid. On the other hand, Ziggy is doing a helluva job keeping me distracted.

The buzzer sounds, and we head into the second intermission. The guys skate off the ice as music blares around the arena. Workers prep for whatever entertainment they have planned while fans exit to grab food, drinks, and merch. A team of youth skaters comes rushing out onto the ice for an impromptu scrimmage, shuffling their shorter legs down the length of the rink, trying to score against each other. It brings a smile to my face, watching them get their five minutes under the bright lights.

Once the kids are ushered off through the tunnel, the zambonis arrive and clear off the ice. The final period is about to begin, and minutes later, the Heat make their reappearance. The game day hosts come into view on the jumbotron, ready with some last-minute fun as the players warm up.

“Tonight, we have a special segment for the fans. The Phoenix Heat have partnered with the Sun Times to bring their newest column to you before it hits print on Monday,” the guy says.

My ears perk up. A new column could mean competition, and I want to be able to relay this information to Elliott.

“What’s it called, Hugh?” his pretty blonde co-host asks.

“From the Knot & the Nest is a weekly advice column offering opposing viewpoints to couples going through relationship troubles. Their highly skilled Omega columnist is seeking a co-writer to incorporate an Alpha’s opinion into her responses, and tonight we’ll see if any of you have what it takes to join this exciting opportunity. Are you all ready?”

The crowd goes nuts, but I’m stunned. My gut feels like I was sucker punched. Elle is going to freak the fuck out when she hears about this.

A submission pops up on the jumbotron screen, and the host begins reading it to the crowd.

Dear Knot & Nest,

I made a huge mistake. You see, I’m an independent, single Omega by choice. History taught me I was better off on my own, that I wasn’t worthy of anyone’s love or affection, but then an unexpected situation brought me face to face with a pack I’ve known for years and forced me to take a second look at a friend who’s been by my side every day. Bit by bit, they broke down my walls, scaled my highest barriers, and fought off every attack I threw at them. Even when staring at every flaw laid bare, they still wanted me. I opened myself up to the possibilities and let my heart hope for something I never thought I’d be able to have. Then, in one tragic moment, my trauma caught up to me and I pushed them away. I ran like a coward. It was then I knew I needed help, but it would require me to be brave when all I really wanted to do was fall apart. Still, I sought treatment for that trauma. I’ve healed the hurt inside so that it can’t rule over me anymore, and now I’m ready to look toward the future. The only problem is that they’re my future, and they have no idea what they mean to me. I’m not sure how to tell them just how sorry I am. I don’t know how to say that I love them with every bit of my damaged heart. I don’t know how to admit that I want to be their Omega more than anything else in this world.

Help!

AnOmegaWithRegrets

Everyone in the arena is captivated by the story being told, but none more so than me and the three men on the ice who have gone still in the midst of their teammates skating around them. We know this story. We just aren’t sure how it ends.

Then suddenly, up on the jumbotron, is Elliott’s beautiful face. There’s a flush to her cheeks, her slightly glassy eyes staring right into the camera. My breath stutters, and I lean forward to grab the cool railing in front of me, my knees weak.

So many thoughts are racing through my mind.

She’s here.

She’s working for the Sun Times , which means she got the transfer.

She wants to be ours!

“Hi, everyone! My name is Elliott Mitchell, and I’m the new lead columnist of From the Knot & the Nest. Tonight, I’m here to offer my thoughts on what you all just heard and maybe find an Alpha or pack who might be willing to help me make this new venture a success.”

She takes a deep breath and exhales nervously. Tears are already forming in her eyes, and I wish I could hold her right now. Down on the ice, the entire Phoenix Heat team is standing behind Flint, Rafferty, and Nixon. They know the importance of what’s happening here, and they’re offering their full and total support.

“AnOmegaWithRegrets…” she begins, taking another trembling breath. “It takes courage to face your demons, sure, but they’re in the past. You already know the outcome and how it all ends. The real challenge is to be willing to look into the future and take a risk on something that you can’t predict. To open yourself up to the possibilities laid out before you without any certainty that they’ll play out the way you want them to. But I’m here to tell you it’s worth it. You are worth it. Accept that there are people out there who can love your flaws—cherish them even—because you are their person.”

The first tear falls, and I’ve never felt more in love yet hopeless at the same time. I need to find her.

“Ziggy…” I rasp, now understanding why he was distracting me and hoping like hell he’s got a plan to get me out of here and to wherever she is.

“She’s heading down to the tunnel when the hosts are done. As soon as she hands off the mic, take the elevator at the end of the hall. It will get you there faster. Here’s my keycard. You’ll need it.”

“Thank you.”

“Go get your girl, bro.”

When I glance back up at the screen, her tears are flowing even faster.

“If I were you, I’d find that pack and show them just how much they mean to me by giving the grandest of all romantic gestures. Maybe even make a fool out of myself in front of an arena full of fans to prove to them that I’m not afraid anymore. That I’m ready for my future, but only if they’re with me. That, in a roundabout way, they saved me, and I’m sorry for hurting them in the process. I’d swear that I’d happily spend the rest of my life making it up to them. Whether that’s kissing in the waves, helping them get over their fear of heights, letting them watch me sleep, or even being willing to be seen with their absolutely abysmal yoga poses. I’d do it all a million times over because they’re my pack and I’m their Omega. If they’ll still have me, that is. Nixon, Flint, Rafferty, and Sy…I love you. I’ll be waiting after the game, just like you’ve waited on me all this time. Now go kick some Fury ass.”

The crowd is on their feet, clapping, though some of the more astute fans have started to figure out there’s more to this than just a simple bit to entertain them during intermission. The team is congratulating my three packmates, including a ton of bro hugs and head pats.

The host appears in front of a male fan. “You, sir, what would you add to that as an Alpha?”

“Are you single? Because my pack would eagerly accept an Omega as strong and as brave as you. We might be shit writers, but we’d do our best.”

The crowd chuckles, then the female host appears in front of a female fan. “You’re an Alpha. What words of wisdom would you have for AnOmegaWithRegrets?”

“Any Alpha would be stupid to walk away after you took the brave steps to get help. I, for one, am a proponent for positive mental health, and I applaud you. And if you’re looking for a pack, call me.”

Then, on the jumbotron, Barrett appears behind the wall of the bench with a large smile, his mic at the ready as Hanson and Daniels nudge Nixon, Flint, and Raff forward.

“You three are pack. What would you say to the Omega who poured her heart out in front of an arena full of close to twenty-thousand fans?”

The three of them share a loaded look, and my heart is damn near pounding its way out of my chest.

Nixon skates forward, then he clears his throat and looks straight into the camera. “I’d tell her that we’ll see her after we win this game. Be waiting.”

“Subscribe to the Sun Times to follow along with their latest column and new lead columnist. As an added bonus, all of tonight’s fans will receive a three-month trial subscription using the code: PhoenixHeat. Now, who’s ready to watch the Heat win?”

The crowd cheers, but I barely hear them. I turn to leave, and West and Cadence are there. With two quick hugs and whispers of encouragement, they shoo me out the door.

The private elevator dings just before the doors open. My brain skids to a halt the second I see her standing in front of me. It’s like that moment in a romantic comedy where everything switches to slow motion, and you see the two people rushing toward each other. The second she’s within reach, my arms wrap her up and tug her into me. We cling to each other, her scent impossibly sharp as her entire body trembles against me. She’s sobbing, I realize. This strong, fierce woman who never lets anyone see the hurt is molded against me, allowing me to comfort her. I swear I want to pound my fists on my chest, but I’m not willing to let her go to do it.

The door shuts behind me, the elevator descending to the basement level.

“I’m sorry,” she chokes out.

“Shhh, love. You’re here now. That's all that matters.”

“I wanted to say something so many times, but I didn’t trust myself enough yet.”

Pulling back, my hands raise to grip the sides of her face. Her nose is red and her eyes puffy from crying, but she’s never looked more beautiful than she does right now.

“Do you trust yourself now?” I whisper.

“Yes.”

“And what do you want, Elle?” The question nearly kills me.

I want to grab the hope lighting up inside with both hands, but there’s still a small part of me that’s hesitant.

“I want you .” Her voice breaks, tears slipping free. “I can’t lose you. If the others don’t?—”

“You’ll never lose me. Don’t worry about that.”

“I love you,” she whispers.

It’s my turn to get choked up, my heart thudding rapidly.

“I love you back.”

I don’t need to say anything more. No, I need to kiss her more than I need my next breath, so I do. My lips press softly into hers, feeling her quick intake of breath against my mouth before she melts into me and kisses me back. Everything in my world is righted. Every bit of hurt disappears because she’s here and in my arms.

When I reluctantly retreat, I stare down at her gorgeous face.

“So you’re here for good?” I ask.

“Yeah. West and Cadence helped me get everything set up. I start at the Sun Times on Monday.”

“I’m so damn proud of you.” My voice is husky, my love for her damn near overwhelming me.

She lifts her face, studying me with hopeful eyes. “You wouldn’t happen to know anyone looking for work as an assistant, would you? I hear there’s an opening…”

My grin is slow and wicked. “Depends. Is the person open to a colleagues-with-benefits situation?”

She purses her lips but can’t fight her own grin. “She most definitely is. She’s also got openings for a best friend and packmate. Maybe the right candidate could fill all three?”

“He most definitely can.” With a growl, I kiss her again, tasting her sweetening flavor on my tongue.

We make out like two teenagers who can’t keep their hands off each other. Somewhere along the lines, I back her up against the elevator wall, boxing her in as if to keep her from running away. Neither of us care about the elevator door that opened at some point or the fact that it could start moving again at any time. In fact, I’d love nothing more than to lift one of her toned legs to my hip and sink into her right here. It’s been months and I’m dying for her, but thankfully at least some of my rational brain is still online, and it knows an elevator is not the place for that to happen. Not to mention she’s in a one-piece pantsuit not conducive to a quickie.

Her head falls back against the metal wall. “Sy, what if the guys have changed their minds?”

My eyes meet her worried ones. “Guess we’re about to find out. Trust me?”

“With all my heart.”

And just like that, I fall all over again. Now, to guard that trust with my whole soul and ensure this woman gets the happily ever after she deserves.