“She wants to do dishes. She’s not fragile,” Lennon said, giving his teammate a look.
“She can speak for herself,” I said, the sass coming on a bit too strong. It wasn’t his fault, but I didn’t take the words back. He raised a single copper eyebrow before shrugging and walking away.
“How about we work together?” Mason conceded. I think we’d both ruined his chivalrous moment.
My voice softened when I started to explain myself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. I appreciate the help. I really do. It’s just that I already feel like my life is spiraling out of control and that I can’t do the things I was strong enough to doa week ago. It’s freaking me out. I’m too independent and strong for this.”
“We’re athletes. We’ve been through our fair share of gruesome injuries and recoveries. I definitely get that feeling,” he said. “I’ll make sure to keep that in mind. And don’t worry, I’ll show you where everything goes. That way you don’t have to struggle every time you want to help out.”
“Thanks,” I said, a bit shocked but pleased. “That would help a lot.”
“So tell me a little bit about yourself, since we’re going to be housemates for a while,” he said as he filled the sink with soap and water, grabbing a sponge from under it. I made note of where it was as we started the dishes. Thankfully, it wasn’t much, just plates, silverware, and a few bowls.
“You mean you haven’t done your research already?” I teased.
“Okay, how about I tell you what I know, and you tell me how true all of that is,” he countered. “You’re considered hockey’s princess.”
I groaned as I took a plate, rinsed it, dried it off, and set it on the counter to put away. Stalling at its finest. “I truly hate that nickname. It was one they gave me when I was little, when they were still dragging me to all the games and using me for just about every press conference. Well, me and Conrad. I don’t think he escaped the hockey prince title either.”
“Oh, we know,” Mason chuckled. “And we tease him about it relentlessly.”
“I’m glad he has you guys,” I said, serious now.
“You have us too,” he promised.
He was quiet for another minute, washing out the bowl I’d used for the salad before handing it over and giving me a curious look. “Do you really think they won’t notice that you’re gone?”
“I don’t know what he’s told you,” I started. “But no, I don’t think they’re going to notice. I just… I think I really need to know how long it takes them. Even if it takes months.”
“Months?” he said, shocked.
“I met them when we were still young. That whole scent compatibility thing seemed like such a big deal in high school. They were the star hockey players, and I was the girl they only wanted in their lives so they could meet my dads, I’m sure,” I said with a bitter laugh. “That had to be their endgame. Meanwhile, I was in love.”
“They fumbled,” he muttered.
“My dads were legends, and it wasn’t the first time someone used me to get close to them. I was the easiest connection. They were different back then, too. I never felt like they were using me. They worked hard to make sure I felt like I mattered. They would bring me little gifts and tell me sweet things. I was so easily wooed back then, I guess, and after a while, we just stuck together.”
“Girl, we never judge ourselves for past relationships,” Mason said. “I’ve had a few that would definitely make you question my sanity.”
“I was just a teenager who thought she knew everything about the world and thought they were the perfect escape from parents that made it feel like I was suffocating. College was fine. They still kept me close. They always helped me through heats and were sweet to my omega. Then once they snagged a spot with the Narwhals, it was like everything shifted. Suddenly, they were the ones with status and attention. They were the golden boys of North Crossing, then they were the starting lineup, and I was just in the way.”
My stomach twisted at the thought.
“You arenotdisposable. Don’t let the ego of someone whose dick is as small as their empathy make you feel like less,” Mason said.
I choked out a laugh.
“You know it took them at least three years to finally make me have an orgasm.”
It was his turn to lose it now, his eyes practically glowing with excitement. “Are you kidding me? Okay, now I need all the tea. Maybe it’ll make you feel better.”
He wasn’t wrong.
“I wish I was kidding,” I said, shaking my head. “They literally tried to blame me like I was the problem. Then they had an issue when I figured it out myself with a vibrator.”
He threw his head back, cackling. “I see they fuck as good as they play.”
“Oh my gosh, you should see them after they lose a game too. Always acting like it was a personal affront. They’d get angry, stomping around the house for literal days and reassuring each other that they were never the problem. I’ve never seen three men so thoroughly in sync with each other, but so out of touch with the world.”
