They would have to keep their cool, because even two weeks into staying here at the hockey house, I hadn’t heard a word from my supposed pack.
There were a lot of things about the assholes I left behind that still made me angry, but there were also ways that I knew we were simply wrong for each other. Maybe at one time things worked, but that simply wasn’t our life anymore. I had come to accept that.
I knew my worth, and I’d never put myself in that position again. Hell, I’d never date a hockey player again.
The moment I had the thought, my mind immediately drifted to the Wardens’ starting lineup. Despite knowing damn well that my brother had warned them away from me, I genuinely liked being around them.
They smelled incredible. We were definitely scent compatible, but it was more than that. After Lennon and I cameto an understanding, I knew it would be hard to resist them if they ever truly showed interest.
Slipping past the living room where the guys were all hanging out and arguing over a game, I ducked into the kitchen. I made myself a quick cup of tea before sneaking out the back door.
It was funny how different I felt about being alone after living here such a short time. The guys filled the void that had been echoing inside of me for months. Now, there was always somebody around, and Conrad was even threatening to drag me down to the Wardens Arena with them.
He hated leaving me alone, and kept finding excuses to send them back early. I might have to go just so he stops that.
I sat down on the porch swing, one foot tucked under me, the other lazily swinging as I sipped on the hot tea in my hand. My fingers wrapped around the warm ceramic, letting the heat seep into them. It was chilly out here, and I wasn’t exactly dressed for it.
This spot was too peaceful to resist, and I was excited to see what it would be like when the weather warmed up a bit.
The creak of the door had me glancing over, smiling as Conrad snuck out to join me.
“You know, big brother, I am capable of being by myself from time to time.”
He sat down beside me and groaned. “It was a rough day at practice. Landed wrong on my shoulder going after a puck.”
I’d seen some of the dives the goalies had done. “I believe you on that one. All of it looks painful. Now, quit avoiding. Why are you following me out here? I’m doing better, you know.”
He sighed. “You didn’t see yourself on that phone call, Lana. You’re gonna have to give me time to move past it. I justneedto know you’re safe. You’re my sister; my alpha is protective over you.”
“That’s fair,” I said, giving his arm a squeeze before we rocked in silence for a bit. “Did your alpha also need to warn the guys to stay away from me?”
He opened his mouth, but I reached over and put my hand over it before he could speak, eyes narrowed.
“Don’t you dare lie to me, Conrad Flynn. We all know what you did.”
He threw up his hands, more exasperated than upset as I let my hand fall away. “Can you fucking blame me? Look at the last time I let guys around you.”
“First of all, you didn’tletanyone around me,” I clarified. “I am a grown woman. Back then, I would’ve seen them regardless. You couldn’t have stopped me. I wouldn’t have let you.”
“But it’s my job to take care of you.”
“Actually, that was our parents’ job,” I countered. “You were allowed to have your own life and your own friends, and I truly hate that you had to take on that responsibility.”
“I never saw it that way,” he promised.
“I know,” I reassured him. “I just hate that I’m disrupting your life again.”
“We’ve always been in this cycle,” he said, bumping his shoulder into mine. “Me trying to be overbearing, you trying to do anything you can to not add to the burden.”
“How about we both just admit we’ll do our best and it’ll be fine?” I said.
He nodded. “Deal.”
“Perfect,” I said, taking another sip. His eyes locked on me as I gazed out at the yard.
“Have you considered joining us at the arena a bit more?” he questioned.
“It’s not my place, Conrad. It’s yours.”
