Now, I was angry. It was easier to be mad than sad, and I shoveled bites in, glaring at him.
Our head alpha took it, squaring his shoulders, his face unrepentant.
“That’s alright. I’ve got you,” he promised. That just made me feel worse.
When my plate was done, I shoved it away. He tucked it under his to take care of, and I started to storm out.
I thought I was free until a delicate hand grabbed mine. My alpha was so close that it spun me around, and I had her pressed against the wall, my body inches from hers. The moment her scent hit me, I stepped back quickly, shame pouring over me like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my head.
“Fuck. I’m sorry, Lana.”
“No, I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that,” she said softly. “Not when you’re clearly going through something. Is everything alright? Is there anything I can do?”
“No. Everything’s not alright,” I said in a low growl. “Today is Gabriella’s birthday. She was my mate, high-school sweethearts. She died six years ago and I just…”
“Say no more,” she said, squeezing my arm gently. “I also lost my best friend four years ago. Car accident. Some asshole had been drinking all day and thought it was a good idea to go get more. She never stood a chance.”
Her voice carried the same pain that had burrowed into my bones and stayed there like it had a home.
“I’m sorry,” I managed.
She shrugged. “Me too. I’m sure it doesn’t help that you have no chance to step away with the game looming.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, the bitter taste weird on my tongue. This wasn’t like me, and I hated it.
“How about after the game I come find you?” she offered. “I’ve got an idea. A way to celebrate her.”
“No, I can’t ask?—”
She cut me off, placing her hand over my mouth. “You didn’t ask. I’m offering. We’re at least friends, right?”
She didn’t release me, so I nodded. Her scent hit me, and I selfishly dragged in a breath through my nose, letting it settle me. It wasn’t perfect, but it helped.
“Good,” she said. “Then I’ll see you after the game.”
She started to walk away, but turned back. “And feel free to take any of your anger and resentment out on those assholes on the ice.”
“I’ll paint the ice red for you.” I nodded.
When she turned away again, she had a little pep in her step.
I wasn’t sure what this omega had up her sleeve, but I was genuinely excited to find out. Maybe that was my issue. I never tried to celebrate the woman I missed. She was a shadow hanging over me, one that lingered in my mind and hovered no matter what I did.
She would’ve hated it. Gabriella told me I needed to lighten up. I never considered myself the grumpy sort, but she did, and in comparison to her sunshine, I guess I was.
The thought of anyone stealing her smile away after she’d had the past she did, would send me into possessive, protective mode. We were fantastic together, and I wouldn’t give those memories up for anything. I just wished I’d had more time.
I swiped a hand over my face, and the scent of raspberries and chocolate took over. My alpha reacted. Lana’s scent had shifted. It wasn’t subtle and suppressed like it was when she arrived. It was picking up in intensity and changing. Maybe it was the joy of finding her place among the team, but something had changed.
The omega was flourishing, and her scent was downright intoxicating.
Not just that, but for the first time in six years, my alpha perked up and leaned forward. He almost had me turning around to follow her, but I couldn’t.
That would be an overstep.
Conrad had made his stance on Lana clear. We weren’t supposed to get involved, and frankly, she didn’t need us to.
This complicated everything, but also, for the first time in way too long, it made me feel whole. As if my alpha was waking up and ready to make it known he was still here.
