Cade’s voice was quiet. “It’s just that we won’t be there, and you will. I’m not a fan of that idea, princess. You’re ours and letting our omega go alone scares me.”
“I’m going to have to reluctantly agree with them on this one,” Conrad sighed. He looked as if that pained him. “I’m a goalie. I’m not exactly pulled in and out of the game like they are.”
“You wanted me to take this job,” I reminded him. “I’ve taken too long; I’m going to lose this job if I don’t hurry.”
I pulled the tote bag up my arm again and started to walk out. The rest had to wait.
“We’ll be right behind you, princess,” Mason called, wiggling his fingers as I went.
It felt wrong to leave without them, but this was what being independent meant. I couldn’t depend entirely on my pack this time, I had to be myself too.
The walk to the arena was frigid but kind of nice. It reminded me that I could, in fact, handle this new life. I didn’t need an entourage of bodyguards as much as they wished for the opposite.
The arena was still quiet when I walked in. The low lights were on, meaning they weren’t blinding, and the familiar hum of the Zamboni smoothing the ice for practice was the only sound that greeted me.
It was a familiar one, and the urge to get out there and skate on the freshly smoothed ice was strong.
I’d have to talk to Coach and see if he would let me skate from time to time. The hockey players could tear up the ice, so I probably couldn’t do it until it was smooth, but I wanted to get back out there and reignite that part of myself.
I pushed open the door to the kitchen and flicked on the lights. It was more familiar now. I felt like I belonged here, not like I was simply borrowing it.
A pile of used containers was waiting for me in the sink, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the sight. It meant the team had been eating the meals I left for them.
Instead of heading for it, I went to the fridge, opening up the double doors and smiling even more when I saw it was almost empty of the meals and drinks I prepped.
It was full of groceries, meaning the delivery arrived. Coach had a deal with the local grocery store. They’d deliver and put everything away for an extra fee that the league covered. It was still on a trial basis, but it felt like we were heading in the right direction.
I set my bag on the counter and pulled out the speaker dock I’d bought for the kitchen. It was bright pink, which I hoped meant no one would borrow it and forget to return it.
Pulling up my cooking playlist, I put it in the dock and started it, tying on my apron.
As the first beats of the song hit, the kitchen came to life. This was my happy place; I didn’t even mind the pile of dishes waiting. I liked feeling needed.
I quickly got to work washing the containers and checking my menu against the grocery order, making sure I’d gotten everything I needed.
Then it was onto cooking. The smell of spices quickly filled the kitchen, and I sang along to the songs as I worked.
I was so involved in my tasks that I didn’t realize anyone had come in until Mason’s smoky voice joined mine, belting out the song with enthusiasm to match mine.
An undignified shriek escaped me, the pan fumbling in my hand. It absolutely would’ve flipped and burned me if not for a strong body pressing against my back, hands engulfing mine and steadying me.
“You can’t scare somebody who has a hot pan like that,” Kieran chastised Mason without moving from behind me.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. It did nothing against the heady aroma of the alpha’s brandy, pear, and clove scent. It was spicy, sweet and warm as it wrapped around me, drowning out the smell of cooking.
It settled in my chest as if it belonged, warming me from the inside out.
Something had shifted, just like with Cade. It was stronger now. Sweeter. And the reaction I had was different, too.
“Thanks,” I managed, though it came out husky and strange.
“Give the lady some breathing room,” Lennon said, pulling Kieran away by his collar and depositing him on a nearby stool.
As much as I was grateful for the moment to actually breathe, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. I wanted him that close.
I liked it and so did my omega. She was finally perking her head up again.
Turning back to the stove, I took a moment to gather my wits, stirring the chopped bacon in the pan.
