Sure, they didn’t like alphas and omegas on the same team, or even opposing teams, to be in a relationship. It caused a conflict of interest. Technically that was against policy also, but there were edge cases that they let slip through the cracks. But what was even more of a conflict of interest was a referee in a relationship with anyone. They didn’t even allow referees to be related to any of the players—not uncles or parents or cousins twice removed. Officials had to maintain neutrality on everything in order to keep the game fair.
“Well, that’s it then,” I said. “It’s been fun.”
“What? I—”
I didn’t give him a chance to talk about our options. I knew what they were. “Well, you’re not quitting your job and I’m not quitting mine. I’m not going to become some domestic omega that sits at home. They won’t let me play in the lower leagues. I’m too good. You know that.”
“Of course. I would never ask that of you. Elliot—”
I swallowed, pushing down the emotions that were overtaking my mind, digging their fingernails into my brain. I wasn’t going to deprive myself of my goals and get in the way of what I truly wanted.
I forgot for a moment that I was standing there naked. The cool air of the room hit me full blast, and I wanted to grab the sheet from the floor.
Silas sat there naked as well, with nothing to cover him.
I might as well enjoy the view. It was the last time I was going to see it.
“I’ll pack a bag. I can go stay with Evan, I guess. Since Rowan moved out, he’s got that spare room.”
Silas scowled. “Elliot. You’re going to go stay with another alpha?”
“Yeah. What’s the big deal? I spend time with alphas all the time when I’m on the road.”
Silence filled the void between us. Silas nodded, his gaze turning away from me. I knew my words held a double meaning. He had to know I didn’t actually sleep with other alphas.
“We can part as friends, right?” I asked.
“I mean, of course. It doesn’t have to be weird at all.” Silas still wouldn’t look at me. He blinked rapidly, looking everywhere but at me.
“We’re done then, right?” I asked. The air in the room came to a standstill. It was quiet, like we could hear a pin drop.
“Yeah. I guess we are.”
His voice had a funny tone to it that I’d never heard before. I almost took a step closer to him. One last hug, one last kiss? But I couldn’t do it. If I got closer to him, I’d never leave his arms.
“Do you need help packing? Or want me to leave while you gather your stuff? You can also have the—”
“Nah, I’m good. I don’t have much.”
“You’re welcome to anything.”
I looked around the space, mentally taking inventory of everything here. Pretty much everything that I had purchased was my gear and my clothes. I suppose I bought the picture of us that was on the bookshelf, but it had been a gift, so it didn’t count.
Not much of anything was just mine. Silas bought it all. He was the one who made this place a home. He’d picked out the bedspread, the sheets, the artwork on the walls. Even the curtains were chosen by him. I had been content with bare walls and windows.
“Everything I need is in my bag,” I said. “Next time I’m in town, I’ll just grab the rest of my stuff. Do you know what your schedule will be?”
“No idea,” Silas said. “I think I’m supposed to go to headquarters tomorrow and meet with a few people.”
“Cool. Well, congratulations. That is really exciting.”
“Yeah, it’s great. I love it.” The man was in shock. His voice was dull and listless. I felt the same.
I could shake his hand, or pat him on the back, or just turn around and walk away. I opted for the last one.
“I’ll see you on the ice,” I said.
“Yeah, on the ice.”
