“We have a dinner to get ready for and a game tomorrow. I’ll figure it out later. But no promises.”
As far as I was concerned, my father could get fucked.
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Roxie
“You know, it’s kind of surprising how well they’re getting along. I feel like I should be nervous,” Lana stage-whispered it to me.
“Oh, come on,” Kieran said. “We’re not that bad.”
“Plus, you made that whole not-talking-about-hockey-or-rivalry rule,” Lennon accused. The delta raised one eyebrow, making a show of looking upset about it, but she just gave a sweet smile back.
“I stand by that. You love your omega, and you’re going to support her. Right, boys?”
“Men,” Kade corrected.
She looked at me, and we both lost it. It was true, though. There had been a little tension at first, but, in here, they weren’t hockey players. We were just two friends introducing our packs to each other.
“Have they started fights over their jerseys yet?” Lana asked, biting back a smile.
As the guys launched into an explanation of why they did that, we both ignored them.
“Oh, yeah. Kota beat Greer to it.”
“Don’t worry. Mine are coming and they’re so much better than his. I got you specialized ones.” I swear he looked so smug that Lana and I had to hide our laughter yet again.
“So, how is Conrad? It’s been a minute since I caught up with him,” I asked, changing the subject before it could turn into a contest.
“He’s good,” Lana said, her voice holding an undercurrent of worry. “It’s felt like something’s been off with him lately. I don’t know if it’s just because I’ve been so caught up with the pack and he’s giving us space, or if something is up.”
“I’m sure he’s giving you space. He understands how it is,” I reassured her.
“Yeah, and he’s been working with the AHA a lot. At first, it was to talk about how to be more inclusive, but now it feels a whole lot like he’s planning something.”
She was trying to be quiet, but I could see the guys sharing glances. This, clearly, wasn’t the first time she’s talked about it.
“Conrad would tell you if it was something bad,” I promised. “He doesn’t lie to you, does he?”
“No, of course not,” she said, her shoulders sagging. “But that doesn’t mean he won’t hide something if he doesn’t think it’s the right time or doesn’t want to worry me. He’s still the same overprotective brother he’s always been.”
Honestly, that sounded kind of nice. I’d always wanted siblings growing up.
“Hey, little bat, do you want dessert?” Hayes interrupted.
The conversation had lulled for a second as Lana worried her lip, but it was the perfect distraction.
Of course, the moment she heard my nickname, her eyes lit up.
“Shut up. That is the cutest nickname I’ve ever heard.”
“I know. I kind of love it,” I admitted, giving Kota a grin.
“They all call me princess. I’d always hated that damn nickname until they used it,” she teased, giving them a fake glare.
Hayes called over the waitress and ordered a round of desserts. A few of the players declined, but we omegas did not, Rylan included.
