“Nice steel arch.” Sabs ogles the impressive-looking structure as we park in the players’ lot. “I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.”
Large banners ripple down the sides of the walls, displaying huge photographs of the team members. The largest features my face with “Our Ace” emblazoned at the top.
She pauses to check it out while Luca holds the door open for her, her lips quirking in bemusement. “Do you think they could have made it any bigger?”
Luca snickers.
“They could try,” I joke.
I can’t wait to show her what I can do. Her being here gives me even more motivation to kick ass. As soon as we’re outside, I’m next to her, possessively draping my arm over her shoulder so anyone watching knows she’s mine.
As we approach the players’ entrance, I see that most of my team has gathered outside, along with a few of the cheer skaters, Cindy at the helm. I’m guessing the facility manager is running late again.
“Yo, Ace!” Corbin hollers. “I haven’t heard from you since the party, man.” He grins at Sabs, curiosity glinting in his eyes, but he doesn’t ask any questions. “I guess I now know why you’ve been hiding.”
“He’s been a little busy,” Luca says while he and Corbin do their own handshake—a quick mash of fists and slaps they made up a while back.
“Good to see you again, Corbin.” Sabs give him a quick wave.
“I should thank you for your help with Nia.” He rubs his neck. “I’m taking her out tomorrow night.”
“Nice work.” I pat him on the back. Considering he could barely say two words to her mere days ago, an actual date is serious progress. “You’ve got this.”
While Corbin is acting like his usual self, it’s hard not to miss the whispers rippling through the rest of the group. Cindy and two of her blonde clones cross their arms, blocking the door.
“Only players and cheer skaters are allowed onto the premises.” I cringe in response to Cindy’s shrill voice, anger starting to simmer in my bloodstream when she points a manicured talon at Sabs. “She will have to wait outside.”
“Thanks for your concern, Cindy.” My voice is cold, tightening my grip on Sabs. “But the coach has made an exception for today.”
“An exception?” Cindy’s voice goes up a few pitches, reaching a frequency that I’m sure even cats would run away from. “Forher? Why?”
By now, we’ve got everyone’s full attention.
Before I can open my mouth, Sabs steps forward. “Mates have to stay close together during the bond adjustment period.” Unlike the rest of the ice cheering squad, Sabs isn’t intimidated by Cindy. She stands confidently, staring straight back, flicking her red hair over her shoulder to display her bond mark. The sight of my mark standing out against her freckled skin has my cock stirring to life. “Read the SVU Handbook, if you care about the rules so much.”
Cindy gapes at her, her face a kaleidoscope of emotions, her expression morphing from pure shock then to red-faced anger before returning to sheer disbelief again.
“Y-y-y-you bonded?” Cindy struggles to get the words out.
“We did.” I let my gaze sweep over the group in a silent challenge. “Does anyone else have a problem with my mate watching practice?”
Most of my teammates look too stunned to speak, the others responding with a chorus of “no’s.” Not that anyone here would be brave enough to voice an objection to me anyway.
“I didn’t think so,” I growl as the facility manager arrives just in time to let us inside. I suppress an eye roll when no one enters. “What are you all doing standing around? We’ve got a game to win this weekend. Let’s go, team!”
Despite my teammates reeling from my announcement, my reminder about the game has injected more motivation into them as they all file inside, whooping and clapping.
“Well, that went well,” Luca whispers in my ear as we hang back, waiting so we’ll be the last to pass through the doors.
We pause before I head to the locker room. Cindy and her companions are still loitering close by, glaring at Sabs.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay with Luca?” I squeeze my omega’s shoulder, not wanting to leave her. “If that was too intense, we can leave now.”
“Intense? Puh-lease. I’m not some delicate flower.” Sabs scoffs. “I don’t care what bitches like her think. Besides, I have Luca to keep me company. What more could a girl want? Just focus on practice.”
“It’ll be even better knowing you’re watching.”
As I turn to leave, she grabs my hand and tugs me back. I’m stunned as she rises on her tiptoes and plants her mouth on mine, stealing the air from my lungs. We haven’t kissed like this since the night we bonded, and with our tongues dueling, I completely forget where we are. Her lips breathe a fresh lease of life into me as her breasts push against my chest.
