Page 28 of Puck Your Bunny

Wally shakes his head. "Quitting mid-season abandons the team. The rest of the roster deserves a shot at the Alpha Cup."

He sets his pen down and looks at me, then at Simon. A silent understanding passes between the three of us. Playing togetherfor years allows us to read each other's minds through a simple glance.

"We finish the season. We bring the Cup home. Then we retire."Wally makes the call.

A knot loosens in my chest. Retiring in our prime will send the sports media into a frenzy, driving the tabloids wild. I welcome the chaos. Trading a hockey dynasty for the chance to build a life with Vayda and Brendan is an easy choice.

I nod, a grim satisfaction settling into my bones. "One last ride. After the playoffs, we wrap up our careers."

Wally picks the pen back up and writesStrategyon the top of the notepad. "Until then, we fit this around our ice time. We hold off on demanding her attention. We skip pushing for a claim. Giving her space proves we accept Brendan."

Simon sits up straighter. "We still need to stay on her radar so she knows she has backup."

Wally underlines the word on his notepad. "Acts of service. We find the holes in her daily routine and plug them. We take the stress off her plate before she even asks."

Taking the weight off her shoulders requires precision. Throwing money at the problem guarantees rejection, as her stance on that remains crystal clear. Feeling like a burden dictates her actions. Showing up with expensive gifts or paying her bills guarantees a terrible reaction. She will rip up a check and throw the pieces in our faces.

Simon pushes off the leather couch to pace the space between the living room and the kitchen. He gestures toward our stainless steel refrigerator. "She's living on protein bars and bottled water. I'll handle the grocery shopping tomorrow morning. Skipping the optional video session gives me time to stock up on real food and fresh produce."

Wally nods, writing Simon's name on the pad next to the word supplies. "Get high-calorie stuff. Text Kristy to find outBrendan's exact diet first to avoid buying anything that causes a medical issue."

The chaotic state of her entire backyard flashes in my mind. "I'll take the manual labor." I look up at the guys, daring them to argue. "Her fence is falling down and the gutters are hanging off the roof. I plan to hit a hardware store tomorrow afternoon for some lumber and tools. Staying out in the yard keeps me out of her hair inside the house."

"Done." Wally writes my name next to the word repairs.

Simon walks over to the dining table and leans his hands on the smooth wood surface. "What about the big stuff? That driveway is a mess and the roof is bound to leak soon. Our schedule lacks the time for major renovations."

Wally picks up his phone from the table. "I'll run logistics. I'll get Kristy to send me the grocery lists and Vayda's coffee order."

Wally lifts his chin. "I'll also call in a property management firm to hire crews for the driveway and the roof. Paying them double guarantees fast, quiet work. Managing them over the phone keeps them away from her door and avoids disrupting Brendan. Insulating her from the crew allows the house to get fixed."

I recall the fierce Beta who set up the entire shed situation to keep Vayda alive. "You think Kristy will actually help us?"

Wally unlocks his phone. "Kristy wants Vayda to live. She'll help us if it keeps her friend healthy."

The plan is set, and we have our assignments. A unified, relentless drive to execute the strategy replaces the suffocating tension in the penthouse.

Standing up from the armchair, I walk back to the massive window and press my hand flat against the cold glass. The city skyline stretches out for miles, displaying a sea of glittering lights and towering buildings. Somewhere out there, miles awayfrom this expensive apartment, sits a fading yellow house with a broken fence.

My chest aches with the distance between us. My Alpha instincts hum with the urge to surround her and bury my face in her neck. The chaotic panic fades, replacing the caged-animal feeling with sheer determination.

We have a solid game plan based on patience. Easing her into this prevents overwhelming her with demands to abandon her life. We will build a new life around her. Showing her we fit into her world while keeping ours intact remains the goal.

Staring down at the street traffic below reinforces my purpose. I will fix her fence. Proving my ability to protect her day after day drives my every action. I will shoulder the weight of her past and present, disabled bonded Alpha and all.

The image of Brendan sitting in that customized wheelchair flashes in my mind. The Alpha scent rolling off him normally triggers a competitive instinct, yet here it sparks my need to provide.

Surviving a tragedy stripped him of his mobility, his voice, and his independence. Keeping his mate by his side is my promise to him. Easing his mind about her safety becomes my responsibility. He can rest, knowing she has Alphas to care for her.

Chapter 11

Isit settled deep in Wally's lap on the bare mattress. I thrust my hips forward, chasing the intense friction of Simon driving his cock deep into my slick pussy. Simon kneels in front of me and holds my thighs spread wide. His grip leaves dark bruises on my pale skin. Wally sits right behind me, keeping me anchored. He presses flush against my back. His massive chest provides the perfect leverage. He reaches his arms around to twist my nipples between his calloused fingers. The double stimulation forces a breathless scream out of my throat.

The air in the shed is thick with sweat and the overwhelming scent of bergamot, leather, amber, and sea breeze. Kel sits against the far wall. His dark eyes track every single thrust. He waits for his turn to ruin me.

Simon growls low in his chest. The swollen knot at the base of his shaft nudges against my slick opening with every thrust. He builds the friction until he can't hold back anymore. He drives his hips forward, forcing the thick bulb past my tight entrance. The stretch pushes my inner walls to the limit. His hot cum floods my tight core. My body clamps down around him, milking every last drop. The resulting orgasm hits me like a freight train. It shatters my senses and drags me under.

My eyes snap open. I stare at the water stains on the ceiling of my guest bedroom.