Page 129 of Never Bet Against A Hockey Player

Someone turned on music and our attention shifted to the guys and Gavin who were talking and laughing. Everyone looked so happy. This was the normalcy I needed.

“Look at our little group. It’s growing,” Roxie said softly. “Our babies are going to have the best village. Just like Gavin will.”

“He will,” I agreed with confidence. Conrad must have heard because he flashed me the sweetest smile.

“I’m so glad that he found you,” Lana said. “Conrad is the best, most protective brother and alpha.”

“I don’t think I would have been able to take one of those alphas that crash into your life and take over, pushing too hard or fast. He was the exact kind of alpha I needed,” I admitted. He blinked furiously as he caught my words but my gaze was unwavering. He should know what he was to me. How much I loved having him in my life.

“He’s got one hell of a protective side though,” Roxie said. “I’m telling you, you have nothing to worry about with him... other than your grocery bills.”

Lana and I laughed. We already knew how much alphas could eat. The deltas weren’t far behind.

“He’s the one who pays them, so he can eat whatever he wants,” I said. “Plus, he took classes to learn how to cook for me, so he’s our cook, too.”

“I can’t even imagine that,” Lana said, shaking her head.

“So,” Roxie said. “You said you were working?”

“Yeah, I had two jobs. One at the South Lake Diner, and the other was on the team cleaning the locker rooms after hours. Gavin got to play for free if I was on the team. Which is actually how I met them.”

“Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine cleaning up after all that.” Roxie wrinkled her nose.

“Well, when your pack is on the team, they don’t allow them to make the mess. It was usually pretty clean before I even got in there,” I admitted. “Though, I think I’m quitting anyway. We have a lot going on.”

The girls both let out little huffs of agreement.

“So, they moved up the trial?” Roxie asked, though I had a feeling she knew the answer.

“They did,” I confirmed, “which is honestly bullshit.”

“Yeah, it is,” Roxie agreed, “but at least it’ll be over faster.”

“And before my heat,” I admitted quietly. “I definitely do not want to go into heat in the middle of that.”

“You don’t have to,” Lana reassured me. “There’s tons of options.”

“I just went to the clinic. The issue is I’ve never had one. They’re going to have to induce it, too. That scares me even more.”

“Oh wow. I’m assuming it’ll be more intense?” Roxie asked, looking concerned. Even when she asked invasive questions, there was an undercurrent of care and understanding.

“That’s what they said. Though if I didn’t induce it would be unpredictable and the pre-heat would be beyond brutal. It was the better option. Plus, this gives us a chance to figure out where to have it. I don’t want Gavin to have to leave his home.”

“You should be comfortable wherever you decide to have it,” Lana said. “I suggest not the clinic.”

“Agreed,” Roxie seconded that motion. “Why don’t you guys just rent a cabin? This area has tons of those.”

“That sounds perfect,” Lana agreed. “You’d be in the middle of the woods, not having to worry about anybody being too close. The guys could relax.”

“That would be perfect,” Conrad said as he walked up.

“See? Nobody wants to be in the clinic,” Roxie reassured me.

“A cabin does sound nice,” I admitted. “I’ve never stayed in one so it will be something new, too.”

“Why don’t you guys get on that?” Lana said, giving her brother a look.

“Already on it,” Conrad said, tapping at his phone. Likely already texting the group chat.