Page 97 of Never Bet Against A Hockey Player

“Dhara loves them. I don’t.”

“Tomatoes it is.” I tossed a couple into the cart and moved to the next. “Onions?”

He made a face. “Both of us hate them.”

“I’ll grab one. The other guys might want it.”

He nodded approvingly.

Together we wandered through the produce section, slowly filling the cart. Every few feet, I’d ask another question. Each one felt like I was learning a little more about the family we were building.

The best part was that halfway through the store, Gavin stopped looking like he had to earn his place with me and just relaxed.

When we reached the dessert aisle, Gavin insisted on brownie mix. I grabbed hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Brownie sundaes sounded a little more celebratory.

Was I trying to impress my omega? Absolutely. I wasn’t even a little ashamed of it.

By the time we pulled into the driveway, parked, and headed inside, both of our arms were loaded with grocery bags and I felt a bit more in control of my role as alpha.

Gavin had the front door open before I even reached it. Music drifted through the house and laughter followed it.

“Honey, we’re home!” Gavin yelled as he raced toward the kitchen, calling out excitedly.

I couldn’t help smiling. This was what a pack house was supposed to sound like. Happy and loud and alive.

Not the heavy silence we’d all been drowning in these past few weeks.

I carried the rest of the groceries inside and headed for the kitchen. Dhara was perched on the countertop, phone in hand as she controlled the playlist, quietly singing along with the music.

She looked beautiful. Her face was still bruised and a little swollen, but it made her look stronger.

She’d finally fought back and she survived.

“How was the store?” she asked after laughing at Gavin’s excitement.

“Good. Gavin was a huge help.”

She beamed at her brother before watching me unpack the groceries. I noticed her eyes following where I put everything as she learned our kitchen. I couldn’t wait for her to make it hers, too.

“We talked to his sister,” Gavin announced. “They want to have a family dinner in a couple weeks.”

Dhara’s entire face lit up. “We could host it here. We have so much space. And if the weather’s nice, we could even eat outside.”

“That sounds perfect.” I couldn’t stay away from her any longer. Not when she was excited to meet my family.

I stepped between her knees, resting a hand on either side of her. She leaned toward me before I even moved. Our lips met in a soft kiss that had warmth spreading through my entire being. Just like that my alpha was content again.

When we pulled apart, she laughed. “You guys are way too easy to please.”

“We’re already completely gone for you, omega.”

Her cheeks flushed bright pink. Mission accomplished.

I reluctantly stepped away before dinner became significantly delayed.

Everyone pitched in to help as the music continued to play. It meant our voices were louder to be heard over it but it only added to that homey feel I was quickly growing addicted to.

Gavin spread tortilla chips across the baking trays before covering them with cheese. Lachlan and I cooked the meat. And since no one was afraid of spice, we seasoned everything generously.