Chapter 41
Chapter Forty-One
Julius
“Julius. I need to see you in my office.” Coach Wallace says, coming into the locker room, frowning. Without waiting for any kind of acknowledgment, he turns on his heel, long strides eating up the distance to his makeshift office.
Irritation burns in my chest. I don’t want to get reamed by the damn coach; there’s a FaceTime date with my name on it. Nixie and Vonn are back home handling the big move, while I’m two states away, skating around the ice like it’s supposed to matter.
Me
How’s settling in going? Can’t call yet. Coach wants to talk.
Vonn
Think he’s pissed about my ‘flu’?
Neither of us wanted to leave our omega’s side for this fucking away game, but as team captain, I had to suck it up and come, but Vonn faked being sick.
He’s strongly considering retirement after this year, and I honestly don’t know how to deal with that.
It’s a lot to take in because Vonn hasn’t even come close to achieving his potential, and I can’t imagine being on the road constantly with everyone I care about staying in Tennessee.
It’s been me and Vonn against the world for as long as I can remember.
Though knowing he’s home protecting Nixie and Asher has been the only thing keeping me sane.
I have half a mind to jump on a red-eye tonight instead of waiting for the team jet tomorrow afternoon…
Stifling a sigh, I head for his office, shooting off a quick text to my girl first.
Me
Roll around in that nest for me.
My mind conjures the happy image of my sweet omega, legs spread, wild red hair flung every which way, and her arms out giving me permission to enter her nest. Before I left, Nixie was over-the-moon excited to have her first proper nest, and we promised her a trip to a top supply store.
I can’t wait to give her every damn thing her heart desires.
No one deserves spoiling more than my firebrand.
Even though Nixie keeps insisting that her heat is still a few weeks away, I think it’s much closer than that. Her scent is driving me absolutely crazy, and while she denies it, my firebrand has been broody as hell. Maybe it’s all the upset, but my Alpha senses are tingling.
Before entering the office, my phone pings.
I know I shouldn’t keep Coach waiting, but I tap the notification, eager to see what she’s replied.
Fuck. Full simpage achieved. But the vision on the screen is worth the delay.
Vonn’s taken a picture of Nixie lounging completely naked in her nest, tempting me like a siren.
Her heavy breasts call out for me, and my mouth waters at her little pink slit peeking between her legs.
My pack brother’s head lies on her thigh, inches away from nirvana.
Why am I here again? Yearning builds within me, and I turn, ready to hail an Uber and race to the airport.
“Julius! Stop lurking outside my damn door and get the fuck in here!” Coach Wallace is cross, which is not unusual for him; I’d best go face the music.
My legs are impossibly heavy as I enter the office.
“What’s up, Coach?” I run my hand through my wet hair, wishing I could swap places with Vonn. That lucky prick.
Coach Wallace’s ice-blue eyes stare me down, his face pinched as though he’s been recently sucking on a lemon. He’s silent, saying nothing to break the stagnant air, and I shift from foot to foot to hide my discomfort. His scrutiny goes on forever before he finally speaks.
“What the hell has been going on with you and Vonn lately?” His jaw clenches and unclenches as he waits for my answer. I’m honestly not sure what he means. Yes, I’ve been late to a few practices, but I’ve also been playing better than ever.
“I’ve been pretty good, Coach.” I don’t want to add fuel to his fire by admitting to something that isn’t a problem, so I keep my answer purposely vague.
“Yes, you have been playing well, but you’ve been consistently less focused. And now your packmate is not even showing up at the games. And don’t give me crap about how he was sick. That was the fakest fucking cough I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Taking a deep breath. I decide it’s better to just explain the entire situation than hide behind lies.
“I am sorry for our lack of dedication, sir. I’m not going to make any excuses for our behavior.
We found our scent-match, and it’s been a tough transition.
When I first met her, I messed up pretty badly, so getting back into her good graces was difficult.
And once things got better between us, her ex popped up out of nowhere, trying to claim her son.
” I wince at calling Evan her ex, but explaining the reality is too much, and I’m not sure Nixie wants everyone knowing her private business.
“Vonn and I have been trying to protect them both while juggling it all, but I guess I’m failing more than I thought.
” Once the truth word vomits out, Coach’s eyes widen, and he stares at me, processing.
“Well, fuck. I was expecting some bullshit. But holy hell—that’s a lot for anyone to deal with.
You should’ve told us; we could’ve helped and supported you.
I’m going to excuse Vonn’s absence and ensure he still gets paid for the game.
What do you need? Finding an omega is no easy feat, and it sounds like she’s a single mom, too?
” He sits at his computer, fingers flying over the keys.
“Not single anymore. And we appreciate you doing that for Vonn. Lucky fucker has already bonded her, and they’re nearly inseparable.
” Yearning builds inside me, thinking about her beautiful face, and hoping a similar bond will soon be mine.
“Honestly, I’m pretty eager to get home.
They’re moving into our new house, and I hate not being there to help. ”
“I hear that. I’ll let you get on your way in just a minute.
I wanted to let you know the tabloids picked up on the fact that you have someone special in your life.
There’s been a lot of chatter, most of it quite complimentary, but I wouldn’t be surprised if your mystery woman doesn’t remain mysterious for too long.
It might be worth getting ahead of them and sharing the information that you want shared.
” I nod, hearing his underlying message.
It’s always better when we control the media and the media doesn’t control us.
“Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll talk to Vonn and Marilyn and get it sorted.
” With no further comment, he releases me with a gesture at the door, which I take as his blessing and haul ass out of the locker room.
There’s only one place I want to be, and it’s gonna take me at least six hours to get there.