Chapter 9
Bayleigh
Benton pulls me closer to his body, his arm wrapping around me tightly with James on my other side, as we step inside Riptides.
From the way the crowd reacts when we enter, I can only imagine they’re cheering for the hometown team and their victory.
A few people step up and speak to my brother, and I quickly read their lips, happy with how they are congratulating him.
It makes me swell with pride that my brother is amazing and as loved as he is. The only downside is what he would say about me, being interested in an alpha who supports an opposing team. Rivalry is a good thing, right? Maybe I could convert Lincoln from the dark side.
“Benton, I’ve been waiting for you.” An auburn-haired omega with barely anything on steps in front of us, reaches out, placing her finger on Benton’s chest, dragging it downward. Her overly sweet apricot scent makes me cough.
“No, thank you.” He takes hold of her hand, knocking it away before she reaches his cock. “I’m sure there’s some other alpha or pack in here who’d be more than happy to entertain you.”
Her jaw drops and her eyes go wide as she looks at my brother in disbelief, and I can’t help the smug smile that spreads across my face. Omegas are always trying to latch onto him. More for the fame of snagging a professional hockey player than true love.
I want that for my brother. A pack and an omega he can love forever. A sister for me.
Benton pushes past her, heading to the empty table that is always kept available for us after a game.
Matt, the Kraken’s center, joins us. It doesn’t slip my notice how he and James sneak glances at each other, and I immediately want to play matchmaker.
Benton guides me over to the circular table, letting me slide in before him, while James heads to the other side of the table.
And surprise, surprise, Matt sits down beside him.
The server scurries over to our table, her eyes on the men who surround me. If I had any interest in the men around me, all this attention would piss me off. Luckily, it amuses me.
My brother angles toward me and signs. What do you want to drink?
I give an evil smile, a glint of mischief in my eyes. Liquid Marijuana.
He glares at me, shaking his head.
Bayleigh. Seriously. He responds, speaking at the same time.
Come on. You’re here with her. It’s not like anything’s going to happen to her. James signs, having my back.
I can see Benton’s chest rising as he clenches his jaw, the muscles in his cheek twitching.
Fine.
He turns to the server, giving the drink order. James signs for me so I can see that I won the battle and I’m getting the sweet drink.
I got you a water, too. One drink, that's it. Benton signs, as he faces me, speaking so I can read his lips. I also ordered a bunch of baskets of wings and mozzarella sticks.
The server turns and leaves, adding an extra sway to her hips.
James starts signing, keeping me in the conversation as he talks to Benton. “What happened to toning down the fighting?”
My brother signs as well as he speaks. “Hey, I can’t help it if the guy charges at me. I was more than willing to give him a pass tonight. Besides, he had it coming. Did you see the way he rammed right into me? I’d be a pussy if I just let it go.”
“Whatever, man. Did you hear the rumor going around?” James asks, bringing up what we overheard earlier today.
Benton and Matt both burst out laughing.
“Yeah, they’re getting set up with omegas like their team is on a running episode of The Bachelor.
I mean, does the owner really think packing up the team is going to make a difference?
They have a shit owner, shit coach, and more than half of the players have too much ego to play with their heads on straight.
The few good ones they have, are wasting their skills being on that team. ”
And who are those good players? I sign, already knowing the answer but loving that he has to actually say it out loud. What’s a sister’s job if it isn’t to tease and torment her big brother?
He looks me in the eyes, and if I were anyone but his sister, I know he’d only have murder on his mind.
Yeah, Benton. Who are they? James signs, and if he could do it in a mockingly way, I know he would.
The server returns with our drinks and sets them down in front of us. It doesn’t escape my attention how she leans forward, putting her cleavage on display. If I were their omega, I’d be offended.
Damn, this bitch is thirsty, James signs, causing us all to laugh.
Agreed, Benton signs back.
The familiar scent of sandalwood and amber cuts through the air, tickling my nose.
My eyes scan the room, and a group of people step to the side, giving me a direct view of the bar.
Lincoln is here. His dark hair is short and under a ball cap now and his blue eyes cut through the crowd when he laughs.
He’s standing there with two of the Scorpion players.
I remember their faces from when they took their helmets off—Brooks and Grady.
My heart skips a beat. He’s here. But he’s with the rival team. I knew he was a fan, just not that he knew them well enough to be hanging out with them. I can see him laughing at something they say. It’s a closeness that comes from more than just being a fan.
I see Benton out of the corner of my eye, staring at me, then following to see where I’m looking.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he says as he signs. “You know those guys?”
I swallow hard, signing slowly. I met the one at the game. Didn’t know who he was. We bumped into each other, and I spilled my popcorn. He replaced it for me, then sat with us during the game. He seemed nice.
Benton’s jaw tightens, a slow breath leaving him through his nose. His fingers move swiftly as he opens his mouth and speaks, “That’s Korbin Brooks, Milton Grady, and Korbin’s brother Lincoln.” His tone drips with disdain, like the name itself is a curse.
You mean the Korbin from a few years ago? The guy who was with Gina at the same time as you? I ask.
That’s the one. I read his lips as he signs. You stay away from him, Bay. Him, his brother, that whole fucking team. Do you understand me, Bay?
I nod automatically, but my pulse doesn’t get the message. My eyes find Lincoln again before I can stop them. He must feel it, because his gaze lifts, meeting mine across the crowd. For a second, it’s like there's no one else in the room but us.
Lincoln doesn’t smile. But there’s something there—a quiet recognition, a question.
James taps my arm, signing. You okay?
I sign back, Fine, even though it’s a lie. I’m anything but fine.
“Why wouldn’t she be fine, James? You were supposed to be taking care of her, watching her, and you let the enemy join you like you were best friends.” Benton starts off signing, but by the end, I’m reading his lips as he slams his fists down on the table.
“I was watching her, and we didn’t know who he was. It’s not our fault some damn money-hungry omega played the two of you, turning you into mortal enemies. The two of you should be pissed at her, not each other,” James says to my brother as he signs for me.
I slam my hands down on the table, getting their attention, before signing. Stop. Enough.
I’m sorry, Bay. My anger isn’t at you or James. I just worry about you. Benton wraps his arms around my shoulder, pulling me into him, as he kisses me on the top of my head.
When we pull apart, I see Lincoln, staring at me with anger in his eyes. His jaw clenched. It feels like he’s glaring right through me.
My whole body feels wired, aware, like his scent is threading through every breath.
Benton’s still talking, ranting about the Scorpions, about how Korbin’s a dirty player and Lincoln’s no better, but I’m only catching half of what he’s signing. My attention’s locked on the man across the room, the one who shouldn’t be looking at me like that.
Lincoln lifts his beer slightly in a half-toast before turning back to his friends, leaving me staring at the empty space he occupied.
I tell myself it’s for the best. Different teams. Different worlds.
But my chest aches anyway, and I can’t help wondering what would happen if I ignored every rule I’ve ever been told about alphas, rivals, and forbidden things.