Chapter 14
It was incredible to watch our omega help the lefties as they practiced batting. She told us she wasn't the sporty type, but she was a pro, and incredible with the kids.
Not one of the kids questioned her being here, though I did hear one of the older boys ask if she had a boyfriend. When she said yes, he headed to the end of the batting line with his little head hung.
Poor kid.
The afternoon flew by. Soon, the old man was calling for lunch. That was our cue to collect our girl and head to our own practice.
As I jogged to home plate I heard a few kids ask Dani if she was coming back tomorrow. They clearly saw what we did. I hoped that would help heal some of the hurt she’d endured this morning.
I hate that it happened because she was with us. That someone thought it was okay to hurt our omega when we saw nothing but perfection in her. I had half a mind to contact our PR team to help us make a video for our socials, staking our claim.
We all bid goodbye to the kids and hurried back to the SUV. As much as I loved this experience, the constant on the go was getting exhausting. At least we had our omega with us this time.
"You guys are so lucky, you get to help these kids learn the game and encourage them to follow their dreams. We need more of that in the world,” she said. Something in her voice said she’d heard the opposite at some point.
"The same can be said for you, hotshot bookstore owner," I told her.
"That is true, but it doesn't have to do with baseball," she reminded me.
"Stop trying to discount yourself," Cy said, voice stern enough she looked away. "You did great work with the left handed batters. You were a natural and I think the kids enjoyed the help."
She nodded, but I could sense a need for a subject change. I wanted to ask where her love of baseball started, find out more about her, but her discomfort had me keeping my mouth shut in that regard.
"How many boys asked you out?" I asked instead.
"Excuse me? Those little punks did what?" Griff asked as he moved closer to Dani's side.
"They’re harmless," she reassured him as we climbed in the SUV. I opened the door for her while Cy buckled her in. There was something about treating our omega like a queen that made my alpha practically purr in appreciation.
We liked taking care of our girl, even in subtle ways.
"Once we get closer to the stadium, we can grab a bite to eat. Does anything sound good?” Cy questioned as he started the car.
"I’m not too picky,” she shrugged.
"I don't think they have that anywhere nearby," Griff teased.
"Ha-ha, you smart ass," Dani muttered, rolling her eyes at the awful joke. "Fine. Take me to the place that has the best shake."
"What's your favorite flavor?" I asked, hoping that she'd say strawberry.
"Depends on my mood, strawberry or chocolate. Today is a strawberry day," she told us easily.
Yet another reason I knew she was the perfect omega for me.
"Cy knows the perfect place to get a shake," Griff promised.
"How about some car karaoke?" Cy asked as he turned on a playlist.
"Oh, I'm not much of a singer, but I enjoy music," she said.
"Cy is the only one of us that can’t carry a tune," I told her as I settled in for a twenty minute Cy performance. “But who doesn’t love to belt out the classics?”
“Alright, but I get to control the playlist,” I said, glancing at Cy. He gave me the side eye before his eyes flickered back to the road.
“I feel like I’m going to regret this, but go for it, peach,” he said as he handed his phone right over.
It was nice to have alphas who were not just good men, but unconsciously made my omega feel secure.
Opening his music app, I scrolled through his playlists, eyes widening at the top playlist.
A Playlist for my Peach
“You have one for me?” It slipped out before I could stop it.
He glanced my way with that devastating smile on his face. “I do. Just don’t open it yet, it’s a work in progress.”
“Okay,” I said, biting my lip as I looked back at the phone, forcing myself to focus on a good mix. Usually on longer drives I settled on classic rock. The kind my dad used to belt out on Saturday mornings.
Even though they hit me with nostalgia and a bit of sadness, I still loved them.
Today I needed something with a bit more pep. With a wicked grin, I settled on nineties pop. If anyone was going to appreciate those, it would be my guys.
The first notes of “Bye Bye Bye” by N’sync echoed out and suddenly everyone forgot that we couldn’t sing. Though, Jackson wasn’t kidding about Cy. I’d have to carry a bucket for the poor guy. But with his deep and rich talking voice, it would be perfect to read me to sleep.
Honestly, that wasn’t a bad idea.
“What?” he asked when he caught me staring again.
“Just thinking that voice would be perfect to read to me before bed,” I said, not bothering to hide it. I swear I was already obsessed with these men.
“That can be arranged,” he grinned. “But what happens when we get to the spicy parts?”
“We recreate them,” I said with a smirk. All three alphas groaned, scents swelling with that alpha musk that had me squeezing my thighs together.
Damn, I walked right into that one.
“Windows down,” Griff pleaded. “We’re going to walk in the restaurant full of pheromones and get kicked right out.”
Cy did as he asked while I cracked up, my laughter filling the space. It felt like this morning was a whole different life at this point. They’d turned my day around and kept a smile on my face.
We stopped for food before heading for the ballpark and I did get my strawberry shake. The guys parked in a private lot and led me inside, passing right through security. It felt like I was crossing into forbidden lands.
“Dance practice first, boys,” Mandy called out as she walked out of the dance studio.
“Ugh, caught,” Griff groaned, earning an eye roll from the omega. There was almost a sibling vibe between them as she turned a pleading look my way.
“Tell me you’ll talk sense into them,” she pleaded. “Dancing is fun.”
“Come on, I’ll even practice with you,” I promised. That had all three alphas perking up and Mandy clapped her hands excitedly.
“Yes! That means they’ll even practice more. We’ve got a new trend, get your asses in here.”
She turned and flounced away, blonde ponytail swinging behind her.
“She’s nice,” I said as I urged them to follow.
“Don’t let it fool you, she’s a drill sergeant when it comes to dance practice,” Cy said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
They weren’t kidding, either. The whole team was already practicing as the tiny omega barked out orders and counted in moves, correcting postures and flawlessly showing off the choreography.
When we joined, she waved us over. “You four can stand in front. May as well learn it with us so you can help them later.”
Just like that I was wedged in between the entire Knuckleball Knockouts as they practiced the new dance. I didn’t recognize the song, but by round four I was singing with them.
“Okay, that’s enough,” she finally said. “Take a break, but practice tonight. You guys killed it and if you don’t get on the field, Coach will kill you.”
She laughed at her own joke and waved them out.
“You going to watch us from the stands, sweets?” Jackson asked.
“Sure,” I said with a shrug.
“Just wait for us here,” Griff said as they led me to the locker room. “We’ll walk you out as soon as we change.”
They left me in front of the locker room. I felt a bit like a baseball groupie as the other players filed out, giving me greetings as they headed out.
Someone walked up from the opposite direction. One who wasn’t at the dance practice and I didn’t recognize him, either.
“Oh, hello,” he practically purred, making my skin crawl. I gave the alpha a tight smile.
“Hi.”
He chuckled at my curt response, stopping right next to me and putting an arm on the wall behind me. It was a move that might have been sexy from my pack, but not from him.
“I’m here with my pack,” I said, trying to take a step back but he boxed me in. “Can you back up, please?”
“Aw, don’t be like that. How serious is this pack, red?”
I cringed at the nickname. Too many people in my life tried to use that one and it was generally followed by not so wholesome comments.
“Serious,” I said, standing taller and glaring at him. My voice was louder this time, and if it didn’t work, I was prepared to call for my pack. “I said, step back.”
He leaned in closer, trying to run his nose along my cheek but he was snatched back so quickly that cool air whipped against my flushed skin.
“She told you to back the fuck up, rookie. You can’t take no for an answer?” Cy growled, holding him by his throat and getting right in his face as he pressed him into the brick wall. “You like preying on omegas like a fucking creep?”
“Speak, Henry. I assume your voice works despite your hearing clearly not,” Jackson said. His voice was icy cold and deadly as my three alphas surrounded him. Griff cracked his knuckles, jarring me from my shock.
“Stop!” I yelled loud enough for them to turn to me. “Let him go. He gets it and you don’t need to get into trouble.”
“See, she’s fine,” he argued as Cy dropped him, rubbing at his neck and glaring at my alpha.
“No, I’m not, you asshole. Don’t cage omegas in, you fucking dick. I just care more about them and their career, than you,” I growled just as fiercely as Cy had moments ago.
He sneered at me, muttering as he walked away. I didn’t catch the words but Jackson had to hold Griff back, which told me enough.
“I’m reporting this,” Cy said, taking my hand and leading me forward.
He was moving so fast I was practically jogging until Jackson wrenched our hands apart. Cy whirled around, ready to fight, then he must have come to his senses. His shoulders deflated and he blew out a breath, running a hand over his face.
“Sorry, peach. I’m just trying not to kill him,” he breathed out, moving closer and running his cheek over my face and shirt, scent-marking me until he was satisfied. My temperature rose until I felt like I was on fire.
I swear they’d be the death of me.
“Come on,” Jackson chuckled, scenting his cheek over my wrist in a much more subtle way. “That’s enough, she’s already red.”
Groaning, I went to cover my face but Griff stopped me, leaning in and marking me, too. “Don’t hide from us, gorgeous. We like how reactive you are. We need you in the dugout now though. Where you’ll be safe. Oh, and guys, Henry is definitely going down for touching our girl.”
We started walking again and soon I was in the dugout, watching practice. Though, my eyes never quite stayed off of Henry. He continued to glare at me any chance he got to the point I was genuinely worried he’d try to retaliate.