4. Chapter Four
Chapter Four
Vivi
Marching toward the three enormous, sexy-as-sin Alphas was intimidating enough. Keeping myself from perfuming and slicking in front of them was even harder. But standing close to them and keeping my omega at bay is next to impossible.
The biggest of the three, Dash, has long dark hair twisted up into a man bun and a sleeve of tattoos that my fingers itch to trace and explore. He’s the biggest star, and also the biggest alpha-hole of the pack, always telling people what to do and barking when things aren’t exactly right. Ty stands slightly behind him, a bundle of energy just waiting to overwhelm you. But he always seems nice, if a bit overly exuberant. His hair’s dyed green, the team color, and stands on his head in a ridiculous mohawk. It’s eye-catching and cute, and so Ty that it makes my heart flutter. Fox is with them as well, the tips of his ears red, his dark hair cropped close, looking completely out of place with the other two.
Nervously, I play with the hem of my black shorts as I walk forward. We’ve never spoken before, but I know all about Pack Walsh. Hell, all of Oriania knows who they are after they forged ahead to get into the playoffs last year. The team was losing, but then they had an insane comeback after Ty got traded to the team. The second they all connected, everything just clicked for the team. Then, to the surprise of the nation, the season ended, and they decided to form a pack.
Get off my field. Get off my field.
Chanting in my head as I get closer helps to strengthen my spine, and I press my shoulder blades together. Even though they’re Alphas, I can do this.
Every step toward them is harder than the last. Jeez, the green grass goes on for miles, and it takes forever for me to reach them.
“How can I help you?” Dash asks, and all of my bravado flees. Up close, he’s even bigger than I thought. So much larger than Marcel. The realization makes my stomach clench. All the words fly right out of my head, and I gasp for air as his presence completely overwhelms me. And boy, is that a huge freaking mistake.
Dash’s dark chocolate scent envelopes me, and the surrounding commotion slows to a standstill. We’re talking, arguing, but I can’t get past his scent. I hope I’m being witty, standing on my own—strong, not weak.
My mouth waters, and my inner omega crows. Mate. Alpha. Mine.
This cannot be happening. Scent sympathy is so uncommon that it’s practically a myth. My heart gallops, threatening to beat out of my chest. The world narrows to nothing more than his scent and a rush of desire as dark chocolate snakes around me. My words become stuck in my throat, and then Ty, happy-go-lucky hottie that he is, steps forward, adding his rum punch to the mix.
A wave of dizziness sweeps over me, and I lock my knees to keep from falling.
Their essences shouldn’t go together, but they do, and I can barely hold myself back from leaping into their arms and begging for their bite. My nipples become rock hard and overly sensitive behind the thin material of my sports bra. My pussy pulses, sending slick gushing into my scent-blocking panties.
Holy shit. I need to get out of here fast before all of my blockers fail. I’m not looking for an alpha, much less three Alpha-ballers.
“My name is Vivi, not princess,” I cry like a madwoman. “And we are athletes who deserve the space just like you. Get off MY field before I tell management about your behavior.”
My ability to talk is holding on by a thread, and although I want to appear outraged, I’m quickly losing the battle.
A frenzy builds within me when Fox’s spring rain wafts my way—and it’s game over. The crescent-shaped birthmark on the nape of my neck that brands me as an omega suddenly burns and I slap my hand against it. A warmth rolls over me; my core clenches hard enough that I let out a strangled cry; and my perfume blooms around us. Choking me.
All three Alphas' heads snap in my direction, their eyes growing dark as their pupils dilate.
“Mate,” Dash snarls, finally breaking me out of my panicked state.
“Not your mate, or your princess,” I insist, although the lie tastes like ash on my tongue. My original intention to fight with them seems stupid now, and I know it’s absolutely time to run. “You’re just jerks trying to take over my team's space. Today, it’s fine. We’re finished anyway. But don’t do it again.”
With that final thought, I whirl around so fast that tendrils from my topknot fall out and slap against my face. A mortified flush covers my chest. I must look like an idiot.
“Vivi, wait!” one of them shouts, but he doesn’t add his Alpha bark. I don’t need to listen, so I take off across the field. My legs pump as I fly toward my squad, eager for the safety of the familiar.
Tam’s eyes widen as he holds out his arms to me, and I hurl myself into his chest. Trembles work their way into my legs threateningly, and my teeth chatter.
“Are you okay, V?” he whispers in my ear while keeping his eyes trained on the Alphas still on the other side of the green. “They look mad. Fox is holding Dash back. What happened?”
Tam’s warmth and friendship wash over me, even though something wild has awakened in my body. A savage need pulses through me so intensely that my instincts scream for my nest. And I can’t deny them. Not for another moment.
Maureen gets closer, snickering. “I guess you couldn’t get the big bad Alphas to give us the field, huh, Captain? Smells like they got you all needy for some knotty times. Pathetic omega.”
Twin flames of embarrassment redden my cheeks, and I huddle further into Tam’s chest while her laughter rings out. But I know I can’t hide and let her undermine me. Clasping my shaking hands together, I turn to stare her down.
“No, you’re right. I couldn’t get them to give us the field back, but I will take this up with management so it doesn’t happen again. Unfortunately, we need to leave and let them practice for today. But everything else remains as scheduled,” I say, proud of the strength in my voice.
“We’ll cheer at the scrimmage tomorrow, then prepare for the competition after it’s over. Let’s get some rest and try again,” I continue, but my gut twists when I notice the three Alphas haven’t moved, their eyes still trained on me. Stepping forward, I grab my bag, dismiss the squad, and rush for the exit.
My core clenches again.
This cannot be happening.
Sweat pops out on my skin, and panic fills my body.
Please don’t let my heat come early.