28. Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Vivi
Fox reaches over, tugging my thumb from my mouth as their big black SUV rolls to a stop, parking in one of the three assigned Pack Walsh spots outside the stadium. My stomach is a jumble of nerves. Between my parents’ constant calls and ‘we’re sorry we upset you’ texts, and my worries about my lengthy absence from the team, I just want to be back in my new nest.
“We’re going to need to get a spot for Vivi, too,” Dash muses out loud as he turns off the engine and reaches down to unbuckle his belt.
Ty twists and looks back at me from the passenger seat. “Don’t you dare get out of the car by yourself, baby girl,” he says with a smirk, and my eyes roll back in my head at his silly rule. Although the altercation at the nesting store freaked us all out, we can’t let it take over our lives. Plus, these Alpha-Ballers hate it when I do anything for myself. It’s cute, but a little ridiculous, so I unlock my buckle, grab the handle, and swing the door open.
It’s a long drop to the ground, but I’m used to that. Bending my knees, I leap, only to be caught in strong arms. The rum punch scent of my over-eager Alpha envelops me, and he pulls me against his chest, kissing me hard on the lips.
“Knew you were gonna be bratty about it,” he grumbles, but his grin says he expects nothing less. I’m not going to let them tell me what to do—and they don’t really want to.
He holds me tightly against to him, pressing my body flush against him as he slowly slides me down to the ground. My nipples ache at the friction, and my pussy answers the call as slick pools between my legs. Ty’s cock twitches against my belly during the descent, and he hardens. Good, if I have to be horny all practice, then it’s only fair we both do.
His wicked grin shines down at me, and my belly does a slow flip. He bends down, rubbing his face against mine before slipping his hand beneath my cheer skirt. A gasp escapes me when he shoves my scent-canceling panties to the side and runs his fingers along my soaked seam, barely brushing my clit. Ty’s lips crush against mine, capturing my moans to stop them from floating across the parking lot. He then tugs them back into place, patting my mound over the thick fabric before bringing his finger to his lips and sucking it clean.
Gulping, I try to swallow around the ball of lust that’s formed in my throat. And I’m not sure whether to scold or beg him when I find my voice again.
“There, baby girl. Just a taste so I can get through practice,” he smirks, giving his finger a final long lick. “Sweet, sweet cupcake. My favorite.”
A huff pushes past my lips, but warmth swells in my chest, and butterflies take flight in my stomach. I love being his favorite—all their favorite. And they are quickly becoming mine. Dash swings an arm around me as we meander toward the practice field together.
“You don’t all have to walk me to practice,” I object, but the words feel fake on my lips. I want every single second I can get with them before we have to part.
“We know, little omega. But we don’t want to leave you yet,” he says simply, echoing my thoughts.
“And remember, after practice, don’t go anywhere. Just stay nearby! Date night begins the second it’s over,” Ty shouts eagerly from behind us.
They decided collectively that since we’ve done everything ass-backward, regular date nights are happening so we can all get to know each other better. Excitement races through me at the prospect of all the fun surprises. I made them promise not to go too overboard, but keeping these Alpha-Ballers in check is a tall order, so instead, we agreed I could plan some, too.
Three months until my next heat. Three months to get to know them better. They promised they would wait until I was one hundred percent certain about them—even if that meant years—before bonding with me. But I already want their bites, and not having them has my omega instincts feeling bitchy.
The field comes into view, and the cheer squad is already milling around in their practice uniforms. Seeing my friends means parting from my pack, and my emotions ping-pong between being thrilled to tumble and wanting to keep my pack with me.
“I can take it from here,” I say with a gulp, raising my chin and squaring my shoulders before turning toward my own practice. A big, warm hand grabs mine, lightly tugging me back right into a big, broad chest.
My pack circles around me, dropping kisses all over my face and squeezing me between them before releasing me from the crush of their embrace.
“We’re right here if you need us,” Fox promises.
“Don’t leave,” Ty reminds me.
“Mine,” Dash growls, swooping down for a last kiss before whirling me toward my team with a not-so-gentle pat to my ass. My cheeks flush red, but it’s the motivation I need to get moving.
Tam lets out a delighted whoop; jumping up from his stretches and racing toward me as soon as I step foot on the lush green field. The grass squishes beneath my shoes, and everything smells exactly the same; welcoming me home as my bestie reaches me, tossing his arms around me in a crushing hug.
“Holy shit, I missed you! I know we texted a little, but it’s not the same as seeing your beautiful face,” he gushes enthusiastically, smacking a kiss on my cheek. “Jeez, you STINK of Alpha Crusher.”
Tam fake gags as we rush toward the rest of the team.
“Well, that’s what happens when you spend five days having the best heat of your life,” I chirp, happiness rolling through me in waves.
“Happy for you, babe,” he says, completely serious now, giving my hand a squeeze. “Coach is here today, just FYI. She started coming more while you were out.”
My lips twist in a frown, I wonder why. Coach usually oversees one or two practices a week because I run them. But I guess that makes sense. I wasn’t here, and she didn’t want us to lose any time.
“Hi, Coach,” I call, waving to her before jogging over. Nerves tingle along the base of my spine and I push them down. We’ve always had a great relationship, and she knows about my heats. I’ve never hidden my designation.
“Hey, Vivi! Welcome back!” I breathe a sigh of relief when she gives me a huge smile. “There was a complaint lodged while you were out, so I wanted to be here today to make sure everything went smoothly with your return.”
“What kind of complaint?” I ask, concerned. This team is a huge part of my life.
“Oh, look, you’re back,” a snide voice comes from behind me. “See what I mean, Coach? It’s not even her heat anymore, and the omega can’t be on time.”
Fucking Maureen. This bitch again.
Rage lights a fire in my veins, pumping adrenaline through me as I whirl around to face her. Her coppery hair bounces in pretty curls, every single one in place, her external beauty so at odds with the ugliness that lives inside her.
“I’m not late,” I disagree, glancing at my phone to see that I am, in fact, five minutes early.
“Um, no, you’re not. Practice started thirty minutes ago—which you would know if you weren’t so busy getting railed,” she replies haughtily, flipping a curl over her shoulder and narrowing her eyes. “It was in the email. We have to practice earlier to give the field to the football team since they lost their first game.”
Her pointed tone lets me know that I’m to blame for that, too—which is fair. But I’m too busy scrolling through my emails to let it rile me. My heartbeat pounds in my ears when I finally locate the message she’s talking about—opening it to see she’s right.
I am late for my first practice back.
The color drains from my face as I stammer out an apology to Coach, who waves it off like it’s not a big deal.
“No worries. Let’s just get started. We have four months before Nationals, so let’s do this,” she chirps, sending us to our places. My body moves on autopilot, doing some quick stretches to prepare for stunting.
She pushes play on her phone, and music streams from the speakers, and fortunately, I could do this routine in my sleep. But the usual rush of excitement is absent today. Instead, I’m sluggish and unfocused, my mind whirling at Maureen’s accusation that I shouldn’t be captain anymore.
Is she right?
My earlier peace and happiness from being around my pack has dimmed, and I move through the motions, pushing all of my pep to the forefront, even if I’m drowning in worry.
Do I only want my pack now? Have I become nothing more than a needy omega?
My arms raise, legs bunching and preparing for my backflip sequence when the familiar thrill finally zips through me, and my smile becomes genuine. Springing backward, I soar through the air, my hands finding the perfect spot on the ground to launch into my next trick. My legs come around flawlessly, and I glide into a flawless flip.
Suddenly, a hard impact sets my teeth on edge as I spin out of control with a scream before landing with a loud thump on my back. All of the breath leaves my lungs and I gasp for air as I stare at the clouds above me. Sucking in, I try to inhale, but nothing works. Tam’s face appears in front of me, white as a ghost with absolute horror in his eyes. No. No. No.
“It’s going to be all right, Vivi. Try to breathe through your nose,” he says, voice wobbling with emotion as he kneels by my side. Doing as he says, I flare my nostrils, my body panicking when I still get nothing. Big hands cup my cheeks, and finally, something makes its way through. The scent of spring rain instantly calms me as Fox’s handsome face hovers over me, and he caresses my cheeks.
“You’re okay, little flier,” he soothes, and oxygen fills my lungs. Raking my fingers along the grass, I struggle to push up into a sitting position. He helps me immediately, hauling me against him and pulling me into his lap. Dash and Ty aren’t far behind, hauling ass across the field before dropping down next to me, wearing full practice pads.
Sweat drips from them, landing on my skin, as both run their hands over me, checking for bruises.
“I’m fine,” I gasp out, looking at Tam, who’s still right by my side. “What happened?”
Shaking my head, I search around me, trying to figure out what the hell I did wrong. The flips were flawless and completely controlled. I didn’t just fall without a good reason.
“Maureen slammed into you,” he snarls, glaring at the woman a few feet away being yelled at by Coach. His words are met by a chorus of Alpha growls, and the entire team goes silent in the face of their fury.
Dash leans down, slips his hands under my arms, and then lifts, helping me stand. Sighing, I lean heavily on him, still catching my breath as we make our way over to the evil bitch.
“What the hell, Maureen?” I rasp, wishing my voice was stronger. Hearing me, she turns my way, her face filled with hate, and I stagger back in shock. All I’ve ever done is help her.
“This is all your fault. Coach is kicking me off the team. Because of YOU,” she shrieks, flailing wildly. “Marcel stopped paying me because of YOU. And now I don’t have anything.”
Maureen’s eyes fix on me and she stomps forward with her arm raised, poised for a harsh slap. My guys form a protective wall in front of me before I can even blink. It warms my heart, but I won’t let them fight my battles.
Grabbing a handful of Ty’s jersey, I tug at it to open a small gap between him and Fox. It’s tight, but I squeeze my way through the narrow space, only to have his muscular arm wrap around my waist. His hand splays protectively across my stomach, and my heart flutters.
“My parents are going to kill me,” Maureen cries, gesturing at me. But she doesn’t move any closer now that my Alphas have my back.
Psycho.
“Oh my. That sounds like the consequences of your own actions,” I snap, stepping forward, but Ty’s hand drags me back.
“Baby girl, I respect your right to fight your own battles. And I know you can take her.” He drops his cheek against mine, filling my nose with his rum punch scent. His love surrounds me. “But is she even worth it?”
And I realize how right he is. I could scream and rage about her behavior. Lose my shit about how she sent my stalker straight to my door while I was in heat. But where would it get me? What’s the point?
Everyone’s seeing her true colors on full display.
Maureen’s epic hissy fit continues as she complains about needing the money to fund her shopping addiction and how she’s been cheering to catch the eye of a wealthy Alpha. In a tirade, she spews out her jealousy and rage, leaving the team gaping at her. Some even pull phones out to record the madness before security arrives to escort her from the field.
Watching her go, I feel nothing except relief knowing she won’t be messing up our stunts at Nationals.
Time to let it go.
“Well, that was something else,” Coach says, shaking her head as we watch them take her away. She turns to look me over, scrutinizing every inch of my body to check for injury.
“Promise. I’ve got this,” I tell her. “Let’s try the tricks again.”
Dash’s mouth pops open like he’s going to argue, but Fox quickly elbows him in the gut, and he shuts it. Crossing his ripped arms over his chest and glowering at them.
Admiration shines from my coach’s eyes as she nods her head, and we get right back to it.
“Shake that ass,” Ty jokes, and the team giggles, effectively breaking the tension as we all head back to our positions. I blow them a quick kiss, and Ty reaches out, grabbing it out of the air and bringing it to his heart like the goof he is, while Dash and Fox just grin.
Undeterred, I raise my arms again, preparing to flip and twist.
Ready to tumble right into the future with my Alpha-Ballers.