I skate over, not caring about protocol or cameras or any of that shit. I need to get to my girl.
"Lexie!" I shout over the noise.
She presses against the glass, and I mirror her, putting my glove flat against where her hand rests. The barrier between us has never felt more solid, more frustrating.
"You were incredible!" she yells, though I mostly read her lips. "I'm so proud of you!"
"That was one hell of a surprise, gorgeous," I say with a grin, gesturing up toward the VIP box before I add, "Meet me?"
I know Coach is gonna want us to talk to the media after this, and I will. We need to capitalize on tonight's momentum if we're going to convince the league, but right now, the most important thing in the world is holding my mate.
Chapter
Forty-Seven
LEXIE
My legs shake as I walk the arena corridors, the adrenaline from our coordinated surprise finally catching up with me. Holy shit, we actually pulled it off. The jerseys, the banner, the synchronized chanting—everything went perfectly.
And the look on Darren's face when he saw the entire arena wearing his number? Worth every sleepless night spent knitting and coordinating.
The elevator ride to the VIP level feels endless. My reflection in the polished doors shows a woman I barely recognize, cheeks flushed, eyes bright, wearing Darren's jersey like armor. The marks on my neck peek out from the collar, and I resist the urge to touch them.
Mine.
They're mine, and I'm theirs, and the whole fucking world just saw that everyone has the right to follow their dreams regardless of designation.
The VIP box door is already open when I arrive, the space filled with the excited chatter of other guests celebrating the win.I'm practically shaking with the need to see my pack, to celebrate this monumental victory together.
That's when I freeze.
Because there, lounging in the premium seats like they own the fucking place, is Mark Werner and his new pack.
My ex. The beta who told his friend I was boring, pathetic for thinking I'd ever be enough for anyone. The man I found balls-deep in an omega after years of telling me he loved me.
And of course, she's here too. Tia. The petite blonde omega with the sugar-sweet voice. She's draped across Mark's lap, her possessive hand on his chest, surrounded by three hulking alphas who must be the rest of their pack.
Actually, now I recognize them. Took me a second without the matching sweaters and the cute golden retriever. Too bad they didn't bring him.
My first instinct is to turn around and leave. Find another way to meet my pack, avoid this confrontation entirely. But fuck that. This is my moment, my pack's triumph, and I'm not letting ghosts from my past ruin it.
I pretend not to see them, moving toward the bar to grab a water while I wait for the guys. Maybe if I ignore them hard enough, they'll return the favor.
"Oh my God, Mark, is that her?"
Tia's voice cuts through the celebration like nails on a chalkboard. Of course she noticed me immediately. Omegas and their superior senses.
I keep my back turned, focusing on the bartender who's taking forever to get my water. Maybe if I don't acknowledge them?—
"I guess they'll letanyonein the VIP box these days."
The scoff in her voice makes my shoulders tense. Every instinct screams at me to turn around and tell her exactly where she can shove her opinions, but I won't give her the satisfaction.I'm better than that. And I'm marked, claimed, and loved by five incredible men who just proved to the world that biology doesn't determine worth. I don't need to prove anything to her or Mark or anyone else.
"Lexie?"
Shit. Mark's voice, closer now. He must have gotten up.
I turn slowly, schooling my expression into polite disinterest. He's standing a few feet away, wearing that fake smile I once thought was charming. Now I can see right through it. How the fuck did I ever love this man?
