Page 129 of Power Shift

“I think so. The first time I was in a pair of skates, I was two. I didn’t start playing until I was five.”

“Two seems really young. I imagine you were quite adorable in tiny skates, though.”

“I’ll have to show you my mom’s old videos one of these days. I was a mess,” I confirm with a low chuckle.

“Well, you aren’t anymore. I don’t know much of anything about hockey, but you play with grace. It doesn’t seem possible that you could be a mess now.”

“That depends on the game. I may not slip and fall anymore, but I have my fair share of bad games. It’s hard to work through those ones, but I’ve got the guys with me. Not every goalie is as lucky as I am to play with his entire pack on the same team.”

“Oh, I assumed it was mandatory for packmates to have to play together. Are there many packs in the league like ours?”

Ours.

The others would turn halfway feral if they heard her say that. Shit. There’s a stiffening in my jeans that’s nearly painful. I shift in discomfort, her claim on us having a terrifying effect on me.

“No,” I choke out, trying to subtly grab a deep breath. “Only a handful, and other than just one, all their members are separated. Finding a team that’s okay with keeping a large group of their players tied to heavy, long-lasting contracts is rare.”

“Will Rayton keep you together forever?”

I strangle my knee with a sweaty grip. “We hope so. There’s still five years left on our contracts. We’ve got time to figure that out or what comes next.”

“And in five years, where do you think you’ll be? In your life, I mean.”

Her sincerity is adorable. And refreshing. Really refreshing. The more time I spend with this woman, the easier it is to see why the other three are so obsessed with her. Even Landon, who I didn’t think would ever let an omega in, has shocked me and done just that.

I’m surprised she’s even here talking to me right now instead of with him. Or Ronan. Hell, even Jasper. Do they really not care that she’s going to spend another night alone in the nest?

“Why are you here right now?” I ask, immediately wincing at the roughness to my voice. “You could be with any one of the others.”

I keep my eyes fixed to the TV, unable to force myself to look at her. If I saw the shine of realization or regret in her gaze, I think it would hurt more than I’m prepared for.

Her hand falls to cover the one I’m using to crush my knee. Stroking my knuckles, she murmurs, “I know I could. But I’m pretty content right here.”

“We’re not doing anything.”

“We’re talking, aren’t we? Getting to know each other?”

I laugh without meaning to before finally looking at her. The slight curve to her mouth settles me instantly.

“And you wanted to know where I see my life in five years,” I state.

“I do. Because I have a pretty rough draft of what I want in my next five. I’m curious if our plans match up at all.”

“Is that a deciding factor for you?”

She tips her head, her smile sliding higher. “We’ll see.”

“You know, usually it’s me that’s teasing everyone.”

“Would you like an invitation to tease me, Dash?”

Tightness grows in my groin as I stop fighting my instincts and fall more into myself.

“I wouldn’t mind one, Bright Eyes.”

“Bright eyes? That’s a new one.”

I lean slightly in her direction, easing into the space between us until the sudden tugging sensation in my chest relaxes. “Nobody’s ever called you that before?”

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