Page 88 of Power Shift

Yeah, he’s fucking hard as shit too.

Our perfect omega nods excitedly and allows her friends to tug her away and toward the hall that will take them back up to the public exit. I swallow past the lust that’s grown thick in my throat.

“Landon’s outside already?”

Dash sighs. “Yeah. He was the first one out.”

“What did he say to her on the ice?” Jasper asks.

I tame my anger with a deep inhale. “Not sure. But he was an asshole.”

“Do you think tonight is still a good idea?” Jasper leads the way to the player-only exit, where our SUV is parked.

“We need to give him a nudge,” I state.

Jasper slows his pace slightly, matching mine. “How?”

“He wants her. His denial is bullshit,” I say.

Dash hums his agreement while Jasper shifts to stand in front of the both of us. We freeze in the parking lot, waiting for him to speak.

“What do you suggest we do?” he asks, hope bright in his eyes.

I wet my lips, glancing at where our SUV sits, the engine running and headlights illuminating the parking lot.

“We know his routine. Let’s use it to our advantage.”

“Be careful, Ronan. We can only push so far,” Dash warns.

I shake my head, anger beating at my chest. “I think I’m about done with being careful. If my option is having Briar be a member of our pack or pushing Landon an inch too far, I’m going to choose the first option. Pack leader or not, he doesn’t control us. Briar is my fucking omega, and I’m not waiting around for him to pull his head out of his ass and risking losing her because of it.”

“I’m willing to give it a try,” Jasper agrees.

I clasp a hand to both of their shoulders. “Fucking good. Tonight will either change things for the better or for the worse. I’m ready either way.”

29

BRIAR

There’sa different energy to the guys tonight, most likely because of their incredible game tonight.

Maybe I’m biased because it’s the only one I’ve been to, but I enjoyed it a lot. The score was high, with the Riptides scoring five goals, and Ronan was in the penalty box once for a tripping call. It almost looked like he enjoyed being in there too, which didn’t surprise me. Something tells me that Ronan is fully aware of every move he makes that could lead to being sent away for two minutes.

Dash had a shutout game, which I learned from Sadie before we dropped her off means he didn’t let the other team score. Jasper skates faster than what should be humanly possible, and Landon . . . well, it’s obvious why he’s the captain of the team. Not only does he carry himself with a proud sense of leadership, but his ability to take control on the ice while under pressure is admirable. It’s obvious he’s someone who can think well on his feet.

I’ve been on the receiving end of his quick thinking a few times already, but not a single time have I enjoyed it.

Wiggling into the couch cushion beneath me, I blink at the movie playing on the flat screen and swallow a sigh. I chose which one we’re watching, but I haven’t been able to focus on it once. My brain keeps going back to the only person not here on the couch with me.

Ronan stretches his arm where it’s draped over my shoulder and runs his curved nails up and down my bicep. Tonight is the first time I’ve gotten a chance to really examine the tattoos that cover the length of his arm. He has a full sleeve, but every design feels important. Like he had each one designed with a story to tell.

The first one—my favourite—involves four stars that circle a planet. It feels like a call-out to us, even though he must have gotten it inked a while ago, long before I came along. Then there’s the hockey stick with the number 5 on the blade and two women’s names, along with a bolded Montgomery.

I settle further beneath his arm while Jasper nuzzles his cheek against my knee from his place on the floor in front of me. He kisses me there, and my chest tightens, the obvious affection from the two men causing my heart to swell too big.

Dash is on my other side but hasn’t made a move to touch me yet. At least his scent is soft and rich, which I’ve taken as a good sign.

“He’s down in the gym, Petal,” Ronan whispers, leaning close to my ear.