Page 167 of Puck & Her Blades

I’m finally seen, heard, and valued.

Waking up each morning in a cuddle pile of four men is the best feeling in the world, especially when it leads to the hot, panting fucking like it did this morning with Asher, which makes your toes curl and every brain cell short circuit.

Especially, when three other men lie in the same bed, watching.

I never knew that I’d be into that, but it’s the hottest thing in the world to feel desired.

“So?” I nudge Jackson.

“It’s my surprise for all of you.” Jackson studies the buildings. “You know that our plan is to run a hockey training academy for teenage players, including Betas.”

“I can be a role model.” Asher puffs out his chest. “Weird.”

“And Omegas.” I arch my brow.

“If they’re allowed to attend by their packs,” Jackson agrees. “We can offer special scholarships for them. Then you’re running the figure skating side of things…”

I tilt up my chin. “I’m going to do outreach to encourage Omegas into my program.”

“You’re going to be fearsome. I bet we have a whole team of Omega skaters by the end of the year, love.” Zev’s eyes gleam with pride.

Jackson points at the building. “Well, they’re office buildings for Cyg to help with the business side of the whole thing, a gym, and a small practice arena.”

“Damn,” Asher breathes.

“Thank you.” I throw my arms around Jackson’s neck with such strength that I almost bowl him over.

My eyes smart with tears.

This house is already perfect, but knowing that we can also run our academy here is a dream come true.

We’re really doing this. We’re not only talking, we’re taking action.

This is what change feels like.

It’s exhilarating.

“Talking of sweet Omegas, where is Cyg?” Zev asks.

“He had to take a call.” My excitement dies, and I draw back from Jackson, wrapping my arms around myself. Worry floods through me. “It was the cops. He’s been calling several times a day about Lark.”

Zev’s expression becomes grim. “They still don’t have any leads, huh?”

“I don’t think that they’re trying very hard. Sydney wasn’t charged with anything. Lark wouldn’t allow Cyg to go public about the abuse because Sydney would have revealed his Reject status. Being marked like that for life…” I glance down at the permanent steel bracelet that’s welded around my wrist. “It changes you. Lark refused to allow that to happen to Cyg because Lark’s a good guy. Protective. I think he hoped that Sydney would change, when she saw her own dad being sent to the Alpha Center but…”

“Instead, she ran.”

I nod.

Roarke was charged with a long list of crimes: forced bonding, physical abuse of adult Alphas (more team members over the years came forward with their own stories), and a number of shady business and tax practices.

He was sent to the Alpha Center.

He must have loved his daughter, after all, because he covered for Sydney and denied her involvement.

Three days ago, Sydney disappeared, taking Lark and Millie with her. Legally, she had every right to.

We’ve been trying to convince the cops that Lark and his daughter are in danger and that it’s suspicious.

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