Page 60 of Puck & Her Blades

My brow furrows. “I’m never allowed anywhere near the star players. Well, sometimes I am, but that’s only when I’m dressed as the mascot and I’m not allowed to talk then.”

Cygnus looks thoughtful. “Dad is trying to keep you away from the players, so that they don’t fall for you like…” He cuts himself off, sharply. What was he going to say? Like he has? “I’ll find a way for you to talk to him. Here.”

He stuffs the jersey at me.

I hesitate.

Isn’t the real danger that I’m falling for these men?

I itch to smell that delicious scent but I fear giving in to that side of my nature because then I’ll crave it all the time.

Mom always said that scent matching was the ultimate weakness.

Cygnus pushes himself up onto his elbows.

He’s studying me with a sad expression. “There’s no shame in wanting…needing…this.”

With shaky hands, I snatch Asher’s jersey and rub it between my fingers, loving its peaches and cream scent. I allow myself to imagine that his sunny smile and summer scent is truly meant for me and isn’t merely borrowed.

“It’s not weak to be an Omega,” Cygnus says, quietly. “It’s not weak to use the gifts of our dynamic.”

In shock, my gaze shoots to Cygnus’ face.

His expression is soft with compassion.

How can he understand me so well? No one else ever has.

Even Emiliano.

I blink back tears. “I’m beginning to see that because of you.”

“It’s when you believe that because of yourself that matters. I hope you will one day.”

My chest is tight. My throat is thick with tears.

I twist to Cygnus, pushing him firmly onto his back and kissing him, deeply.

I want him to know how important he is to me.

How his strength has already transformed me, even if he believes himself to be broken.

I hope just as strongly that he can see that he’s not weak.

He’s fucking powerful in the ways that matter.

He kisses me back just as fervently, winding his arms around my neck. His gaze is searching.

Finally, when I draw back, he tightens his hold on me.

“I love you.” Cygnus is shaking like he expects me to lash out and run, but he repeats it anyway. “I love you, treasure.”

My eyes widen.

Love?

I never dreamed that Cygnus would fall first but I’m terrified about what it’ll mean.

What happens if his dad finds out?

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