Page 81 of Puck & Her Blades

“How did you bond with Zev and Cygnus?” I send out soothing pheromones to help him, and it seems to work.

“Because those bonds suited Father,” he replies. “When I requested to bond with Ash, however, he refused. Zev tried as well but he’s on the same contract and was turned down.”

“Have you asked about me?”

“It’s complicated.” Jackson draws away from me, taking a couple of steps back and instantly, I feel colder. “But know that all four of us have pleaded for you to be allowed to become a bonded member, rather than a dependent, and all four of us have been denied. We thought that if you were publicly selected, then it was our best chance because then, how can Roarke deny us?”

My heart lights with hope.

They all want me, even Zev…?

“So, that’s the plan?” I demand. “I know that we’re a scent match. But you still don’t really know me.”

Jackson turns away from me, pacing up and down. “Funny story. Just keep in mind that you said you didn’t mind, if I was a stalker.”

My eyes widen.

What the hell is he going to say?

Jackson stops, turning to me with an icy gaze that pins me in place. “I first saw you two years ago, when we shared a rink. Like me, you were deeply committed and dedicated, working with this immense passion. I admired it. Then I watched you at different contests. I was entranced. You gave me goosebumps. When you skated, I felt like I could see your emotions in each spin and jump. You were graceful. You moved like the winter wind.”

In shock, I stare at him.

He’s lost in the memory now, and for the first time, he’s smiling.

It transforms his face.

He doesn’t merely look handsome.

He looks divine.

He’s praising me, and it’s calling to every Omega instinct in me.

At the same time, his respect for me that has nothing to do with my dynamic is doing something for me, which no other man has.

This Alpha is treating me like a liberal would, no matter that he comes from a Traditional pack.

He’s talking to me as one professional to another with genuine equality.

How can I not fall for him?

“You watched my performances?” I whisper.

Jackson’s smile widens, and my heart melts. “Your routines were magical. They came from your heart with genuine courage. I was awed at what you were trying to achieve, in the same way that Ash takes away my breath every day at the battle he’s fighting. He’s the first Beta in the Alpha NHL, but the fact that he’s the highest scorer has nothing to do with that. And the fact that you were the best skater on the ice had nothing to do with you being an Omega. At the same time, you were an inspiration, and not only to Omegas.”

My eyes are bright with happy tears. “Thank you.”

He looks down, and his smile fades. “Don’t thank me. Before your accident, Father agreed our bonding, if it was okay with the Monroes and you.”

“What?” My knees buckle.

Jackson dives forward and catches me.

He pulls me to the metal bench and helps me to sit next to him. He loops his arm around my shoulders and pulls me to rest my head on his hard chest.

But I feel hollowed out.

Numb.

---