Page 6 of Cleat Heat

Dash’s dark chocolate scent envelopes me, and the surrounding commotion slows to a standstill. We’re talking, arguing, but I can’t get past his scent. I hope I’m being witty, standing on my own—strong, not weak.

My mouth waters, and my inner omega crows. Mate. Alpha. Mine.

This cannot be happening. Scent sympathy is so uncommon that it’s practically a myth. My heart gallops, threatening to beat out of my chest. The world narrows to nothing more than his scent and a rush of desire as dark chocolate snakes around me. My words become stuck in my throat, and then Ty, happy-go-lucky hottie that he is, steps forward, adding his rum punch to the mix.

A wave of dizziness sweeps over me, and I lock my knees to keep from falling.

Their essences shouldn’t go together, but they do, and I can barely hold myself back from leaping into their arms and begging for their bite. My nipples become rock hard and overly sensitive behind the thin material of my sports bra. My pussy pulses, sending slick gushing into my scent-blocking panties.

Holy shit. I need to get out of here fast before all of my blockers fail. I’m not looking for an alpha, much less three Alpha-ballers.

“My name is Vivi, not princess,” I cry like a madwoman. “And we are athletes who deserve the space just like you. Get off MY field before I tell management about your behavior.”

My ability to talk is holding on by a thread, and although I want to appear outraged, I’m quickly losing the battle.

A frenzy builds within me when Fox’s spring rain wafts my way—and it’s game over. The crescent-shaped birthmark on the nape of my neck that brands me as an omega suddenly burns and I slap my hand against it. A warmth rolls over me; my core clenches hard enough that I let out a strangled cry; and my perfume blooms around us. Choking me.

All three Alphas' heads snap in my direction, their eyes growing dark as their pupils dilate.

“Mate,” Dash snarls, finally breaking me out of my panicked state.

“Not your mate, or your princess,” I insist, although the lie tastes like ash on my tongue. My original intention to fight with them seems stupid now, and I know it’s absolutely time to run. “You’re just jerks trying to take over my team's space. Today, it’s fine. We’re finished anyway. But don’t do it again.”

With that final thought, I whirl around so fast that tendrils from my topknot fall out and slap against my face. A mortified flush covers my chest. I must look like an idiot.

“Vivi, wait!” one of them shouts, but he doesn’t add his Alpha bark. I don’t need to listen, so I take off across the field. My legs pump as I fly toward my squad, eager for the safety of the familiar.

Tam’s eyes widen as he holds out his arms to me, and I hurl myself into his chest. Trembles work their way into my legs threateningly, and my teeth chatter.

“Are you okay, V?” he whispers in my ear while keeping his eyes trained on the Alphas still on the other side of the green. “They look mad. Fox is holding Dash back. What happened?”

Tam’s warmth and friendship wash over me, even though something wild has awakened in my body. A savage need pulses through me so intensely that my instincts scream for my nest. And I can’t deny them. Not for another moment.

Maureen gets closer, snickering. “I guess you couldn’t get the big bad Alphas to give us the field, huh, Captain? Smells like they got you all needy for some knotty times. Pathetic omega.”

Twin flames of embarrassment redden my cheeks, and I huddle further into Tam’s chest while her laughter rings out. But I know I can’t hide and let her undermine me. Clasping my shaking hands together, I turn to stare her down.

“No, you’re right. I couldn’t get them to give us the field back, but I will take this up with management so it doesn’t happen again. Unfortunately, we need to leave and let them practice for today. But everything else remains as scheduled,” I say, proud of the strength in my voice.

“We’ll cheer at the scrimmage tomorrow, then prepare for the competition after it’s over. Let’s get some rest and try again,” I continue, but my gut twists when I notice the three Alphas haven’t moved, their eyes still trained on me. Stepping forward, I grab my bag, dismiss the squad, and rush for the exit.

My core clenches again.

This cannot be happening.

Sweat pops out on my skin, and panic fills my body.

Please don’t let my heat come early.

Chapter Five

Ty

Cupcakes. Damn. I fucking love cupcakes.

Vivi’s perfume is so thick that I can taste it—and it’s delicious. The only thing better would be to get it straight from the source. My mouth waters, my teeth ache, and I’m ready to pounce on the little beauty before me.

“Vivi,” I breathe, but she’s already running from us. Our mate is halfway to her gaggle of cheerleaders before the fog of her perfume clears, and I can think straight again.

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