Page 39 of Slick Handling

“Of course they did. She is a sweet little thing who has been through so much trauma. They didn’t think that you could handle having an Omega with that much baggage. They didn’t think any of us would step up to the plate. They think we’re dumb college kids who just care about hockey. Remember when we told them we were going to register as a pack?”

His hold is loosening on me and I take the opportunity to stand up. Griffin gives me a dirty look.

As if I’m going to waste time trying to kill him right now.

When we had gone to register as a pack, Apollo’s mother had asked if we were really ready for that type of commitment. None of us had hesitated and had gone forward with it.

Why were we hesitating now?

“What do you want, McKinley?” Griffin’s voice is filled with annoyance, “Terry knew we were committed to going pro. She understood the time that went into it and what our lives looked like with the sport. Clover needs a lot more care than that. Even you can see that.”

“All I’m asking is that we take these three months and not waste this opportunity. We’re not always doing hockey shit. Apollo’s here now and he's a pro! We have time for Clover. You’re all just scared babies.”

I’m huffing like I just played a whole game. Technically, I did play a full game a few hours before and did a cool down workout after. Yet, here these fuckers have my heart racing again.

If this was another Omega I don’t think that I would be fighting them so fiercely, but there is something about Clover that feels right. The moment that I first got her scent I knew I wanted her.

It was her whispering to Vaughn during his rut that did it for me. Knowing she was uncomfortable and didn’t know any of us but trying to comfort the stranger Alpha. That’s the type of heart I want at the center of my pack.

“We’re not ready for an Omega, Mick. The house is small and set up for our bachelor pack. We’re not ready to grow yet. We can’t give an Omega what they need yet.”

“Careful, Apollo, your privilege is showing. Not everyone can afford to court an Omega with Egyptian cotton sheets and diamond earrings.” My head snaps as Griffin sits, looking at the pack leader.

Is he on my side?

I can never tell with the Alpha. He locks up his feelings like a vault. I’m unsure if he even understands them.

We’re the poster boy pack for men who need therapy.

“If you think she won’t get in the way of hockey and you feel like you and the Omega are a package deal I’ll try.” Griffin grumbles out and I think about how I could kiss him right now.

Never had I thought out of everyone he would be the first one on board.

He had kissed her though. He had also been overprotective of her when anyone in the locker room even tried to talk about her. Didn’t matter if it was a good or a bad thing. Griffin was not letting anyone talk about Clover.

“Also, we’re all sitting down and talking with Clover before Apollo’s parents show up. We’re not going into this blind. She doesn’t know what it looks like to be courted and it’s our job to set a good example. Even if this doesn’t work out, our Beta is right. She deserves a good experience so people don’t take advantage of her.” Vaughn is looking at Griffin like he doesn’t know his best friend.

To be fair, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him come up with a plan to be with a girl.

I didn’t expect him to agree. I figured Apollo would, out of his love for me, but Griffin? That is a wildcard win that I am grasping with both hands.

“I’m sorry I strangled you when you’re the only one with half a brain cell. Glad I didn’t damage it. Actually, I should be thanked since I knocked sense into you.”

The rude gesture he flips me has me smiling as I bounce on my toes looking between Vaughn and Apollo to see which one is going to break down next.

Apollo looks…pissed?

Why does he look so angry?

Vaughn looks like a kicked puppy. All broken and upset.

This is not looking good for me.

“I don’t know if I’m ready to-”

“You’re ready. You have all of us here with you. All you have to do is be nice to the Omega. You already shared your sandwich with her and Mick found you sleeping on the couch with her. Just be honest with her. Start as her friend and you can see if anything happens.” Griffin says as he rubs the back of Vaughn’s neck.I see the moment where he breaks down.

Two Alphas down.

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