Page 46 of Slick Handling

“It’s okay. I’ll take care of her enough for the both of us.” Squeezing his shoulder I’m off the bus just as Coach is turning to get on.

He looks me up and down and grunts.

“You’re a scratch for the game?” I nod my head, “Figure this shit out with your pack, Griffin. I don’t want to hear from Apollo about how he can’t find his Beta or hear about all the shit that he throws at me.” The bus doors close behind him.

I’m fully invested in fixing this now.

Apollo already went inside the hotel so I stop at the reception desk, pasting my best smile on my face.

I know I’m good looking. The shaggy dirty blonde hair that’s styled like a 90’s heartthrob, my lips are plush and pink enough that people stare at them like they want to know what I can do with them, and I’m a college athlete about to go pro. I’m in the best shape of my life and carry it well.

Leaning forward, my elbows resting on the desk, I wink at her. It makes my stomach turn when she blushes.Huh. That’s new. Usually flirting is fun and I enjoy the give and go of it. This? This just feels dirty and wrong.

“Hey, I’m so sorry to bother you, but I have a little problem.” I have a huge problem and I think if I don’t fix it my Beta is going to commit murder and my Alpha is going to help dispose of my body, “I left my bag in my friends room last night and they already left. Could I get the key to 401?”

The way she looks makes me aware that she should be saying no. Hell, if anyone gave a key out to my room I'd be outraged, but I can’t think of what’s right or what’s wrong.

All I can think about is how I’m going to cuddle my little weed.

“I really shouldn’t do this but,” Her eyes flick down to the computer in front of her like she doesn’t want to meet my eyes, “You said they’re just a friend?”

I wouldn’t go as far as saying that Clover is my friend, but I do plan on getting there with her so...Enh.

It’s a white lie.

“Yes, my friend.” She nods her head, taking out a card holder and writing something on it. She taps a piece of plastic handing it over to me, “Aren’t you just a lifesaver.”

I don’t hear her reply and take off.

I’m jogging up the stairs, not even bothering with the elevator to get to Clover. I’m stopped when I see McKinley at the door. His head against it as he holds a tray of what looks like comfort food.

When he hears me approaching he looks up, eyes narrowing and a sneer on his face.

‘Go Away’ he mouths, not wanting to talk in case the Omega is listening.

Stepping over him, I tap the card against the door, watching the way the Beta falls back with an ‘oomph’. Good thing Apollo wasn’t here to scold me about his pet. I’d probably get told I’m abusing his animal.

Stepping over him, before he can grab my ankle and take me down, I start sniffing out the Omega.

I had expected her to be in bed, but she’s missing. Everything is dark, despite it only being the afternoon, and I have to squint to try and catch any sight of her.

“Don’t!” Mick is trying to stop me from opening the bathroom door.

Tough shit.

I push it open and freeze.

The bathtub is covered with a sheet that has been tied around so that it blocks out everything. A soft glow is coming from inside this…what is this? Oh no. Is this a makeshift nest? Is this her hotel nest?

I’ve never been in an Omega nest before so I only have a vague idea of what it’s supposed to look like. That information is all from the Omega studies classes I took my Freshman year. Honestly, I didn't retain as much as I should have and I’m really regretting not being a good student like Mick is.

A sound comes from under the sheets and the phone is lowered before two fingers pull the side of the sheet away from the tub and I see Clover’s pretty blue eyes peering out.

“Hi little Omega.” McKinley suddenly has a chipper tone. As if he wasn’t just giving me looks meant to kill me.

Dropping to my knees I meet her eyes with mine.

“I scared you earlier. I’m sorry.” Her eyes widen and she lets go of the sheet so I can’t see her.

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