Page 42 of Never Bet Against A Hockey Player

I needed some omega advice.

Chapter

Twelve

Dhara

“You seem unusually chipper today,” Lydia accused as I walked into work the next day. Gavin grunted and just walked away from me. He was grumpy today.

“Well, this is a change of pace. Aren’t you guys usually the opposite?” Lydia teased.

I wasn’t about to tell her about mine and August’s arrangement.

“Mom was out of town last night. Or rather, she wasn’t there when we got home,” I said. It wasn’t an outright lie, but it definitely wasn’t why I was smiling.

Between my afternoon with August and her not being home, I felt more levelheaded and calm than I had in ages. I didn’t have that lingering anxiety this morning. I wasn’t walking on eggshells as I got ready this morning and was able to take my time.

I’d even had time to brush on a little makeup and twist my hair into an actual hairstyle for once.

It was strange how much more confident and in touch with my omega I felt after one night with August, and we’d barely begun.

“Seriously, Lydia, thank you so much for giving me the day off yesterday. I think that’s most of this good mood. I just really, really needed it.”

She gave me a knowing smile. “We’ve been trying to tell you for years that you work too much.”

She held up a hand before I could protest.

“I know exactly why, but that doesn’t mean we can’t spot you a paid day off here and there.”

“Lydia, no!” I protested. “You already pay me a decent wage, and I get tips on top of that.”

“Girl, you haven’t taken a single vacation day or sick day in years. It’s the least I can do.”

“Alright, alright,” I said, not even in the mood to argue with her.

“I hear the Renegades have away games coming up,” she said conversationally.

Disappointment flooded me at the thought of them being out of town. The thought of being alone in South Lake without them terrified me. I hadn’t realized how much just knowing they were here made me feel safe.

She read the disappointment all over my face and swatted me with the bar towel she was using to wipe down the counter.

“Just a day off, my ass,” she cackled.

The chime above the door rang, and I turned around. Thank god for a well-timed interruption.

I expected August to walk in, but it was Lachlan this time.

His hair was still damp from a shower, and even from across the room, the slight breeze brought his scent right to me. His blue eyes were always stark against that red hair. He had the kind of presence that commanded a room.

Or maybe that was just me being drawn to my mate.

“Go get your table,” Lydia said. “I’ll tease you later.”

I shot her a glare, but secretly, I was all too happy to get a moment with one of my packmates.

Having August was great, but it also had me feeling a little guilty that I hadn’t spent more time with the other two. I wanted to get to know them as well.

“Hey, Lachlan,” I said, offering a tentative smile.