Chapter 31

Odessa“This is the men’s locker room, Sloane!” Someone yelled.“I can see that,” I said through gritted teeth.A couple of guys reached for their towels or pants while others didn’t mind going commando.“Don’t talk to her like that. Make yourself at home, Sloane. Come sit by me,” a player blew me a kiss, and I recoiled.Where the hell was he? I knew he was here. I spotted Gage coming out of the shower. His hair was damp, and his eyes were round with surprise.“Odessa,” Maverick’s soft yet shocked voice demanded my attention.“What the hell are you doing?” He demanded.I didn’t think this through. It was everything I imagined it would be, though. A room full of oblivious men and a blend of smells.I can’t believe some of these guys believed they showered.“What do you mean, what am I doing? I want to talk!”He stepped forward, muscles tight and jaw clenched. “Why can’t you take a hint? I don’t want to talk.”“Don’t you have the guts to tell me face to face? Are you that much of a cowa

Last Updated : 2025-07-16

Chapter 32

OdessaI should have been gone already. A few days away from this place wouldn’t hurt. However, Walter, the gym coordinator, asked me to clean up the gym because one of the trainers left it in a mess.One of the joys of being an intern is that you never turn anyone down.I didn’t even feel like going home. When I saw Storm, I thought of Maverick. Everything to do with that house belonged in Maverick’s world. I didn’t belong here.I was just the cleaner who went by unnoticed. The shadows were inviting me back in, and I was tempted to go back.“Aww, look at you, doing what all omegas are supposed to do.”I looked up from where I was gathering the dumbbells. Rune was in a petite pair of gym shorts and a sports bra. Her hair fell over her shoulder. She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at me.“What do you want?” I mumbled.Oddly, this was the first time she acknowledged me. I wasn’t surprised it wasn’t a pleasant encounter.“Look at me when I’m talking to you, runt.”She pushed m

Last Updated : 2025-07-17

Evyn

Evyn POV I exhaled and gripped my bag tightly until my knuckles turned white. I was embarrassed for showing up at Storm’s house unannounced. I didn’t know about his accident. I could only imagine what he thought about me, especially after he took me to paradise and back.I sent him a text to warn him I was coming because I didn’t want to run into his sister.The front door opened before I could knock.He stood on the other side in one of those white shirts he loved so much. They hugged his body like a second layer of skin. He smelled like he’d just gotten out of a shower.I envisioned him lathering his body with soap.“Want to take a picture? I can think of a few things you’ll use it for later,” he said, his voice void of emotions.I shut my eyes and exhaled. “Storm.”“Is there something you want?”“Yes! We need to talk.”He scoffed. “I’m not in the mood to talk.”“Hear me out, okay!”“I left your house feeling like a million dollars. I thought we were on the same fucking page!” He

Last Updated : 2025-07-17

Chapter 34

Odessa POVThe test came back negative.“Are you happy now, Evyn?” I sounded more irritated than I wanted to. My problems weren’t her fault.My best friend sat on my old bed. She lifted her right shoulder. “A mini Odessa would have been nice.”“Or a little Maverick,” I whispered.“Ugh, Odessa. You know he’s crazy about you, right?”“Or maybe just crazy,” I muttered.I sniffled. I have to go to work in a few minutes. Being around his scent was heartbreaking and gut-wrenching.“He still has my things, but he said he moved.”“You have to confront him again,” Evyn said.“Maybe not in the men’s locker room.”Evyn bit her bottom lip and nodded. “Preferably not.”I was sure I wasn’t pregnant because I was still on track to have my cycle. I just needed to be sure.“You know what, forget about Maverick!”“What? You just told me he was crazy about me.”“Or maybe he’s just crazy. Let’s go out tonight. Just you and me like old times.”“You, me, Neel and Chad?” I questioned.Evyn shook my head. “I

Last Updated : 2025-07-20

Chapter 35

Maverick POV “That was a good training session, boys, but I’m afraid I might have bad news,” Coach Manson said.The guys and I gave our full attention.We worked so hard for this, what the hell could be wrong?“Weather forecast states there’s a four-day blizzard on the horizon. Even if it ends before the derby, the fields won’t be playable. The derby’s been postponed as it stands.”I groaned. “Shit.”“There’s nothing we can do to control the weather. Once the weather starts to go south, all training sessions will be cancelled.”“Damn, a four-day blizzard. What am I going to do?” Slider asked.“I can think of a few things,” Storm smirked.I rolled my eyes. This couldn’t have happened at the worst time. Being locked in with Odessa sounded like heaven. This was an opportunity of a lifetime, but her life

Last Updated : 2025-07-21

Chapter 36

Odessa POVThe jig was up. Mom called Evyn’s mother to ask how long I’d stay at their house, and the cat was let out of the bag.After the good sob I had when I got home, I felt better. It was like emptying all the filth I felt inside.“There you are!” Mom yelled, throwing her hands in the air for added effect.“Hi, Mom,” I mumbled.“That’s all you have to say to me?”“Mom, I’m sorry I ghosted you. I just needed time to myself.”“Did you get that pregnancy test?”“Yes,” I said through my teeth. “It came back negative.”She planted her hand on her chest and collapsed on the couch.“I thought I was going to be a grandmother. I’m too young for that.”“I’m happy for you,” I mumbled.She laughed. “Odessa, don’t tell me you’re disappointed? Are you really going through all this because of a boy? What did I always teach you?”I paused before I climbed the stairs. It would have been easier to run upstairs and let her rant until her heart was content. I balled my hands into fists and turned ar

Last Updated : 2025-07-22