Page 16 of Omega Makes a Family
"What was that?" Lucas asks, looking at me with a slight frown. "It looked like you had it."
"I did," I snort and try to shake off the thoughts rattling around in my head. "I just misjudged. It's fine, I'll get the next one."
Lucas eyes me for a moment as we prepare for the next serve.
"Look, I just don't think I can stand the gloating if Roman and Seb win this," Lucas says as we stare down our opponents.
"They've been insufferable," I agree with a nod. "Don't worry, I've got your back. I won't miss again."
I'm good at compartmentalizing things. I always have been. It makes life easier when you put things into little boxes to deal with at a more appropriate time. And that's exactly what I do with that stray thought that caused me to miss that last ball. It won't happen again.
We keep playing, the tension ratcheting up each time a play goes in the other team's favor. Oliver is shouting and cheering for everyone, seemingly not rooting for anyone in particular.
We're tied.
The next point wins the game.
And the volley begins with a fierce serve from Lucas that Seb returns just as hard.
The game is fast-paced and full of energy. I can feel the electricity in the air as we dive and run across the sandpit. I send the ball back to the other side of the net with a spike that I'm hoping will put the final nail in the coffin. But Roman dives and keeps the ball alive.
The ball continues back and forth across the net; it feels like ages since we began the exchange. It goes on and on, both sides getting more tired the longer the ball stays in the air. There's no end in sight.
Until finally, I've got the perfect opportunity for another spike. I lunge and hit the ball hard, sending it straight down on the opposite side. Seb and Roman both dive for it, getting in one another's way. The ball slams into the sand and skids a few feet.
That's it. Game point. And it goes to us.
The gathered wolves are all cheering at the conclusion of the hard-fought game. Lucas and I exchange enthusiastic high-fives and grin at one another with satisfaction. Sebastian and Roman are silently sulking on their side of the net though, neither of them making any moves toward us. They're not usually the type to take a defeat so seriously, but I don't really have time to worry about it too much.
Instead, my gaze swivels toward Oliver who is already rising to meet Lucas and me.
He comes forward and wraps his arms around us both, pulling us into a big hug. "Congratulations, guys! You did it!"
I can smell him clearly. The scent of his hair, his skin, his pheromones.
I want him. I need him.
But I swallow those thoughts and try to stay calm as Oliver gives each of us a soft peck on the cheek as our reward. I can feel my cheeks flushing with embarrassment, but I can't stop myself from smiling at the omega.
"Why don't we go get dinner together?" I suggest after a moment. "The three of us," I quickly add. "As a victory celebration."
Oliver beams. "I'd love to. Let's go. I'm starving."
We collect our things and head out, Lucas and I on either side of the omega. I'm not sure how many people will be at the dining hall at this time, but I'm not worried about it too much. All I can think about is the cute omega that’s laughing and talking as he walks between us.
Chapter 13
Oliver
"That was great, thank you, guys." I smile softly as I follow Lucas and Theo out of the hall after dinner. They've been entertaining me for the last few hours, and I've barely had a chance to stop laughing.
"I can walk you back to your room," Theo offers with a warm smile. He's been laying on the charm very heavily all evening, and I'm pretty sure he's hoping to get lucky. The thing is, I might just let him.
I can't explain it, but there's something about him. About both of them really. Just being near them has had me feeling quietly content all evening.
"We both can," Lucas interjects before Theo can offer me his arm. "It's not like I've got anywhere else to be right now."
Lucas has been more shy about showing his interest, but as the evening wore on, he seemed to get more comfortable with it. He's not being extremely forward about it, playing it off as if he has nothing better to do, but I can see the glimmer in his eye as he speaks. I know what he wants.
