Finding the Forward, Part One (HockeyVerse)

Chapter Two

Verity

W hat if I want to be taken advantage of? My cheeks burned. Why did I say that? It sounded so silly and desperate.

Today had been dreadful. This cute guy, who I was pretty sure was a professional fútboler, could make it all better.

I didn’t recognize him. Surprising, since I watched a lot of fútbol. But there were domestic leagues I didn’t follow. He probably played for one of them.

Who knew they made fútbolers so big? Certainly, there hadn’t been any on the teams I’d played on. Especially in undergrad. Tasty.

“Are you sure about that?” Grif gave me a sultry look.

A giant hand worked its way up my bare leg, sending shivers through me. Good thing the plane was dark and we were under a blanket.

“Yes,” I gasped, as his hand didn’t stop.

From the moment I laid eyes on the enormous, well-dressed man, my core burned with desire in a way it hadn’t in a very long time. I wanted him. He was beautiful with his shaggy red hair, bushy red beard, and big green eyes. His arms were monstrous–and so were his legs.

And those hands...

Those large, rough, pale hands.

Grif wasn’t just tall, he was a very big boy. His nose looked like it had been broken a time or two, but that only added to his appeal, as did his plaid, long-sleeved button-down.

Gentleman lumberjack. Yum. He could chop down my trees anytime.

Though alpha-sized, he smelled of beta, of summer rain. Better for me because alpha females like me weren’t made for alpha dicks.

Also, I liked my guys larger than me. With my height, I rarely found that outside of alphas. Sadly, alphas didn’t usually do it for me.

Oh yeah, take me. Haven’t fucked on a plane since I was in undergrad. The parents may have banned dating, but that didn’t mean I hadn’t fucked around.

Yep. Nothing like the day going fucktangular to make you want to hump the random hot guy on the airplane that showed you a shred of kindness.

I was horny. The alpha-blockers I’d swallowed to take the edge off being on a crowded plane did nothing to tamp down my need. Were the air filters even working? The pill looked funny, but the campus clinic must have subbed them for a different brand and forgot to tell me.

Taking these was one of many things that made me less in the eyes of the alpha parents. Well, besides not being able to throw off their barks. But I took alpha-blockers because I didn’t want to end up like them.

Also, I didn’t like flying.

“Hey, let’s get you out of that pretty head.” Grif kissed me, his rainy scent surrounding me as that red beard tickled my face.

Tonight, after everything, I think I’d like to get fucked on a plane by a cute, giant fútboler. One whose last name and team I didn’t know.

And didn’t want to.

This way, I wouldn’t get attached. Even without the dating prohibition, I had no time for love between my PhD, research, work, and family.

This was why I read so many romance novels. Mmmm, sports romance. Might as well live one for the duration of the flight. Take a chance and do something impulsive for once.

Do something for me.

“Too bad my team’s not playing in Rockland. I’d take you back to my hotel and fuck you good. But don’t worry, Kitten, I’ll take care of you. Just be very quiet,” he murmured as he flipped on the extra air filters above our seats.

Grif pulled me into his lap as his hand snaked under my dress and settled between my legs, caressing me through my thong panties, the blanket hiding us.

Kitten . I liked that. It made me feel... special. I hadn’t felt special in a long time. Silly me, I wanted, no, needed, to feel that way. Even for a moment.

Was I actually going to do this?

That large, warm hand slid under my thong. His fingers found my clit, pleasure zinging through me.

I sucked in a breath. Yes, I was.

Under the blanket, he continued to work me with one hand, the other bringing me to his massive chest as he kissed me, setting me on fire. I pressed against him, seeking more.

Turning my head, I smashed our lips together over and over, as if kissing could fix everything that went wrong today.

What would his hand be like around my neck, as that giant body pressed me to the wall, pounding into me as he called me his good little cum-slut?

I gushed at the thought.

Another large finger pushed inside me. I shifted my weight, leaning on him more, opening my legs further, and moving my panties down to make it easier.

“That’s it, relax,” he murmured, slipping in yet another finger, my pussy squeezing around him. “Lean back and let someone else take care of you for once. You’re so busy making sure everyone’s needs are met that you never have time for yourself.”

Please. I closed my eyes and pushed away thoughts about how irresponsible I was being. Pleasure washed over me. His mouth crushed mine again to swallow my moan.

“Ride my hand, Kitten. Drip all over it and take it like a good girl,” he whispered, lips touching my ear.

“Oh, yes.” Sparks shot through me as my pussy throbbed. I closed my eyes, riding his hand as he worked me over.

All the tension and anger built up inside me turned to pleasure. I was grateful for the blanket and darkness.

“Shhhh.” His lips covered mine.

Grif was very good with his hands, getting all the right spots. Time lost all meaning. There was only him. Us.

Another moan slipped through my lips, his mouth once again swallowing it. Slowly, he worked his entire hand inside me, stretching me.

Oh fuck.

The stretch stung but felt so good–as if his hand belonged inside my pussy. He fisted his fingers. An orgasm sliced through me, hard and fast. That tornado of emotion inside me unleashed with such ferocity it hurt. Stars swam through my eyes.

“Good little kitten, you needed that so bad. Keep coming. Let’s see if I can give you more.” His fist kept moving inside me and he kissed me again

Good little kitten. My pussy muscles contracted and released at those three words. I wouldn’t lock him–but I’d still get nice and tight.

“That’s it, squeeze my hand so hard it cramps,” he murmured as his other hand tangled in my hair.

Pull my hair. Take control. Take me . This was exactly what I needed.

“Fuck me, Grif,” I whispered, wanting a dick inside me. It was probably huge, like the rest of him. Mmmm, my big red-haired boy. I felt so comfortable with him, like we’d known each other for years.

“This is the captain, we’ll be starting the landing process soon,” a voice over the intercom interrupted.

Already? Shit.

“Sorry, Kitten. I’d love to fuck that sweet pussy. But we’re out of time. Come for me one more time.” He moved his hand, hitting another good spot.

Another orgasm forced itself out, as if ridding my body of the last of my tension. Breathless, I closed my eyes, resting my head on his chest. I needed a moment to collect myself as my body continued to spasm.

Three orgasms. I’d never had more than one at a time unless I gave them to myself.

“Do you feel better now?” He planted a kiss on my temple as he carefully inched his hand out of me.

“Oh, I do.” I felt better, lighter. “Thank you. Those were the best orgasms I’ve ever had.”

That had been intense. He sure knew what he was doing.

“I’m honored, Kitten.” There was a ripping sound, like opening a package. A wet cloth stroked my thighs and pussy.

“I appreciate all the care you’ve shown me. It’s been so long since anyone’s been sweet with me like this.” Part of me wanted to ask for his number.

No. It was better to just part ways.

“You deserve someone being sweet with you–and you will find someone.” Another package tore open, and he used that towelette to clean his hands.

Giving me a kiss on the head, he helped me get back into my seat. I put my seatbelt back on and leaned into his side, needing the physical contact.

His hands stroked my shoulder as the flight attendant asked us to lower the privacy guard.

I sat up, loath to stop touching him. He put the privacy guard down. I smoothed my dress and hair, then touched up my lip gloss, trying to look like a stranger didn’t just fist me on a plane.

Amazing. Too bad there was no time to ride his dick.

Too bad there wouldn’t be a next time.

“You’ve got this. None of this is on you, and they’ll get over it. You’ll have the best time with your siblings and get everything sorted. Also, don’t be afraid to voice your needs–you deserve to have them met, too,” he told me as the plane descended.

“You’re right, thank you.” I smiled at him, meeting his beautiful green eyes. “You’re going to win your game. It’ll be the best game ever.”

He grinned. “Yes, I will. Right, Lucky?”

“Meow.” I laughed.

The plane landed, and I gathered my things.

He didn’t need to give up his seat and risk his luck. He didn’t have to be so kind to me. Or give me orgasms so I felt better.

“Thanks again, Grif. You’re a great guy. Have a safe rest of your flight and smash this game.” With a wave, I got off the plane and made my way to where I was supposed to get picked up.

I turned on my phone. Certainly, I felt better between the orgasms, drinks, and him telling me that I wasn’t being unreasonable.

Looking down. I realized that I still wore Grif’s hoodie. It was soft, oversized, and smelled nice. Like him and someone else, too. Someone cozy. Possibly a packmate. Whoops. Well, when I got back, I’d look him up and mail the sweatshirt to his team office.

Then maybe if he wanted to follow up...

I texted Creed and Grace.

Me

Here and waiting.

Grace

Great, I’ll be there soon.

I loved her pack. They had a beautiful home. Though I was slightly jealous of her giant omega. Before I met him, I’d never seen an omega so large.

If only I should be so lucky.

Ha, I’d probably never have an omega–or a pack. As much as I adored stories of scent matches–soul mates–I knew, given how rare it was, that I’d never find one of my own.

Sure, lots of packs formed without scent matches. But who’d want a weak alpha like me?

Always the disappointment.

Creed

Delete all the voicemails without listening. I’ll fix it.

My brother Creed and I were six months apart. While I was happy he was in Rockland, living his engineering dreams, I missed him.

Even though I shouldn’t, I listened to the messages from the parents and read the texts. With each one, I felt smaller and smaller.

They were right. I’d put myself first and left them in a lurch.

Yet was their lack of planning really my problem? It’s not like they hadn’t known about it.

My phone rang. Mercy. “Mercy? Are you okay?”

My younger sister and I were close despite our age difference. Also, like me, they underestimated her, and I hated that. I wouldn’t let them dash her dreams of going pro like they had mine.

“How dare you disobey me? ”Mumsy yelled. “I need you to be responsible and help so that your dad and I can go to London and get our life situated–”

Of course she had to take Mercy's phone. Because she knew I'd answer. Shit.

“What about mine?,” I snapped back. “I’m always sacrificing things for you. It killed me to turn down a chance to play fútbol for a top university to stay close. Giving up the chance to go pro because you needed me more was devastating. I dropped a class this semester so I could do pickup for the littles.” My voice rose as everything I’d been holding in for years tumbled out.

My needs were always last. I was tired of it.

“Stop being dramatic, Verity,” she retorted in her British clip. “You wouldn’t have lasted two seconds on a real sports team or at a top university. Honestly, it’s disgraceful you even considered it. Maybe I shouldn’t leave Mercy with you. You’ll only encourage her. She won’t last in pro sports, either. She needs to pick a practical occupation.”

“ I’m being dramatic?” I huffed. “Why is it that when I ask for my needs to be met, I’m dramatic? Why does no one ever drop anything for me?”

“Respect is earned. ”

I stared at the phone in my hand as she continued to rant. It hit me in the chest. No matter what I did, I’d never, ever get the respect of the alpha parents.

Tears pricked my eyes.

Alphas don’t cry.

“Verity, are you listening? You will–”

“I won’t.” It came out more like a sob. I hung up, laid my head on my knees, and cried. My heart ached.

A horn honked, and I looked up. The window rolled down on a sleek sedan.

“Get in the car, we’re going for ice cream. Jesus, you’re crying. Spence, get her bag.” A tiny blonde woman with big gray-blue eyes and short hair leaned out of the window.

My older sister, Grace, tumbled out of the car and threw her arms around me. She was four foot ten to my almost six foot in flats. Her scent was reminiscent of peaches and ice cream. I also caught whiffs of her mates.

Spencer, one of her alphas, a dark-haired, sophisticated Greek genius, got out, grabbed my things, and put them in the trunk.

Leaning into my big sister, I sobbed and sobbed. She understood how awful the parents could be.

“I’m so sorry they're being shitty to you. Spend the summer with us. Mercy can stay, too. I know you have research to do over break, but Spence owns a biotech company. We'll figure it out.” Grace led me to the car.

“I’ll help where I can,” Spencer added as he got into the front seat.

I stumbled into the car, feeling a little dizzy. “Whoops, too many plane drinks.”

She sat next to me in the back instead of the front with Spencer. “They can be such assholes.”

Grace had a complicated relationship with the parents–and rightfully so.

She rolled down the windows. “You smell weird, but planes, am I right?”

Oh. I would smell weird.

“I’m excited to hear about your trip,” I told her. She’d recently had the most amazing wedding I’d ever attended, then gone on a fancy vacation with her pack to celebrate.

My phone kept ringing. Taking a deep breath, I silenced my phone, making sure my location was off. A tingly sensation shot through my hand, and I squeezed it a few times. I must have been leaning on it funny or something.

“We’re glad you’re here.” Spencer glanced at me in the rearview mirror.

“I need a break. I just can’t do it anymore,” I sobbed. “It’ll never be enough. I’m tired of having to sacrifice everything for them.”

While I’d always had responsibilities, it hadn’t always been like this. Mom going to jail last year was a turning point. As was Creed moving away.

“Verity, I love you, but you need to stop setting yourself on fire to keep others warm,” she told me. “You’re right. Nothing will ever be enough for them. However, you are enough. More than enough. If they don’t appreciate it, fuck them.”

“You think so?” I paused. Deep down, I knew I was–or at least I used to be. But hearing it from her affected me differently.

“Yes, you’re amazing. It’s time to stop sharing your amazingness with people who don’t acknowledge it. We will figure this out.” Grace squeezed my shoulder with a tiny manicured hand that wore a massive emerald ring.

Spots swam in front of my eyes.

“Are you okay?” Grace asked, concern in her voice.

“I’m fine. Everything’s a little spinny.” I should eat something and drink water.

“Spence, something’s wrong.” Her voice got tight, and her peach scent took on notes of anxiousness.

“I’m fine,” I brushed it off, not wanting her to worry about me. Pain bloomed in my head, and everything went red.