11. Sebastian

Chapter 11

Sebastian

The volleyball area hasn't been in use very much since last year. I think maybe some of the older pups might've been playing a few informal games, but other than that, nothing too competitive. There are bits of sticks and old branches, pine needles and pinecones littered across the sand and need to be cleared before we can play properly. Thankfully, with Lucas and Oliver helping me out, it's not too difficult to get things cleaned up.

I'm actually buzzing with excitement at the chance to show off my skills a bit. Having Oliver here to watch my prowess on the sand has my wolf pacing in anticipation. I want him to see me at my very best. I need him to see me win.

The thought hits me pretty abruptly. I need him…

My gaze darts toward Oliver for a second, and I realize that I desperately want to be closer to the omega. My wolf is practically trying to drag me to the other side of the sandpit where Oliver is using a rake to sift through the sand for any hidden debris.

The pull is undeniable, and when he looks up to meet my gaze, I feel an electric spark in the air between us. We're destined for one another. Meant to be together.

That's it, I decide at last. If Roman and I win today, I'm going to ask Oliver to be my mate. I'd be an idiot to pass up the opportunity, and right after a victory seems like the perfect time to do it.

Losing is never an option for me, but this time, the stakes are even higher.

"Here they come," Lucas says, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I look up, following his gaze to see the other two members of our group approaching.

Roman, looking slightly less grumpy than normal, and Theo, who always looks a bit like he's trying not to laugh.

"So, are we playing?" Roman looks around.

"Of course. I was telling Oliver about the tournament last summer. It'd be a shame not to demonstrate our skills," I explain.

"Right." Roman nods. "And I suppose you want to play as a pair again, Seb?"

"I mean, it's the best way to prove who's the best," I grin, looking over at Lucas.

Lucas shrugs and gives a nonchalant nod. "Why not? Theo and I made a good team last time. Why mess with what works?"

Theo quickly nods his ascent and chuckles. "I think they might be nervous about their ability to beat us like they did last time."

"Nervous?" Roman snorts. "You've got it backwards."

"Let's just see who's better," I growl.

Roman smirks at me and turns toward the supply shack where the volleyballs are kept.

While he's off fetching the volleyball, I look over to where Oliver is sitting in the grass. A few other wolves have started to join him, clearly intrigued by whatever is going on over here. Maybe I'll be lucky and the entire pack will be here to witness my dominating victory and subsequent proposal.

"Alright." Roman comes back with a volleyball under his arm. "What's the prize?"

"Prize?" Theo smirks. "Who said there was one?"

"There's gotta be proper motivation if it's the first real game of the season. Even if it's just for fun," Roman says with a nod of certainty.

"Twenty bucks?" Lucas suggests, to which the rest of us just laugh and immediately move on.

"What about…"

"How about a kiss?" Oliver interjects.

All four of us pivot toward the omega sitting beside the sandpit with a happy smile. He looks pleased with his suggestion and the fact that it seems to have dumbfounded us all.

"A kiss?" I repeat, just to make sure I heard him right.

"Yeah, the winners get a kiss from me," Oliver says, blushing a little. "Not that that's a great prize. I just thought it might be a little joke or something."

"It's a great prize." Roman is the first to speak up. "We'll be playing extra hard now."

"We definitely will," Theo agrees.

"Good. I can't wait to watch." Oliver grins, settling into his seat.

The other wolves around the sandpit have stopped talking, their attention fixed on us and what's happening. Clearly, this is the most interesting thing that's happened in the compound lately.

And now with Oliver's prize suggestion, the others seem just as serious about it as I am. Which, honestly, has me worried a little. As close as the four of us have always been, we've never come into conflict over an omega before. But if we were…I know I'd win.