12. Theo

Chapter 12

Theo

My wolf is grateful for the distraction from the aching in my balls. Sweat beads from my brow as I dive for a ball and keep the play alive for Theo to continue the volley. Sand kicks up around us as we move, and before long, we're shedding layers of unneeded clothing and excess weight. Soon the four of us are down to just shorts and nothing else as we continue the game.

Lucas spikes a ball hard into the opposite side of the sandpit, and we manage to score. Panting for breath, we take advantage of the pause in the game to hydrate and mop away the sweat that's dripping down our skin. I glance across the sandpit to where Roman and Sebastian are standing. They're talking strategy probably, their voices low enough so Lucas and I can't hear.

Every now and then I notice Seb looking at Oliver. The little omega has been watching our game with rapt attention, and I've felt his eyes on me the entire time.

I'm both annoyed and excited by his presence.

He's the entire reason I didn't actually get laid last night after all. I had successfully found an omega that was up for a little fun. We were chatting and things had started to get heated up, but I couldn't stop picturing Oliver. Every time I thought I could ignore it, I'd catch his scent from somewhere only to realize he was nowhere nearby. I'd think I could hear his voice even when he wasn't there.

It finally completely fell apart when I breathed his name after kissing my hookup for the night. They didn't much appreciate it, and frankly, neither did I. It's not a mistake I've ever made before.

So I'm beyond pent up and haven't had any chance to deal with it. The only thing that's keeping me from losing my cool is that I've got the volleyball game to focus on.

"Hey," Lucas calls out, snapping me out of my thoughts, "You ready for the next point?"

"Yeah, sorry." I nod and look up, seeing the other two are also taking their positions.

"Ready?" Sebastian calls out and throws the ball up into the air.

The volleys continue, back and forth. Moving in time with my partner as we meet our opponents move for move. And every now and then, I hear Oliver's shouts of encouragement from the sidelines. I don't know who he's cheering for, I'm not sure he's called out anyone's name in particular, but his voice makes me want to play harder.

I've never wanted anything as badly as I want to claim that omega as mine.

That thought shatters my concentration, and I miss the ball I was diving for, giving a point to Seb and Roman.

"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.