Violet and I are returning from cheerleading practice when I decide to stop at the frat house. "Just for a minute," I hooked my arm around my best friend's, tugging her into the Omega house. "I left my economics notebook at Theo's last night and want to get it back." "Right." Violet rolls her eyes, not believing me for one second. "You and I both know you're dying to make out with your boyfriend. Just hurry up. Try not to leave me hanging for too long." Violet waits in the foyer. The hockey frat house usually comes alive at night. In the mornings, it mainly comprises of girls doing the walk of shame and guys dragging their feet towards the kitchen for coffee. I bound up the stairs, excitement blossoming in my chest at the thought of seeing my boyfriend. I'd been unable to attend last night's party because I had to study for a test. After the test, there was cheerleading practice. The entire time, I'd been missing my boyfriend. Now, I'm here. I push the door open, expecting to see him playing Call of Duty. But he isn't playing Call of Duty. Right there, on the mattress, is Theo, ramming his cock into some blonde chick's pussy. Her back view looks familiar. The sound of the door opening causes Theo to pause. When he sees who's standing there, he yelps and pushes the blonde off his dick. She squirms, hitting the mattress quite roughly. It's Tessa from the cheerleading squad. She'd opted out of practice today, claiming to be sick. Is this what she was up to? Screwing my boyfriend? "W-Willow," Theo's already getting out of bed, scrambling to put his briefs on. "It's not what it looks like. I c-can explain." Is he for real? What is there to explain? I grip the doorknob tightly, reeling in the urge to ram my fist into his face. "I came here because I wanted to spend some quality time with you." I scoff, shaking my head in disbelief. "I can't believe you're cheating on me with some cheap skank from the cheerleading team." "Hey bitch. Who are you calling a cheap skank?" Tessa pushes her weight onto her knees, gathering the sheets around her. "Listen closely-" "Quiet," Theo hissed, turning around to glare at her. "You're not making this any easier." "Oh please," Tessa rolls her eyes. "You're the one who's planning to break up with her any day now. What does it matter what I say?" Theo visibly swallows. I don't wait to hear anymore. I walk towards his desk and grab his PlayStation. I push the window open and hurl it out. It's satisfying to hear it crack against the pavement. Next, I grab his laptop and fling it out the window as well. I'm reaching for his phone and tablet when he seizes my wrist. He spins me around, and both gadgets go crashing to the carpet. "Hey! What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Theo glowers, looking like he wants to shake me. "I bought that PlayStation a week ago. Do you have any idea how much it fucking costs?" "You should have thought about your precious PlayStation before you decided to fucking cheat on me." "So, I cheated. What's the big deal?" Out of the corner of my eye, I see Tessa getting dressed, slithering back into her skimpy dress. "For fuck's sake, Willow, you pull shit like this and yet, you wonder why I cheated." "Are you seriously trying to gaslight me right now? How is your unfaithfulness my fault?" "Because you're a fucking nutjob." He tightens his grip on my wrist, enunciating each word for maximum effect. "Now, I'm wondering how in hell I dated you for so long." He let go of me, and I waste no time slapping him across his face. It's obvious he wasn't expecting it. Tessa gasps, and I flip her off, kicking the door as I storm out of the room. I make my way downstairs, and I see Violet, lazing on the couch, waiting for me. She shoots up to her feet when she spots me. Her eyes widen as she stares at something behind me. It's Theo. He's followed me. "Willow. Let's talk about this." He grips my arm, spinning me around. His voice must have sounded too loud because some of his hockey brothers are already gathering around the foyer, listening in on our fight. "There's nothing to talk about. We're done." I twist my arm, trying to get away from his hold. "Let go of me." "I agree. I made a mistake. Are you seriously going to throw away our entire relationship because I fucked another girl?" "Yes," I grind my teeth angrily. "I thought we were going steady. You're the one who said you wanted us to be exclusive. And now what? You go behind my back and fuck someone else?" "I'm a guy," he explodes, spitting the words in my face. "What the fuck am I supposed to do when you don't put out as much as I expect you to?" "What?" I stiffen, going cold all over. "What did you just say to me?" "You heard me." He lets go of my arm and points his finger in my face. At this point, we've got a full house listening in on our mortifying conversation. "You only want to fuck when it fits your schedule and when it does happen, it's boring. Nothing about sexing you excites me, Willow. And you wonder why I cheated." Fuck. This is bad. I can't bring myself to look at anyone. They are all probably laughing at me right now. Whispering. Willow the prude. Willow the boring lay. Willow who can't keep a man to save her life. "You know what? Fine. Let's break up." Theo takes a step backwards, away from me. "I know for a fact I won't be missing out on anything- definitely not your lacklustre sexual skills." He's smiling, mocking me with that condescending look. I feel Violet's fingers slip into mine. I do not remember her leading me out of the Omega house. Do not remember getting home. All I can think of is my reputation. Theo Spencer fucking cheated on me and ruined my fucking reputation, all in one go.

Today is regionals. Northwestern University's hockey team is facing off against California's Omega hockey team. It's a freaking bloodbath out there on the ice rink. Both teams are already an hour into the game, and after three solid intermission periods, the Omegas are in the lead. Theo is in the lead, supporting the offence squad in getting the puck into the net. Every time our team scores, the cheerleading squad cheers loudly. But my heart is not in it, not when Theo's out there, shining and dominating on the rink after he humiliated me. Every time I raise my pom poms, I feel like I'm going to be sick. I even flunk a few steps in our cheer routine. Thankfully, no one notices. No one except Violet. "Are you okay?" she asks me, raising her voice to be heard above the noise of loud cheers. "If you're thinking about that asshole right now, better get him out of your mind. He's not worth it." "I'm not thinking about him." Just as I say it, Theo comes barreling towards the cheerleading squad. Before my very eyes, to my utter dismay, he takes off his helmet and claims Tessa's lips in a deep kiss. In front of everybody. The crowd behind the board is going wild with excitement. The commentators are having a field day, talking about Omega's star player's unexpected display of affection. Theo's back on the rink, but that kiss-it's all anyone can talk about. I want to die. The humiliation burns my throat. Makes my vision swim. My feet are already moving before I realise it. Luckily, Violet sees me marching towards Tessa and steps in front of me. "No," she deadpans, eyes firm. "You're not gonna confront her." "Why not?" I fume. "She stole my boyfriend, and now, they are rubbing their affair in my face. I can't take it." "I know. It sucks. But think how bad a public confrontation, with that skank, would be for you. If you go to her right now, you give them more ammunition to use against you." "It's not fair," I bite my bottom lip, fighting back the urge to scream. "Why do they get to have a fairytale when they both fucked me over?" "Calm down, Willow, and believe me when I say that this shit will pass. Give it a week and campus will be gossiping about someone else." She's right. I know she's right. It just sucks to let my asshole ex get away with everything he's done to me in the last week. All week, he's been flaunting Tessa at frat parties. Going on dates with her. Spreading rumours about what a prude I was during our relationship. As if that's not bad enough, now they are kissing at hockey games, like some madly in love couple. I hate it. I hate it so much. I do not wish to let them get away with it so easily. There's got to be something I can do. That is when I see him, tearing across the rink: all six foot five, hunk of male sexiness. Even in gear and padding, it's easy to make out the form of Aiden Cross, hot on the enemy's tail. He's feral in his pursuit, and my breath hitches as he steals the puck from the enemy's stick. He switches direction with the swift grace that only a pro can pull off, and the crowd is going crazy as he passes the puck to another player. The Omega team passes the puck to one another, gliding towards the enemy's goalpost. Aiden is set to shoot. Once the puck finds its way into his stick, he doesn't hesitate. He shoots, sending the puck into the net. Another goal for the omegas. The crowd goes wild, chanting his name. Aiden Cross. Omega's number 1 offensive player. An outright hottie-and Theo Spencer's stepbrother. That's right. Theo's got a brother who attends the same university and plays on the same hockey team as he does. It's no secret how much they hate each other. That's only to be expected, though, seeing as how they are nothing alike. At the same time, Theo is loud and a bit of a peacock; Aiden's more of a brooder-a silent observer. I forget all about cheering, much too busy formulating a plan in my mind. The perfect revenge. A way to get back at Theo. The game continues for another hour, but I barely notice the minutes shedding away. All I can think about is vengeance. I barely notice when the omegas score the winning shot. Barely hear the ear-splitting screams of the crowd cheering. The team is busy doing its victory dance on the rink, hooting and hugging. I watch Theo excuse himself from his teammates. He's gliding towards Tessa, no doubt to make another public show of kissing her. That's when I move. I do not hesitate. I dump my pom poms on the ice and make a mad dash for the rink. My heart's racing, heart pounding. Please Aiden. Don't push me off. Work with me. Just once. "Aiden!" I yell at the top of my lungs, hellbent on catching his attention. "Aiden Cross." He turns around, and my heart nearly stops. Somehow, my legs are still running, still carrying me forward. His helmet's off, and he's got silky black hair playing in his face. I wait until I'm a couple of feet away from him before I jump. Adrenaline courses through my veins, morbid excitement sizzles as I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. He's not kissing me back. I'm thinking I've made a mistake when his arm suddenly wraps around my waist. With the other arm, he tucks it beneath my ass, opening his mouth as I deepen the kiss. I'm trying not to be nervous. I put everything I've got into this one kiss. I can only hope that everyone's watching; this would have all been for nothing. "Holy shit," one of the players guffaws, whacking the back of Aiden's head with his stick. "Get a room, you guys." We stop kissing. I look around the rink. More than half of the players are watching us, eyes wide open. Mouths agape. The reaction that excites me the most is Theo's. He's staring at us with his mouth hanging wide open, eyes blazing with fury. "So, Thompson..." Aiden's deep rumble cuts through my internal celebration. His eyes are twinkling with amusement when I bring my gaze back to his. "... Care to explain what this is?"

The crowd is still cheering. Aiden is still waiting for me to say something. "I'm guessing this is about my... brother." He whispers the words right beneath my ear, running his fingers along my butt cheeks. What the hell is he doing? I guess I put myself in this situation- to be groped and fondled. It's why he's taking full advantage of it. He squeezes my cheeks roughly, and that's when my brain comes back to life. "Aiden," I squirm in his arms, untangling my legs from around his waist. My feet have barely touched the ice when Theo is suddenly in front of us. He's seething, glaring at me and then Aiden. "What the fuck is this?" He asks, pointing at both of us. "Since when are you two an item?" "Why the fuck do you care? What does it matter to you?" I'm doing a good job, pretending that his fury doesn't affect me. Theo laughs sarcastically. "So, this is new then? I cheat on you, and the next thing you do is move on to my brother?" "Who said I just moved on to him?" "So, you've been dating him longer?" He's not laughing that sarcastic laugh anymore. He's staring in disbelief. "Wait, don't tell me you were screwing him while we were still together?" People are watching us with no small amount of interest. "You've really got some nerve, trying to turn this around on me," I smirk, loving how red his face looks. "You're the one who cheated. Why does it bother you that I've moved on to someone else?" Sorry, Aiden, for using you this way. I'll find a way to make it up to you. I promise. "That's my brother you're talking about. You're screwing my brother. You bitch." "Come on now, bro. That's no way to talk to a lady." Aiden steps in between us, blocking Theo's view of me. "Get out of my way, Aiden," Theo snarls at him. "I'm not done talking to her." "Actually... you're done." "What did you say?" "What's the matter, Spencer? You hard of hearing?" Aiden grins, facing off against his brother in a way that causes alarm bells to go off in my head. What the hell is up with this vibe? Surely they aren't about to fight? That wasn't part of the plan. Shit. "Get out of my way," Theo's nostrils flare. "I'm not going to fucking ask you again." "And why should I do that? So you can yell at my girlfriend some more?" Aiden's comment takes Theo and me by surprise. I stare at him in shock, thinking I might have misheard him. Surely, there's no way Aiden Cross is helping me right now? Calling me his girlfriend? "Y-Your girlfriend," Theo sputters, unable to believe it. "So it's true? You're actually dating this prude?" "Aahh. The rumour." Aiden's grin only causes Theo to scowl harder. "She's not a prude though. How can she be, when we've been going at it like wild bunnies? I'm sorry, Theo, if Willow chose not to show you the wild side of her, well, I guess she didn't like you enough." The look on Theo's face is priceless, and I almost kiss Aiden again. Almost. I see Theo's fists clenching at his sides. He's thinking about hitting Aiden. I can tell. "Theo!" Tessa grabs hold of his arm. "That's enough. Let's go." "Let go of me," he growls. "Stop." She begs. "Please... just stop." She's embarrassed. It's obvious in the way she's glaring at me with a mixture of jealousy and hatred. Great. That makes two of us. "This isn't over," Theo calls to us as Tessa leads him away. Now, I'm left behind, with Aiden. I'm trying to work up the courage to apologise when the overhead speakers blare. "Tessa. Tessa Thompson. Please, report to the Dean's office." Huh. The Dean's office? Why? What have I done? Is this about the almost fight between the Omega brothers? "I'm sorry, Aiden. I have to go." I can't bring myself to look at Aiden. I break into a run, escaping the awkward conversation I was just about to have with him. *** Am I in trouble? Does the dean know about the almost fight between Theo and Aiden? Is that why I've been summoned? Don't tell me I'm gonna be punished for ruining the hockey game celebration? In the dean's office, my dad's assistant, Terry Oxford, is waiting for me. He's wearing that pristine suit, stoic expression in place. Something about his presence at school sets me on edge. This isn't about the Omega brothers, and in a way, I'm relieved. "Terry. What are you doing here?" I try to sound normal and not panicked. What is he even doing here on campus? Did my father send him? I thought I made myself clear when I said I didn't want any of them showing up at my school. "Forgive me, Miss Thompson." Terry tilts his head at a respectful angle, and it's so bizarre that up until three months ago, I didn't have a family. Had barely two cents to scrape together. Now, I have a father. He had tracked me down somehow and has been working overtime to win my affections. If only it were that simple. "Your dad has been trying to reach you all week, Willow, but his calls keep going to voicemail." Terry addresses me gently, almost as if he can tell that I'm nervous. "Don't worry. You're not in trouble. He merely sent me to check on you." "I'm fine, as you can see." I take a calming breath. Great. I'm not in trouble. This is merely a check-in. "I had a situation. Didn't want to be disturbed. That's why I deactivated my phone." "I'll let Mr Thompson know." Terry nods, already typing away on his phone, no doubt texting my dad. "In the meantime, he asked me to come fetch you." "Why?" "There's a masked event tonight. He wants you to accompany him." "Wow. That sounds..." I grimace, trying to find the right word. "...like torture." I stare at the dean. He's not even looking at us. He's busy riffling through files on his table. "Mr Thompson asked me to give you this." Terry hands over a shiny credit card. "To go shopping for tonight." "Right." I take the card and squeeze it in my fist. "Well, as you can see, I'm still in my cheerleading uniform. I'll have to change first before I go anywhere with you." "That's alright. Whenever you're ready, I'll be in the parking lot." True to his word, he's waiting when I approach the parking lot, freshly showered, duffel bag in hand. The masked event is a grand, lavish affair. From glittery chandeliers to sparkling champagne flutes, no expense has been spared for tonight. The moment I step into the event hall at the Dixon Centre, Cary Thompson is already waiting for me. Huge ass smile on his face.