As Lillian stood on the field, the familiar scent of freshly cut grass and the distant sounds of cheering fans filled her senses, grounding her in the excitement of the upcoming tournament. It had been weeks since she had dealt with her heat - the intensity had been overwhelming, which she had anticipated after how stressful the pre-heat was. Throughout that time, though, one thought lingered, refusing to fade: the Alpha from Crestwood. He had become the sole fantasy that danced through her mind, the one daydream she couldn’t shake, no matter how hard she tried. She didn’t even know his name, but she couldn’t keep her hands from between her legs when thinking of him. Every moment she spent in quarantine had been tainted with memories of their glances towards each other, his words, the way his body felt when he had her pinned.

  In past tournaments, she had battled against teams like Hawthorne and Carl Ridge - competitors who were tough and talented, but somehow, they felt distant. Their players were focused and disciplined, but there was a lack of personal connection, a sense of shared history that made their matchups feel more like business than a thrill. Lillian had pushed herself to the limit in those games, but the stakes never seemed as high, the victories never as sweet. She could excel against them, but the rush of adrenaline that coursed through her veins paled in comparison to what she felt now, standing against that Alpha and his team.

  When Lillian found out that they'd be going up against Crestwood again, she had felt unprepared. The anticipation of facing her Alpha again started a fire within her that had been smoldering since their last encounter. She knew that if she wanted to stand a chance against him and his team, she had to step up her game. The thrill of victory had been sweet, but the thought of repeating that success against Crestwood – against him - was intoxicating.

  Without hesitation, she threw herself into her training. Every morning, she woke up before dawn to hit the gym, pushing her limits like never before. She worked the leg press, ran drills, and practiced her footwork, determined to sharpen her skills. Even in pre-heat she seemed to hold up, but with everyone on the field affected she figured it would be best to leave nothing to chance.

  Her teammates noticed the change in her demeanor. Lillian was restless and relentless. During practice, she challenged everyone around her, refusing to settle for anything less than her best. She encouraged her teammates to push themselves, too, knowing that they would need to be at the top of their game to take on Crestwood. The sense of camaraderie grew stronger, and they rallied around their shared goal of defeating the Alphas.

  Even on weekends, when others took time to relax, Lillian could be found on the field, perfecting her catches and practicing her strategies. The memories of her previous match against him fueled her determination. She recalled the thrill of outsmarting him in their last encounter, the rush that came with each successful play. But she also remembered the moments he had gotten the better of her, and she was determined to turn the tables this time.

  The thought of facing the big Alpha again was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. She wanted to show him that she was not just another opponent; she was a force to be reckoned with. Omega or not. With each passing day, her confidence grew, fueled by her hard work and the knowledge that she was preparing for the challenge of a lifetime.

  As she stood on the field, feeling the energy of the crowd building around her, Lillian couldn’t shake the anticipation coursing through her veins. The atmosphere was charged as her team gathered, each member buzzing with energy and anticipation. Lillian could feel the adrenaline building within her, a powerful mix of excitement and nerves. The thought of seeing him again sent a thrill through her. Would she still feel that spark when they met on the field again? Or was it just the heat and proximity?

  “Alright, team!” Jasper called, breaking her train of thought. “Crestwood is tough, but we’ve kicked their arses before. We’ve trained hard. Let’s show them what we’re made of! Lillian, you know what to do - create space, use your speed, and keep your head in the game.”

  Lillian nodded, her heart racing. “Got it!” she replied, her focus sharpening. As the teams warmed up, she caught glimpses of the Crestwood players, their confident stances and sharp movements exactly what she had remembered. But her eyes were searching for one player in particular, who she couldn’t seem to find.

  Then, she spotted him. Kael stood tall among his teammates, grinning widely as their eyes met across the field. The moment felt charged, a silent homage to his words: “I’ll be watching for you.” That grin was infuriatingly charming, and it sent a surge of warmth through her. She hadn’t been able to get him out of her head, and now, here he was, just as captivating as she remembered.

  When the whistle blew to signal the start of the match, Lillian felt the familiar thrill of competition take hold. She darted across the field, weaving through players with agility and precision. The cheers of her teammates fuelled her determination, and as she caught the disc, she felt a surge of confidence. With each play, she pushed herself harder, refusing to let his presence distract her. Instead, she channelled her thoughts of him into her performance.

  As the first half of the game unfolded, Lillian was unstoppable. Each time she caught the disc, she could sense his frustration growing as she outmanoeuvred him, leaving him scrambling to keep up. The more he tried to distract her, the more focused she became. He was no longer just a fantasy; he was a rival.

  With every sprint and dodge, she revelled in the thrill of the competition. The Alpha's attempts to get under her skin were backfiring spectacularly. He watched as she executed impressive plays, her long blonde hair flowing behind her and her green eyes sparkling with determination. She was in her element; she truly was more than just an Omega.

  His frustration finally came to a breaking point. Lillian made a brilliant catch, landing in the end zone with a triumphant shout. “Yes!” she exclaimed, adrenaline coursing through her veins. The cheers from her teammates rang in her ears, and she could see her tail standing there, momentarily stunned, his frustration evident as she trotted happily past him. Lillian had just secured another point for her team, and the thrill of victory surged through her as her teammates cheered her on. She felt a rush of confidence, ready to keep the momentum going.

  As they regrouped, Kael jogged over to his teammates, a frustrated look on his face. Mason, one of Kael’s closest teammates, leaned in with a grin. “So, what’s the plan, Kael? You just going to let her walk all over you like that?”

  Kael shot him an incredulous look. “What do you mean?”

  “Come on, man. She just made you look bad out there. Start taunting her. Get in her head,” Mason suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You know how Omegas get. If you can rattle her, you might just throw her off her game.”

  Kael considered this for a moment, his competitive nature flaring up. “You think so?”

  “Absolutely. She’s tough, but everyone has a breaking point. Just push her buttons a little. It might give you the edge you need,” Mason replied, throwing an arm over Kael’s shoulder. “Besides, it’s more fun that way.”

  With a nod, Kael turned back toward the field, his mind racing with ideas. He could see Lillian laughing and celebrating with her teammates, and he felt a spark of mischief ignite within him. If he was going to win back the momentum, he needed to play his cards right. Mason was right, Kael had forgotten that she’s an Omega. He’d been going too easy on her.

  As the game resumed, Kael took a deep breath and prepared to use his strategy. He would keep the banter light yet pointed, aiming to distract Lillian and regain the upper hand.

  “Let’s see how she handles a little pressure,” he murmured under his breath.

  Lillian maintained her focus, refusing to let his aggressive presence shake her confidence. She was determined to show him that she had grown stronger, both on and off the field. Kael, for his part, felt the pressure mounting. He could see how well she was performing, and it only fuelled his irritation.

  With each play, Lillian proved she was a much better player than he had seen before, channelling her energy into every sprint and catch. Kael was thrown off balance - not just by the game but by the chemistry and tension growing between them once again. This was no longer just a rivalry; it was a battle of wills, and Lillian was more than ready to claim her victory.

  As Lillian caught her breath, she couldn't help but reflect on how odd the situation had become. Just hours before the game, she had been a bundle of nerves, her mind swirling with thoughts of the curly-headed Alpha - his smirk, the way he moved on the field, and the fantasies that had invaded her thoughts while she was in heat. The anticipation had left her anxious, worried that those daydreams would distract her during the match. There were more than a few things she wanted him to do to her, she worried those thoughts would get the better of her.

  But now, here she was, going head-to-head against him and somehow coming out on top. Was she really holding her own against one of the best players in the league? Or was he letting her win on purpose? She wasn't sure. What she was sure of was that she needed to keep her head in the game and keep outrunning him.

  As the score tightened and game ran long, Lillian felt a rush of exhilaration. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd on the edge of their seats, anticipation hanging thick in the air. Lillian felt the adrenaline coursing through her veins, her heart racing as she readied herself for the decisive play. Her focus was clear: win the game. The rivalry with the Crestwood Alpha had become a thrilling backdrop, but her priority was to stay sharp and keep him off her back.

  "Lillian, go!" Jasper shouted, his voice cutting through the noise as Vanessa launched the disc toward her. Lillian sprinted forward, determination fuelling her every step. She could feel his presence right behind her, his presence pressing against her resolve.

  As the disc soared through the air, she noticed Crestwood closing in, his eyes locked on her. "You know, Lillian," he called out, his voice smooth and low, "I can't help but admire how good you look when you're on the chase."

  Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she fought to shake off the warmth creeping up her neck. "Focus, Lillian," she muttered to herself, trying to drown him out.

  But he was relentless. "With moves like that, you'll have everyone in the stands wishing they could keep up. Maybe I should slow down so you can catch me," he teased, the hint of a smirk on his lips.

  She gritted her teeth, her heart racing for many different reasons now. "What does that even mean?" she shot back, but even she could hear the slight quiver in her voice. She didn't have time for distractions, especially when he had the power to fluster her so easily.

  As the game wore on, the score remained tied, each team battling fiercely for the win. Lillian found herself pushing harder, dodging defenders and working in sync with her teammates. Every time she looked back, her Alpha was there, shadowing her moves, a constant roadblock.

  Finally, with just one point left for either team to win, they executed a brilliant play, passing the disc flawlessly down the field. Lillian felt the surge of adrenaline as they neared the end zone. Jasper was open, and with a quick flick of her wrist, she sent the disc soaring toward him.

  But just as Jasper reached for it, Lillian's tail lunged, trying to intercept. The disc slipped through Jasper's fingers, and everything seemed to freeze.

  In that split second, Lillian reacted instinctively. She dashed forward, positioning herself between him and the disc as it tumbled to the ground. With a swift motion, she scooped it up, regaining control and pivoting to make her next move.

  "Nice recovery," He murmured, his voice low and taunting as he fell in behind her. "But I'm right here, Lillian. You'll have to do better than that to shake me off."

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  Her heart raced at his proximity, but she pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the game. But his presence was intoxicating, and the way he leaned in, whispering just loud enough for her to hear, sent shivers down her spine. "Just imagine how good it would feel to catch me, too," he added, his tone suggestive.

  Lillian fought to keep her composure, her cheeks burning. "I - I'm not catching you. I don't even know your name," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.

  "That's too bad, isn't it?" he said, almost too close now, "But wouldn't it be more fun to keep it interesting? How about a little bet?"

  She glanced at him, curiosity piqued despite herself. "What kind of bet?" she asked hesitantly.

  "If you win, I'll let you call the shots next time we face off," he proposed, a playful glint in his eye. "But if I win, you have to let me take you out for a drink. Just the two of us. Think about it - a chance for some real fun."

  Lillian's heart raced again, uncertainty mingling with excitement. "You're serious?" she asked in disbelief.

  "Completely," he replied, his gaze steady and challenging. "So, what do you say? You in?"

  She hesitated, weighing the implications of his bet. The competitive streak in her reared it's head, and she felt a rush. "Fine," she said, biting back her nerves. "I'm in."

  The Alpha's smirk widened, a hint of victory in his expression. "Good. Let's see what you've got."

  With the game still on the line, Lillian steeled herself, shaking off the momentary distraction. She wasn't about to let him get under her skin - not now, not when victory was so close. The score was tied, and the teams were playing keep away at this point.

  As the minutes stretched on, the intensity of the game ramped up. Both teams fought hard, trading the disc back and forth before every point. Lillian's heart raced as she dodged defenders, her focus razor-sharp.

  Finally, with just seconds remaining, Lillian spotted an opening. She sprinted down the field, the disc firmly in another teammates grasp. He finally caught a break in the defence and launched the disc across the field. Her teammates began blocking all around her, creating space as she approached the end zone.

  In a final burst of speed, she leapt into the air, catching the disc cleanly as she landed in the end zone. "Take that!" she shouted, exhilaration flooding through her as her teammates rushed to celebrate.

  The whistle blew, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Lillian reveled in the victory, feeling the weight of the game lift off her shoulders. She had done it. She had won, and now she was calling the shots for their next encounter. Whatever that meant.

  Her Alpha approached her, a mix of admiration and playful frustration in his eyes. "You got lucky today, Lillian," he said, though the smirk on his face belied any real annoyance. "Just remember, I'll be ready next time."

  Lillian couldn't help but grin as she met his gaze, her heart racing. "Oh, I'm sure you will be. Just don't be upset when I outsmart you again. I'll be calling the shots now, so you might want to practice keeping up."

  He chuckled, shaking his head in mock despair. "I guess I'll have to work on my game. Sorry you can't catch me next time, either."

  "Sorry? I'm not worried about you. I'm not that easy to catch," she shot back, her confidence soaring with the victory. "You'll have to do better than that to keep me from scoring."

  He took a step closer, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Oh, I plan to. You might want to watch your back, Lillian. I could always throw in a few taunts to throw you off your game. You don't know what you're getting into with the Crestwood Alphas."

  "We just beat all you Alphas twice; I think you're a bit cocky." Lillian chuckled, feigning nonchalance. "And taunts? Really? That's your best strategy? I thought you were more creative than that."

  "Just trying to keep it interesting," he replied, a playful smile spreading across his face. "But if you think you can handle it, I'll see what I can come up with."

  She crossed her arms, a challenge brewing between them. "Bring it on, Alpha. I'm not afraid of a little trash talk. It might even make me play better."

  "A little spitfire, are we?" he teased, leaning in slightly as if to emphasize his point. "You should be careful. Confidence can be a double-edged sword. It might just lead to your downfall."

  "Or it could lead to my triumph, as backed by my two-win streak." Lillian countered, her heart pounding. "You never know how I might surprise you next time."

  With a mix of admiration and amusement, the Alpha took a step back, a thoughtful look on his face. "You're a lot more than I expected out of such a little thing, Lillian. I'll give you that. But I still think you underestimate me."

  “Underestimate you? Never,” she replied, a playful smirk on her lips. “But I suppose I am curious. What’s your name? I feel like I should know who I’m having this riveting banter with.”

  “Kael,” he said simply, his tone light but his gaze intense.

  “Kael,” she repeated, feeling the name roll off her tongue. “Nice to officially meet you, Kael.”

  With a slight nod of acknowledgment, he turned to walk away, his confidence radiating as he did. Lillian felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks, her heart pounding unexpectedly. There was something in the air, and as he walked off, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this rivalry was just beginning.

  As Kael walked away from Lillian, the remnants of their conversation lingered in his mind. The banter was silly, but talking with her felt easy and fun. Crestwood was nearly all Alphas, so it was especially difficult to find anyone interesting enough to hold his feelings like this. But as he approached his team, that lightness began to evaporate, replaced by an atmosphere thick with teasing anticipation.

  Mason was the first to spot him, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Look who’s back from his little chat with the enemy. What’s the matter, Kael? You look a little too pleased with yourself,” he called out, his tone dripping with mischief. “Need some privacy to tug one out?”

  Kael rolled his eyes, trying to brush off the comment. “It was just a conversation, Mase. Nothing to get worked up about.”

  But Mason wasn’t having it. “Oh, come on! We all saw the way she was checking you out. She’s pretty fine, huh? I mean, have you seen the way she fills out that uniform? And that scent of hers? She smells intoxicating as hell. You’d better make your move before one of us does.”

  “Right?” another teammate, Jace, chimed in, leaning closer with a grin that suggested he was enjoying this far too much. “She’s got that whole Omega thing going for her – she’s soft, alluring, and you know she’s got all the right things in all the best places.”

  “If you don’t want her, I might just have to take a shot myself. I mean, can you imagine how good she’d taste when she’s in heat? I bet it’s something you’d never forget.” Someone else chimed in.

  Kael felt his cheeks flush as the comments became sharper, the atmosphere becoming more charged. “Can we not talk about her like that?” he said, trying to maintain his composure. “She’s not just some toy or prize.”

  “Oh, don’t pretend like you’re not confident. We’ve all seen you in the locker room. We all know you’ve got something nice to offer,” Mason shot back with a wink, laughter in his voice. “If you don’t go after her, someone else will. You know how it is with Omegas - they’re in high demand, especially one as fine as that one. She’s too good-looking to let walk away without a little taste.”

  “Yeah, and with her body, that scent, the little bit of fire… You know she’d be a handful,” another teammate added, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. “I bet she’d appreciate a guy who can keep up with her, especially when she’s in heat. Just think about it - how good she’d taste, all sweet and intoxicating.”

  The problem was, he had thought about it before. Too many times. Late at night. Accompanied by a bottle of lotion and tissues. Which was exactly why this train of thought needed to be derailed. Kael felt a wave of discomfort wash over him. “Seriously, back off. Lillian’s not just some… snack or something. She’s one hell of an opponent, and she deserves respect.”

  “Respect? Come on, man. This is sports. It’s all about the competition, and if you don’t think she’d appreciate a little tip, maybe some else needs to take a crack at being her blocker next time,” Jace replied, a challenge in his eyes. “Besides, she’s the kind of girl you don’t just let slip away.”

  Kael clenched his jaw, irritation boiling just beneath the surface. “You guys don’t get it. This isn’t just a game for me. I’m not looking to make her uncomfortable or treat her like a conquest. She’s more than a rival; she’s someone I genuinely respect.”

  He had met this girl twice and was already breathing in the ash from the bridges he was burning defending her. Either he was just that desperate, or she was something special. He figured it was the latter, but maybe it was just stupid hormones from smelling her in pre-heat. Either way, this conversation is over and if anyone got to decide what to do with her, it was going to be him.

  His teammates exchanged glances, the teasing atmosphere shifting slightly. “Alright, alright, we’ll ease up. But it’s hard not to notice how you’ve been acting around her,” one of them said, a hint of seriousness creeping into his tone. “Just don’t let her slip away because you’re too caught up to make a move. You know how quickly things can change in this league. We’re being scouted all the time.”

  Kael took a deep breath, trying to shake off the discomfort that hung in the air like a thick fog. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m not going to chase after her just because you think I should. She’s got her own game to focus on, and so do I. I respect her talents and what she brings to the field.”

  Jace raised an eyebrow, the smirk never leaving his face. “So, what? You’re going to just stand there and let the opportunity pass you by? You know, she’s got fans. If you don’t make a move, someone else will sweep her off her feet. And I wouldn’t blame her if she did. Seems like a catch.”

  Kael felt his heart race, a mix of frustration and embarrassment washing over him. “You think I don’t know that?” he snapped, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. “But there’s more to it than just physical attraction. I want to get to know her as a person, not just as a player or a potential fling.”

  The laughter around him quieted, replaced by a moment of surprise at his unexpected seriousness. “Alright, we get it. Just remember, this is a competition. You have to be willing to take risks,” one teammate said, softer now, as if understanding the depth of Kael’s feelings.

  With that, he turned away, the laughter of his teammates fading behind him as he walked off to gather his thoughts. The tension of their teasing lingered, but Kael couldn’t shake the feeling that Lillian was different - she was more than just a rival, and he needed to figure out what that meant for him. He wasn’t ready to confront those feelings just yet, especially not in the light of their pointed banter. All he could do was focus on the upcoming tournaments and the challenges that lay ahead.

  Later, as Lillian celebrated with her teammates, Jasper pulled her aside, a curious look on his face. “Hey, what was that all about with that Crestwood guy? You two seemed pretty... intense out there.”

  Lillian shrugged, trying to play it cool, but she could feel her cheeks heating up. “It’s just a rivalry. He talks a big game, but I won. Now I get to call the shots next time.”

  “Right,” Jasper said, his tone teasing. “But it seemed like there was a little more than just competition going on. You looked flustered.”

  “I was not flustered!” she protested, though the smile tugging at her lips and the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her. “It’s just... he knows how to get under my skin.”

  Jasper raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk on his face. “Uh-huh. Just be careful, okay? Rivalries can blur the lines sometimes.”

  Lillian rolled her eyes, but inside, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Jasper might be onto something. “I can handle it,” she replied, trying to sound confident. “I’m still a good player. And no way would I let Crestwood have a win.”

  But as she spoke, her mind drifted back to her first encounter with Kael on the field before her last heat. The moment their eyes locked, something had sparked between them - an undeniable connection that sent a thrill through her. It was a feeling she hadn’t expected, a mix of competition and something deeper, something that made her heart race.

  “Lillian?” Jasper’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “What’s really going on? You seem distracted.”

  She sighed, her heart pounding as she considered her feelings. “It’s just... I can’t shake this weird connection with him. Ever since we squared up on the field, there’s been this tension. It’s like he sees right through me, and it’s both exciting and terrifying.”

  Jasper’s expression softened, sensing the gravity of her words. “That sounds intense. Do you think it’s just the rivalry, or is there more to it?”

  “I don’t know,” she admitted, feeling vulnerable. “Part of me enjoys the rivalry, but another part feels drawn to him outside of it. Like the rivalry is just an excuse to get to talk to him. It’s confusing because I know I should be focused on the game, but every time I see him, I can’t help but think about how he challenges me - not just on the field, but in ways I didn’t expect.”

  “Sounds like you’re in deep,” Jasper said, his teasing tone replaced with genuine concern. “Rivalries can turn messy, especially when feelings get involved. Are you sure you want to go down that road?”

  Lillian took a deep breath, weighing her emotions. “I want to explore it, but I’m scared of what it might mean. What if it distracts me from my training? What if it ruins our dynamic as competitors?”

  “Or what if it makes you a better player?” Jasper suggested lightly. “Sometimes, having that connection fuels your drive. But you have to be ready for the complications that come with it.”

  She nodded, absorbing his words. “I know, but I can’t help but think about how things would change if I let myself feel more for him. I don’t want to lose that competitive edge, but the way he looks at me - it’s different. It feels like there’s something more beneath the surface.”

  As the celebration continued around her, Lillian felt the thrill of victory and the weight of her new challenge. She was ready to take on whatever came next, both on the field and off, and she couldn’t wait to see how the dynamics with Kael would unfold. But as she looked back at her teammates, laughter ringing in her ears, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the road ahead was going to be more complicated than she had anticipated.

  Deep down, she knew that her rivalry with Kael was shifting into something deeper, and that realization both excited and frightened her. The draw to him was undeniable, and with each passing moment, she wondered if she could balance the intensity of their competition with the pull of her growing feelings for him.

  With a frustrated breath, Lillian steeled herself. She had time to figure it out. She was ready to face whatever came her way, both on the field and in her heart, but she couldn’t help but feel that her connection with Kael was just beginning to unfold.