Page 131 of Alpha Awakened

Hazard gripped the tailgate, hopped up on the bumper, and stepped into the truck bed. When it was his turn, Ice grabbed the tailgate and with one jump, leaped over it into the back of the truck.

“Show off,” Hazard said with a grin.

“You like it.”

“Hell yeah, I do.”

Ice moved to get out of the way, perching on the side of the truck bed while Hazard spread out the thick blankets he’d brought. After that was done, he began unpacking the food.

“Looks good,” Ice said as he eyed the spread. There were sandwiches stuffed full of roast beef with a pickle on the side, potato chips — the good kind he liked, not the tasteless off brand chips they served in the mess, bottles of orange pop, and the peanut butter cookies from the kitchen for dessert.

“Glad you approve. I went to that diner off base. I thought you deserved better than mess hall food for your first truck picnic.”

“So, this is really a thing.” Ice lowered himself to sit with his back against the wheel well hump, an elbow propped on one raised knee.

“Yep.”

Hazard passed him a paper plate filled with food. Ice accepted it with a nod of thanks. His own plate in hand, Hazardsat opposite him. He stretched both his legs out so that they rested on either side of Ice’s.

“Eat up.”

Ice raised his sandwich and took a big bite. The meat was tender and well-seasoned and it was garnished with the perfect amount of mustard.

“Have you gone on a lot of truck picnics?” he asked before popping a chip in his mouth.

“Hmm. Maybe.” Hazard’s lips curled in a mischievous smile before he continued. “I had a boyfriend my junior year in high school and I went on a couple of truck picnics with him.”

“Only a couple?”

“Yeah.”

His smile turned brittle for a brief moment before relaxing back into its usual ease. Ice wondered what had caused the quick change, but didn’t interrupt his story to ask.

“We broke up after a few months of dating. And there hasn’t been anyone serious since I joined the Legion. What about you? Did you have boyfriends in high school?”

“No.” Ice shook his head. “I was very out of place when I was in military school. The only shifter there. I didn’t know where I fit in so dating was out of the question.” His time at military school had been a lonely experience. The one positive — it prepared him for life as a solo operator. “I focused on my training instead. Got top marks. Broke records. I was determined to prove my classmates wrong.”

“Prove them wrong about what?”

“That shifters can’t earn a star rank.”

Understanding filled Hazard’s expression and a hint of sympathy colored his scent.

“Ah. You had those kinds of classmates.”

“Yes.”

“Can I ask why you were in a military school instead of with your family or pack?”

Ice was quiet for a moment, taking the time to finish his sandwich while he decided if he wanted to answer. He hadn’t shared his family history with anyone in the Legion. He decided that he didn’t mind if Hazard knew his background.

“My parents died when I was five,” he finally said.

Hazard’s expression changed instantly, lips turning down in a frown of sadness. The hint of sympathy grew stronger, his omega pheromones attempting to offer him comfort.

“Royce. I’m sorry.”

Ice shrugged. “It was a long time ago.”