The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

Not a Coincidence Pt. 2

The coach shouted, “Tasha!” The man at the front desk said, “Sorry, their room was given away on a flex situation. As an apology, we upgraded their room.” He handed me the keys. The coach said, “Well, that’s nice.”

Tasha scoffed, “Of course they did.” The man said, “Your elevator is this way?” Tasha shrieked, “They get a private elevator?” Someone retorted, “Maybe if you were nicer then we could go see their room later.”

The man said, “Right this way Piper and Remi.” I whispered, “He knew our names.” Remi hummed, “So he did.” I quickly googled who owned this hotel, expecting a Conners, but it was a corporation called Manford at Modd. I found the person behind that was Estella Mia McNair. You were joking.

Remi asked, “What’s the face?” I turned the phone around and Remi shrugged. The guy let us into our room. It was the entire top floor. Remi gasped, “This view.” The man said, “This is your butler for your stay. If you need anything, please let him know.” Then he left.

Remi asked, “Did Estella spark something for you memory wise? Keep in mind, I don’t know how.” I replied, “Remi, that’s an anagram.” Remi replied, “You’re saying words I don’t understand.” I replied, “Estella Mia McNair is Melanie McAlister using different letters in a different order.”

Remi gasped, “Shut up! Melanie gave us this room?!” I replied, “I think she did.” Our coach called me. I answered, “Hey, Coach.” The coach asked, “Is your room big enough for a team meeting? The conference rooms are booked out.” I was about to answer when she said, “Hold on.” I heard them say they opened up a room for them .

The coach said, “Never mind, we got it resolved.” I said, “Ok, we do have the space if it’s needed.” Coach asked, “Where are you guys?” I answered, “Top floor.” Coach hummed, “What’s the room number?” I replied, “It’s literally the entire top floor. It’s like a penthouse.” Coach laughed, “That’s a hell of an apology. This place is so fancy.” She hung up.

Remi shouted, “GIRL THERE IS A POOL AND A HOT TUB OUT HERE!” I ran outside and saw there was in fact a pool and hot tub. I said, “That hot tub will be so nice after day one.” Remi said, “It will be my actual religion.”

Preston called and I answered, “Hey.” Preston chuckled, “I hear you checked in.” I replied, “I’m sure you did since Melanie owns this hotel. We have a penthouse, Preston.” My boyfriend laughed, “As you deserve. How did you figure out Melanie owned it.” I snorted, “The anagram. Mom and I used to solve puzzles every morning together. She was all about brain teasers.”

Preston laughed, “Well, that’s fun.” I offered, “You can come stay here. I’m sure Karl is too. Bring your swim trunks. We have a private hot tub and pool.” Preston replied, “I know. CJ got a whole email about your accommodations.” His friend?

I asked, “Why not you?” Preston laughed, “CJ liked the details of things.” Ok? Preston said, “I’ll see you tonight.” I gasped, “Really?” Preston answered, “Yup. Karl and I will be there before you know it.” Then he hung up.

I shouted, “REMI! OUR GUYS ARE COMING!” Remi grinned, “I heard. Let’s get our swim suits on.” I winced, “I didn’t bring one.” The butler said, “I shall return.” I asked Remi, “Is he coming back with a swim suit for me?” Remi answered, “A thousand percent. I can’t believe you didn’t bring your swim suit!”

I replied, “Well, we didn’t have swim plans!” Remi snorted, “It’s California, Piper. Not going to a pool or the beach is like sacrilegious." I snorted. The butler came back with a bikini that was a navy and white. It was a halter top that hugged my boobs and a higher waisted bottoms but it was pretty cute.

I went and changed. I came back and thanked the man. He blushed, “It’s my job, Ms. Piper.” I smiled at him, “Still. Thank you.” I skipped back to the hot tub and got in. Remi joined seconds later. I had just put my head back when I heard the elevator ding.

I heard the butler say clear as day, as if he was standing right next to me, “The women are on the deck in the hot tub.” Karl said, “Thank you.” I heard a snap then I knew with every fiber of my body Preston was coming.

I turned and stood up. I grinned, “You guys wore your swim suits on the plane?” Karl replied, “I like to be prepared. This is a nice room.” Remi shouted, “Right?!” Preston kissed me with all he had and pulled me close to him.

When we pulled back he got into the hot tub in one fluid motion that should be illegal. I leaned my head on his shoulder as we all watched the sun set. I said, “Remi, I think our life became a movie set without our knowledge.”

Remi replied, “I am one thousand percent here for it.” Preston asked, “How was the flight?” I said, “Well, I was a gold digger then…” Preston snarled, “What?” I waved, “It was stupid and…” Preston interrupted, “Were you wearing your watch?” I gasped, “Oh my god! I probably ruined it.” I looked at it but it was still working.

Preston said, “It’s water proof.” I said, “Oh. I was wearing it, yes.” Preston smirked. I waved, “Remi and I played a card game that I was quite good at once I caught on.” Remi grumbled, “You always were good at it.” I laughed, “Then I started a book I’m definitely into.” Preston grinned, “Good.”

Eventually the butler called, “Your dinner is ready.” I said, “We didn’t order dinner.” The butler replied, “Compliments of our owner.” I asked, “Is there a chef?” The butler smirked, “Yes, you do have a chef for your stay. It is critical you are well fed for your tournament.”

I laughed, “Melanie is so funny.” We got out and I quickly changed into pajamas while Preston put on grey sweatpants. I said, “That should be illegal.” He didn’t even put on a shirt. My man laughed and we walked into the kitchen.

I asked, “What in the carb heaven is all this?” Remi laughed, “Well, we need carbs Piper. I guess there was an email that was specific about our caloric intake.” I looked at Preston who smirked, “Melanie likes to research things.”

To my surprise between the four of us, we ate all the food. Preston nuzzled me, “Let’s get you to bed. What time do you have to be there?” I answered, “I have to be in the lobby at five thirty.” Remi groaned, “Ugh! The morning is such a bad time for me.” I threw my head back and laughed.

Preston took me to bed and snuggled into me. Instead of my alarm, I woke up to Preston's mouth on me. I gripped the sheets as he brought me to an orgasm. Then my alarm went off. I quickly shut it off. Preston winked, “I thought this would be a fun way to wake up.” I agreed, “The best.” I quickly showered then put my uniform on, hair up in a ponytail, then put on my sweatsuit.

Preston growled when he saw me. I laughed, “Wolves do it for you, huh?” Preston yanked me into a searing kiss then growled, “MINE!” I trailed my hands up his body. Remi shouted, “Piper come see this smattering of food.” There were eggs, bacon, pancakes, and more. I laughed and we ate then went downstairs. The coach told us, “I will have your lunches delivered to the convention hall.” Remi and I smirked at each other.

We were some of the first ones down there with the coaches. Everyone filtered down. Coach asked, “Did everyone eat?” We all nodded. Tasha snorted, “Really? We must have missed you and Remi at the continental breakfast, Piper.” Remi agreed, “You did because we have a chef.” Tasha shrieked, “WHAT?!”

Coach stared at us for a beat then said, “Let’s get going.” We all got on the bus and went to the tournament. Remi and put on our headphones and I put on songs to pump me up, ignoring the looks and whispers. I didn’t care.

When we got out we went inside and found our court and began warming up. We’d ref after this game. To my shock, Melanie was already here with Alexander. I told Remi, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say Melanie is analyzing our warm up.” Remi replied, “She definitely is.”

Preston came in with Karl, William, Julian, Valentina, and Anastasia. Grandpa Ralph and his family joined. I waved at all of them and the Conners just kept pouring in. To be fair, my boyfriend had a lot of siblings. All of them were carrying signs.

Mom walked in with dad, Nathan McD, Kenko, Pen, Mike, Jane, and Theo. I waved at them and mom waved her sign. Remi laughed, “We brought the entire literal cheering section.” I agreed, “We did.

We started our pool play and easily dominated. We were going to be the one seed. Our reffing duties were find and by the end of pool play one, we were the first seed. Our cheering section was easily the loudest too.

Our coach told us, “Get some lunch, guys. Be marginally healthy please. We’ll get where our next pool is.” Remi nudged me and I saw our butler. He walked over, “Ms. Piper and Ms. Remi, here are your lunches.” He handed us honest to god coolers that were mint green.

Tasha scoffed, “Are you guys kidding us right now?” Remi said, “I forgot the part where we asked for your opinion.” I heard a growl and turned, to my surprise it was Melanie who was glaring at Tasha over her computer.

I opened the bag and found a layered lunch. I pulled out the note. The spaghetti was spaghetti squash with chicken. There was an assortment of fruit, cooked brussel sprouts and broccoli, with a steak, and cookies.

Remi said, “I love this tournament so much.” There was also water and orange juice. I laughed and went over to the massive group here for me. Mom hugged me, “You were so amazing!” I replied, “Thanks. We’re just eating really quick then we’ll be repooled.”

Melanie hummed, “Yes… we are moving to court two…or not…I don’t know that.” I laughed, “I should’ve just had our coach ask you. Thanks for the hotel room and the food.” Melanie squeaked, “What? Me? I wasn’t….ummm here?”

I smirked, “Right.” Mom put her hand over her mouth. A tournament worker came over “We have designated areas for the teams to eat.” I waved at everyone and walked with Remi to eat. Everyone stared at our lunches.

Remi said, “So, we are kicking ass.” I laughed, “That we are.” Once we finished we headed to court two. Our coach said, “Good. I like it when people are proactive. I am going to text the team our court number. We are reffing first.” I nodded.

Our cheering section showed up and there were more of them now. A little boy was sitting beside Melanie. I whispered to Remi, “Does she have a kid?” Remi replied, “No, that’s her nephew.” Right. I knew that.

This pool was tougher. Melanie started shouting out, “LINE and ANGLE!” When Remi was going to hit. I see she had caught up on volleyball terms. I dove for a ball and ran into the scorer’s table. It was high enough I nailed my hip on it and my jersey had slid up. I felt it cut my skin.

I heard several growls and that weird noise I made. I glanced up into my dad’s eyes. He looked pissed. Coach asked, “Are you good, Piper?” I answered, “Fine.” I walked back on the court. Remi whispered, “You’re bleeding.” I replied, “I’m wearing black. It’s fine.” The other team called a time out.

I went to our assistant who had the first aid kit. She raised an eyebrow and I raised my shirt and lowered my shorts a bit. She gasped, “Piper!” I said, “Just put some gauze and tape on it.” She quickly cleaned it up and put the gauze on with the tape.

Coach asked, “Are you good?” I answered, “It’s nothing.” Tasha rolled her eyes from the bench saying, “I can go in for her.” I replied, “It’s just some blood. I’ll live.” I went back in and Remi slapped my ass with several people.

Our first coming out of this pool was harder earned than the beginning of the day. Coach went to find out where we’d be playing tomorrow then came back to let us all know. Coach announced, “We’ll be on court one at eight in the morning. We are in the gold bracket.” Of course we were. We’d taken first in both brackets. There were silver, bronze, and two sets of flight brackets. We were still in competition to win the whole thing.

Coach said, “Lights out at ten tonight ladies. You are free to have fun until then, no alcohol.” We all replied, “Yes, coach.” Remi and I went over to where everyone was waiting. Preston kissed me and I pulled back.

I teased, “Melanie, you look ready to explode.” Melanie said, “I’ve got it all… figured out.” A man beside her snorted, “Ladybug.” Melanie waved, “I know… all the analytics… and your coach that does that.. .should be fired.. .because she’s terrible… I’m just saying, Eric… you should fire her.”

I asked, “How would he do that?” Melanie replied, “Umm… he owns the university…and has say over such things." I asked, “He what?” I glanced at Preston as several things clicked and made sense.

Melanie said, “That’s… you didn’t know that…umm… I’m going to go over there and talk to your analytics coach… who is terrible….and tell her my ideas… that are so much better… than her… I guess we say strategy…even though it seems more like a lack of one.. You guys will win the tournament more efficiently…. with my strategy.”

Alexander laughed, “Lovebug.” Melanie asked, “What? They will win, it’s a statistical certainty….it’s why they weren’t invited….which isn’t fair… you agreed.” I shot Remi a look who smirked at me.

Alexander chuckled, “I do agree.” The other man said, “You can’t just tell people they are terrible at their jobs.” Melanie hummed, “I mean… anyone could’ve noticed that. I watched the zones she told them to serve to…and that last game.. .she targeted the libero.”

The guy asked, “The who?” I answered, “The person in the different colored jersey in the backrow.” The guy nodded, “Thanks. I’m Tristan, Melanie’s brother.” I nodded with a smile on my face.

Melanie said, “Mmm hmm… I’m sure you noticed the person in the different colored jersey…. Is literally in the backrow because they are good….at defense….yet their coach had them targeting her… no aces… all perfect passes… BECAUSE SHE IS THE LIBERO!”

Remi said, “I have to agree with that.” I conceded, “That was weird.” Melanie clapped, “See? They would win faster….if she’d follow my way….I have all the math.” Tristan replied, “Of course you do.” Then Melanie took off to talk to my coaches.

Tristan said, “Do not say what you want to about how she does her job. It’s mean.” Melanie paused then frowned, “What? No…it’s just true.” The guy that was clearly her dad laughed, “It won’t get you what you want.” Melanie frowned, “Ok…that’s a better reason than it’s mean… because it’s not.” It was but it was hilarious she didn’t see it that way.

I cleared my throat, “Your dad owns the university.” Preston coyly asked, “Did I not mention that?” I replied, “Uh no.” Remi said, “That’s public information, Pipes.” I snorted, “You realize that’s why we got the approval for our apartment, right?” Remi said, “I knew the whole time.”

Melanie ran back, “You were going to get it… even if you weren’t dating Preston… I believe you call him Nathan McD… I mean I know you do… no I don’t… that would be weird… I just totally… thought it made sense… for you to call him that…. Should you… do so… but he was always going to talk to Eric… who was going to agree… with or without you dating Preston… ummm bye.” Then she took back off to talk more with the coaches.

A man laughed, “You call him Nathan McD?” Remi answered, “Yup. You’re Nathan OG.” That made everyone laugh. Mom hugged me, “You were amazing, sweetie!” Dad asked, “Is your hip ok?” I replied, “It’s fine.”

We talked for a bit. I said, “Well, everyone can come back to our hotel for dinner. I’m sure our chef cooked a heck of a meal and we need to shower.” Melanie agreed, “He did… cook a specific meal…and probably got told to cook extra…. I mean we can order… if he did not.”

I laughed, “Please stop trying to lie.” Haley walked beside me and the second we turned a corner she hugged me. I felt a euphoric sense for a second then she pulled back and smiled at me. Preston took my hand and we were ushered into a literal line of SUVs.

I teased, “I guess we aren’t taking the bus back.” Remi laughed, “No one said we had to.” True. We made it to the hotel and were taken to an underground entrance. We went up in stages. Preston, me, Remi, Karl, Julian, Anastasia, William, and Valentina got in first.

Valentina commented, “You were great today, Piper.” Anastasia agreed, “Da, very impressive.” I blushed, “Thanks, guys.” Valentina added, “Remi your spike is amazing.” Remi cooed, “Aww, did Melanie teach you the lingo.”

Anastasia laughed, “Yes. Also thank you for hitting where she told you.” Remi winked, “I’m always listening to where the holes are.” We got out and Remi and showered. By the time we made it back out, everyone was here. There were also boxes with our red and white uniforms and coach texted that we were wearing those tomorrow.

Pen said, “Wow. This is some room.” I replied, “Right?” Pen hugged me, “You were great. Let me see your hip.” I said, “It’s…” I trailed off when he lifted up my shirt.” It was a smaller scab but had no bruising around it.

I snorted, “I was certain that was going to be worse.” Pen chuckled. Haley was making a face like she wanted to help. Which was crazy. She had given me that hug though. Maybe it helped with the bruising. What in the world was that crazy thought, Piper?

The group got along pretty well. There was tension with my dad and certain people, but I shrugged that off. When everyone left I literally raced Remi to our rooms to change for the hot tub. I got in and groaned, “I needed this.” Remi jumped in, “Same.”

I whispered, “Hey, you said I have that psychic like thing. Could Haley have something that helped my hip? It was already turning purple and black when it was wrapped today.” Remi winked, “You catch on so fast.” Damn! I was right. I smirked.

Preston and Karl joined us and I sank back into Preston and closed my eyes. I briefly came to realizing I was being carried, then dried off and put in bed. I was wearing the best smelling, softest shirt ever. I let myself be carried away into the warmth.

I woke up to Preston licking me again. I moaned as I came and squeezed my thighs around his head. I warned, “I’m getting very used to waking up this way. You might just have to do it every day.” Preston replied, “It would be my absolute honor.” I snorted, “You’re silly.” Preston shook his head, “Nope, I’m very serious.”

I laughed the whole way the shower then realized, I could watch tv in the shower because there was a screen in there. This was such a fancy hotel. I got dressed in our red and white uniform knowing our libero would be in black and red today.

There was another amazing breakfast waiting. Remi and I chowed down then went downstairs. Coach said, “Alright, let’s get going.” I pointed out, “Tasha isn’t here.” Coach sighed, “She transferred last night and left.” I blinked several times.

Someone said, “Tasha had been saying she’d go somewhere else and be a starter.” Another said, “Yeah, she was a b***h about being a bench warmer.” That was odd. Two girls just randomly transferred.

I looked at Remi but she shrugged. I shrugged, put on my headphones, and read more of my mob book. I was so invested in several characters at this point. Remi asked, “Where are you?” I answered, “They got on the plane to Ireland. I swear, those assholes better get the whole mob business for what they did to Connier and her friends. Also, Miley better not be the side character that dies.”

Remi gasped, “Don’t even put that into the universe! I love Miley, she’s like my soul sister.” I laughed, “I just hope the girls from the foster house all make it through. Their lives were hard enough.” Remi agreed, “Damn straight. I think Miley will turn out to be a mob person’s daughter like Connie did.” I gasped, “Ohhhh the twist!” Remi winked.