Ash knows what an alpha in rut smells like. Still, Kai insists, “I’m not going into rut.” “Okay,” Ash says, not believing it. A barely-there smirk pulls at the corner of Kai’s lips. “What, wishful thinking?” Ash scoffs, trying to hide his blush. “Not my fault you stink.” *** In volleyball, height and power is everything. Ash fights tooth and nail to prove that he is worthy of his role as the ace spiker despite his short stature and omega status. His national team is gearing up for the Olympics, and he wants to show that he not only has what it takes to stand among the greatest, but to get his team to the top. But he can’t do it alone, because every spiker needs a setter. For Ash, that setter is Kai. Maintaining their friendly rivalry since high school, Kai continues to push Ash to be the best spiker he can be. However, he starts to push Ash in new ways that interfere with his performance at practice. One day, Ash notices that Kai’s scent is distracting him more than usual. He could have sworn that Kai’s rut wasn’t due for another few months, but something is off, and it’s tripping up Ash’s game (and maybe Kai’s too). \—- This is a non-shifter omegaverse sports romance. This work is intended for audiences age 18 and above.