Chapter 40
Riley
Dodgeball was insane; the guys were brutal in their attacks on each other.
I’m actually surprised none of them have broken bones.
After we finally finish, it’s time for freeze tag.
By some crazy bad luck, I get to be the first tagger.
I have no problem getting Tessa and Evie, but their mates keep freeing them every time they’re tagged.
I manage to get my brother, but Reid, Slate, and Quint are too fast. I’m going to get them, though; I won’t stop until I do.
I take a heaving breath and wipe the sweat from my brow and watch my three targets, all who are eyeing me with various levels of humor.
Quint is full-on grinning, and I decide he’s next.
I’m not fast enough when they use moves on me, but I’m fast on a flat-out run.
I need to get him on a straight run. I kind of go after Reid and Slate, but I’m keeping my eye out for an opening.
I get one when Quint stops to talk to Zane.
I sprint after Quint as fast as I can. He sees me coming and takes off, but I have momentum on my side.
I reach him and tag him. “Aw come on, Riley!”
I move away from him. I know he’ll be free soon, but at least I know I got him.
I set my sights on Slate next. He’s really fast, and I need to figure out how to get him.
Tessa waves at me and gives me a head nod towards Slate.
I’m not exactly sure what she’s got in mind, but I need all the help I can get.
She walks over to him and puts her hand on his chest. He stares down at her, totally distracted.
I sprint towards him as fast as I can. He sees me coming and turns and takes off, but I’m close.
I push harder and manage to just catch the edge of his shirt.
“Got you!” I shout. I lean over to catch my breath, but even as I do, I track the only one I haven’t tagged yet.
Reid sees me sizing him up and grins. He’s kept his distance.
Every time I get close, he immediately puts space between us.
But now, it’s my time to tag him. His mile-long legs make him impossible to catch, but I vow to.
He will not keep me from a perfect record.
The others cheer for me as I take my mate on.
I try a few different times to get him but can’t manage to touch him.
I catch my breath a moment, trying to decide what to do to get him.
Then I decide to just go for it. I am going to chase him until I catch him or die trying.
I take off after him, and he waits for me to get close before he takes off.
I push myself and run as fast as I can, but I just can’t catch him.
I feel my wolf push to the surface, and I grin.
I pull from her speed, and suddenly, it’s like I’m flying.
It doesn’t even feel like my feet touch the ground.
I pour on the speed and reach out and tag him.
“Got you!” I shout in triumph. He whirls around, surprising me, and I run right into him.
He catches me in his strong arms and grins down at me.
“I caught you,” I tell him breathlessly.
“So, you did.” He leans forward and kisses me. But now, I caught you. What are you going to do about it?
I waste no time climbing him like a monkey and wrapping my legs around his waist. I plaster my lips to his, and he growls deep in his chest and holds me tightly. We’re in the middle of seriously kissing when Zane yells. “Come on. You caught him. Time to get back here.”
Reid kisses me deeply one more time and then slowly lowers me to my feet. “If I knew that would be the outcome, I would have let you catch me a long time ago.”
My eyes widen. “You did not let me catch you! I caught you on my own!” His eyes dance, and he puts out his hand. I don’t take it. “I caught you fair and square.” I tug on his hand, not letting him go until he admits it. “Say it.”
“Fine, Riley. You caught me fair and square.” But he’s still grinning, and I don’t like it. But I let him take my hand and pull me along to join the others. They all want to play another round, but I'm tapped.
“I’m going to sit out this round,” I tell everybody.
“Oh, good. Me too,” Tessa says, instantly joining me.
“Me three.” Evie joins our trio as we head towards the house. “How’s everybody’s week look?” Evie asks as we head inside.
“Reid and I have a combined holiday game this weekend. The women’s team plays and then the men’s team.”
Evie looks over at us. “Really? That sounds fun.”
“Yeah, it should be, especially now that I hopefully won’t be weak.”
They both look at me in concern, and I can’t help my laugh. “It’s okay. I’m fine now.”
“Are you sure?” Tessa asks. “I saw the replay of you dropping to the ground, and it was pretty awful.”
“I really am. I’m actually looking forward to playing now that Reid and I are bonded; I think it will be so much better.
“I hope so,” Evie says with concern.
“It will be; you’ll see.”
_____________
I look up at the scoreboard and wipe the sweat from my forehead with my jersey.
It’s not even really a question at this point; this one is in the bag.
We’re hanging on to our ten-point lead as the clock ticks down.
The buzzer sounds, and I take a deep breath.
That was a good game. I felt like myself in that game, and it’s been a while since I felt that.
I can’t help my smile as Star drops an arm around my shoulders and gives me a quick side hug. “And that’s how it’s done.”
“Good game, Star.”
“And a great game to you, Riley! How many points did you score?” she asks as we walk towards the bench.
“I don’t know.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t know how you don’t know. I always know how many points I make in a game. It’s called keeping a running total.”
I elbow her in the side, and she laughs.
The rest of our teammates congratulate us, and we spend a moment acknowledging the other team.
Then we make our way off the court. I can’t help my smile when we get close to the hallway where the guys are getting ready to make their entrance.
They whistle and celebrate our win with us, but there’s one guy that catches and holds my attention.
Hey, Handsome, I say through our bond when I get close. Go show them how it’s done.
He surprises me by pulling me into his arms. His teammates whistle and cheer, but I ignore them. You were amazing out there! Great game, Baby. You looked so hot out there.
My inner temperature starts to rise, and I know I need to create some space between us. He has a game to focus on, and I need to let him go. I pull back, and he instantly releases me. I step up on tiptoe and kiss his cheek. I’ll see you after the game.
He locks eyes with me. I’m counting on it.
Somebody gives the call for them to go. Go get this one!
He nods at me, nothing but focused now, and then runs out with his team.
I watch them a minute and then hurry to the locker room, so I can shower and change and head out to watch the game.
Thankfully, Coach doesn’t keep us long. I take a fast shower and then dress in our travel outfit—black athletic pants and FMU navy pullover and head out to watch the game.
“Riley!” I turn back to see Star hurrying after me.
“You’re so fast.”
“I don’t want to miss this game.”
She links her arm with mine. “Definitely. It should be a good one.”
Thankfully, the guys are still warming up; so, we didn't miss anything. “Do you want to grab anything to eat or go sit—” I don’t finish my question because there’s suddenly a tall guy standing in front of us, like right in front of us. He glares down at me. “Uh, can I help you?” I manage to ask.
“Yeah, number fifty-two, you can.” I lift my eyebrows in surprise. I glance at Star, but she looks just as confused as I do. “My girl played against you tonight. You hurt her.”
I frown in confusion. I don’t remember hurting anyone. “Are you sure?” I start. He takes a step closer, and I step back to avoid him...right into a firm chest.
“Is there a problem here?” Reid’s words are like blades. “Is there a reason you’re in my girl’s face?”
Any other time, I think I would love the possessiveness and protection he’s offering, but not right now. I’ve got this, I send him. “What are you talking about? How did I hurt your girl?”
The guy’s attention leaves Reid to settle back on me, and I feel Reid step even closer. “When you went up for that layup, you took my girl out. She hit her head on the wood floor hard. She probably has a concussion.”
I suddenly remember the play at the end of the third quarter when I went on a fast break, and this girl came out of nowhere and slammed into me in the air, sending both of us to the ground.
“Are you talking about the girl that body slammed Riley on her fastbreak?” Star asks with wide eyes that quickly narrow.
“Is your girl number thirteen?” He nods, and Star opens her mouth to speak, but Reid beats her to it.
“She should have gotten a flagrant foul for that move,” Reid grounds out. “Now, I suggest you back off and leave my girl alone unless you want us to get the authorities involved.”
This finally gets through to the guy, and he turns away in disgust. I whirl around to face Reid. “Thanks, Marshall; but I had that.”
His face instantly changes, losing its anger. “I know you did, but thanks for letting me feel like I was protecting you.” He kisses me on the cheek and then heads back out onto the court.
When I look back at Star, she grins. “He’s pretty much perfect for you.”
I shake my head reluctantly. “I know. Let’s go get some food; I’m starving.”
With arms laden full of food, we make our way to our seats. Because we’re players in this tournament, we all get seats near the floor, which is fun. Hey, Love. My mom’s voice in my head catches my attention.
Hey, Mom. What's up?
I won’t keep you. I’m sure you’re at Reid’s game.
I am.
Good game. We watched it; sorry we couldn't be there in person.
No worries, I send back easily. She and my dad have been swamped with pack stuff, this close to Christmas. My mom always plans a bunch of Christmas activities for the pack, and this time of year is always crunch time for her.
I know things have been so busy, but I miss you. I wanted to see if you wanted to go out to breakfast tomorrow morning. You don’t have any games, right?
No. I’d love to, Mom.
Great! I’ll pick you up outside your dorm at nine. Is that good?
Perfect. Looking forward to it.
Me too, Honey. Love you. I’m proud of you!
Thanks, Mom. I can’t help my smile as we break the connection. This weekend is looking even better.
Reid’s game is amazing. It stays close the entire time, and I lose my voice from screaming the entire game.
With one minute left in the game, both teams are tied.
I’m on my feet with the rest of the screaming fans.
The other team throws the ball in and dribbles down the court.
We're all over them, but they make their way through the middle and score. I groan as they go up by two. Reid jumps out of bounds with the ball and tosses it into Caden who dribbles down. Exavier cuts up to the free throw line, and Caden feeds him the ball. He takes his time a moment and then drives hard to the basket and scores. The other team grabs the ball and passes it in. We line up on defense, and Caden is all over his guy. The guy passes it, and Caden sees it coming and grabs it. He races for the other end and throws it up. Reid comes out of nowhere and dunks it. I scream his name and jump up and down. We’ve got a two-point lead, but that’s nothing in basketball.
The other team passes the ball in and heads down to their end.
They use up most of their shot clock and then one of their guys throws up a three right before the shot clock buzzes and makes it.
I glance at the time. They’re up by one, and there are six seconds left.
I grab Star’s hand, squeezing tightly. Reid’s coach calls a timeout, and I try to catch my breath.
The ref blows the whistle, and the guys head back out.
I don’t think I breathe as they pass it in.
The seconds start ticking down. Caden passes to Exavier.
I hold my breath as Exavier goes up for a shot, but the ball swirls around the rim and then out.
But Reid is already in the air and tips it in just as the buzzer sounds.
The arena erupts, and I jump up and down with Star.
I’m still flying high when Reid comes out from the locker room a little while later, freshly showered.
I run to him and jump; he catches me easily.
“You were amazing!” I kiss him soundly, and he responds in like passion.
Thankfully, he remembers we’re in public and doesn’t kiss me too long.
“Want to go celebrate?” he asks with a grin.
“Uh, yeah!”