The game begins, and everyone’s shouting and cheering. I get the basic concept of the game.
“Would this game be called fair? I mean, Midnight Academy is full of alpha blood, whilst Mystic Academy – I’m not sure if there is an alpha on that team,” I say to the girls.
“There’s more to football than speed and strength. Skill is a big part, trust me,” Allie replies dismissively.
The game continues, and I look over at Allie and Heaven, who are both completely into the game. It’s hot, and I find myself on edge a couple of times when either team is about to score, hoping for Jayce’s team to score and hoping Seth’s team doesn’t. Also, sadly, none of them ditched their shirts. Didthey lie about that just to get me here?? I look at the girls suspiciously.
But Jayce is in his football kit with sweat dripping from his hair, and it’s sizzling hot. I don’t even know how I’d manage to focus on anything if he were shirtless.
I see him and Seth cross paths a few times, seeing the rough way they knock shoulders, and the looks between them. Is it real, or am I imagining it?
I think I see Seth say something as he passes Jayce, but even if I had a wolf, I wouldn’t have been able to hear above this crowd.
“Wow, those two got some tension…” Heaven says. “Oh my gosh!”
I turn back to the crowd only to see Seth stagger, Jayce not too far from him, and the referee blows a whistle. Is that Professor Raj? I never knew!
The crowd erupts with protests when he holds up a yellow card, saying something to Jayce, who simply shakes his head and walks away unbothered by the referee as Theo and the others protest in his wake.
“Shit… Jayce ain’t playing,” Allie murmurs.
“What happened?!” I hissed.
“Think he fouled Seth, look. And he’s been given a warning,” Heaven whispers.
I look back at the field, my heart skipping a beat. I watch as Seth waves off his team, feeling Jayce’s burning gaze on me. My eyes dart to him; he’s frowning. I can tell that from up here.
I sigh softly as he turns away. Oh, gods, why do things have to be so complicated?
We approach halftime,and I get up, wanting to grab Jayce a water bottle, although I can see there’s a water station to the side.
I glance at the score. The Midnight Shadow Wolves are winning 3-2.
Nice…
“I’ll be back!” I shout over the crowd before making my way down just as the whistle for half-time goes.
Whispering a spell, I levitate one of the bottles from the case on the ground beside the stand and grab it when it’s within reach. No one notices; everyone’s too busy with the game. I wait on the side, but now that I’m not in the bleachers, I can’t even see Jayce anymore.
I see a few boys jog off towards the locker rooms, discussing the game. I try to move closer, only to be elbowed aside, and then I spot him coming towards the water station.
“Jayce!” I call, earning myself a few looks from students around me. Someone shoves in front of me, and I step back, losing sight of Jayce once more. I sigh, looking down at the water bottle.
How foolish. He already has access to water a few yards away. What am I even doing?
I turn away when a hand takes hold of my shoulder, and my heart skips a beat, knowing it’s him. I turn back and look up into those green eyes.
“Hey…” I say, feeling embarrassed.
“Hey,” he replies. I can sense a few people watching us, but most aren’t, as everyone takes the chance to grab some snacks or visit the bathroom.
“Water?” I offer, holding out the bottle.
“Thanks.” He takes it from me, unscrewing it and taking a few gulps.
Oh, gods…
I watch as his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, and then he goes and pours the remainder of the bottle over his head.
