Shadow Mate - Jen L. Grey Page 0,48

stupid name again. "No, no he didn’t."

"He actually offered to take her under his wing." Bree nodded as she patted herself on the back. "I knew she was something special when I met her."

The crowds began to cheer and jump to their feet when the stadium started playing loud music. It wasn't long before the Wolf Moon football players ran out onto the field.

"Woot." Bree grabbed me causing both of us to stand on our feet. "Go, Wolf Moon!"

As I gazed at the field, my eyes zeroed in on him. His blue eyes were already settled on me.

"See, this is the real college experience." Kai turned toward me and grinned. "All of this energy." His face was full of excitement as he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me against him.

My body stiffened for a second before I forced it to relax. I needed to focus anywhere but on Liam. Even as I thought it, my eyes went back to his.

"It's time to play some football." The announcer shouted, making the crowd go wild.

This was going to be an interesting game.

"I can't believe how bad Liam is doing tonight." Bree shook her head and glanced at me. "Even during his freshman year, he was ten times better than tonight. And why the hell did they pull Evan out? We need him right now."

The problem was me, which had me more excited than it should have. Liam kept watching me, and Kai wouldn't stop touching me. How was I supposed to move on when I knew he was struggling just as hard as I was? This was all fucking ridiculous. I had to get my act together. "I’ve got to run to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Bree began to stand, but I waved her off. "No, stay and watch your brother. I won't be long."

I rushed down the steps and headed to the bathroom stalls. I didn't want to linger where the team could come in. There was no telling what would happen.

I turned the corner and stopped in my tracks when my eyes hit the girl who had touched Liam.

What’s the rush?” Blondie said with a huge smirk. “Did you realize that I was almost to my seat and needed to vacate?”

“No.” I refused to let her get to me. “I’m here with Bree, Tripp, and Kai… wait, it’s none of your damn business.”

“Oh, are the two guys coming soon too so that maybe you could have a quickie in the bathroom?” The girl flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I mean, you have to figure out a way to stay at this school somehow.”

“You know that’s not true.” I had to take a deep breath. I couldn’t let her get into my mind. “But what else could I expect from a toy that the heirs like to pass around.”

Her jade eyes flared. “You better watch your back, slut.”

She pushed past me, trying to make me fall into the wall but I held firm.

“Pathetic.” She rolled her eyes as she climbed the stairs.

I rushed into the bathroom to attempt to calm myself down and relieved myself. After flushing, I walked out and turned on the water, relishing the cold water on my skin. As I washed my hands, I stared at myself in the mirror. I was turning into someone I didn't know, and I didn't like it.

Hiding and moping weren't going to fix anything. I needed to get back to my friends.

As I opened the door to exit the bathroom, a loud deep voice vibrated against the walls. "Do not walk away from me."

I stopped and froze in place. The door was cracked but open enough that I could see Evan was standing there with a man that looked just like him only older. Despite that, there was pure hate and rage on his face.

"Dad, I’ve got to get back out there. They need me." Evan's body stiffened, and fear showed in his eyes. He clutched his helmet in his hands.

He didn't look like the fierce, intimidating man that I’d always seen throughout the halls.

"He's fucking up. This is your chance... no ... our chance to show the Hales we're stronger than them." His dad clenched his hands into fists. "You get out there and play your hardest and run circles around him. You finally have a shot at taking his spot on the team after this disaster of a shit show."

"But he's my friend." Evan shook his