Today though, today I was itching for a fight.
The scrimmage line moved into position, and my center got ready to snap me the ball. Inhaling a deep breath, I readied myself. “Hut,” I called, and he released the ball. I caught it, pulling tall as I jogged backwards to scan the field for my wide receiver.
Once he was in my line of sight, I wound my arm back and made the throw. The ball sailed on a near perfect trajectory, cutting through the air like a bullet. Kye was tracking it, moving into position ready to—
He leaped off the ground and swiped the ball into the palm of his hand, cradling it to his body as he took off down the field.
“Better,” Coach yelled. “Much better. Good work, Wilder. Hit the showers. I don’t want to see your ugly faces again until tomorrow.”
“I let you have that one, Wilder.” Hench smirked at me as he headed for the locker room, and I shoved down the urge to rush him and wipe that smug fucking smirk right off his face.
“I don’t know how he’s still standing,” Zane said, jogging over to me.
“You know I can’t get into any trouble.”
Not on the first day, at least.
“Yeah, but an illegal jab or two wouldn’t have hurt. He’s such a smug bastard. I’d love to wipe—”
“Relax.” I slung my arm over Zane’s shoulder. “He’s one of the best defensive players we have, and I’m man enough to overlook the fact he’s a complete asshole.”
“Yeah, but come on, Nix. Tell me you didn’t imagine grinding his face into the ground every time he sacked you.”
“Whose face we grinding?” Kye joined us as we reached the doors to the locker room.
“Didn’t you hear? Nix has turned over a new leaf.” Zane smirked, and I flipped him off.
“I can always make exceptions for you, Washington.”
“Bring it, Wilder.” He flashed me a wolfish grin. “I know you’re itching for a fight.” Tipping his chin in invitation, I glanced around, realizing we’d drawn an audience.
“Not here,” I said, refusing to give our teammates a show.
I needed to burn off some steam, but it would have to wait until later.
“You shouldn’t have.” Chloe dropped down next to Kye and snagged a handful of his fries.
“You know, you could get your own lunch instead of stealing mine.”
“Stealing? I was always led to believe that what’s yours is mine, brother.”
“And what about what’s yours?”
“Simple. What’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is mine.” She shrugged, fighting a smile.
“Seriously though, Clo. Do you mind? We’re in the middle of something.”
“The something of what exactly? Eating lunch? Rating girls on their racks? Uh, let’s see, plotting world domination, no, you’re not intelligent enough for that. So that leaves… ah, yes… nothing.” Chloe grinned.
“She has a point, man.” Zane mumbled.
“Don’t tell her that. We’ll never get rid of her.”
“Hello, sitting right here. Seriously, Nix, I don’t know how you put up with these two clowns.”
“Always a pleasure, Clo.”
“Actually, I thought you might want to know I found out something else… about Harleigh, I mean.”