I laugh and tug him forward. “Come on. Let’s go find some of your basketball buddies.”
“Teammates, Ry. They’re called teammates.”
Before we get too far, Reid’s teammates see him and make their way over to us. Caden gets to us first and slaps Reid on theback. “You made it.” He turns to me next and whistles. “Wow, Riley, you clean up good.”
Reid bristles, but I can see the grin on Caden’s face. He’s totally playing Reid. “Thanks, you too, Caden.”
He glances across the room, and his smile broadens. “I hear you helped my little brother find the courage to ask Star out on a date.”
I look over to where Star and Cameron are talking to a few of the other guys from the practice squad. “He did that all on his own. They're cute together, aren’t they?”
His grin broadens. “They are; though not as cute as you two.”
Reid scowls at him. “Go find somebody else to torment.”
“Reid.” I elbow him in his side, but Caden just laughs it off.
“I’ll catch you two later; we’re seated at the same table.” With a wink, he’s off to bother somebody else.
“Are you sure we can’t leave?” Reid asks.
“Yes, I’m sure. Come on. Let's find our seats and then check out the appetizers I see everybody eating. I’m starving.”
He glances down at me with a frown. “Did you not eat again?”
“I got busy, and the time got away from me.”
That’s enough to get him moving right over to the food table, which is perfect for me. With my hand in his, we navigate around other players and coaching staff. We're almost to the table when somebody steps in front of us, blocking us. I force a smile when I see it’s my coach. “Coach Parella,” I say by way of greeting.
“Riley,” she says with a nod, which actually surprises me. I didn’t think she knew my first name. She gives Reid a weighted look.
“Oh, this is Reid. Reid Marshall.”
She looks down at our entwined hands and then back at me. “Yes, I know who he is. You’re dating a senior?”
I don’t actually know how to answer that. Reid slips an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close to him. “Actually,Riley’s been my girl for a long time,” he says smoothly with his effortless Reid charm.
She continues to stare at the two of us with that intensity she’s known for. “I don’t care for my players dating.”
I feel my body stiffen, even as I tell myself to stay calm. I panic for a moment, wondering if she’ll tell me I can’t date Reid while I’m playing. How strict would she make that? Would I not be able to go over to his house? Not be able to eat meals together? Not be able to see him? Each thought makes my panic rise. Reid must feel my panic because he pulls me closer. “Like I said, Riley and I go way back. We’re used to being together and handling all of our responsibilities; it won’t be a problem for either of us.”
I suck in a small breath because she’d be a fool not to hear the threat beneath his words. He may sound casual, but there’s anger beneath his words he’s trying to control. I feel that same anger. I’m not sure who she thinks she is to keep my mate and me away from each other because that’s not going to happen. I keep my face passive, but I look her right in the eye. “He’s right. We both know how to keep our priorities in check. I’ll give you a hundred percent when it comes to basketball.”
She looks between the two of us. “See that you do.” She takes a step back. “Don’t let me down, Blackwood.” She turns and walks away, and I feel my entire body deflate. I blow out a breath and try to calm my racing heart. Reid takes my hand in his and leads me away from the food table. I'm not sure where it is he’s leading me until he stops in a small alcove that’s hidden from most of the crowd.
He steps close and tips my head up with his finger. “Nobody is going to separate us, okay? Even if she told you that you couldn’t date, we’d just figure a way around it. Okay? I’m not going anywhere. I won’t let anybody separate us for any reason.” There’s steel to his voice, and it helps calm my nerves.
I look up at him. “The bond is getting stronger, isn’t it?”
He nods. “It will only continue to grow as we spend more and more time together.” He studies my face. “Are you handling it okay? Is it bothering you, causing you any pain?”
“No, I’m fine. I just can tell it’s getting stronger. I have this desire, I need to be near you like all the time. Honestly, sometimes it scares me.”
He reaches his thumb out and runs it down my cheek. “I feel the same way. Don’t ever be afraid to tell me what you’re feeling. I want to know. Always. And if I had my way, you’d never be out of my sight.”
I smile at that. “We’re a mess.”
“We’re mates,” he corrects gently. “We’re not human,” he says in a voice so soft, I wouldn’t hear him without my wolf hearing. “Others don’t understand, but it’s different for us.”
