He points to his gray hair. “This isn’t just for looks, you know. I’ve got some wisdom to go with all that gray hair.”
I laugh. “Good to know.”
He opens the door for me, and we step out into the night. “Have a good night, Riley.”
His use of my name makes me smile. Most people just call me Blackwood, which is fine. But it’s always nice when someone calls me by my first name. It’s a long walk back to my dorm, made longer by the cold wind. When I finally get to my room, I’m ready to crash for the night. Thankfully, my room is empty when I get back. I unpack my bag and grab a few of my schoolbooks and drop them on to my bed for when I’m ready and spend the next few minutes getting all ready for bed. I’ve only been studying for a few minutes when the door opens. “Hey, Riley,” Ashley says as she comes inside.
“Hey, Ashley.”
She looks over at me. “You had a game tonight, right?” I nod. “How’d it go?”
I blow out a breath. “Not my best game.”
She looks over at me and takes off her sweatshirt. “Did you win?” I shake my head. “Aw, I’m sorry. Well, I’m sure you’ll win the next one.” With that, she heads to the bathroom. I study for a only a little while longer before exhaustion drives me to sleep.
Chapter 36
Reid
I head into the gymnasium and make my way to my seat. Caden, of all people, came with me. When he found out I was attending tonight’s game, he decided to come with. I don’t mind his company, especially since nobody else could make it. Zane and Quint are at an away game, and Evie is working at the coffee shop. Slate also has an away game, and Tessa’s with him. None of our parents could come because there’s a major pack meeting tonight. Alpha felt bad scheduling it during Riley’s game, but there are two alphas in town from two different packs. This was the only time they had to meet to discuss the ongoing problem with the skinwalkers. Everyone that’s available is mandated to be at the meeting, but I begged off to be at Riley’s game. I pleaded my case that I haven’t been to one of Riley’s games since the first one. I’ve watched some of them while I’ve been on the road or she’s been on the road, but I haven’t been able to attend one in person since then. I hate it. I knew this year would be busy, and I knew it would be crazy with both of us playing basketball. But I was woefully unprepared for how little I would be able to actually see my mate. I haven’t seen Riley more than in just passing in at least three weeks. One of us is always on the road. It’s destroying me. Tonight, I plan on taking her out after the game and being able to spend time together, just the two of us. We’re both here for the weekend, and we are going to take advantage of it.
Caden settles into his seat next to me. “So, I’ve heard your Riley’s making a pretty big splash. She live up to the hype?” he asks, casting a glance my way.
I don’t let him bait me. “You’ll have to see it for yourself,” I tell him instead.
He just grins. “Cameron says she’s the real deal that she’ll take this team all the way in the years to come, if they allow her to. I guess there are some team dynamics at work.” I neither affirm nor deny his comments. “Girls’ basketball is always full of drama,” he adds a moment later.
I am more than aware of the “drama” on Riley’s team. She’s kept me informed. Ever since she took one of the starting spots away from Angeline, it’s been a problem. Of course, it wasn’t just her. Her friend Star took a spot too. I'm not surprised Caden’s heard about Riley. Shehasmade a big splash, just as I knew she would. She’s been leading the team in scoring. I follow her stats online and watch as many of her games as I can, but I’ve missed the last several. Between my own games, schoolwork, and game tape I have to watch for my team, I haven’t found the time to get caught up on her missed games. But I’m here tonight, ready to watch my girl star in tonight’s game.
I try to come off as relaxed, but I have a hard time sitting still. I just want to lay eyes on Riley; it’s been way too long since I’ve seen her. I lean forward in my seat, cursing these seats that were not designed for guys like me with long legs. I should have gotten here earlier for the warmups, but we just got back into town from an away game. Finally, the music kicks up; and the girls get ready to make their entrance. I keep my eyes on the other end of the court where they’ll appear, already watching for number fifty-two. I didn’t say anything to Caden, but I’ve heard the same things he has about Riley. She’s made a huge splash, even this soon into the season. News reports credit her and Star for a resurgence in attendance for FMU women’s basketball games. My eyes are glued to her now as she runs out with the rest of her team. The tightness in my chest eases at the sight of her. The announcer calls out the starting lineups for both sides, and thenit’s time to start. The girls take their spots on the court. I watch Riley intently; she’s all focus. Riley’s center teammate gets the jump ball and sends it to their point guard, who lifts a hand and calls out a play. Riley cuts through the middle and looks for the pass, and Star sends it to her. She pump fakes, dribbles around their center and goes up for a layup. I whistle with the cheering fans when it goes in. Our team heads down the court for defense. On the second pass, Riley sees the intended target and gets to the ball first. She pushes it down the court, her long legs eating up the distance. She bounce passes it to Star, and Star makes an easy layup.
At the other end, we’re on defense once again. The other team takes a shot, misses, rebounds it, and tries again. On the second shot, our center gets the rebound and kicks it out to Riley. Riley runs it down to the other end and puts it in, totally uncontested. We shut down their team with a blocked shot, and then we bring the ball to our end. Brene, the point guard, passes it to the left side. They pass it around, unable to do anything with it. Then they swing it back to Riley, who’s lined up just behind the three-point line. She takes the shot.Swish!
“Three pointer Riiiiiiiiley Blackwood,” the announcer calls out.
Caden elbows me, grinning. “Oh, she’s worth the hype, all right.” The other team calls a time-out, and our side cheers. We’ve had a ten-point run, and that always feels good. The girls head back out onto the court, and I lean forward once again to watch. They start up right where they left off with intensity driving them. Riley’s team finishes off the first quarter and heads into the second quarter with a decent lead. The second quarter is just as good. I eye the crowd; they’re enjoying the game. I wonder how much this sport is going to grow over the next four years with Riley at the helm. I can’t help but feel pridein my chest at my girl. She’s amazing both on and off the court. When they head into the half, they’re up by seven.
“Whew! That was fun,” Caden says with a grin as he stands and stretches. I stand as well. “Your girl’s pretty good.”
“Yeah, she is.”
He looks back down at the court. “Star’s pretty good too. Those two are going to really help turn this team into something special.”
I nod, agreeing with him. “Are Cameron and Star officially dating?”
He grins. “Not yet, but soon, if my brother has anything to say about it. He’s smitten.”
His grin drops, and he turns serious. “Anything more on the night of those attacks?” His voice is low, but I have no problem hearing him.
“I haven’t heard anything new.” Caden has been like a dog on a bone with the attacks that night. He hasn’t exactly accepted the explanation that they were diseased wolves. He’s made no bones about the fact that he thinks it’s a coverup for something else...which it is. But I haven’t told him anything different. I don’t know who Alpha has had to pay off, or who knows but is looking the other way; but somehow the story has stuck.
Caden watches me. “You know I’m not accepting that story, right?”
“So, you’ve said. Repeatedly,” I say dryly. “You ready for Christmas break?”
He laughs. “Nice change of topic, but I’ll allow it.” I shake my head at him. “I am. It will be fast, but I’m looking forward to the break. My brother and I will make the drive; it’s worth it for a few day.”
“Six hours, right?”
