“I love you too.” I can’t stop an enormous smile from spreading over my face. “All of you.”
While the future is a crazy unknown adventure, I know for certain that when we’re together, everything will work out. Me and my new, perfectly imperfect, slightly chaotic pack will get through anything.
FORTY-TWO
Adler
Three weeks later…
“Nice wings,” Drax teases, pinging the elastic strap digging into my shoulder blades.
“Ouch.” I rub the sore spot. “Orin, did you see that?”
“See, what?” Conveniently, our pack leader must have been looking in the opposite direction, which only makes Drax’s smug grin widen.
“She’s got this,” Luca tells Orin with utter confidence.
Orin doesn’t usually get flustered, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so nervous as we file into the court to take our seats for Sabs’s final volleyball game. The match that will decide who wins the season. We all know how hard she’s worked for this and how much she wants to win.
“Don’t forget your wand.” Luca passes me the sparkly stick with a huge star on top. “Sabs insisted on it.”
“She says it makes a noise if you flick it,” Drax teases.
I groan, trying to ignore the snickers I’m attracting from everyone around us. It’s not every day you see the hockey team captain dressed as Tinker Bell, but I’m a man of my word.Staying true to the bet we made on the night we met, I’m wearing an outfit of Sabs’s choice. The translucent blue wings are large but look comically small on me, making me resemble the fat caterpillar from A Bug’s Life more than a fairy. Still, at least I was spared from wearing the green tutu. It was impossible to get it up past my thighs—much to Sabs and Drax’s disappointment.
“Smile, Adler!” Kady slides into the seat next to me, flanked by a guy with a mohawk and a faceful of piercings. The guy doesn’t even ask before flashing his camera in my face, making my vision swim. “Thanks, Devon!” Kady smiles at him sweetly. “That should be all we need.”
“Looks great.” Devon checks out the back of his camera and shoots an apologetic smile my way. “Sabs asked me to commemorate the occasion.”
I guess I can’t be mad at that…
“It’ll also be on the front page onThe Valley Voicetomorrow,” Kady says brightly, sounding way too happy about the idea.
“Send me a copy too, Devon,” Drax requests, a little too eagerly.
I glower at him. “I may look like a fairy, but I can still throw a mean right hook.”
Devon takes that as the perfect opportunity to make a hasty getaway, retreating a few rows behind to where I see the Silverwood Pack arriving. Laz is holding a giant cardboard cut-out of a drawing of Sabs’s face, which I’m presuming is his own work.
“Okay, that’s enough,” Orin intervenes as Drax opens his mouth to argue with me. “We’re here for Sabs, remember?”
Drax crosses his arms but stays silent. I may be the only one dressed up, but we’re all here to support our girl. Orin even canceled a meeting with the dean to make sure he could attend. If that isn’t love, then I don’t know what is.
“I’m so excited!” I look to my right to see Delilah arriving, linking arms with Faye. They both slide into the spare seats next to Kady.
There’s no way any of the Stellas are missing this game. From across the court, I spot Coach Rider wearing a somber expression. She’s desperate to win against Knottsville University after they’ve won for the last three years.
“I never thought I’d be attending two sports games so close together,” Faye says. “At least volleyball isn’t as violent as hockey.”
“I don’t know about that.” Drax smirks. “Have you seen Sabs play?”
“Shh!” Kady waves her arms. “It’s starting!”
The announcer begins introductions as Sabs leads her team onto the court, her shoulders straight and copper ponytail swinging as she strides with total confidence. Her jaw is set in determination as she and the opposing team captain lock stares, both of their eyes narrowing. Fuck, seeing her in the zone is sexy.
After the other team captain is first to look away, Sabs scans the crowds, her gaze softening when it lands on us. I jump up with the rest of the SVU supporters to cheer, swishing my wand through the air. I don’t give a shit that I look like an idiot. There’s nothing more important right now than backing her, and the way her face lights up makes my insides turn to mush.
“Hey!” Drax grumbles, shoving my wings as they nudge him. “Keep those things out of my face!”
