LOGINDrake saw that Maddox was leaning toward Talia and he didn't like it.Drake decided to put him in his place."Talia…", Drake called. "Based on the coach's speech, I understood that you played a significant role in showing others how they are not a match for us. Especially the Blue River pack who didn't even reach the semifinals."Maddox's expression darkened. Was there a need to call out his team? There were several other teams who failed to reach the semifinals!Drake's hand snaked around Talia's waist, and he pulled her closer to him (and away from Maddox).Talia's insides were a mess. What was Drake doing? Any closer and she will end up sitting in his lap!When their hips connected and her bottom stopped gliding over the bench, Drake released Talia and she nervously looked up at Drake only to see him glaring at Maddox.."Maybe losers should focus on training their team until the next tournament instead of scheming to poach my people."Maddox was not sure why Drake turned unpleasant
Talia stood in front of the stand that Lulu's father (aka chef Page) opened, and she looked at the menu, grateful that it came with pictures.From there, Talia understood that ramen is noodles that come in a broth, and it can have various toppings.The pictures showed some options like the one called "ramen-blast 1" that was pork in a spicy broth with egg, corn, and green onion; "ramen-blast 2" was chicken in a regular broth with egg, edamame, and mushrooms.Besides ramen-blasts (how chef Page called them), there was also an option to build your own ramen where anything goes.There were options of regular or spicy broth, with meat, three toppings, and pickles included in the price. Additional toppings were available for an extra $2 each."What goes well?", Talia asked Keith who was peering at the menu over her shoulder.Keith was about to answer, but Lulu was faster, "Don't ask him. For Keith, anything goes well.."Talia stifled a giggle. Keith's reputation as a crazed mixologist was
When Drake's tournament-closing speech was over, people started leaving the sports fields and making way toward the town square where the next festivities will be held. Some people went into stores and restaurants that were still open and accepting customers.Talia was happy that she got a bag to keep her pins and the jersey. She also removed the fluffy gloves and the headband. Keith told her that those are hers to keep, and she can return them when she gives up on being the team spirit. Unfortunately, the trophy was too big to fit in the bag, but the insulated lunchbox that Stephanie prepared for Talia fit perfectly.With all the drinks and snacks that were everywhere, Talia didn't touch the food from the lunchbox, but she was confident that it will not go to waste. She will have it later.Talia was standing on the side with Lulu and Sandy. They were waiting for the guys to join them so that they can head for lunch together, as they previously agreed. Lulu was telling everyone how he
Talia moved to the center of the playing field gingerly while trying to ignore the fact that there are hundreds (or maybe thousands!) of people staring at her.Her heart was pounding so hard that she pressed her lips into a line firmly, out of fear that her heart might escape through that cavity if she speaks."We don't have much time between kicks, so we need you nearby.", Keith explained when Talia reached them. "The referee said that it's fine."Talia jolted when Pierce held her hand and she couldn't believe that he was getting on his knees.Pierce was the first in the queue to kick the ball from the penalty mark."Do we need to do this here?", Talia asked Keith in an urgent whisper."You will be fine.. I'm counting on you.", Keith said while patting her shoulder and then he jogged out of the field.Talia looked at Keith's retreating back and she felt like crying.On the bench was one thing, but this was in the middle of the field, and all non-participating players left, leaving Ta
Drake and Caden returned to the VIP lounge and saw that the mess was cleaned up and a new table was in place with snacks and drinks like nothing happened.Their talk didn't solve anything, but the fact that Drake shared his (not) secret with Caden (and in extension with Maya also) that Talia is his mate, made Drake feel more at ease.Drake walked to the edge of the lounge and looked at the scene below that was still unfolding.Talia was chatting and laughing, and she was beautiful and enchanting, like a fairy. His fairy.Drake enjoyed the sight of Talia's smile, but he was irked that her smile was not directed at him. Yes, they were touching only her hand, but that was more than what he was touching, damn it!Those rascals from the soccer team are warriors, and Drake was determined to punish them for getting so close to Talia. Extra drills will do the trick. Maybe he can send them on a survival training in the mountains for a month.'Don't worry', Caden's voice sounded in Drake's head
In the VIP lounge...Drake watched the scene on the field.Talia was with a bunch of guys around her, they were taking turns in kneeling and kissing her hand, and Drake felt like someone was wrenching the heart out of his chest. It was the most painful thing Drake experienced in his life and he thought that he is going to lose his mind.'I told you that Talia is fine.', Maya's voice sounded in Drake's head, and Drake's insides tied into knots as he was suppressing his impulse to go on a rampage.'You call that fine!?', Drake snapped at Maya through the mind-link. 'What's going on there!?''I know as much as you do.', Maya responded honestly.Drake's wolf was non-responsive, and Drake never felt this lonely. With Talia by his side, Drake was at peace and the fact that Talia was enjoying with someone other than him was infuriating and numbing at the same time, making him feel dead inside. He didn't want to lose her.Drake's jaw tightened as he chanted internally that it's NOT a good ide
Talia sat stiffly next to Drake and observed him while he held her hand, the same one he licked earlier that morning.She remembered his grimace after tasting the bitter herbal paste and she pressed her lips into a line while preventing a smile from showing on her face. It was comical. She never th
"How come you are leaving so suddenly?", Edward asked while rushing to catch up to Caden and May who were descending the stairs with a suitcase each. 'How am I supposed to know?', Caden grumbled in the mind link for May to hear. "Something unexpected happened and we need to leave.", May lied with
As much as Drake enjoyed this newfound feeling, he couldn't ignore Talia's injuries. The scent of dried blood disturbed the sweet citrusy scent of freesia, telling him that she was not OK.Drake took Talia's hand in his and observed a cut that was on top of a nasty bruise. It was scabbing, but it s
Drake climbed to the attic faster than the wind and his lips curved into a smile when he inhaled the scent of freesia he was craving for. The girl was there. He stared at the closed door in front of him and took a moment to compose himself. Drake thought how he went all around the Red Moon pack'







