Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 120031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
“You know, she showed a natural aptitude for soccer even as a toddler,” said Adrian as he and Eli headed for the exit. “Whenever she’d come here to visit her grandparents, she’d kick a ball around with her friends or grandfather. She’s always loved playing, so I figured she’d end up on the team if she put in the hard work. She did. Casey never does anything by halves. I think the team gives her a sense of belonging.” He sighed. “It’ll be a shame to see her leave it.”
Eli felt his brows draw together. “Why would she leave?”
Adrian tossed him an impatient look. “Come on, Axton, we both know you’re hoping she’ll agree to move to your pack.”
“She could be part of my pack and still play for the Hounds.”
“You’re not considering every angle. You’re thinking that, hey, the competitions only occur over a short period once a year. But there’s also the ten weeks of training they do running up to the games. During the competition and run-up to it, she’d be coming here daily, neglecting other aspects of her life—including you and any pack duties she might have. And she’d be investing all that time, energy, and hard work into representing a pack she’s not even part of anymore.
“Her loyalty would be divided during those times. I don’t mean to say that you’d ever be anything other than her number one priority, Eli. But—and take it from someone who was once in a relationship with a female who used to play for the team—there will be times when she’s so focused on the training and games that you won’t feel her priority. Your wolf sure wouldn’t like that. He’d begin to see the team as a threat to the mating bond. Tell me he isn’t already jealous of the attention she gives to it.”
Eli couldn’t claim the wolf wasn’t jealous, but … “He’s not resentful of it.”
“Because she’s part of my pack. But if she were part of his, he wouldn’t be so understanding. He’d feel that the team had no right to her time or attention.”
Possibly. “Doesn’t matter. If she needs soccer and the team in her life, she’ll have it. He’ll deal.”
“I admire your optimism, but I can’t say I share it. Think on it some more. Ask yourself whether you and your wolf would really be okay with it in the long-run. Be sure of your answer, because Casey needs that certainty.” He walked through the exit and then patted Eli on the back. “Now take her home, make her rest. I’m sure we’ll see each other at the next game, if not before.”
Eli gave the Alpha a nod and then stalked through the parking lot to where his SUV was parked. Leaning against the vehicle, he pulled out his phone and skimmed through the photos he’d snapped of Casey as she’d played on the field. Her passion for soccer was clear to see, and he admired how dedicated she was to her team.
He’d meant what he told Adrian: He’d be fine with Casey continuing to play for the Hounds if she moved to his pack. But the Alpha was right; Eli would need to be positive that he’d stay fine with it and—
The click of heels on the pavement.
Lifting his head, Eli saw a skeletal female with very short pink hair slowly striding toward him, casually swinging her arms forward and backward. The same female he’d once caught glaring at his mate from the bleachers. Sherryl.
Calling on every bit of self-control he possessed, Eli kept his expression neutral and his stance relaxed. He’d scanned the crowd of spectators earlier, but he hadn’t spotted her among them, and he’d hoped she hadn’t attended the game. Clearly, there was no such fucking luck.
“You’re Eli, Casey’s mate.” She cocked her head. “It’s cute that you come to her games. I’m Sherryl, by the way. A friend of hers. We go way back.”
His wolf snarled, unsheathing his claws. Friend? The bitch had been anything but.
“She told me a lot about you and your pack,” Sherryl went on. “I hear your territory sure is a beautiful place. She’s not so keen on moving there and leaving her pack or team, but I figure it’s the best thing for her. Preston might not like it, considering he’s a little possessive of her, but that’s his problem. You’ve met Preston, right? He’s one of the coaching staff. She and him once had a—”
“I know who he is to Casey,” Eli cut in, sensing where this was going and quite frankly pissed that she thought she could play little games with him. “More importantly, I know who he isn’t to Casey. I also know all about you and the petty threats you’ve made. Not sure why you look so surprised that she told me.”