Page 57 of Beastkin

I smiled despite myself. That did sound like Karrick.

The band started playing the school fight song, and everyone around us stood up. We scrambled to our feet, joining in the cheering without really knowing what we were cheering for. I caught another glimpse of Karrick in the huddle, his massive Beastkin form unmistakable. My heart swelled with a ridiculous amount of pride. Even the werewolves weren’t as big as him.

“Oh my goddess, you’re so gone for him,” Lila whispered, catching my expression. “It’s actually adorable.”

“I am not,” I protested weakly, knowing full well I was lying.

The game started, and I quickly realized I understood absolutely nothing about what was happening on the field. People were running, throwing, tackling… it was chaos. But every time Karrick got the ball, I found myself on my feet, screaming encouragement until my throat hurt.

“Phoenix, you might want to tone it down a notch,” Lila said after one particularly enthusiastic outburst. “People are starting to stare.”

I sank back into my seat, mortified. “Sorry. I just got excited.”

“Yeah, I noticed.” She smirked. “So much for keeping things discreet.”

I ducked my head, pretending to be very interested in my popcorn while the heat crept up my neck. “I’m cheering for the whole team,” I muttered. “Not just... you know.”

“Sure you are,” Lila said, patting my knee. “And I’m here because I love sports.”

The crowd roared again, and I couldn’t help looking up. Karrick had tackled someone with such force that the poor guy practically bounced off the field. Even from here, I could see the gleam of Karrick’s tusks as he let out a victorious roar.

“Damn,” Lila whispered. “Your boyfriend is terrifying.”

“He’s not terrifying,” I said automatically, then caught myself. “He’s…assertive.”

“That’s one word for it.”

I bit my lip, remembering how that intensity felt when we were alone together. The way his massive hands could be so gentle despite their strength, how those tusks grazed my skin when he kissed my neck…

“Earth to Phoenix,” Lila said, waving her hand in front of my face. “You’re doing that dreamy thing again.”

I blinked rapidly. “Sorry. Just... thinking about the game.”

“Right. Thegame.” She made air quotes with her fingers. “Your face gets all soft and dopey when you think about him, you know. It’s like watching a Hallmark movie.”

“Does not,” I protested, though I could feel myself blushing again.

The first quarter ended, and I realized I’d barely touched my candy. I’d been too busy watching Karrick’s every move on the field. Even with the padding and uniform, I could trace the powerful lines of his body, the way his muscles bunched and released with each explosive movement. I was practically drooling just from staring at him.

“You’re doing it again,” Lila sang softly.

“Shut up,” I muttered, shoving a handful of chocolate in my mouth.

During a timeout, the cheerleaders took the field. They were an impressive mix of witches and shifters, their routine incorporating both tumbling and small magical effects that sent sparks of gold and black shooting into the air.

“I bet Karrick loves that you came to watch him,” Lila said, her voice gentler now. “Even if you guys are keeping things quiet.”

I nodded, swallowing around the lump in my throat. “I wish we didn’t have to be so careful.”

“I know.” She squeezed my arm. “But hey, at least you’re here together. That’s something, right?”

Before I could answer, the crowd erupted again. Karrick had intercepted a pass and was charging down the field, his powerful legs eating up the distance. He didn’t usually get the ball. Players from the opposing team tried to tackle him, but they bounced off like they’d hit a brick wall. He crossed into the end zone, spiked the ball, and let out a roar that made the entire stadium shake.

I was on my feet before I even realized it, screaming at the top of my lungs. “YES! That’s my—” I caught myself just in time, clamping my mouth shut as several people turned to look at me with raised eyebrows.

“That’s my... favorite player!” I finished lamely, my voice cracking on the last word.

Lila snorted with laughter. “Smooth.”