Page 192 of Blackwood

Bella rolls her eyes, then mimics them in the most exaggerated, mocking tone. “Just do it, Bella. Just be brave, Bella. Just leap through the sky, Bel—”

Before she can finish, Josh nods to the others, and they launch her. She flies. I mean, flies. Spins at least three times midair, legs tucked, arms out, hair trailing behind her like a firework. I don’t even know what the hell the move is called.

I feel Cade stiffen beside me and hear him whisper, “Holy shit.”

They catch her clean and she bounces upright like she’s on springs.

“Oooh, good job boys,” she calls out with a grin, brushing invisible dust off her shorts. “Would’ve hated for my boyfriendsto have to bury you for breaking my spine.”

“Give it up for Bella Blackwood!” Ellie screams to the crowd.

♥♥♥

Fourth quarter. 30 seconds left. Wolves are down by a field goal.

The student section’s losing their minds. Bella, Ellie, and Haley are posted up in front of them, leading chants with the rest of The Legacy. Bella’s got her pom on one hip, other hand cupped to her mouth as she screams encouragement like she’s the one calling the plays.

Her phone buzzes in my pocket.

I glance at the scoreboard, 20 seconds.

Handoff to Cal.

I pull the phone out. It’s a message from a name I’d sell my soul to Satan himself just to erase.

@LucaWasHere

Nice flying, Izzy. You really soared.

Uncle Jack cheered like he’s been restored.

His little Sugar Bear, back in his grip.

All pride and joy on a fucking power trip.

But sugar melts when the flames grow near.

Don’t get too comfy, don’t keep him dear.

Luck runs out and when it does,

You’ll learn who watched, who always was.

“TOUCHDOWN WOLVES!” Hugh yells over the speakers and the crowd erupts.

Cade’s on his feet. Fireworks go off above Kingsley Field. What a fucking game. The fans are screaming. The team’s rushing the field.

But me? I’m staring at the message on Bella’s screen. I pull out my phone to send a quick message to our resident stalker poet.

@BarinovUnhinged

You want to whisper? I’ll roar through blood.

I’ve bled in the Pit, you’ll drown in the mud.

Say Jack’s name again, I’ll carve it in bone.

She’s mine, motherfucker, back the fuck off what I own.