Page 22 of Protecting Player #73 (Portland, Settlers #1 | Gridiron Warriors)

T.K

A hush settles over the locker room when Coach walks in. The hum of the overhead lights dims, the creaking of shifting bodies on the benches pauses, and my pounding heart stops when he makes eye contact with us one by one.

He doesn’t shout about winning, doesn’t boast about our accolades; instead, he speaks from the heart about what our team is made of.

“I want you to take a second and look around this room, really take a moment to look at each other. These men are not just your teammates. They are not just your friends. They are your brothers. Your family. The ones who’ve bled with you in practice, who have won with you, and yes, lost with you.

I’ve watched you all push each other when you felt like you were on your last leg.

I’ve watched as you lifted each other up and celebrated the victories. ”

He pauses to glance around, making sure everyone registers what he’s saying.

“It’s that bond, the one you’ve spent years cultivating and building with each new rookie, each new seasoned player who’s joined the roster, and it’s that bond that makes us dangerous.”

Damaris’ eyes are on me, and I glance up to meet his stare, nodding to acknowledge that I feel his presence.

“I don’t care about the names on our jerseys tonight, I care about us.

About our ability to work together and show this Vegas team, this fan base, that the last time we met wasn’t who we are.

Tonight is about showing them we’re more than winners.

We’re more than the Portland Settlers; we’re family, and we’re going to do the damn thing! ”

Cheers ring out through the room as everyone stands, energy buzzing through their veins like a drug.

“If you think they’re big, be bigger. Think they’re fast, be faster.

They’re tough, but we’re tougher. Football isn’t solely about talent.

It’s about being knocked down and getting up with fire in your eyes.

It’s your heart, it’s your grit, it’s your ability to bounce back and be stronger, fiercer. ” Then he whispers, “Do you have it?”

“We have it.” The chorus blankets the room.

“I didn’t hear you. I asked…Do you have it?” His shout echoes.

“We have it!” the team erupts, and I taste victory already.

“I want to hear you as we emerge from the tunnel. I want you to carry every bad practice, every loss, every weight and sacrifice with you, and I want you to unleash it on the Fortune. Let them know they’re in for the fight of their life tonight because the Settlers don’t fucking settle! ” It’s like a warrior’s battle cry.

“Tonight is more than a game. It’s a moment…your moment, so we own it. Every snap. Every second of play. No regrets. Own. It.” Coach pauses for a second, then shouts, “Now let’s go show them who the fuck we are!”

Shouts of excitement explode from the team. Exhilaration resonates through my bones. Fire and purpose settle in my heart as we meet hands-in and chant before rushing out of the tunnel and onto the field.

The crowd is already roaring for their home team, lights blare onto the field, and music pumps from the stadium speakers.

After gaining my bearings, I search for the box I rented for Brea and everyone who came with her.

It doesn’t take long to find because I see Alex and Adeline standing at the window, pointing down to behind our bench.

Following their line of sight, I spot Brea standing on the track surrounding the field, camera in hand, and I rush over to her. “You’re supposed to be up there.” I nod to the box.

“I know, but my job is down here.” She lifts the camera as if I forgot about it. “Plus, I wanted to see my man up close before he started wiping the field with these guys.” She shifts to the right and glares at a few players before adorably sticking out her tongue.

“You’re fucking cute, pup.” Grabbing the front of her sunflower-covered dress, I drag her in for a searing kiss.

Her hands wrap around my neck as she pushes up for more.

“Tonight, you become mine, and I can’t fucking wait.

” She shivers as I mutter the words between kisses.

The relief that the franchise accepted our relationship agreement makes showing her affection in public possible.

“Go win this game, then, soon-to-be husband.”

Nipping her bottom lip, I rush off to do just that. Best damn game of my career.