Page 28 of The Sea Witch’s Son (The Villains of Wolf Hollow #1)

Chapter 27

MARLIN

Sebastian takes the lead during the team meeting.

“I am pleased to announce all the rookies were able to compete at the time trials last week. Welcome to the team, boys.”

Cheers break out as teammates jostle each other. It’s amusing, watching grown men celebrate the smallest of victories, but I suppose that’s what happens when your ambition goes no higher than the closest ceiling.

“Lots of best times were hit in the time trials, setting an exciting scope for the season ahead.” Sebastian glances over at me, “Would you like to discuss the upcoming meet?”

“Of course.” Stepping forward, I take over, letting my mouth spew information no one cares to know.

By the time I make it through the housekeeping, I’ve spotted the one person I was hoping to see this evening .

“And to finish off, I would like to congratulate Finley Reef for his outstanding performance last Friday.”

A stunned silence falls upon the crowd. Sebastian looks over in surprise and I offer the crowd a humble smile.

“Finley completed his rookie challenge with great difficulty, and I am pleased to see such remarkable persistence bleeds into other facets of his life as well.”

Pausing, I capture the shrewd gaze at the back of the crowd, “Here’s to the rookies who know the difference between a race lost and a challenge won.”

Sebastian coughs a laugh into his hand. The rest of the team starts to clap slowly, as if they too are unsure of the rookie’s success.

Finley glowers at me from the back row. His disgruntled expression does nothing except lighten my mood. He waits until the rest of the team trickles out of the room before marching up to me.

“Was that really necessary?”

“Which part? The one where I congratulated you or insinuated you have an enviable drive?" A smirk tugs my lips, "It’s such a shame that last race was over so quickly.”

His choppy brows pinch furiously, “I know what you’re doing.”

“And what is that, exactly?”

“Trying to turn the team against me. Make me seem like a bigger competitor than I actually am. ”

“If my words are enough to sway the team’s favour then perhaps you should be looking for better ways to spend your time.” I sigh heavily, “Clearly it is being used in ways that are negatively impacting your influence with the team.”

His shoulders stiffen under a hideous blue and yellow dress shirt.

“I’ve attended every practice just like everyone else.”

“And yet you found the time to go behind my back and take Melody out on a date.” I shake my head solemnly, “After I specifically told you to stay away.”

Finley’s cheeks flush an alarming shade of pink, not unlike what you would expect from a sunburnt guppy.

“I avoided her the entire week leading up to the time trials.”

“But that’s not what I asked you to do, now is it? You were not to look in her direction for the entire semester. Not just seven days.”

His brown eyes spark, “You can’t stipulate ridiculous orders and expect people to follow them.”

“As team captain, I’m afraid that’s exactly what I can do.”

I pause, studying the unfortunate soul in front of me, “Luckily your encounter with Melody went rather poorly, so I have decided to let you off with a warning. A man can only take so much rejection before he breaks.”

“She didn’t reject me.” He grinds out the words, burning a hole through my skull, “We're just friends.”

“Just friends.” Echoing the words, I give him a sympathetic smile, “Does it get tiresome, always being on the platonic end of the relationship? After Josie, it must have been terribly difficult to work up the courage to pursue another woman.”

“Fuck you.”

I sigh heavily, “Unrequited love is the world’s most bitter taste, although I suppose you’ve gotten used to it over the years.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“On the contrary, I remember the situation quite clearly. You were infatuated with the girl, so much so that it nearly ruined your friendship with her brother.” Tapping my chin, I purse my lips, “Something about not being able to take no for an answer?”

“That’s not what happened.”

“Didn’t she end up getting a restraining order against you?” I give him a mocking smile, “That doesn’t sound like the noble hero Finley Reef paints himself out to be.”

His lips tighten, “I was trying to protect her.”

“From whom? Because from where I’m standing, it seems like she needed protection from you .”

“You’re the only monster in this town, Seaborn, and I pity the girl who gets tangled in your web.” Finley lets out a bitter laugh, “Like mother like son.”

My breath catches only for a moment.

“The Sea Witch’s reputation is quite the standard to achieve. I’m sure my little saint would love to help me celebrate the milestone. ”

“She’s not yours.” He shakes his head, “Melody is sweet and gentle and needs someone to protect her. She's a nice girl, and I don’t want you tarnishing her reputation more than you already have.”

“Let’s get one thing straight.” I take a step forward, forcing him to tilt his head to make eye contact, “Melody does not need protection because she is far more cunning and intelligent than you so foolishly believe. And as for the other matter...”

Slipping my hand into my pocket, I pull out a scrap of blue material.

“It would seem she is not too concerned about her reputation.”

Melody’s thong unfolds between us. She wore a nice pair today, a translucent blue that left nothing to the imagination.

“Consider this your final warning, Finley. Come near my little saint again and I will not be so merciful next time.”

His brown eyes darken as he takes in the erotic piece of fabric dangling from my fingertips. I watch the cracks splinter beneath the surface, coming dangerously close to the man’s breaking point.

“Do you understand me?”

His head jerks in acknowledgement and I smile, “In that case, I will see you at tomorrow’s practice.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Giving me a stiff nod, Finley turns and walks away. I watch him leave, listening to the sound of footsteps echoing the victory held in my hand .

I look down at the panties dangling from my fingertips, the material finally dry after our encounter this morning.

Melody played her part marvellously, capturing Finley’s affections long enough for me to uncover the source of his resentment. He will be removed from the team, of course, but that will have to wait until he comes for me.

Because he will come for me.

And when he does, I will be ready.