Chapter Four – Game On
1360 Words
Iris
I woke up to Blake's scent, his stong pine like summer. The memories of last night came flooding back.
So its all real. I opened my eyes obly to see his side of the bed empty, but a note lay on the pillow:
Morning, beautiful. Come watch me practice? Your new throne awaits courtside.
- B
A small wolf doodle accompanied his signature, making me smile. But as I got dressed in yesterday's clothes, minus the drink stains—Blake had let me borrow one of his t-shirts, reality started creeping in. Everyone would know what happened last night. Everyone would be watching.
My phone had blown up with texts from Jenny and Mia:
Jenny: GIRL WHERE ARE YOU???
Mia: OMG tell us everything! Luna?!?! CHEERLEADING???
I texted them quickly: Meet me at my dorm. Fashion emergency!
Twenty minutes later, I stood in front of my mirror while my best friends transformed me from "morning after" to "Luna chic."
"You can't just wear anything now," Jenny declared, rifling through my closet. "You're royalty!"
Mia nodded, wielding a mascara wand. "The whole pack will be watching. We need to show them you're not the same shy Iris anymore."
"But I am," I protested. "Just because Blake chose me—"
"No," Jenny interrupted, emerging with a cute crop top and high-waisted jeans I'd forgotten I owned. "Blake didn't just choose you. He recognized what was already there. Now everyone else will too."
An hour later, I walked into the gym feeling like a different person. My usual messy bun had been replaced with flowing waves, subtle makeup highlighted my amber eyes, and the outfit Jenny picked made me look confident instead of hiding behind baggy sweaters.
The whispers started immediately:
"That's her—"
"Can't believe Marcus would—"
"Blake Stone's mate—"
"Not even pretty enough to—"
I lifted my chin, channeling what Mia called my "inner Luna." These people had watched me be humiliated last night. They wouldn't get the satisfaction of seeing me break.
Blake spotted me from the court, his whole face lighting up. He jogged over, not caring that practice was in full swing.
"You came," he said, pulling me into a kiss that silenced the whispers. Through our new bond, I felt his pride and possessiveness.
"Your note was very convincing," I teased, trying to ignore the stares. "Though you didn't mention the audience."
Blake's eyes darkened. "Let them watch. Let them see exactly who their future Luna is." His hand slid to my lower back, guiding me to the front row seats. "Besides, you're used to watching practice. Now you just have a better view."
I blushed, remembering my hidden sketches. "That was different."
"Yeah," he grinned. "Now I get to show off for you properly."
A sharp whistle cut through our moment. "Stone!" Coach Richards bellowed. "Less flirting, more practicing!"
Blake peak my lips one more time before jogging back to the court. I sat in the seat he showed, pulling out my sketchbook from my bag. Old habits die hard.
But I'd barely started a new drawing when Marcus stormed onto the court.
"Stone!" he shouted, his face twisted with the same rage from last night. "Let's settle this. One-on-one. Unless you're scared?"
The gym went silent. Blake turned slowly, his easy confidence replaced by something more dangerous.
"Scared?" Blake's laugh was cold. "Of what, exactly?"
Marcus's eyes flicked to me, then back to Blake. "Of proving who the better player is. Who really deserves to lead this pack."
My heart pounded. This wasn't just about basketball anymore.
Blake stripped off his practice jersey, leaving him in a sleeveless undershirt. "Fine. First to twenty-one. Winner takes all."
"Blake," I started, but he sent me a reassuring pulse through our bond.
Trust me, his eyes said.
The game was brutal. Both players abandoned any pretense of practice rules, letting their wolves rise close to the surface. Marcus was good—really good—but Blake was better. Every time Marcus scored, Blake answered with something more impressive.
I found myself on my feet, sketching forgotten as I watched them battle. Other players and students crowded around the court, the air electric with tension.
At nineteen-twenty in Blake's favor, Marcus got desperate. He charged Blake with too much force, sending them both crashing to the ground.
"Foul!" someone yelled, but Blake was already up.
"That the best you got, Chen?" Blake taunted, spinning the ball on his finger. "No wonder you need cheap shots."
Marcus lunged again, but Blake was ready. He ducked the charge, dribbled past Marcus's defense, and launched into a perfect three-pointer.
As soon as the ball entered the net, the gym erupted in cheers.
"Game over," Blake whispered into his ears, but everyone heard him. The words carried weight beyond basketball.
Marcus stormed off the court, shoulder-checking a freshman who didn't move fast enough. I started toward Blake, but a sharp voice stopped me.
"Well, if it isn't our new *Luna*," Sofia drawled, appearing with her cheerleading squad. "Ready to prove you deserve that title too?"
I turned to face her, my tummy flipped. Sofia stood in her perfect cheerleading dress, her squad standing behind her like an army.
"The pack needs a Luna who can lead," she mocked, her voice lashing out. "Not just in class, but in everything. Including cheer. Unless you're not up for the challenge?"
Part of me wanted to run. But I then, I remembered Jenny's words. "Show them your strength. Show everyone that you're the Luna now."
"What challenge?" I asked, proud that my voice didn't shake.
Sofia's smile was predatory. "Simple challenge for for us Cheerleaders. You lead half the squad, and I lead half. Let's see who the girls really want to follow." She finished with a smirk.
I don't know when Blake appeared at my side, covered in sweat, be must have got here when he noticed me and Sofia. "Iris, you don't have to—"
"Yes, I do." I gave him a bright smile. "I've got this."
To everyone's surprise—especially Sofia's—I really did it. Years of dance classes and gymnastics as a kid came flooding back. Where Sofia's routine was technically perfect but cold, I let myself have fun. I encouraged my half of the squad, praised their efforts, and added my own flair to the standard moves.
By the end, even some of Sofia's usual supporters were drifting to my side, asking to learn my variations.
"This isn't over," Sofia hissed as the crowd walk away, most of them congratulating me. "There's a party in the woods tonight. A proper pack gathering. Come see what a real wolf can do."
She shoved an invitation into my hands before stalking away.
"You were amazing," Blake said, pulling me close. "I didn't know you could move like that."
I laughed against his chest. "There's a lot you don't know about me yet."
"Looking forward to learning everything." His kiss tasted like victory. "Want to skip the woods party? We could have our own celebration..."
The invitation crinkled in my hand. Sofia's words echoed.
Come see what a real wolf can do.
"No," I said firmly. "If I'm going to be Luna, I can't hide from challenges. Even obvious traps."
Blake's eyes glowed with pride. "Then we'll face it together. Whatever she's planning—"
"Actually," I cut in, a plan forming, "I think I need to do this part alone. With Jenny and Mia for backup."
He started to protest, but I pressed a finger to his lips. "Trust me?"
Blake caught my hand, kissing my fingertips. "Always. But the second you need me—"
"You'll feel it through the bond," I promised. "Besides, I'm getting kind of curious about this surprise Sofia's so excited to show me."
I smiled walking to meet Jenny and Mia to plan for the party
Deep down, I know Sofia's SURPRISE was a trap.
But for the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid of her trap.
I smiledet her try her worst. I am the Luna now! And I'm not hiding anymore.
- Writer
