The coach gathered us together and went over some more of the plays for the millionth time. As he went through each of the first plays, I looked across the field and at the other players. This game would be over soon. I just had to remember to be careful and try and not win by an overwhelming number. Otherwise, it might raise questions.
The coach asked us all to kneel, and as was tradition at Manteo High we said a little prayer before running out onto the field for the first huddle.
After I finished reciting the first play for the players, I looked up at the stands and scanned the hundreds of faces that watched us so intently.
I couldn't help but wonder if the Seeker was here. Watching me.
Searching for her.
I couldn't stop the feeling of dread that came over me. I had to tell myself that Caroline was protected by Odin's cloak. He could not find her so easily. He could not smell her Fae blood in the crowd; it would take him time before he could locate her, and to be sure, Caroline would have to be provoked. And she would have to bleed. Smelling her blood was the only way for him to be sure that she was the one.
But what if he sees the longing in your eyes when you look at her?
I thought in rising panic. I shrugged off the emotion and told myself that Caroline was the only one I would reveal my true feelings to. No one else would know how deeply I felt for her. I just had to follow my instincts and trust that they wouldn't fail me and would lead me in the right direction.
I vowed that once I found the Kelpie I would destroy him and send such a message to Alderon that he would shake in fear. I knew that the only way to ever stop his madness was to destroy him, and the only one who knew how to was Arthur, trapped forever in a yew tree in Odin's underworld.
I would visit Arthur in secret again, once I destroyed the Kelpie, and I would then end my father forever. I didn't think about what that would mean for me. I didn't want to. I would do whatever I could to protect Caroline. If I had to lose my own soul, then so be it.
The referee's whistle pulled me out of my thoughts. They called for both quarterbacks to come to center field for the tossing of the quarter to see who would go first. It wouldn't matter if I called “heads” or “tails” because this game would end in a humiliating loss for team Plymouth. The only decision I had to make was whether to crush them from the beginning of the game, or give them some hope that they might win by waiting until the end to score.
Everyone loves an underdog
, I thought as I stared at the faces in the field. But then, I wanted so badly to impress Caroline, I decided to go for the kill.
I smiled in anticipation and called “heads.”
And heads it was.
The game was now in play, and I allowed myself to let go and enjoy the brief moment of peace. This was how it was to be a carefree teenager in high school. All these boys had to think about was the game and winning. I had to admit, I did enjoy myself. Even the sour-faced Brian smiled at me a few times when he realized we were going to crush the opponents. After a few hours went by, I looked over at Manteo High's coaches and saw the elation on their faces.
It had been a crushing success, 56-0. The Plymouth players didn't know what hit them. Play after play, point after point, throw after throw, touchdown after never-ending touchdown. The game had been mine, and I could tell from across the field that Caroline had watched the entire time. She had even cheered when we scored touchdowns. I knew she was enjoying herself.
She went from sitting quietly on the bench to standing up cheering me on. Even though she claimed to not enjoy the game of football, she had sure enjoyed watching me play. I walked off the field and slowly removed my helmet, shaking my hair free. I ran up to the locker room to take a quick shower before I went to find Caroline. I almost felt sorry for the Plymouth players that were left lying in a huddled heap on the grass field. They honestly didn't know what hit them. They looked over at me in awe; I'm sure all of them believing that I was destined to become the next Tom Brady.
Little did they know.
I was almost disappointed in myself for not utilizing any self-control. I should have at least let them score at least one touchdown, but once I started I couldn't seem to stop. When I looked over and saw the smile on her face after I threw a perfect play I was overcome with happiness.
And I just wanted to please her.
After I showered and changed, I quickly grabbed my bag and walked across the field. Caroline had joined us in the locker room for a bit but then left when all of the players started showering. I could tell that she was really shy around guys. Which I liked quite a bit.
I left the locker room in a hurry to make sure that I sat next to Caroline again on the ride back. This time the mood on the bus would be different; we were victors and all the players would want to celebrate.
The dark sky was illuminated by the moon, and the air was clean and fresh. As I made my way across the well-lit field I looked for her. Wondering whether she was sitting on the bus or waiting somewhere nearby. As I rounded the corner, I finally saw her. Only now, she was talking to someone.
A stranger.
The alarm in my head suddenly went off. He was a young kid, blond and very attractive. Alarmingly attractive, I thought. I had wanted to impress Caroline so badly that I hadn't really paid that much attention to him.
He had been standing on the Plymouth side of the stands, so I assumed that he was a student at the high school. But now he was here, and he was talking to Caroline.
I wondered why he was still hanging around.
Almost hovering.
Strangely admiring her.
And why she was smiling up at him.
I felt like my face was on fire.
The wave of embarrassment that washed over me when I was in the men's locker room seemed to be permanently implanted on my cheeks. The players acted like they weren't even affected by a girl being in the locker room. They'd stripped off their shirts, walked around with towels around their waists, and had kept screaming out in victory. I had tried to keep my eyes glued to their eyes when I asked questions, but it was only natural for me to glance down or away in thought. And every time I did my gaze came in contact with a half-naked body.
It's not like I had never seen a boy without his shirt off. But these guys were all so physically fit and so comfortable in their skin that all my awkwardness seemed to just emerge in one giant wave. The worst or best part of it all, depending on how one looked at things, was the state of undress of our star player. He had only been wrapped in a thin white towel, his body glistening and practically perfect.
Every muscle seemed like it had been chiseled by Michelangelo himself. It wasn't fair. Really. He was so tall and gorgeous, wouldn't it have been right if he had a slight gut? He had definitely been blessed with almost godly genetics. Before I began to drool, I got what I needed for the school story and practically ran out, desperate for air and maybe something to splash on my face.
I walked down the hall and out of the front door to the parking lot literally fanning my face with my hand, when I saw a vending machine from the corner of my eye and immediately made my way towards it.
I put my dollar bill in the machine and pressed the button for a Diet Coke. I leaned over and pushed the door back to pull my drink out, but it was stuck.
“Great,” I muttered to myself.
I rattled the door hoping I could pull it out.
“Can I help you with that?” a stranger asked me curiously. I jumped at the sound of his voice. I hadn't even heard him approach.
He was a very attractive guy with beautiful blue eyes and blond hair. I didn't recognize him and figured he must be from Plymouth.
“Ummâ¦thanks, I think I got it,” I said as I made one big tug and pulled it out of the hole.
“You're pretty strong,” he noted.
“It must not take much to impress you,” I couldn't help myself from saying with a laugh. “Pulling a Coke out of the machine isn't that remarkable.”
“I guess not. But your quarterback, now he's pretty impressive,” the stranger said. “There must be something in the Camden County water system.”
I smiled as I thought about Devilyn.
“Do you go to Plymouth?” I asked as I popped open my soda.
“Yeah, my name is Patrick,” he replied as he extended his hand.
“Caroline.” Patrick stared at my face for a moment, almost like he was looking for something. I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as I scanned the surrounding area. It seemed like we were the only two around.
“Sorry, I don't mean to hover. I actually was just sticking around to meet your quarterback. He's a phenomenal player,” he explained almost as if he sensed my anxiety. “He destroyed our team with such ease. I mean we were literally crushed out there. I've never seen anything like it.”
“Well Devilyn is pretty impressive,” I said loyally.
“Is that his name?” Patrick asked with a big smile. “I just saw his last name on his jersey. Reilly?”
“Yeah, his name is Devilyn Reilly.”
“Do you know him?” he asked.
“Yeah, I do.”
“I don't want to seem like a stalker, but I'd love to meet him. I'd really like to introduce myself.”
“Um, sure I guess I can arrange that,” I replied hesitantly, suddenly cursing myself for the stupidity of leaving the locker room without someone. “I'm a reporter for the paper, and I think the players are still changing, but they should be out any moment now.”
“I just wanted to ask him if he had any special training or if he went to a camp or something,” he continued. “My kid brother wants to be a quarterback, and so I would love any advice I can get. The quarterback of the Plymouth team is a little arrogant and obviously not that good.”
“I'm sure he'll be able to answer your questions.”
I couldn't push the strange gnawing feeling I had in my gut. There was just something off about this guy. The way he stared. The way he lingered. It was just strange. I kept myself from shivering.
Although I had to admit, he'd definitely brought up a good point about Devilyn and his incredible ability. I wondered if he had gone to some special camp for gifted players. Devilyn
was
a uniquely phenomenal player. He was almost strangely superhuman. I thought about what Brian had said to me at Jordana's party, then brushed his words aside. That was just jealousy talking.
Although, if I had to be honest with myself, I had never seen anyone play quite like him, throwing passes that were full of force and flying through the sky as if the ball had wings. Although I wasn't an expert at the game of football, I could see that his skills were not the same as other guys in the league. He'd probably get recruited to a great school.
For a second I wondered if Brian had been on to something, but just as soon as the thought entered my mind I brushed it aside. He didn't strike me as the guy who'd ever juice up. He was too arrogant for that. He would want his own skill to speak for itself.
“Are you friends with him?” he asked breaking the silence.
“We have a few classes together,” I replied wondering why this guy would even care.
Patrick checked me out.
“Pretty girl like you. I'm surprised he hasn't asked you out.”
I could feel the blush creep back. He was definitely laying it on thick.
“He dates cheerleaders.”
“Well then it's his loss.”
“Thanks,” I said as I turned and looked toward the gym. I could see Devilyn walking out with his gym bag thrown over his shoulder. He was walking straight toward us.
“Well there he is. I can introduce you now.”
Patrick looked at Devilyn for a moment then smiled. He then looked down at his watch.
“You know, I can't believe how late it is. I have to pick up my brother before ten. Just my luck I guess. I guess I'll have to meet him another time.”
“I understand,” I replied somewhat thankful that he was leaving. It was late and I was anxious to get back on the bus.
“Maybe I'll swing by Manteo High one of these days and talk to him then,” he said as he reached out and shook my hand. “Hopefully I'll see you as well. I mean I'd really like to.”
“That sounds great,” I barely managed. “Have a good night.” I watched as the handsome stranger walked away.
Happy to see him go.
“Caroline,” I called out.
She turned and waited for me as I watched the man she was talking to quickly walk away.
“Hey,” I said when I reached her.
“Hi, great game,” she replied as she looked down shyly. “You were really unbelievable out there.”
I couldn't seem to stop myself from reaching out and lifting her face. The color was back in her cheeks. I rubbed her skin then let my hand drop. I knew I shouldn't move too fast with her, but I couldn't seem to stop myself from wanting to touch her every time she was near.
“Thanks. It's just a silly game.”
“Well, for such a silly game you're very good at it. And you have lots of fans,” she told me.
“Really? Like who?” I replied as we walked toward the bus, hoping that she would be one of those so-called “fans.”
“Just some guy I was just talking to,” she said. “He was just raving about you and actually wanted to meet you. We waited a while for you, but then he said he had to leave.”
“Who was he?” I asked trying to keep my voice calm as alarm bells went off in my head. If it was the Seeker, I wouldn't be able to know it until I made eye contact with him. “Was he the guy you were just talking to?
“Yeah, he's a student at Plymouth,” she said sounding indifferent.
I turned around immediately and tried to spot the guy. But he was already gone.
Nowhere to be seen.
“He didn't want an autograph or anything,” she said teasing me as she watched me scan the area. “But if he did, you should be flattered.”