Chapter 21

Ava

The night of the big game, I am shitting myself, excuse my language. I’ve never been to one, so the idea of going to support Hunter is a big deal.

Right now, I am waiting for Lily to pick me up because Hunter had to be there early. Lily likes games and has begged for me to go many times, so she jumped for joy when I told her I was finally going to.

It’s the middle of autumn, so I decide to dress warmly in washed-out, distressed jeans, Hunter’s white hoodie, and a beanie. I don’t bother with a jacket, though. (I’m not sure why Hunter gave me a white hoodie; it’s so going to get ruined, but that’s his fault.)

Before journeying to an unfamiliar world, I grab my phone and some money. On the kitchen counter, I see a note on top of a book.

~Have fun tonight. Here’s something to entertain you in case you do get bored. - Mum xx~

It’s the second book in ~The Mortal Instruments~, which I’ve been wanting to read for ages but can never find in the library. I scream out of happiness and thank my mum in my head before grabbing a packet of crisps and making my way outside to wait for Lily.

While locking the door and heading down the front steps, I hear music getting louder and louder. It’s coming from a big, red truck that’s rolling toward me. In the driver’s seat is one of the twins, though I’m not too sure which one.

The car comes to a halt on the side of the road, waiting for me. I don’t move. ~Where is Lily?~

A backseat window rolls down, and Lily waves me over. As I walk cautiously to the big truck, she opens the door and makes room inside.

When I turn to Lily with a questioning look, she shrugs and reaches behind her to fasten her seat belt. I do the same. Safety first, guys.

Music blaring, the truck darts forward. I have to stop myself from covering my ears, but it’s so loud I feel like my ears are bleeding.

Sighing, I look out of the window at the darkening sky. Everything looks nicer when the sun is setting, when everything is bathed in a golden glow. It’s the perfect time for a photo.

After ten minutes of painful music and frightening speed, we find somewhere to park and jump out of the truck. It’s busy here; parents, students, and teachers are all gathered for the big game, and there are many people I don’t recognize. For a moment, my old self kicks in, and I consider darting for the shadows.

Taking another sweep of the area, I see Hunter coming toward us. A wave of relief washes over me, and a small smile plays on my lips.

“So you came,” he says. “I’m glad.”

I smiled. “Of course I came. I’ve got to support you.”

Hunter smiles down at me. “Will you wear one of my jackets while you’re in the stands, please?”

My smile grows bigger, and I nod.

When Hunter hands me his jacket, our hands touch, and a spark shoots up my arm. I look up at him. There is something there, something I can’t put my finger on.

A cough behind us snaps me out of my trance. Turning around, I realize that the twins, Lily, and Liam are all watching us.

My face flushes in embarrassment, and Liam smirks. Before he can open his mouth, though, Hunter yells, “Shut up!”

Liam closes his mouth but gives us a cheeky grin that makes me blush even more.

Hunter grabs my hand and intertwines our fingers. More sparks shoot up my arm, racing through my whole body.

As we start walking toward the stands, I take a moment to appreciate how good he looks in his football kit. His shorts show off his defined legs, and his top isn’t exactly big on him.

I smile to myself. ~Maybe being stuck here for ninety minutes won’t be so bad after all.~

After finding space for all of us at the front of the stands, Hunter and Liam leave for the changing rooms. They have a group meeting before the game starts.

Wearing Hunter’s jacket, which has a huge 10 on it, I feel a few girls glare at me. He’s never kept a girl around long enough to give her his number to wear in the stands.

Soon enough, twenty-two players walk onto the field, eleven from each team. They warm up under the strict eyes of their captains and coaches, but mostly flaunt for the girls ogling them.

Hunter barks instructions at his teammates, and even though they scowl, they listen without talking back, which just shows how loyal they are to him. They stretch, jog, and do exercises I can’t name. Then, after a final talk with the coaches, they get in the positions they’ll play in for the next forty-five minutes.

I prepare myself for the worst, thinking I’ll get bored looking at Hunter chase a ball, but twenty minutes in, I find myself shouting encouragement and singing songs I don’t know with the crowd. I’ve never felt more passionate about something I barely understood.

It’s magical seeing the way the team works together. And supporting them, you feel like more than just a person in the crowd; you feel as much a part of the team as the players.

When halftime is called, the score is 1-0, and I’m happy because Hunter was the one who scored.

Each team heads to their respective parts of the field for a water break and a talk with the coaches. After a few minutes, though, Hunter jogs over. Despite the eyes on us, I stand up with jelly legs and walk up to the little barrier between us.

“So, what do you think?” His voice is a whisper, as if he’s scared that everyone is listening. He even looks slightly nervous, as if afraid I’ll say that I hate it or something.

I laugh instead.

“I think it’s great. You’re doing really well!” My voice is full of energy, and I’m sure the grin on my face looks like the Cheshire Cat’s.

Hunter smiles and, shaking his head, leans over the barrier to give me a hug. I push him away playfully.

“Nuh uh, mister, you’re all sweaty. I’m afraid you’ll have to have a shower first.”

He looks amused, and then a sly smirk comes over his face. “Does this mean you’ll join me in the shower to give me a hug?”

My face flushes deep red. Even the cool breeze of the evening isn’t enough to cool me down.

“No, it doesn’t.” My voice comes out stronger than I expect, but it is still weak.

Hunter raises an eyebrow at me and chuckles to himself.

“Come on, lover boy. We have a game to win.”

Behind Hunter, I see Liam and Declan waiting. I smiled at them, but only Liam smiles back.

The look I get from Declan is chilling, but maybe that’s just his game face? I certainly hope so because it frightens me. He looked at me as if I am a piece of meat.

Sighing, Hunter joins his friends. As he does, I head back to my seat with one thought swirling around my head.

~Something is definitely up with Declan.~

***

After the game, which we won 3-1, I head toward the changing room to congratulate Hunter, thinking I’ll catch him on his way out. But twenty minutes later, I still don’t see him. Other players have left, but I didn’t say anything to them.

After another five minutes, Liam comes out, and I walk up to him. “Hey, is Hunter still in there?” I know it sounds stupid because I didn’t see him come out, but maybe I missed him. I just need to know.

I don’t know why I am so desperate to see him—I don’t even like him—but I guess one must listen to one’s head.

Liam replies, “Yeah, he’s still in there. He’s talking to Declan.”

I smile at him and say a quick “thank you” before he walks off.

Stepping around the corner, I edge to where the door stands ajar. I can’t see much, but I can barely make out Declan and Hunter murmuring. Unfortunately, the rustling wind makes their voices hard to hear.

“I…win…Ava…dead…bet…is off.”

Surprised, I try to hear the rest, but they’re moving around and making too much noise. I back away, trying to make sense of the few words I caught.

I consider walking back up to the door, but Hunter bursts out, fuming. As soon as he sees me, he grabs ahold of my arm and drags me off the field.

I struggle, trying to get him off, but he has a vise-like grip. Nothing I do seems to faze him, so I eventually give up. He looks scary, deadly even, and I know it’s best to just keep my mouth shut.

I have so many questions, but they’ll have to wait. I don’t want to set him off.

Hunter doesn’t stop dragging me until we reached his car, when he opens the passenger door for me. I get in without asking what is going on. He then slams the door, walks around to the driver’s side, and sits there.

~What could have happened in the changing room to change his mood so drastically?~

Hunter’s grip on the steering wheel is so tight that his knuckles have turned white. His arms shake as if he is trying to restrain himself.

When his husky voice finally breaks the silence, he speaks in a monotone. “You need to stay away from Drew. He’s bad news, and I don’t want you caught up in it.”

~What is he talking about?~ ~I haven’t been anywhere near him, and I wasn’t planning on it anyway.~

I give Hunter a confused look before whispering, “What do you mean?”

He looks me dead in the eye. “Stay away from him. I’ll deal with him, and that’s final!”

I nod, but I need answers. I can’t continually be left in the dark. “Okay, fine, but I need to know why.”

Hunter doesn’t say anything for a while. I can see the cogs turning in his head as he tries to figure out what to tell me, what information he can get away with and what he can leave out.

“Liam and I joined a gang four years ago. That’s where we met Declan.” He pauses. “Drew isn’t as sweet as he pretends to be. He’s a ruthless gang leader who’s done terrible things to keep Liam and me involved. His father was the leader before he was killed in a shooting.”

Hunter takes a deep breath and then continues his story. “There was a girl, Jasmine, who I loved with all my heart, and she was killed by Drew. He said love is a weakness, but also her family was part of the rival gang that shot his father.

“We’re not allowed to fight at school, but I’m stuck in this gang, and I can’t get out. Now he’s on the hunt for you because he knows how I feel about you.

“You’re his next target, and I can’t lose you too, Ava. You’re in danger, and I need to protect you.”

The whole world goes black as I stare at Hunter, one word ringing in my mind.

~Danger.~