Queen Of Hell & Paradise (Immortal gods: Book 1)

Chapter 27- Just Another Game

Hello readers! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend, I know I am! Lol.

Before any of you start reading, I just want to WARN you about this chapter. There are some pretty strong topics covered and if you are particularly sensitive, I suggest you skip it.

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Samantha

The new cheerleaders are getting along fine.

Training them is proving to be a giant pain in my ass, but they're quick learners and they're starting to listen to me. We managed to finish rehearsal yesterday without me strangling any of them- I even learned some of their names.

We memorized the steps and managed to finish three repetitions without having to stop and redo any patterns. After a while, we got the hang of it and practiced with music- as if it were Friday night already. It was unusual to have two consecutive games in a row without a week's rest in-between, but it was my job to be prepared anyway.

"Are you nervous?" Jackie asks beside me, clutching her history textbook to her chest. I cast her a sideways glance. I didn't know whether or not she was nervous about our history exam or the game tonight.

"Why would I be nervous?" I ask, hoping I did enough studying for the test. I've been paying Underworld history too much attention.

"Well, you know what happened last Friday, and what with the new girls... I'm just afraid something bad is going to happen."

I give her a look.

"Jackie, we've rehearsed our routine many times, we'll be fine," I assure, checking my watch and searching for Hades. He should be here any minute, we have history class together. Well, technically, we have all of our seven classes together. It maximizes his teaching time.

"Besides," I add, "Our routine is fairly simple."

Jackie doesn't look convinced.

"I don't know Sammy, we do have that one part-"

"We'll be fine, Jackie," I assure again, placing a hand on her shoulder. She nods, sighing.

"You're right, I'm just being paranoid," she says quietly, tucking some strands of hair behind her ear.

"We're still going to practice one more time before the game starts," I say, finally spotting Hades' familiar black hair. I feel a small smile tug up my lips when his eyes find us. Jackie follows my gaze and smirks.

"You totally like the new guy," she teases, lightly bumping her shoulder to mine. I roll my eyes.

"What? no-"

"Yes! And wasn't he the guy you brought to my house the other day?" she asks, tilting her head before reaching for a small pouch of gummy bears in her pocket.

"No," I say flatly, snatching them from her. She already had something sugary for lunch.

"Yes! It's him!"

"Jackie, stop-" I start, but her gasp cuts me off.

"Omg you do like him!"

"I don't!" I say defensively. I don't want anyone knowing more about my personal life than what they already know. Whatever happens between Hades and me will progress naturally- it won't be influenced by pressure. The last thing I want is to complicate things further.

"Yes you do!" she says adamantly, a thought suddenly occurring to her, "It's almost like... you're nicer when he's around."

She snatches back her pouch of candy.