Nogitsune

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: FIGHTING BACK

Beacon Hills High school.

Liam couldn't get the game canceled. This game would get them into the semi-finals and Coach Finstock would not give up the game even if there were dead coyotes all over the field. To Liam, it had become a pattern for evil to come for them on the night of the full moon, and it wasn't fair. The Baker brothers and Ryan were on the team, and they were all playing tonight's game.

How would they fight to save their lives and protect others while controlling their urges? Scott had trained them well, but there was only so much control a person can have. Liam was here to help them because not so long ago, he was in their shoes.

Hayden climbed and joined him on the bleachers. Liam noticed she constantly rubbed her palms together to keep them warm, but Liam knew it was always to calm her nerves. Hayden offered to help get the boys out of the school safely. She hated the idea that they still had to play tonight, and she was also angry with Liam for volunteering.

It was obvious Liam should be the one to watch them; he was assistant coach. They did not need him at the games, but there was no harm in watching kids play. Hayden was a runner she always had been. Liam knew she wasn't one to run headfirst into danger and he loved that about her. They had to remember who their Alpha was and what he stood for and act accordingly. He placed his hand on top of hers, causing them to still. She really was cold. Was she that scared?

"We're all going to die." Hayden said.

"Be positive." Liam teased.

The cheers go louder as the boys began their run into the fields. Coach Finstock called their names one by one, clapping his hands and their backs as they passed. Ryan's eyes found Liam's on the bleachers and he gave him a reassuring nod before he ran into the field.

"Scott used to be here to watch them play." Liam said.

Hayden could hear him well even over the noise of the crowd with her skills. It had been forever since she attended a live sport event. But she could never forget the noise. They were so loud when she first turned and they got worse when her Jaguar skills surfaced again. She avoided the games and told everyone she was busy.

"Where did he find the time to do that?" Hayden asked.

"He made the time." Liam answered.

Liam still kept his hands on hers. He wanted her to know that he was right there with her.

"We can't die today, Hayden. The second this game ends, we get out of here and we take the kids somewhere safe. Scott would always be there for us. And then there's Isaac, he's back now. He may not look like much but he's pretty competent."

Hayden said nothing as she kept her eyes on the field, watching the boys so she can be ready. She had gotten familiar with their scent by now and she could smell them even from here. The pit in her stomach grew deeper from anxiety. Subconsciously, she felt herself hold on to Liam's hand throughout the game.

"Robby, pass the ball for Godsakes!" Coach Finstock yelled from the side of the field.

Coach had been restless through the second half of the game. Beacon Hills was tied to the guest school. If they won this game they would fce Devon ford prep in the semifianals. Coach finstock threw his board on th floor muttering some curses as a player from beacon Hills missed a shot at goal. The cheers had gone down a bit on their side of the bleachers.

"Don't you think you should be down there?" Hayden laughed.

She knew Laim and Scott were like sons to coach. All the boys on the team were like sons to him. It actually surprised her that he was still teaching. The man threanthened to retire early when she was in highschool.