by Emma Wolfe
It took a moment for her to stop tapping on the computer before she looked up and gave me a smile that doubled the wrinkles on her face. “Hello, Mr. Bronson. What can I do to help you today?”
“I need to talk to Coach Pennington,” I said, nodding toward his closed door.
Mrs. Murphy followed my gesture and then nodded. “He should be open. Why don’t you head in there?”
I shot her a grateful smile as I made my way to his office and rapped on the door. It only took a second for it to open and reveal Coach Pennington standing there with an intrigued expression.
“Liam,” he said as he stepped to the side to let me in.
“Coach.” I walked past him and collapsed on the chair across from his desk.
Coach Pennington took his time shutting the door and walking around his desk. As he sat, his chair squeaked. After he shuffled a few stacks of paper, he steepled his hands and peered over at me. “What do you need to talk about?”
I growled as I shifted in my seat. “I need to drop home ec,” I mumbled, wishing that he would just allow me to quit—no questions asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “And why do you need to do that?”
I blew out my breath as I pushed my hands through my hair and leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “I need to get away from her,” I whispered. I hated that I sounded so weak.
When Coach Pennington didn’t respond, I glanced up to see him studying me. “Who’s her?”
I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms. “I think you know.”
“That girl you were talking to on the practice field? The new move-in, Cora?”
I didn’t want to reveal this part of me. I wanted to keep Cora to myself. It was the only way to keep her safe. Yet, here I was, confessing my feelings to Coach.
Coach Pennington blew out his breath as he adjusted a few pencils in the cup that sat on the corner of his desk. “Listen, Liam, I’m not going to ask what happened. From the rapid change in your heartbeat, I can only assume it’s serious.” He flicked his gaze over at me. “And the fact that you are being proactive about this says a lot.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled.
“I will approve your transfer into another class. However…”
My heartbeat eased as relief flooded through my body, but I started to get nervous as he let his words linger in the air. I focused my attention on him as I waited for him to finish.
Coach Pennington leaned over his desk. “If you’ve made a mess, you need to clean it up. Do you understand? Things are panicked enough without anyone making mistakes.”
I swallowed hard as his words slammed into me like a Mack truck. Mess. Mistakes.
Kissing Cora had been one of them. Which was why I was trying to remedy that situation.
But kissing Cora and getting seen? That was much worse.
I forced my emotions to calm as I met Coach’s gaze. He was studying me as if he were trying to read my thoughts.
I shot him what I hoped was a confident smile and shouldered my backpack. “Don’t worry.” I shrugged as I shoved my hands into my front pockets. “Changing classes solves my problem.”
Coach Pennington held my gaze for a moment before nodding. “It better.”
I didn’t wait for him to ask more questions. I turned and headed out of the office. As I reached the door to the hall, Mrs. Murphy called out a goodbye, but I didn’t respond.
There was only one thing on my mind. I needed to find that wolf. The one that had seen Cora and me. That was all that mattered.
As I made my way down the hall, someone reached out and grabbed my arm. Startled, I whipped around, ready to pounce.
Grayson’s eyes were wide as he stared at me. “What’s the matter?” he asked.
I grabbed his arm and pulled him into a janitor’s closet. Once the door was shut behind us, I turned to him. “I need your help.”
He raised his eyebrows, and I could feel his agitation. No doubt from my own ragged emotions. “What?”
“Meet me after practice.”
Grayson shifted his weight as he glanced around. “Why?”
I straightened my backpack as I blew out my breath. “We need to go hunting.”
***
I know, I know, I left it on a cliff hanger. But guys, it will be so worth it! I promise.
If you’re ready for Book 2, click below and snag your copy!
Rose and Grayson are up next (with more of Cora and Liam trying to fight their feelings for each other).
The Fullback Protector
Book 2 of The Smoky Hills Academy
Rose and Grayson’s Romance!
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About the Author
Emma Wolfe is Team Jacob all the way.
Her love for paranormal romance started with Beauty and the Beast when she was just a tiny tot.
Now, she gets to write about mystical beasts who fall for ordinary girls and it’s the best job she could have ever imagine for herself.
Visit her website HERE
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In this group, she interacts with her fans, posts progress reports, sneak peeks, and DEALS!
Also by Emma Wolfe
The Quarterback Alpha
Book 1 of The Smoky Hills Academy
The Fullback Protector
Book 2 of The Smoky Hills Academy
