Chapter 116 – Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel

Filed To Story: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel

“No, no. It’s not a problem. I’m glad I can help.”, Talia admitted.

Even with all the skinship, everyone was polite, and they were kissing the fluffy glove anyway, so she didn’t hate it.

If she ignored the awkwardness of holding hands with people she barely knew, Talia was having a good time. It was the first time for Talia to be surrounded by so many people and no one was looking down on her.

Talia knew that Maya is busy, and she felt guilty that Maya came to see her.

“Thank you for coming to check on me. I am doing fine. The players are treating me well and Keith and Travis are like big brothers who are making sure no one is disrespectful.”, Talia said. “You should spend your free time with Jaeden.”

Maya understood that Talia doesn’t want to be a burden. “You are very considerate, Talia. I hope you put yourself first when it counts, or people will take advantage of you. Do what you want without caring about others.”

Talia thought how that’s easy to do for someone with power. Maya is a Beta and other than the Alpha, no one else can stand against her. As for Talia, one careless word or action could lead to a punishment.

Sure, since she arrived at the Shadow Fang pack, people were friendly, and other than her conflict with Cassie, no one raised a hand on Talia, but Talia believes that she was not bullied because she made sure to stay out of everyone’s way and not attract attention.

Seeing that Maya was leaving, Talia wanted to ask how are things in the VIP lounge, but she swallowed those words before they could form in her mouth.

If Maya mentioned that Dayson was enjoying with one of the women who are up there, Talia would be sad.

Just by thinking about that possibility, there was an inexplicable longing that created a gaping hole in Talia’s chest, and she wished for a time machine so that she can return to earlier that morning, in Dayson’s office, when she was sitting in his lap and leaning into his embrace, basking in his warmth and the scent of the forest and dark chocolate… and she would use that same time machine to stop the time and never come out of that office.

Talia let out a long breath and admonished herself. Why the heck was she thinking about Dayson?

Talia decided to go back inside. She welcomed the distraction that was provided by rowdy players who were squabbling about who will hold her hand next.

…

Game after game passed with breaks in between and the Shadow Fang team found themselves in the finals.

Talia learned the rules, and other than the hand-holding-and-kissing ritual before each game (and at halftime), she was in charge of holding hands of injured players. Talia was quite busy because the number of injuries increased with every next game.

It was silly, but Talia never felt so useful, like her presence was really making a difference, and players looked at her like she was important.

Talia even got to watch up close as Doctor Travis stitched a busted shin of one player, and Travis was explaining what he was doing while examining and treating players who came off the field with injuries, so she learned quite a bit.

Keith was always in Talia’s visual range, and during few breaks when Keith was a referee, Liam and Pierce made sure to stick close to Talia (because Travis was sleeping). Lulu and Sandy were also always close.

The final game was between the Shadow Fang and the Midnight Guardians.

The game was an exciting nail-biting affair that ended with a tied score. 3:3.

Instead of returning to their rest areas, each team huddled around their coach on the field.

Talia and Lulu were standing on the field line and Talia had no idea what to expect.

Lulu was flustered from excitement, and Talia could feel it. The win was almost at their grasp, but then the game was over.

“What’s going on?”, Talia asked Lulu.

“Coaches are choosing five players to take penalty kicks. A coin toss will decide who goes first, and teams will take turns in kicking the ball from the penalty mark into the goal. The team that scores the most goals is the winner. Every kick counts.”

“What if it’s a tie after everyone takes turns?”

Lulu paused. “That never happened before, but in theory, they will continue kicking until one makes a mistake. Uhm… coach wants you there.”

Talia understood that Keith mind-linked Lulu.

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”, Lulu said and gestured toward Keith who was waving at Talia to come.

Talia swallowed a mouthful of air. Why on earth was Keith calling her to go to the middle of the soccer field? She had a bad feeling about this.

Talia moved to the center of the playing field gingerly while trying to ignore the fact that there are hundreds (or maybe thousands!) of people staring at her.

Her heart was pounding so hard that she pressed her lips into a line firmly, out of fear that her heart might escape through that cavity if she speaks.

“We don’t have much time between kicks, so we need you nearby.”, Keith explained when Talia reached them. “The referee said that it’s fine.”

Talia jolted when Pierce held her hand and she couldn’t believe that he was getting on his knees.

Pierce was the first in the queue to kick the ball from the penalty mark.

“Do we need to do this here?”, Talia asked Keith in an urgent whisper.

“You will be fine.. I’m counting on you.”, Keith said while patting her shoulder and then he jogged out of the field.

Talia looked at Keith’s retreating back and she felt like crying.

On the bench was one thing, but this was in the middle of the field, and all non-participating players left, leaving Talia with five other guys. Actually, ten guys, because five players from the Midnight Guardians team were standing nearby, observing her with curiosity.

Talia glanced to the side and saw numerous eyes watching the scene of Talia standing and Pierce kneeling in front of Talia and kissing the back of her furry palm. It looked like he was proposing marriage.

So much for keeping a low profile.  Talia was not sure about Pierce’s relationship status, but based on his looks, Talia was sure that at least a few girls are interested in him, and she was even more sure that those girls hate her.

Talia decided that if there is next time, she will demand a mask to fully cover her face because this was beyond embarrassing.

Pierce leaned his forehead on Talia’s hand, and said, “I will dedicate this goal to Talia, our team spirit.”

He looked up at Talia and grinned. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.”, Talia squeaked.