Ruthless knight

Cole

“You coming, Covington?” Le

“Yeah, I just need a second.” 

He nods in understanding. “Last-minute dookie, huh?”

I’m about to say no, but it’s just easier to let him think that. “Yeah.”

“Say no more, man. I got you.” 

He cups his hands over his mouth right before he walks out. “Y’all give him another minute. He’s taking a dump.” 

Opening my locker door, I fish around for the piece of green fabric. 

I don’t do it before every game…just the important ones. 

Closing my eyes, I rub the material over my throwing arm and new tattoo. 

I could really use your help out there today, big brother.

“Goddammit,” Coach Stalter spits on the sidelines. “They’re going through our defensive line like shit goes through a goose!” 

Despite the colorful analogy, it’s the truth. 

Usually our defense is awesome…but today. Today—the Warriors are better. 

They must have been preparing for this. 

I look at the scoreboard. 

Twenty-one to seventeen…in favor of the Warriors.

“Le

Le

When the defense is shit…the offense has to pick up the slack. 

Especially when there’s only three minutes left in the game. 

Coach looks at me. “I hope you believe in God, Covington. Because you’re go

I don’t…but I do believe in me. 

I clap my hands. “Let’s do this.” 

I look out into the stands, trying to spot Sawyer. I can’t find her, but I’m sure she’s here. 

 She promised she’d be. 

Although, I hate that she’s witnessing this game. 

Momentum is so low, a quarter of our fans are gone, the cheerleaders look depressed, and…oh, hell.

Izzy the Knight—our mascot—is so miserable, he’s literally praying for a victory from the sidelines. 

My heart hammers in my chest as I get into position. 

I know exactly what Coach would want me to do—take any opportunity to score. 

However, with a team like the Warriors…there’s only one way to win. 

You have to play smarter.  

When the center snaps the ball. I launch it to Dwight. He runs down the field then pivots toward the sideline. 

Five yards. Perfect. 

I still need more time though. 

In the distance, Coach Stalter starts yelling his head off. 

The second the snap is in my hands, again I do the same thing. 

Only this time, Dwight stops after ten yards and launches it back to me. 

The fucker better be ready to score. 

Gri

It’s a thing of beauty when he catches it…

But not nearly as beautiful as the moment he crosses into the end zone. 

We fucking did it. 

My heart is ready to pound right out of my body as my team rushes me. 

Once again, I look up at the stands...hoping the one person I want to impress saw what just happened. 

Disappointment flickers in my chest when I spot Jace and Dylan...but there’s still no sign of Sawyer. 

I might have won…but it sure doesn’t feel like it right now.