Chapter 71 Play it Safe
Phoebe
“What are you doing?”
Mom’s voice slices through the air, sharp enough to make me drop my gaze to the floor. Shame clings to me like a stain that won’t come out. I completely forgot Mom or Dad could just walk in and see us… making out.
I’m screwed. If Mom wants to yell, or worse—punish me—I’m ready. I mean, it’s my fault. No way out except facing the music.
“Phoebe, explain this to me,” she says, her tone like a blade.
“I can explain, Mrs. Matthews,” Hayden cuts in, his voice calm but his shoulders are tight. I can feel the tension rolling off him.
“I’m talking to my daughter.”
Those words hit like a slap. Hayden shuts up instantly. His face stays neutral, but I know he’s freaking out inside.
Me? I have no idea what to say. Honestly, I don’t even know what I was thinking—letting Hayden hold me like that.
From the corner of my eye, Adonis fumbles for his glasses, shoving them back on. His ears are bright red. He steps back like he wants to disappear. Finley, as usual, just flicks his eyes at Zion like he’s sending some secret code.
“Sorry to butt in, Mrs. Matthews, but I think Phoebe’s having a hard time explaining right now. My name’s Zion, I’m on the same team as her. We just came over to check on Phoenix. We were rehearsing a skit for the school birthday event,” he says, calm as ever.
Mom frowns at Zion, her brows knitting together. I hold my breath, my heart pounding so hard it feels like the whole room can hear it. Then she exhales, quick and sharp.
“I thought you two were really dating… since as far as I know, Hayden’s been Phoebe’s boyfriend—at least since his last visit.”
Her brows scrunch deeper, like she’s remembering something—probably the time she helped me pick an outfit to look more “feminine.”
“We’re still dating,” Hayden says flatly, like he’s not about to let that go.
I keep my eyes glued to the floor. Moon Goddess, this is a disaster. Thank God Zion steps in again, smoothing out the tension like it’s nothing.
“Sorry if I came off rude earlier, Hayden,” Mom says with a thin smile. “I just want Phoebe to take things seriously… especially since she doesn’t even have a mate yet.”
Mate. The word drops into my stomach like a stone. If this is her reaction over something this small, what happens when she finds out the truth? That I have four mates.
We said our goodbyes not long after. Zion handled everything—Finley left with Adonis on his bike, while Hayden and I rode back with Zion. Honestly, I just wanted to vanish, but of course, that’s not an option.
The car glides down the road in awkward silence until Hayden finally speaks up.
“So… what’s our next move?” he asks, looking at Zion through the rearview mirror. “We can’t keep hiding forever. Sooner or later, someone’s gonna notice—Coach Cooper included.”
I bite my lip. My stomach feels like it’s tied in knots.
Zion stays cool. “Exactly why we need to play it safe. No one can know yet. Not now—especially with the tournament coming up. If this gets out, the team’s reputation is toast.”
“And don’t forget about Lily,” he adds, shooting me a quick glance. “She already hates your guts, Phoeb. If she finds out you… well, have four mates, she’ll use that to destroy you.”
Just hearing her name makes me tired. Lily’s still bitter Hayden broke off their engagement—by his own choice.
“He’s right,” Hayden says finally, his voice serious. “We’ve gotta keep this secret. For your sake too, Phoeb.”
I nod slightly. “Yeah… I get it. It’s just… hard.”
“Hard because lying isn’t your thing,” Zion says gently. “But sometimes… lying’s the only way to protect something that matters.”
I take a deep breath. Maybe he’s right. Still, the guilt sticks like glue.
Hayden glances at me. “And about earlier… sorry. I crossed a line.”
I just shake my head, not daring to meet his eyes.
By the time we reach Livingston Hall, Hayden says a quick goodbye and heads to his dorm. Zion and I walk slowly toward my room. My heart’s still pounding—whether from earlier or because I know I’ll be alone with him now, I’m not sure.
As soon as we step inside, I collapse onto my bed. I need something—anything—to distract me. Music. Yes, music. I grab my phone, open my favorite playlist, and hit play.
The beat fills the room. First up: Olivia Rodrigo – get him back!.
“Olivia again?” Zion chuckles, sitting on the edge of the bed. “You never get tired of her, huh?”
“She’s relatable,” I shoot back.
The playlist rolls on: Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso, then Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather.
“Classic Gen Z vibes,” he teases. “No guys on here?”
“There are,” I say—just as The Weeknd’s Popular starts playing.
Zion nods, that mysterious little smile tugging at his lips. “Your taste… kinda sexy.”
I roll my eyes, but my chest feels warm. His look tonight is different—intense.
He leans closer, his fingers brushing the back of my hand. Such a small touch, yet it lights a wildfire inside me.
“Phoeb…” his voice is low, soft. “You okay? You’ve seemed… heavy all night.”
I turn to him—and that’s when the space between us disappears. His lips press against mine, gentle but sure. The world freezes. I hold my breath, then give in, kissing him back.
The kiss deepens. His hands slide along my arms, down to my waist. Every touch makes me tremble—not from fear, but from craving. He knows exactly how to make me surrender.
“Oh God… Zion…” My voice cracks as his fingers trace my skin like he’s carving memories into me. Sparks race through my body, leaving me drowning in the sweetest chaos.
His hand slips between my thighs so fast, and just like that, I’m gone. Completely undone. Dopamine flooding, and somehow he’s the calm in my storm.
One touch, and the world shatters perfectly around me. My eyes flutter shut, my teeth sinking into my lip to hold back the sounds spilling out anyway.
“You like that?”
“Yeah… nothing compares to you,” I whisper, breathless between broken moans.
I can barely think as the climax crashes through me like fireworks exploding in my chest. My breath comes in ragged gasps, my body shaking.
Zion stares down at me, his breathing heavy too. “Phoeb…”
I swallow hard. And then—God knows why—the question slips out.
“Zion…” My voice trembles. “When… when are you gonna mate with me?”
Silence. The only thing I hear is the pounding of my heart.