Chapter 16
Ellie's POV
I went to the tennis courts after my brief encounter with Jackson, still processing everything that had happened. In my hand, I clutched the medical note he'd given me just moments ago. "I know your shoulder has probably healed already," he'd said with that knowing look, "but if you're going to play the part, you might as well be convincing. Use this to get excused from practice."
The other students had already started their tennis practice, the rhythmic pop-pop of balls hitting rackets filling the cavernous space. Coach Davis spotted me immediately and waved me over.
"Green, let me see that medical note," he said, extending his hand.
I handed the health center slip to him. He scanned it quickly, nodding.
"Shoulder injury, huh? That's a shame. You can sit this one out, but I expect you to observe the techniques. Next class, you're back in action unless I see another note."
"Yes, sir," I replied, grateful for the reprieve.
I made my way to the bleachers and settled on the middle row, giving me a perfect vantage point of the entire tennis courts. I watched as my classmates paired up for practice, their movements becoming a blur as my mind drifted to Jackson. He clearly knew everything about werewolves—the silver sensitivity, the accelerated healing—yet I couldn't sense any werewolf aura from him. How was that possible? Was someone in his family a werewolf?
My thoughts were interrupted when Lily jogged over during a water break, her face flushed from exertion.
"So," she said, plopping down beside me, "what's the deal with you and Jackson Wilson? One minute you're barely acquaintances, and the next he's dramatically announcing he wants to court you?"
I smiled despite myself. "There's no 'deal.' He's just the dance association president who happened to help me out of an awkward situation."
"The same one who publicly announced he wants to court you?" Megan chimed in, appearing suddenly and sitting on my other side. "The whole campus is talking about it."
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "He was just being nice."
"He's definitely more mature than Lucas," Megan continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And way more sophisticated. Maybe you should consider upgrading your taste in men?"
I rolled my eyes. "There's nothing between us. We're just in the same association."
"For now," Lily teased, nudging my uninjured shoulder gently. "But seriously, did you see how he looked at you? That wasn't just an act."
Before I could respond, Coach Davis's whistle pierced the air. "Break's over, ladies! Back to your positions!"
As my friends reluctantly returned to practice, I pulled out my phone. I hadn't properly thanked Jackson for his help earlier. The dance association flyer with his phone number scrawled on the back was still in my pocket—the one he'd given me that I'd initially planned to throw away. After his help today, I felt I at least owed him a thank you.
I hesitated for a moment before typing out a simple message: Hi Jackson, it's Ellie. Just wanted to thank you for your help this morning.
His response came almost immediately: Glad to see you're okay. How's the shoulder?
I smiled and began typing a response when my finger accidentally hit the video call button. Panicking, I quickly ended the call before it could connect, my heart racing.
Sorry about that! Didn't mean to call. Just wanted to thank you properly for helping me out today. Twice, actually.
His response came quickly: No need to thank me. Protecting association members is my responsibility.
I bit my lip, wondering what to say next. Before I could decide, another message appeared:
Would you like to grab lunch? We could discuss what happened this morning.
I stared at the message, my pulse quickening slightly. Was this a date? Or was he genuinely concerned about the silver incident? A part of me knew I shouldn't get too close to a human male—it was risky, complicated, and potentially dangerous for both of us. Yet something about Jackson made me want to accept his invitation. Even Thalia seemed curious rather than wary, which was unusual. She typically urged caution around humans, especially potential romantic interests.
Sure. When and where? I replied after a moment's deliberation.
12pm at the gym entrance? There's a cafeteria called "Forest Edge" just off campus. They have great sandwiches.
See you then, I typed back, just as the final whistle blew, signaling the end of class.
I gathered my things as my roommates approached, all sweaty and breathless from practice.
"What's got you smiling at your phone like that?" Megan asked, peering over my shoulder.
"Nothing," I said, quickly pocketing my device. "I'm meeting Jackson for lunch, that's all."
Both of them froze, exchanging glances before erupting into excited chatter.
"You're going on a date with Jackson Wilson?" Lily squealed, drawing curious looks from nearby students.
"It's not a date," I insisted. "He just wants to talk about what happened this morning."
"Right," Megan drawled, clearly unconvinced. "You know, I looked him up on Campus Whispers. Did you know he's the youngest research assistant in the medical school? Apparently, he's studying rare genetic disorders. Total brainiac."
"Looks like our Ellie is trading in her jock for a doctor," Lily teased, nudging me playfully.
"Careful with Lucas, though," she warned, her voice dropping. "He looked pretty jealous when Jackson announced he was interested in you."
I shrugged, surprised by how little I cared about Lucas's feelings anymore. "That's his problem, not mine."
"Damn, girl! I love this new you," Megan said, grinning. "Go get your hot doctor."
"It's just lunch," I repeated, but couldn't help smiling. "I'll see you guys later."
When I arrived at the gym entrance, Jackson was already waiting, leaning against a pine tree. He wore a simple navy button-up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and dark jeans. Several passing female students did double-takes as they walked by, but he seemed oblivious to the attention.
His serious expression softened when he spotted me, his eyes immediately checking my shoulder and then my wrist where Blake had grabbed me earlier.
"Sorry I'm a few minutes late," I said as I approached.
"Not at all," he replied with a slight smile. "I just got here early. Gave me time to organize my thoughts."
"About what?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"About your injury," he said, his voice dropping lower. "How's your shoulder feeling?"
"Better," I admitted. "Still sore, but the burning sensation has mostly subsided."
He nodded, seeming satisfied with my answer.
As we walked through the gate and onto the sidewalk, Jackson naturally positioned himself between me and the street—a small, protective gesture that didn't go unnoticed.
We had just passed the campus perimeter when a familiar voice called out behind us.
"Ellie! Wait up!"
I turned to see Samantha hurrying toward us, her blonde hair bouncing with each step. She wore a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes.