Chapter 8 Relaxing Sandalwood
Hayden
"Where are they?"
I couldn’t see Zion or that Mathews kid anywhere. Only Finley and Adonis were in the room, and they both just shook their heads at my question.
Zion was rarely late, especially when I’d already told him to gather the team. And yet, here he was, absent. Though he can be a jerk sometimes, he’s always been punctual. This was strange—or maybe I was just imagining things.
My jaw tightened as Mathews strode into the training room, looking at me like he was up for a challenge. Zion followed behind him, an expression too strange for me to read. I closed the distance, demanding, “Where have you been?”
"The rooftop. I came here earlier, but..." Phoenix trailed off, looking hesitant. "I needed fresh air."
"Is that your excuse for being undisciplined, or is your brain too slow to open a window for air?"
“Why so sarcastic?”
“And you’re complaining about my tone? I didn’t expect to be teamed up with a whiner.”
"I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
Ignoring any further complaints, I pulled a chair over and sat down. As we waited for Coach Cooper, I—more accurately, I without Phoenix—discussed our game strategy. As the team captain, it’s my job to motivate and communicate with the team, driving us to play with intensity.
Coach Cooper entered, bringing along two men I didn’t recognize. They walked to the front of the room, positioning themselves with their backs to the strategy board. Observing them closely, I noticed they weren’t werewolves like us. They were human. I tried to remind myself that this game might be new to our world but was already viral among humans.
"Good morning, team! I brought two friends to help Livingstone. They once led Team Monarch—you know, champions of the North American championship's first season: Assistant Coach VQueztro and Analyst Javling. Please introduce yourselves."
I stood first, introducing myself with confidence, my voice clear and strong. Zion followed, adding details about his background in taekwondo before switching to esports. I extended a hand to Finley; he spoke at a calm, slow tempo, sharing his main motivation for joining the team. Adonis kept it short—just his name and age. Lastly, Phoenix rose. His smaller frame was even more noticeable, standing beside the four of us.
"Hello, I’m Phoenix Mathews, and I joined the team a few days ago. I look forward to learning from all of you."
I thought he might say more, but he kept it brief. It looked like my scolding had kept him in line. Damn! Why was I thinking about him again?
I couldn’t understand myself. My mood always shifts drastically when it comes to Phoenix. Sometimes he gets under my skin, but on the other hand, everything about him stirs my curiosity.
After warming up, Coach Cooper assigned roles for the next hour. I expected to be the hyper, but what I didn’t expect was Phoenix being chosen as the core. I wanted to protest, but Coach explained it was just a trial for the next three days.
When Coach Cooper and his friends left, we continued our training session until lunch. I watched Phoenix closely, noting even his smallest movements.
“I need you to broaden your hero mastery, Mathews. I noticed you only used two heroes over five games.”
“They’re the only ones I’m skilled at. I still need time to learn others.”
“That’s your problem. The rest of us can handle four or more heroes. Don’t hold the team back.” I raised my voice, confronting him again. “Put in some hard training.”
“How am I supposed to do that? None of you have taught me how to play at your level.”
“If you want, I can help.” Finley cut in quickly. “I noticed you prefer heroes with attack speed over critical damage.”
“Of course, I’d appreciate it. I won’t waste this chance.”
Something in me resisted, almost wanting to stop Finley from helping him. As the team captain, I needed to oversee everyone, including making sure Phoenix sharpened his skills. And my heightened sense of smell picked up that calming scent again—sandalwood.
Before I realized it, I spoke up. “Not you, Finley. I’ll handle this. As team captain, I’ll monitor him directly.”
“Alright, if that’s what you want.”
Indeed,
After two scrimmages, my eyes were still on Phoenix. Something about his appearance felt off, and even I couldn’t figure out why. Some of his movements seemed too gentle for a regular guy.
“What’s your weight?” I scrutinized him, from head to toe.
“110.2 pounds. Why?”
“Do you barely eat? A guy with that low of a weight could be a problem.” I provoked him, adding my thoughts on his physique. “You’re too skinny.”
“Why are you even commenting on my weight and appearance? I don’t like criticism, and if it bothers you, don’t look at me while you talk.”
“You should understand my point. I’m not criticizing or uncomfortable; it’s just that…” I paused, thinking hard to put my words together. “I knew a guy like you. He died young due to malnutrition.”
I lied, hoping to scare Phoenix into paying more attention to his health. A he-wolf needs muscle and strength. If I were like him, I’d be weak by now.
“Is that true? Sounds like nonsense to me. No matter how much I eat, my body stays like this.”
Distracted by the sandalwood scent again, I leaned in, whispering near his ear. “Can’t you smell that? This scent’s been affecting me since earlier. Only you and I have been here.”
“No. I don’t smell anything like what you’re saying. And hey, stop being so casual with me. We’re not that close.” Phoenix pushed his chair away from me. “Remember, we’re just practicing, not playing detective.”
“But I’m your captain; it’s my job to create a comfortable environment for the team.”
“Whatever, Grey. I don’t feel like arguing with you. Are we practicing or not?” I gripped my phone and loaded up the game. I’d almost forgotten about training, distracted by that scent. “Pick a hero focused on critical damage. I’ll be your opponent.”
Phoenix obeyed, and I looked up to study him. His lips slightly pursed, eyes darting over the screen, his forehead creased in concentration. Once again, something inside urged me to move closer to him.
Finally, I found the source of that scent. It was Phoenix, calming and captivating, pulling me in. My hand reflexively touched his cheek—soft as cotton and smooth. Phoenix’s eyes locked onto mine, lips parting slightly, a look I’d never seen from anyone before.
\[She’s your mate, Hayden\]
I pulled my hand away, startled by Noel’s growl in my mind. What was this wolf thinking? Phoenix is a guy. I couldn’t have a male mate. I’m still normal.
Am I?