Chapter 65 ~Between Two Worlds~
(Xander’s POV)
“Mr Grayson.”
I got out of the car, and my imagination ran wild. I'd never been so anxious before.
What did they want with me? Why were they by their car, parked in the lot, not driving? Why were they just standing in their tailored suits, clutching their notepads?
“Um…” I stood still, in front of them, ignoring my fingernails that were digging into my palms painfully from my tight fist. “H-hello. I thought you both left.”
The two scouts from the NHL. They left in the middle of the game, so I'd assumed either they’d made their decision regarding recruiting Damon or they simply weren't interested.
“We were just about to leave when we spotted you.” The first man spoke. “You might not remember me, but I was one of the scouts assigned to watch you at the last game that you… absconded from.”
“I'm Bernard and this is Lee.” The second man spoke.
Of course I couldn't remember him, I was too tense to look at anyone's face that day. The day of the attack on Silvereign packhouse, the day I had to leave the game to perform my duties as Alpha, it was still fresh in my mind. It was like it was yesterday.
“I apologize for that day. It was highly unprofessional of me, but I had an urgent matter that came up.” I tucked my hands in my pants pocket to hide my fidgeting. I still couldn't believe NHL scouts were in front of me… talking to me.
“It was unprofessional and highly unethical,” Lee began. “But it was also understandable. I watched you play that day and I saw something in you.”
Bernard gave a curt nod.
“You have spirit, Mr. Grayson, and that's one thing that is hard to find in amateur hockey players. They have nothing to lose. No career, or Olympic medal, or fan base. But that day, I watched you play, and you played like someone who had everything to lose.”
I sucked in a deep breath. I was speechless to say the least.
“And this isn't to flatter you or make you slack off, because trust me, there's still a long way for you to go,” he continued.
“All I'm trying to say is, you may have missed that opportunity but many more will come. Seize them and don't allow anything to come between you and your passion.”
I nodded. “But I guess it's already too late. Coach Bruce kicked me out of the team.”
They shared a look. They probably weren't aware. “I thought he just decided to sit you out for today's game.”
I shook my head. “No, for a while now, I've not been on the team.”
Lee exhaled. “Well, it's understandable, but we'll speak to him."
“Thank you. Thank you so much.” I was so overwhelmed with gratitude.
Lee handed me his business card. “I'll speak to the board at the organization and I'll keep in touch with you.”
I held onto the card like it was hot coals. “Okay."
They finally entered the car, but before they left, Bernard took a last glance at me. “You're going places Xander Grayson.”
They drove off, leaving me in the middle of the school parking lot, elated.
“Yes!” I fist pumped, screaming to myself in the empty lot.
I rushed back to the car, humming to myself joyfully as I did.
Fiona had a puzzled look on her face when I entered the car. “Why do you look like you won the lottery? Who did you go out to see?”
“They were scouts from the NHL.”
“Oh… yeah, they came for Damon, right?” Fiona was still clutching her ankle in pain.
“They did. But I think they might be interested in me. They gave me their business card and said they'll keep in touch.”
“That's awesome. That's good, right?” She tried to wear a smile.
“It's progress, and they did say they'd talk to Coach about putting me back in the game.” I couldn't believe it.
“Oh, Xander, I'm so happy for you.” She looked close to tears.
I drove out of the school, suddenly remembering we needed to go to the hospital in the first place. “How's your leg?”
“I mean, seeing you this happy has made it not so bad.” She laughed softly.
“You're so cute, princess.” I continued the drive, wearing a big smile.
We finally got to the hospital, and I helped her from the car to inside the hospital with the help of a nurse.
Afterwards, a doctor came in to examine her. “It's nothing serious. The fall seemed to have created a hairline fracture which will heal in a couple of weeks. She just needs to limit her movement, and she'll be fine.”
“Okay, thanks, doc.” I shook his hand.
“You're welcome. I'll be leaving now, but my colleague, Dr. Mel, will see her later today.”
Fiona sat up. “Mel?”
“Yeah… our new employee. Do you know her?”
“Yes. She's my friend. Can I see her?”
“Sure thing. I'll call her as soon as I get to the staff room.” The doctor walked out, leaving just us.
“Who's Dr. Mel?” I asked.
“Remember the day we had to escape from Ashridge? My friend who was unconscious… the one I told you helped me to escape.”
Oh… I remembered now. “She's got a job here? I thought she was admitted here that day?”
“Well, apparently she works here now.” Fiona looked past me to see Mel walking in. “Oh my god, Mel."
I turned back to see her. I recognised her although she looked a little different from before.
“Fiona. I couldn't believe it when they told me you were here.”
Fiona chuckled. “Me neither. How did you get a job here?”
Okay, I think I need to give them time to catch up. I stood up kissed Fiona on the forehead. “I need to be somewhere. I'll be back to see you later.”
I need to see somebody.
–------
I walked through the Silvereign packhouse, which was almost complete.
Calvin told me I could find my father here. He was giving final instructions to the builders.
I spotted him under a pine tree, smoking a cigar. He was with Elder Apollo.
I walked up to them.
“Dad, can I have a word?” I asked when I got close.
Elder Apollo got up. “Alpha Xander. I'll leave you both.”
It was just me and my father now. He looked up at me.
I couldn't believe I was doing this, but I guess I had the right to now.
“Dad, I am not going to a werewolf academy.” I said simply. “I’m staying here. I’m playing hockey in Northvale.”
He was quiet for a while, then he finally looked at me. His face was set and unreadable.
“Don't you know son, you have no choice? You will leave Northvale, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.”