Chapter 3 My Brother and Boyfriend Compete for the Football Championship

Anna's POV

I dashed back to the cheerleading area; the game was about to kick off any minute now.

The crowd was already buzzing, and the energy was electric. Everyone was hyped about the game, waving banners and flags like crazy.

"Is Isaac looking at me? I just waved at him!" Susan, my best friend, squealed next to me.

I glanced over to the east side of the field, and it did seem like Isaac was looking our way. But as soon as I looked, he quickly turned away. Maybe he really didn't like me.

Just then, Jane tapped Susan on the shoulder, looking puzzled. "Isn't Isaac usually on offense? Why's he on defense today?"

"Yeah, that's weird. Maybe they're short on players," Susan replied, equally confused.

My focus was all on Danial; he looked great, warming up with his teammates. This round, his team was on offense, facing Isaac's defense.

We kicked off our pre-game cheer routine; our squad was cheering for Danial's team, while Isaac's team had their own cheerleaders.

The captain of their squad, Tina, was a stunner. Even though her hair wasn't as striking as our captain Ella's blonde locks, people said she was more beautiful and had a better figure.

After the warm-up, the ref's whistle blew, and the kicker sent the ball flying. Danial's team grabbed it and passed it to him.

Danial was their quarterback, the heart of the team, known for his epic long passes. His offensive linemen were clearing the way, giving him a chance to make the play.

"Go Danial!" I cheered my heart out for him, even though my voice got lost in the crowd.

Isaac charged at the offensive players, dodging and tackling with insane speed. Working with his teammates, he broke through a formation of six players in no time.

Seeing his formation crumble, Danial quickly reacted, running and looking for a teammate to pass to. But he didn't get far before Isaac caught up, tackling him with a swift move.

The crowd went wild as Isaac completed the sack.

In the following plays, Danial's offensive line kept getting torn apart by Isaac and his crew.

Even though most of the football team were Alpha members from different tribes, Isaac's strength was on another level.

Danial's team's strategy was falling apart, and they had to rely on running plays to try and get past the defense.

When the quarter ended, I headed to the resting area to check on Danial.

He walked over and took the water I handed him.

"Danial, how are you feeling? Are you hurt?" I asked, worried.

"I used a lot of hemostatic spray; the bleeding's stopped," he said, trying to sound casual.

"But..." I couldn't help but worry.

Danial was determined. "I'll hold on until we win. I need to get that championship ring for you, so no one will mess with you anymore."

I felt a lump in my throat and my eyes got a bit blurry. No one had ever fought for something for me before. At least Danial cared.

He had already fought hard to beat the junior team last week. The senior team members were heading to professional drafts and wouldn't play in school anymore.

Only freshmen, sophomores, and juniors played in school, and usually, the sophomore team was stronger than the freshman team.

I didn't expect things would be this tough now. But I believed Danial could become the undisputed champion. When they played against the junior team before, it was even worse. But with Danial's tactics and teamwork, they managed to tie the score over and over.

Danial wiped my tears and leaned in to kiss me.

Just then, a cold voice cut through the moment, "Everyone gets hurt in the game, but not everyone needs a woman to comfort them."

I looked up and saw Isaac walking over from where he was leaning against the wall.

I was quiet for a moment, then turned to Danial and said, "Well done, Danial."

The tension between Danial and Isaac was palpable; they stared each other down for a few seconds.

Isaac glanced at me with an unreadable expression before walking away. I couldn't tell if he was mad at my earlier comment, but his blue-gray eyes seemed to show some dissatisfaction.

But pre-game trash talk was normal, especially since he started it.

The game was about to resume, and Danial gave me our pre-agreed victory gesture before heading back to the field with his teammates.

Danial's team's tactical adjustments were working, and their movements became more flexible and varied, gradually evening the score.

Every time they scored, our cheerleading squad would break into a short dance to keep the energy high.

"Danial, go! You got this!" I shouted until my throat was sore, but I kept cheering, hoping he'd ride this momentum to victory.

However, Isaac's team also switched up their formation, making it easier to defend from all directions.

The commentator got all excited, "Under Isaac's command, the defense has predicted and blocked the offense's moves again!"

Isaac had three cornerbacks and two safeties lock down all of Danial's passing targets, causing Danial to hold the ball too long and get penalized for delay of game.

Finally, with the ref's last whistle, the game ended, and Danial's team suffered a crushing defeat.

Danial was pretty banged up, and his teammates surrounded Isaac's team, pushing and shoving.

Ella was furious. "Isaac, did you intentionally cause Danial to be penalized? You could have scored faster!"

I admired her guts; I was mad too, but I didn't dare confront Isaac directly.

Surprisingly, Isaac admitted, "Yeah, psychological tactics are part of the game, aren't they?"

"Damn, you guys are too much!" Some of the players got even angrier.

Isaac patted one of them on the shoulder. "If you want to make a fuss, I don't mind, but we're all schoolmates. How about we go have a drink first? We're hosting a party today, and we can settle any grudges in the next game."

Isaac had a natural leadership quality, and his words calmed most people down. The players and even the cheerleading squads were invited to their victory party.

Danial held my hand tightly; even though his werewolf bloodline would help him heal, I could still feel his pain.

But Ella's face looked a bit off. After everyone ordered at the bar, she commanded me, "Anna, go get us some ice and find some painkillers for Danial."

I didn't know why Ella was being so cold, ordering me around in front of everyone; she knew my situation. Even though she was usually proud and didn't talk much, she was generally gentle.

Danial got up and grabbed the medical kit, saying, "I'll find it; I'm most familiar with these supplies."

He didn't stop Ella, maybe because they usually got along well.

My life felt like a window; once broken, everyone could throw stones inside. Now, this window called the cheerleading squad was also about to shatter.