Page 49 of Golden Rule

These two kept up with my injury and recovery every step of the way, being as supportive as they could from a distance. So, they know what it took to get to this point—the pain, the struggle, the uncertainty—which is why I understand their concern. But they’re worrying for nothing. While I can’t promise that I won’t push myself to the limit, they’ll have to trust that I won’t undo the progress I’ve made.

No one understands how much I have at stake more than I do.

“Morning, boys.”

At the sound of Coach Wells’ voice, it’s like a switch flips. I erase the frustrated look off my face and lower my hand from my shoulder. The last thing I need is him overreacting like my brothers.

“Morning, Coach,” we echo back to him.

Coffee in hand, he smiles as we finish our reps. It’s no secret he’s got a lot riding on this season. All eyes are on him with all the changes he made, shaking up what was already believed to be a solid team. But he saw an opportunity and seized it, bringing the three of us together under his leadership, like he always said he would.

We can’t let him down.

Ican’t let him down.

It might be pure adrenaline, but as I think those words, the pain sizzling in my shoulder starts to subside.

“I know this is the first team workout session,” he says, “but I’m thinking we can try something different this morning. West, I won’t force you to do this if you’re not ready.”

He’s being cryptic as hell, but he seems excited.

“I’m in. What is it?” I ask with a smile.

“Well, I’m thinking you should lead today’s workout. It’d be a good way for the guys to get a feel for how you do things. I know some of ‘em are a bit icy right now, but they’ll warm up over time. And, call me crazy, but I think letting them meet therealyou is the best way forward. So, what do you say?”

Having worked with him for so long, I can read between the lines of what he’s saying, and I don’t disagree. The disconnect between me, my brothers, and the rest of the team isn’t about getting them to like us. To hell with that. They just need to respect us. While it’d be nice to function as a family, at the end of the day, even if we don’t ever getthatpart right, it’s all about positioning ourselves to win.

So, with that being said, I can’t argue with Coach’s logic.

“I, um… sure.” Forcing a smile, I lower the dumbbell back to the floor and stand, feeling my brothers’ eyes boring a hole into the back of my head. I know what they’re thinking, that I shouldn’t push myself. But the way I see it, the only way to be at full strength is to pushharder.

I make my way to the center of the room, purposely not passing a look toward Dane or Sterling. I haven’t even said a word, and eyes are already shifting this way.

“Alright, listen up,” I call out, gaining the attention of the few who hadn’t yet noticed me.

Their body language is saying so much right now—eye rolls, heavy sighs, heads cocked to the side in annoyance, letting meknow my voice is the last thing they want to hear this early. But I expected as much, so it doesn’t affect me.

“I know it’s early, and I know me and my brothers just got here, so most of you are probably asking yourselves ‘why the fuck is this asshole talking to me right now?’But the answer to that would be that I’ve watched you boys play. I’ve watched you sweat for this team, and I’ve watched youbleedfor this team.”

Their stares aren’t quite as blank as they were a moment ago, so I take that as a sign that they might actually be listening.

“AndbecauseI’ve seen you put your hearts out there, Ialsoknow that every single person in this room is committed to giving their all to be ready when gameday comes. Am I right about that?”

A few mumbled yeses pipe up from the group, but there’s still resistance.

“As your new captain, Coach suggested that I lead our first workout, and I say we push ourselves. I say we set a standard for the season by going hard. Not just today, buteveryday.”

It’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop as I scan the room, but it isn’t lost on me that the guys look more alert than they did a moment ago.

“So, boys, what’s it gonna be?” My volume climbs as my fists clench. “Are we here to lift a few weights, then take our asses home? Or are we here to go to fucking work?”

“Hell, yeah,” Jett says, startling most of us when his voice booms. He’s on his feet, larger than life, a vein throbbing in the side of his neck.

Chase stands next, and with that mean-ass look on his face it’s hard to tell if he’s with me or against me until he speaks. “Let’s fucking do it!”

He crosses both arms over his chest, and I smile, clapping my hands loudly as I repeat his words. “Let’s fucking do it!”

I’m a little shocked when most of the others rise to their feet, too, putting some pep in their step as they meet me in the center of the room. A few drag their feet, but I don’t focus on them.

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