Page 58 of Vexing the Viper

"They're fucking killing it!" Mateo yells next to me, and I nod my head in joyful agreement.

We watch the rest of the game, jumping up multiple times to yell and cheer on our boys. Halfway through, I take off my baseball cap, leaving it in my seat. The vipers play around for a few seconds before giving their attention to the game, watching King. They love him almost as much as I do.

During the last inning, a player on the other team hits a ball hard, and I watch in amazement as the Centaur takes off, hislegs galloping fast across the field. His hand reaches up and he catches the ball before tossing it to Trent. Trent switches the ball to his longest arm, whipping it through the air. The ball flies over Sam's head as he ducks and lands directly in King's glove. The player is running at full speed toward King, but King's faster. He dips down, tagging the player out.

A chorus of screams erupts in the stands all around us. Someone throws their popcorn in the air and it hits us in the face, but all I can do is laugh. They fucking won the game! Gripping onto Mateo's hands, we both jump wildly, yelling in excitement before turning and facing the field.

The team is on the pitcher's mound celebrating, some of them throwing their hats up into the air. Knowing that it's too crazy to try and get through the crowd of people, Mateo and I hang back, letting the stands slowly clear out.

Once most of the people have left, we make our way down to the field and wait beside the dugout. My dad is giving the team a talk about the game, and when I hear everyone cheer loudly, I smile knowing they deserve it.

Trent walks out first, followed by Will, then more players file out behind them. My dad comes out next, and when he sees me, he smiles at me, reaching his hand out to touch Lox.

"Two games in one season, huh? I like seeing you out there in the stands. Reminds me of when you were a little kid."

"I think I'll come to more. I kinda forgot how much fun they could be."

"I'd really love that, Nikolai." The assistant coach walks out, and my dad follows behind him. "I'll see you later, son."

Mateo and I wait as the dugout empties, until eventually King and Sam make their way out.

"You played amazing!" I yell, running up to King and jumping into his arms. He easily catches me, my legs wrappingaround his waist. Knocking his ball cap off his head, I take his mouth with mine.

Pulling away, he lightly smacks my ass, "I'm going to need you to come to every game now if that's how they're going to end."

I laugh loudly, sliding down his body. "You guys played an outstanding game."

"Thanks. Wanna hear some good news?"

"Of course, I do." I tell him, grabbing his hand. We start walking away from the dugout, following behind Mateo and Sam, who are holding hands as well. I smile, looking at my best friend, happy he's found someone. Giving my attention back to King, I squeeze his hand. "Tell me."

"Coach said the dean gave him word that the rules for all sports at Creelin U are going to change. He said when they first created it, they only changed the rule for some of them, wanting to see how it would be first. But after watching our scrimmage, they realize what a mistake they made, and that all monsters should get to choose what form theywantto play in regardless of the sport."

"Holy shit," I breathe out. "That's what you all were hoping would happen, right?"

"Hell yeah. The coaches were so fucking ecstatic to tell us. None of the other teams stand a chance against us now. Also, seeing you in my jersey is such a fucking turn on, Niko." He grabs my hand pulling me to a stop. "Thank you for coming, and for cheering me on. Even though baseball isn't your thing."

"I'm starting to realize there are many things I didn't think were my thing, but I actually closed myself off to certain ideas. You've opened my eyes, Kingston Porter. In so many ways."

In the middle of the sidewalk, King kisses me passionately, my heart beating wildly for him.

"Come on, there's one last thing I want to do today."

King drags me through the quad, bypassing Savannah who's walking with Vanessa. Vanessa eyes King and me holding hands before turning her attention back to Savannah.

"Hey, what ever happened with you and Vanessa?" I ask as we weave in and out of crowds.

"Who?" he questions, his brow furrowed.

"The Vampire you danced with at the bonfire."

"Oh shit, I forgot about that. Damn, that seems so long ago. Nothing really. She texted a few times, then stopped. My mind was occupied with someone else." He squeezes my hand, and I snicker while thinking of how much we've changed since then.

We finally make it back to our dorm room where King sits down on the couch and pats the cushion for me to sit next to him.

"Is everything okay?" I ask. "You didn't shower after the game, and you raced back here just to sit on the couch?"

"You'll see."

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