Page 49 of Pack End Game

“Yeah.” She nods pitifully. “I don’t even understand the basics. What’s the strategy? The terminology? The overall vibe?”

She drops my hands and begins pacing the room.

“Right.” I tap my chin thoughtfully and speak slowly to buy myself some time. “The vibes are crucial.”

“Since you’re an expert on the subject, I was hoping you could teach me what I need to know about football. I figure you’re less likely to judge my lack of knowledge than Spencer or Zak would be. They both take things so seriously sometimes.”

“Me. I’m an expert,” I echo her statement while I try to figure out how I’m going to fix this problem for her.

Despite what everyone thinks, I’m no football expert.

Yet, I can’t imagine telling her as much and letting her down. Not when she’s this concerned about making her pack happy by learning more about the world we live in.

My brain is split between two very different trains of thought. On the one hand, I don’t realistically know enough about football to accurately tutor someone else in the sport. On the other hand, I am completely unwilling to deny my omega anything and risk her feeling let down.

She’s waiting for my answer.

Watching me with all her hopes and dreams on the line.

Needing me to be her personal hero.

My little leafy green needs me.

“Yes,” I agree with a level of confidence I shouldn’t feel. “Of course. I can teach you everything you need to know.”

My tone is full of false bravado, and I straighten my shoulders to really sell it.

Football is just a sport played with an ugly ball on grass that I suspect is fake. There are giant broken forks on each end of the field, and the opposing teams like to run into each other a lot.

How hard can teaching someone about football really be?

Her whole body sags with relief, and she stops pacing to smile at me. “Really? You will?”

“Oh, yeah.” I nod like I’ve been waiting for this exact opportunity my whole life. “We’ll start with the fundamentals. The… advanced fundamentals.”

“What are those?”

Of course, she has to question me immediately. Where’s the blind loyalty with absolutely no follow-up? I’m sure there’s a handbook somewhere that says students should never ask their teachers any questions especially if the teacher is extraordinarily handsome and hilarious.

“Uh.”

Why can’t I think of anything to say? She’s waiting; I just have to say something. Anything.

“They’re like… fundamentals, but deeper.” I’m so proud of myself for that explanation that I almost pat myself on the back.

She nods, taking this first note very seriously. I’m already impressed by what a dedicated student she appears to be.

“Thank you so much.” Mia hurries over to hug me, which I accept wholeheartedly now that I know her prime initiative isn’t to seduce me. “We’ll have to try to sneak in the lessons as soon as possible. And please don’t forget to keep this between us. I don’t want anyone to look at me like I’m completely clueless about football for the rest of our lives.”

“They won’t,” I insist. “Not on my watch.”

I’ll be the best football teacher she’s ever had.

All I have to do is channel my inner Simon. He’s the one who’s always on the field during games. There must be some football wisdom he’s willing to help me impart on a pretty omega who’s so eager to learn.

Before Mia can pump me for any more football knowledge on the spot, we hear the faint sound of someone calling out from somewhere deeper in the house. “Has anyone else found the room that has the furniture on the ceiling?”

Mia and I both pause.