Page 40 of Nix
That was more like his brother. “It’s okay if you’re not okay. This has been hard on us all.”
“I am fine,” Gem said. “It just doesn’t help that I’m not having a great season.”
“The season just started!”
“I know. I’m struggling a little.” Gem coughed. “But that’s not why I called.”
“You should have called me earlier. I would tell you how awesome you are,” Nix said. “Because you know you are. You arean amazing goalie. How many other goalies get the top goalie slot in their rookie year?”
“Thanks. I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just need to settle in with my team. There was something that we need to talk about,” Gem said.
“Now what?” Nix asked.
“I need you to be careful on the ice,” Gem told him.
“I am being careful!” Nix defended. “Do you see my games? I’m rocking it this year in assists.”
“You are playing remarkably. I’m very proud of your record so far. But getting in a fight is not being careful,” Gem replied.
Oh! Nix had forgotten about that for a moment.
“We’re being targeted,” Gem told him.
“Targeted? By who?” Nix asked. He poked at one of the pumpkin bites. He had no idea what his brother was talking about. “For what?”
“The other shifters in the league,” Gem said.
“Why?” They hadn’t even been in the league long enough to make enemies. “How do you know?”
“Word has gotten around to me,” Gem replied.
“Your spies,” Nix hissed. “I knew it.”
“I keep an ear to the ground.”
“I don’t see what we have done. Why would they be targeting us?”
“Because apparently they don’t want small shifters playing,” Gem responded. “I don’t know a lot, but I just want you to watch out. Let your defensemen do their job. Score goals. Add your points for assists. Play your game. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to hurt you.”
Gem was really worried. Nix knew better than to ignore Gem’s concerns. He really did know everyone and was always looking to protect them. “Okay, I’ll be more careful.”
“Good. I’ve got to call Aries.”
“Tell him I said hi!” Nix ordered. “And that I can’t wait to play him again. This time with my goalie.”
“You should call him later. He was worried about you too. And don’t forget to call Mom.”
“I will,” Nix vowed. “I’m just getting some baking done and I need to pack.”
“That’s right, you have you two away games before we come down and play you,” Gem said.
“We’re gonna win,” Nix boasted.
“Sure you are. How did that go against Aries?”
“I didn’t have my goalie!” Nix reminded him. He’d just said that.
Gem snorted. “I love you, bro, but I do need to call Aries before I relax and get ready for my game tonight.”
