Page 126 of Quarterback Sneak
My mind races a million miles an hour. I know better than to go with your captor. That’s survival 101. “What did you do with Tessa?” I ask, slowing my pace.
“She went back into the game,” Jace answers.
I frown. “She wouldn’t leave without me.”
“She was convinced to.” He doesn’t say any more, and I worry about my friend. But her being in the stadium with all the people is the best place she can be. We walk through some walkways under the stadium and then out into an open field. I reach out to Zane. Even though he’s still playing the game, I know he’ll be furious if I don't reach out to him.
Zane.
There’s nothing, and I get a bad feeling. It’s not even that he doesn’t respond; it’s that it feels like I’m hitting a wall.
Zane, are you there?
Chills race over me when I get that same feeling. I don’t know how, but my connection to Zane is gone. Bone-deep fear fills me when I see the waiting car, and I realize I may not survive whatever it is they have in store for me. When a man steps out of the car and gives me a cold smile, my stomach drops.
Chapter 52
Zane
I stare at the iPad in front of me and listen as our offensive coach talks through the next set of plays. Our defense is currently on the field. They’ve done a good job holding them, but we need to score in this next drive and increase our lead. Fear slams into me suddenly, surprising me. I go still, my eyes darting over the field trying to figure out what it is that’s got my guard up. Then I realize it’s not my fear; it’s Evie’s.
Evie.
I reach out to her through our bond. My entire body goes rigid; there’s nothing there. I search for our bond; it’s still there, but it’s...muted or something. I stand to my feet and reach out again.
Evie.
Panic courses through me. I scan the crowd, not that I can see her from here.Something’s wrong.
Reid. Do you have eyes on Evie?
Shouldn’t you be paying attention to your game?He asks in return.
I can’t feel her,I snap back.
She went into the bathroom a few minutes ago.
Get in there and find her.I am aware that my words carry an alpha order in them, but I can’t find it in me to care right now. I also don’t care that I just sent my best friend into the women’s bathroom. I don’t breathe as I wait for him. Seconds tick past, and I know it’s not good. I’m already moving down the bench before I hear from him.
She’s not in here.
Go back and make sure you didn’t miss her. Check her seat.But even as I give the order, I know she’s not going to be there. “Coach, I gotta go.” Coach Mitchell’s head whips towards me, shock in his eyes.Something happened to Evie; she’s gone.
He doesn’t miss a beat.Go. I have to stay here.
I know.
Go get her. Your dad’s already on his way.
I nod at him, hoping he sees my gratitude. And then I take off. I whip off my shirt and my pads as I run and drop them in a place my teammates can grab them.Anything?I send to Reid.
She’s not in her seat.
I curse, but I’m not surprised.Which bathroom was it?As soon as he tells me, I run that way. People stop and stare at me, but I push past anybody and everybody.
Son, what’s going on?
Evie’s gone.
