The Game Shifts

Chapter 9: The Game Shifts

Nick didn't strike immediately.

That was the first sign he was rethinking things.

In the past, Nick had always been fast with his retaliation. He'd never let a challenge sit too long.

But this time?

This time, he was watching.

Studying.

Waiting.

That meant Don had forced him into a position he wasn't used to.

And hesitation?

Hesitation was weakness.

Ryan leaned against the lockers beside Don, arms crossed. "Why hasn't he hit back yet?"

"He's trying to figure out his next move," Don said calmly.

Ryan frowned. "That's not like him."

"Exactly."

Nick was trying to be careful.

But careful meant slow.

And slow meant vulnerable.

Don wasn't going to wait for Nick to attack.

He was going to move first.

---

By now, Ethan's bruised face was the talk of the school.

Nick's people were trying to control the damage.

Spreading rumors that Ethan had deserved what happened. That he had been weak.

But Don knew better.

Nick was scrambling.

Trying to keep people from doubting him.

So Don decided to push him further.

When the final bell rang, Don walked straight into Nick's territory.

The back of the school.

Where Nick's people always hung out after hours.

Ryan and Ethan followed close behind, tension thick in the air.

Nick was already there, leaning against the wall, surrounded by his usual crew.

His eyes narrowed when he saw Don.

Don smirked. "You've been quiet, Nick."

Nick tilted his head. "You've been loud."

The others watched.

Waiting to see what would happen.

Don took another step forward. "I just wanted to make something clear."

Nick said nothing.

So Don spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I don't scare easy."

A small smile tugged at Nick's lips.

Then he laughed.

A slow, amused laugh.

"You think this is over?" Nick asked.

Don shook his head. "No."

Then his smirk vanished.

"I think you're running out of moves."

Nick's eyes darkened.

And Don knew—

He had just forced Nick to make a decision.

---

That night, Don didn't sleep.

He knew what was coming.

Nick wasn't going to let this stand.

Which meant the next move was going to be the most dangerous yet.

Ryan's message came at midnight.

Ryan: Something's happening.

Don: Where?

Ryan: Parking lot. Nick's guys are moving.

Don grabbed his jacket and slipped out the door.

The war wasn't just brewing anymore.

It had begun.

---

By the time Don got there, Ryan was already watching from behind the fence.

"They're waiting for someone," Ryan whispered.

Don followed his gaze.

Five of Nick's guys.

Standing in the dim light.

A car engine rumbled nearby.

Don's jaw tightened. "Who's the target?"

Ryan hesitated. "I think it's—"

The school doors slammed open.

And Ethan stepped outside.

Don cursed under his breath.

Nick wasn't after Don directly.

Not yet.

He was going after Don's people.

---

Ethan barely had time to react before the first guy lunged.

Don moved.

Fast.

He reached the scene just as Ethan threw his first punch, but he was outnumbered.

Don grabbed the nearest guy and slammed him against the car.

Ryan took another one down with a quick sweep of the legs.

The fight was messy.

Brutal.

No rules.

Just survival.

Ethan was still standing, but he was struggling.

Don turned just in time to see one of Nick's guys pull something from his pocket—

A knife.

The blade flashed under the parking lot lights.

And Don didn't hesitate.

He moved between them—

The knife sliced across his arm.

Pain exploded, sharp and hot.

But Don didn't stop.

He punched the guy hard enough to send him staggering back.

Ryan grabbed Ethan, pulling him away from the chaos.

"Go!" Don ordered.

Ryan hesitated for half a second—then nodded.

He dragged Ethan back toward safety.

Don turned back to the fight—

Just in time to see Nick himself step out of the shadows.

---

Nick's expression was unreadable.

But his eyes?

His eyes were calm.

Dangerously calm.

"That was a mistake," Nick said softly.

Don clenched his jaw. Blood dripped from his arm, but he didn't move.

Nick took a slow step forward. "I warned you, Don."

Don didn't flinch. "And I ignored you."

Silence.

Then—

Nick smiled.

A slow, cold smile.

"You're not afraid of me."

Don exhaled. "No."

Nick nodded. "Good."

Then his expression darkened.

"Because now you're in this for real."

And Don knew—

This was only the beginning.

Ethan winced as he pressed ice against his jaw. "He's coming for us, isn't he?"

Don exhaled. "Yeah."

Ryan muttered a curse. "Then we hit first."

Don shook his head. "No."

Ethan and Ryan both stared.

"What?" Ryan demanded. "You want to sit back and wait for him to—"

"No." Don's voice was sharp. Cold.

"I want him to think that's what we're doing."

Because Nick had always been the predator.

It was time to make him the prey.

---

By morning, the entire school was buzzing.

Nick's crew was on edge.

They had expected Don to retaliate immediately.

Instead?

Don acted like nothing had happened.

That made them nervous.

Nick was used to enemies being reckless.

Not calculated.

And that uncertainty?

It was eating away at him.

---

Nick's second-in-command, Cameron, was the first to crack.

Ryan caught him in the hallway between classes, cornering him near the vending machines.

"Nick hasn't said much," Ryan murmured. "Makes you wonder, huh?"

Cameron scowled. "Shut up, Ryan."

But Ryan just grinned.

"Just saying… you and I both know he's slipping."

Cameron didn't respond.

Because he knew it was true.

Nick wasn't invincible.

And doubt?

Doubt was contagious.

---

By lunch, Don finally made his move.

He walked straight into the cafeteria—Nick's domain.

The room went silent.

Nick was sitting at his usual table, his crew gathered around him.

Don didn't slow down.

Didn't hesitate.

He pulled out a chair.

And sat down.

Across from Nick.

Ryan and Ethan hovered nearby, ready for a fight.

But Don?

Don just smirked.

Nick's expression was neutral.

But his grip on his fork was tight.

"You're bold," Nick murmured.

Don shrugged. "You're predictable."

A muscle in Nick's jaw twitched.

Then he smiled.

It wasn't a friendly smile.

It was calculating.

"Then let's change that."

---

Nick leaned forward, voice low.

"You're good, Don. Better than most."

Don didn't reply.

Nick continued.

"But you're making a mistake."

Don raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

Nick's smile widened.

"You're fighting for the wrong side."

The table stilled.

Even Ryan tensed.

Nick tilted his head. "Join me."

The words hung in the air.

Unspoken challenges underneath them.

Nick wasn't just offering power.

He was offering protection.

Don chuckled.

And then, just as softly—

"Not a chance."

Nick sighed.

"Shame."

Then he stood.

And walked away.

The war had just escalated.