I stood on the basketball court, waiting for Orion to tell me what else we needed to discuss. The soft glow of the lights cast long shadows across the concrete as a gentle breeze rustled through the surrounding trees. The night felt charged with something I couldn't quite name.
"What is it?" I prompted when Orion remained silent, his intense brown eyes studying me with that unreadable expression I'd grown familiar with over the years.
Instead of answering directly, he bounced the basketball once, then held it out to me. "Play with me."
I blinked in surprise. "What?"
"One-on-one," he clarified, a hint of challenge in his voice. "Unless you're afraid I'll beat you?"
I couldn't help the smile that formed on my lips. Four years ago, I would have trembled at the thought of playing against an Alpha. Now, it felt natural – even exciting.