Episode 12: No More Mercy
Jaden had always known that Iron Stride was brutal. But now? Now it felt personal.
After the incident with Blaine, he knew one thing for sure—his enemies weren't just here to play football. They were here to break him.
And worse? They had seen Abby.
That was a mistake.
The Gathering Storm
The tension in the facility was heavier than ever. People were watching Jaden differently now.
Some with respect. Some with fear. And some? With the hunger of wolves who had smelled blood.
Leo walked beside him as they headed to training, hands in his pockets. "Dude, you really don't know how to keep shit quiet, huh?"
Jaden exhaled. "You saying I should've just let Blaine talk?"
Leo chuckled. "Nah. I'm saying you should've killed him faster."
Jaden didn't answer. Because deep down, he knew Leo was right.
Blood on the Field
That morning's training was another elimination match. Small-sided games, high intensity, losers cut from the program.
Jaden wasn't in the mood to fuck around.
When the ball came to him, he didn't hesitate. He cut through defenders like they weren't even there, bodying one player to the ground before blasting a shot into the net.
Vance, watching from the sidelines, barely nodded. "Better."
But Jaden wasn't just playing to win. He was playing to make a statement.
No more hesitation. No more mercy.
Then, just when he thought things were going smoothly—
A hard tackle came out of nowhere.
Jaden barely had time to react before he was slammed into the dirt.
The air shot out of his lungs as pain erupted through his side.
The whistle didn't blow.
He didn't need to look up to know who it was.
Blaine.
He had tackled late, on purpose, with a smirk already on his face. Not even trying to hide it.
Jaden lay on the grass for a second, his breath ragged.
Then he stood up. Slowly. Deliberately.
He locked eyes with Blaine, and for the first time, he smiled.
Blaine's smirk faltered. "The fuck you smiling at?"
Jaden stepped forward until they were face to face.
"You just gave me permission."
Before Blaine could react, Jaden moved.
Elbow to the ribs—hard. Blaine stumbled, eyes flashing with rage.
Then the ball was back in play, and Jaden took off.
The next time he got the ball, Blaine was on him again.
Jaden didn't even go for the ball this time.
He waited for Blaine to lunge—then threw his shoulder straight into Blaine's jaw.
Blaine hit the ground.
Jaden didn't even stop. He collected the ball, sent the keeper flying with a fake shot, and buried it into the net.
Goal.
He turned, walking past Blaine without even looking at him.
The message was clear.
Come at me again, and I'll break you for real.
The Temptation
That night, the energy in the facility was different. Tense. Restless. Like something was about to snap.
Jaden didn't sleep.
Instead, he found himself walking through the halls, his mind racing.
Then—a voice.
"Couldn't sleep either?"
Jaden turned.
Ava Sinclair.
She was leaning against the wall near the medical office, her arms crossed, watching him.
She looked… different. Less cocky, more curious.
Jaden exhaled. "Not really."
Ava nodded, stepping closer. "You're carrying too much weight."
Jaden frowned. "What?"
She tilted her head, studying him. "I see it all the time. Guys like you. You pretend like you don't give a fuck, like you're built for this, but deep down? You're burning yourself out."
Jaden clenched his jaw. "I'm fine."
Ava smiled slightly. Like she didn't believe him.
She stepped even closer, voice softer now. "You know… there are other ways to let go of all that stress."
Jaden stiffened.
She was too close. Close enough that he could see the slight curve of her lips, the way her eyes glinted in the dim light.
He took a slow step back. Controlled.
"I'm good," he said flatly.
Ava blinked.
Then—she smirked.
Like she had just confirmed something.
"Interesting," she murmured.
Then she walked past him, disappearing down the hallway.
Jaden exhaled.
He already knew what she was doing.
Testing him.
Seeing if he would break.
He wouldn't.
Because there was only one person on his mind.
He pulled out his phone.
Jaden: You awake?
A few seconds passed.
Then—
Abby: Yeah. What's up?
Jaden stared at her name for a long time before typing.
Jaden: Just wanted to hear from you.
A pause.
Then—
Abby: Me too.
Jaden exhaled slowly.
For now, that was enough.
But he knew—the war in Iron Stride was just getting started.