Episode 16: The Trap Is Set
Jaden could still feel Blaine's stare burning into his back as he walked toward the locker room.
Something wasn't right.
The game was over. Jaden had won. But Blaine? He wasn't angry. He wasn't even pissed about losing.
He was smiling.
And that meant he was planning something.
Jaden exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he stepped into the locker room. His body was sore, his ribs ached, but his mind was racing.
He didn't trust Blaine. Not for a second.
And if Blaine was smiling? That meant the real fight was about to begin.
A Quiet Warning
Jaden sat on the locker room bench, unwrapping his wrist tape.
Leo plopped down next to him, stretching. "Man, that match was a fucking war."
Jaden didn't respond.
Leo glanced at him. "You good?"
Jaden's jaw tightened. "Blaine's planning something."
Leo smirked. "Of course he is. He's a petty little bitch."
Jaden exhaled through his nose. "No. This is different."
Leo studied him for a second. Then his smirk faded. "Shit. You're serious."
Jaden nodded.
Leo leaned back against the lockers. "Well… whatever he's planning, you know he won't do it alone."
Jaden clenched his fists. Blaine had already jumped him once. That was when Mason was still part of his crew.
But now? Mason was gone.
That meant Blaine was going to find new allies.
New weapons.
New ways to hurt Jaden.
Jaden took a slow breath. Fine.
If Blaine wanted a war?
Jaden would be ready.
The Set-Up
Later that night, Jaden was heading toward his dorm when he heard it.
Low voices. Whispers.
He stopped. Listened.
Down the hall, two players stood in the shadows.
Jaden recognized one immediately—Vic. Blaine's last remaining goon.
The other? A new face.
Tall. Strong. A guy Jaden hadn't interacted with much yet.
But from the way Vic was talking? That was about to change.
Jaden stayed hidden, listening.
"We need to take Carter out," Vic muttered. "For good this time."
Jaden's jaw tightened. Here we go.
The new guy scoffed. "That idiot still bothering you?"
Vic nodded. "He humiliated Blaine. Twice. You really think Blaine's gonna let that slide?"
The new guy crossed his arms. "And what's your plan?"
Vic smirked. "Simple. We make him lose his spot in Iron Stride."
Jaden's blood ran cold.
They weren't planning to fight him.
They were planning to set him up.
The Game Begins
Jaden exhaled, stepping into the light. "Talking shit about me now?"
Both Vic and the new guy snapped their heads up.
Vic's eyes widened for a second—then he smirked. "Well, well. Look who showed up."
The new guy? He didn't flinch. He just watched Jaden carefully. Sizing him up.
Jaden met his gaze. "You got a name?"
The guy tilted his head. "Axel."
Jaden narrowed his eyes. Another dangerous one.
Vic stepped forward. "You're getting too comfortable, Carter. You think you're safe?"
Jaden smirked. "I don't need to be safe. I just need to be better than you."
Vic's smirk twitched. "You won't be laughing soon."
Jaden stepped closer. Just enough to make Vic stiffen.
"You want me out?" Jaden said, voice low. "Then do it yourself."
Vic chuckled. "Nah. I'll let Blaine handle that."
Jaden clenched his fists. Fine.
If Blaine wanted to play dirty? Jaden would play dirtier.
Abby's Voice
That night, Jaden sat in his bed, staring at his phone.
His body ached. His head hurt. His enemies were closing in.
And yet…
All he could think about was Abby.
He pulled up her messages.
Jaden: You up?
A few seconds passed.
Then—
Abby: Yeah. What's wrong?
Jaden exhaled slowly.
He could lie. Say nothing was wrong.
But for once? He didn't want to.
Jaden: Just tired of this place.
A pause.
Then—
Abby: You're still fighting, aren't you?
Jaden's chest tightened.
She knew.
Jaden: Yeah.
Another pause. Then—
Abby: Please be careful.
Jaden stared at the message for a long time.
Then, finally, he typed—
Jaden: I will.
He didn't know if it was a promise he could keep.
But for her? He would try.
Tomorrow… The War Begins
Jaden set his phone down and closed his eyes.
Tomorrow? Blaine was going to make his move.
And Jaden?
He was going to be ready.