Chapter 7: Eyes on the Prize

Jaxon completed his third hour of solo workouts and could hear sneakers squeaking on the smooth parquet around the gym. Though his muscles hurt, sweat streamed down his cheeks and he was unrelenting. Practice had finished hours ago, but Jaxon stayed behind resolved to improve every element of his game.

The season was flying by, and with every triumph the weight of expectations got more weight.

Jaxon had always been totally committed; basketball had been his life; success was the only choice. But lately, that emphasis had veered. Maintaining his Alpha status, ongoing rivalry with Liam, and unresolved conflict with Maya ate at his attention.

Though he had successes, he continued to feel as though something more was eluding him.

But tonight none of that counted. Tonight there was only him, the ball, and the sound of the net swishing with every ideal stroke. Here he felt under control, where everything made sense. He might drown out the uncertainties and diversions here. He was staring at the prize—a legacy—and nothing else could stop him from reaching that mark.

The Dream of the Championship Before to Westbrook, Jaxon's greatest dream had always been the championship. It was the reason he kept pushing himself and spent many hours improving his game. At the conclusion of the season, he wanted to be the one raising that trophy—the one guiding his team toward triumph.

But today, more than ever, that dream seemed to be a two-edged blade.

There was still competition with Liam. If something, it was getting more intense. Unquestionably, Liam was talented, and his presence improved the team only. But Jaxon sensed Liam nipping at his heels, poised for the chance to occupy his place with each forward stride.

Jaxon couldn't afford to fail—not even momentarily. The squad relied on him, hence Liam would be right there to cover for missed concentration.

Still, it was not just Liam. Jaxon's personal life was beginning to show the continual pressure as well.

His relationship with Maya was uneven, and every time he considered approaching her, anxiety over losing her crept in. She had been patient with him, sympathetic to the pressures of his basketball career, but Jaxon knew he had not been fair to her. Now he wasn't sure how to bring her back; he had pushed her away in his search of excellence.

The team rallies Coach Davis summoned a team gathering the following morning. The stakes were higher than ever and they were just weeks from the playoffs. Jaxon sensed the tension as the guys arrived in the locker room.

Everybody understood the line of action.

With crossed arms, Coach stood before them. "You have all worked hard to get here," he continued, his voice calm but firm. "But more is needed than just diligence.

One cannot rely just on talent. You must more than anything want it. You have to want it so much that you would be ready to give up all else for it.

With his heart pumping, Jaxon sat up a little straightener. Coach was referring to something he understood. It went beyond merely showing up for practice or adding points to the board.

It was about all commitment, mind, body, and soul. Jaxon also wasn't sure if he had that kind of concentration right now.

Coach said, "We have a shot at the championship," his eyes darting the hall.

But only if you keep concentrated. Only if you fix your gaze on the reward.

The room was still, Coach's words hanging in the air weighty. Though everyone in that room wanted to win, wanting it was insufficient. They must live and breathe it.

They had to offer everything they owned, free from distractions or justification.

Jaxon got the usual heat in his chest as the team scattered. More than everything, he sought this. He was not going to let anyone else—including Liam—stand in his path.

Deeply though, he understood he had to strike equilibrium. He chased his dream, unable to keep the fire ablaze at both ends pushing everyone away.

Romantic Conflicts with Maya Jaxon at last built up the nerve to phone Maya later that evening.

She responded gently and cautiously after a few rings. "Hey, Jaxon,"

"Hey," he said, struggling to swallow. "Can we chat?"

The other end stopped, and Jaxon worried she may say no for a second. She sigh, though, then. Really.

You where are?

Gym, he said. I'll see you outdoors.

Fifteen minutes later they were seated on a bench outside the gym, the cool night air a sharp contrast to their warmth. Everything Jaxon had been avoiding, everything they hadn't said to one another, hovered in the air like a cloud, taunting her.

"I have been thinking a lot lately," Jaxon said, his voice low. "

About all. In reference to us.

Maya stared at him, her face incomprehensible. "And?,"

Jaxon let a long sigh. I know I have been aloof. I forget what's actually essential since I had been so preoccupied with basketball and winning. Maya, I refuse to lose you. I'm not sure, though, how to juggle everything.

Maya's eyes softened, yet still she seemed a little depressed. "Jaxon, I understand that basketball rules your life. I never intended to cause interference with that.

I cannot, however, spend eternity on the sidelines waiting for you to come to know I am here.

Her comments cut right, but Jaxon knew she was correct. His chase of the championship had been so all-consuming that he had overlooked the one person who had always been at his side. He stretched out and grabbed her hand.

"I am sorry." I'll excel. I refuse to keep dragging you away.

Maya squeezed his hand and grinned weakly. "You are right, Jaxon. Still, deeds say more than words. I also need to know that you take time for us really seriously.

Jaxon nodded, resolved resolution washing over him. Though he was focused on the prize, that award was more than just a championship. Maya was it; his team was it; it was learning to strike a balance between the two.

Not now, he was not going to let basketball overwhelm him.

Liam's Challenge Jaxon and Liam were clearly tense the next day during practice. Everyone in the team knew the playoffs were just around. They had been working hard.

Though most of the team appeared to be concentrated, Jaxon could sense Liam's eyes fixed on him, the unspoken competition boiling under surface level.

Liam called for the ball during a scrimmage, and Jaxon, situated near the top of the key, spotted his opportunity. He passed across the lane, then headed for the hoop.

But Liam lagged not too far behind. The two crashed mid-air, and for a split second the whole gym seemed to be breathing.

Jaxon dropped hard, his elbow rubbing the floor, but he got up to his feet fast. Liam was right there, challenging his eyes ablaze.

"You think you're the only one staring at the prize, Hayes?" Liam murmured and moved up close.

Jaxon closed his eyes as the heat inside him flared once more. "I know Liam, what it takes to win. Are you?

Though Liam grinned, his eyes seemed to be full of menace. "Guess we'll see, won't we?"

The last part of practice was a haze of fierce rivalry and hard-earned maneuvers. But Jaxon knew something crucial as he walked out of the gym that evening: Liam was not leaving. This was about who had the desire to battle for what they wanted, regardless of cost, not only about who was the better athlete.

Jaxon also knew he would not be backtracking. Not today. Never at all.