Page 43 of Finding the Forward: Part One
Helmets on and sticks in hand, we piled out of the locker room and turned down the hall. I gave Dean a hug. “You’ve got this.” I turned to Grif. “You, too.”
Because he was still nervous that his playing wasn’t enough.
The Maimers clamored down the hall, leaving the ice after their promo for their upcoming season. We exchanged well-wishes as we entered the tunnel. You didn’t share a training facility without making friends.
“Are you supposed to be here?” one of the assistant coaches said to someone I couldn’t see as the Maimers were off to the locker rooms behind us.
“I’m with the Maimers. I just don’t walk as fast,” a southern voice drawled.
“Hey, Professor Mami, aren’t you going to wish us luck?” Carlos teased, giving her an appreciative look.
“Hi, Carlos.” Verity smiled as she waved at a few others.
Grif ran into my back. She wore a Maimers hoodie, a pass around her neck. Her gaze immediately fixed on him, and she gave Grif a wide, sappy grin. He grinned back. It was like they were the only two people here.
No, he wasn’t giving her up. AJ and I would have to make this work. We were still figuring out how to be a pack, so bringing in a new alpha so quickly would be tricky.
Not to mention, if it didn't work, it would devastate Grif.
“Good luck, Grif, you’re going to smash this,” she told him, leaning on her pink crutch, beaming at him as if he were everything.
“Thanks, Kitten.” His face lit up in the way only an omega being delighted by their alpha could.
It was heartwarming and terrifying all at the same time. If Grif’s omega did come to the surface, we’d have to figure out what to do about it.
Verity looked at me and Dean. “You two as well.” She turned to everyone. “You’re all going to be magnificent tonight. Go team!”
“Verity,come on,” someone called in an annoyed southern drawl. Possibly little sister.
“See you after the game.” With a wave, Verity left.
Grif practically glowed as we readied for the intro. One gloved hand hit the other. “I’m going to smash this.”
Good. Because if he got traded, everything got ten times harder.
“Grif Graf, that was some good playing,” Coach Atkins praised as we left the ice after the game. “Keep it up.”
“Way to go, Grif Graf.” Elias slapped him on the back as we headed to the locker room.
We’d beat the Lightening Bugs, 3-2. Grif had played well, but it hadn’t seemeddifferent. He’d scored the same, fought the same, got a time-out the same.
Whatever. As long as theyperceivedthat he’d done what they wanted, that’s all that mattered.
“What the fuck?” Elias sighed as we entered the locker room. Streamers in Maimers’ red and black festoonedeverything.
“I guess the rookies will be pranking their game tomorrow?” Nia took off her helmet and eyed our three rookies, a colorful scarf over her dark braids. She was a delta. Deltas had a bunch of alpha qualities and made excellent soldiers and security. Before the Knights, she’d played hockey for the army.
My eyes fell on the silver coffee cart decorated inourcolors. Little hockey pucks on lollipop sticks, each one decorated, individually wrapped, and tied with black and silver ribbons, filled a big silver bucket. It also held wrapped and ribboned fruit skewers.
A large note written in purple, sparkly pen said:Great job, Knights! I made one for everyone, but there’s also fruit for those who don’t like cake. Love, Team Mom.
Clark reached out to touch one.
Nia slapped his hand. “Careful, rookie, something might pop out of it.”
“No. Professor Mami left them for us. It’s fine.” Carlos took one out and we collectively gasped, waiting for the prank.
Nothing happened.
