Page 124 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“I’m going to need those book titles, Coach.” Verity looked over at him and grinned.
“If Mr. Longfellow and Mr. Daughtry apologize and rehire me, I’d go back,” Grif replied. “We want to stay together. Management’s not going to let Jonas and Dean go, even if the Tigres have a hard-on for us because they want themselves some giant omegas.”
“The Tigres do love their giant players, so I can absolutely see how big omegas that play like you two would be especially attractive. I hope we can fix this so you all stay with us. I’m not saying this just because I’m hoping we go all the way this year,” Coach added.
“I just want to play hockey with Dean and Jonas,” Grif admitted.
“Take care.” Coach Atkins nodded and left.
Jonas stood and held up his phone. “Union rep is on it, too. I’m going to call Stu to see where everything’s at.”
He left, leaving me, Grif, and Verity alone in the hospital room. AJ had gone to get things from our place and handle some work shit.
Verity looked at her phone. “Dean, you might want to drop in the player group chat that the Brooklyn Blankets are organizing a protest of your game tonight. Omega and gamma athletes in many different sports are upset about this. Several have come out in support. Rusty’s paying for food trucks to give anyone with a protest sign free food and hot drinks since it’s going to snow tonight.”
“Molly’s spoken up for you,” I told Grif. She was the other public omega goalie in the PHL and played for the Belugas.
“Also…” Verity’s head ducked.
“Kitten?” Grif put an arm around her.
“I might have gone on social media last night, after that latest statement from the Knights. I may have said some strongly worded things, like that I was quite disappointed in Knights management and they owed you an apology and a fruit basket. It may have gone viral even before Mercy and Kaiko amplified it.” She chewed on her glossy lip.
“That’s how we beat them. A combination of the law and public opinion. You’re brilliant, Darling.” I leaned over and kissed her.
The fact that my social media shy little alpha did all that for Grif warmed me.
“I think our fans need to know that the team is demanding we leave our mate in the hospital to play. We should probably formally address everything. Because they don’t want to hear from Stu or a publicist. They want to hear from us,” I told Grif, giving his hand a squeeze.
Grif nodded, squeezing my hand back. “That’s a good idea. I thought a lot about that, too. After talking to the people from the Center, Dr. Arya, and my sister, I know what I need to do. Let’s make some videos.”
“Go live with me? Answer questions. Be honest.” I was fuming, and we needed to end this bullshit.
The dumb thing was that the Knights had so many ways to legally get rid of Grif, and they chose the illegal one, hoping their wealth and power would shield them from consequences.
So, I was choosing violence.
“Grif, when you’re feeling better, the omegas at Creative Collective want to do an interview and photo shoot with you. They want to know if you prefer puppies or alpacas?” Verity looked up from her phone.
Grif rubbed his beard. “Puppies. This is the bathtub of goldfish people? Let’s do it. Honestly, let’s get that SportsBeat reporter, too. If my career is over, let’s burn things down–as long as it doesn’t ruin things for Dean and Jonas. Going live sounds great.”
I snorted. “I’d rather end my career to make a point than play for a team that blatantly breaks the law and disrespects my mate.” My phone lit up from the group chat. “Let’s clean up and go live.”
“This is going to be comedy. I brought tacos.” Carlos came into the hospital room, a bag in his hand, and a Knights cap covering his brown hair.
“I brought beer.” Jean-Paul followed, and held up a twelve-pack.
Some of the Knights were here with snacks to watch the game. There were no visitor limits in the omega wing during visiting hours as long as we approved it and everyone signed in. Others were at Nia’s for a family-friendly watch party.
Theentireteam refused to play tonight.
Management had brought inallof the Buffalo Bantams to play the game instead.
Clark came in, pushing his black frame glasses as they slid down his nose. “I have artichoke dip and chips. Ladybug sent some lasagna. She’s refusing to EBUG tonight and is picking up a shift at Tito’s instead.”
Carlos spread the tacos out on the table. “We’ll hit Tito’s after the game.”
“Ooh, lasagna.” Grif’s face lit up. “Thank you everyone. This means everything to me.”
