Page 183 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
I was so happy those two had bonded. Actually, I was happy she’d mated with everyone. Though Dean wouldn’t fucking shut up about it.
Verity made a heart with her hands. I blew them kisses.
“You call that a fight?” Mercy rolled her eyes, one of which was black. She’d gotten in a huge brawl and fractured her wrist and sprained her ankle, so she was out for tonight’s away game, though she’d be back for the next.
Also, she woreJonas’jersey.
“Love you, too, Mercy.” I flashed her a heart with my fingers.
“Comeon,Grif Graf. I hate that this is becoming normal. I might have to eject you next time.” The lineman tugged on me.
I got into the box where I belonged. A fan hit on the penalty box as the game started back up again. Turning, I braced to be heckled.
“That was amazing. Welcome back,” some giant, slightly drunk dude wearing a Knights shirt said. “Nice to see you on the ice again. Glad you’re okay.”
“Yeah, you show them we’re not helpless. Can’t wait to watch you at the All-Stars.” A slight woman wearing a pink Knights hat leaned into him and grinned at me.
I gave a little bow. “It’s good to be back.”
It was nice to be allowed to return. To be a Knight again and to have come to an agreement with management. Especially since, in my post-heat checkup, I’d slipped back over to being an omega.
Dean dropped into a butterfly on the ice, stopping the puck, as the crowd cheered.
I glanced over at the family section. Verity was cheering for him, one of the Royce kids on her lap.
This was everything I ever wanted. Playing hockey with my pack, my other mates cheering us on. Sitting in the penalty box after a satisfying fight. Winning a game. Getting to play in the upcoming All-Star game after years of hoping to be chosen.
Hopefully, I’d bring the Knights all the way to the championships and get myself another ring. Despite the challenges we’ve had this season, it was still a strong possibility.
Verity caught my eye and waved. I waved back, heart full.
Maybe one day, just maybe, it would be our kids on Verity’s lap.
“Welcome back, Grif Graf. How does it feel?” The reporter from SportsBeat shoved a microphone in my face as I left the ice after the game.
“Do you think management will be pleased with your performance tonight? After all, you only scored two goals,” another reporter asked.
“I’m confident my performance tonight was well in line with how I usually play.” My hands itched to punch him.Onlytwo goals?
Sure, I hadn’t gotten a boner. Dean hadn’t recorded a shutout. But we’d won. I’d still have my sweet kitten mewling for me after the game.
“Well, I’m happy to be back,” I added, answering her. “Certainly, I’m looking forward to the All-Star weekend coming up.”
While I knew a lot of reporters were bursting with personal questions, both about my designation and Verity taking a bullet for me, I wasn’t feeling up to it. Waving, I continued on toward the locker room.
“Good job, Grif Graf, Welcome back.” Coach Atkins slapped me on the back.
“I’m glad you’re pleased with me.” It was in earnest because Coach had fought hard for me, and I wanted him to be happy with his choice to back me.
“Feeling okay?” Jonas slung an arm around me. While I’d gotten the go-ahead from both Dr. Arya and Dr. Mosser, I knew Jonas worried.
“Feeling good.” Like I needed to fuck one of my mates.
The coaches went over a few things and assigned press duty to people who were not me or my pack. I stripped off my clothes, including the rumble vest, which was one of the compromises so I could continue to play.
Sure, Dean didn’t wear one, but he didn’t get in as many fights as I did.
Another was scent blockers and shields, but I’d use those, anyway.
