Page 121 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
Letting them comfort me, I took a deep breath.
“I didn't mean to ruin your birthday, Jellybean.” I nuzzled Dean.
“Don't even think that. I got a birthday miracle. You’re okay and that's all that matters. It gets worse, though. You were outed. My money’s on Chet,” Dean told me quietly.
“Fuck. Everyone knows.” That panic swelled up again.Fucking Chet.Why couldn’t he leave me alone?
“Stu’s on it,” Jonas assured. “So is our pack lawyer.”
“It gets even worse,” Dean added, tipping his forehead to mine.
Worse? How could it getworse?
“Dean,” AJ sighed, holding me tightly. “Let’s not overwhelm him. We don’t need him to spiral again.”
I shook my head, steeling myself. “Lay it on me. I can take it.”
“Mr. Longfellow is a moron.” Dean proceeded to tell me that I’d been terminated.
“This is literally my nightmare.” I clung to Dean and AJ, trying to not be carried away by this shitstorm.
Verity kissed my temple. “I know. Jonas and AJ have been working hard all night, waking everyone up to get this fixed.”
I gulped in some of the soothing pheromones everyone was putting out.
“Okay. The team. They know. How are they taking it?” Inwardly I cringed. Did they all hate me for lying? Would they ignore me and do things to my stuff like some of the Aces did to Dean?
“They walked out of the game when they heard you were fired,” Jonas told me.
I sucked in a breath. “They did what?”
Dean squeezed my hand. “They support you one hundred percent.”
“All the ones with omegas actually thought an omega enforcer makes sense. Omegas protect their families–and that’s what you do. You protect your hockey family,” Verity added.
“As of four this morning, some of them were still in the lobby. I should go tell the doctor–and them–you’re awake. Maybe get some food?” Jonas asked, looking through his phone.
“The Maimers are on your side. Mercy and Kaiko were up late defending you. I already got a text from Queen Twatwaffle who was angry that I let Mercy usesuch languageonline.” Verity scowled.
“Aww, they did?” That warmed me.
Jonas put on his shoes and left, AJ heading out with him. Verity went to the bathroom.
“Jellybean, what if things aren’t okay?” My voice broke. I’d been outed and fired while unconscious.
“We sue them. Pretty sure Verity’s big sister is ready to fly out here to stab someone with a fork. We haven’t said anything other than Stu issuing a statement that you were in the hospital.” Dean stayed snuggled into me.
“Okay.” I nodded slowly. “What if I can’t go on blockers? I mean, the PHL won’t let me play without them, and some light ones won’t cut it.”
Because it could interfere with the game. Like an alpha might be less willing to make a play out of fear of injuring me or some biological shit like that.
“You could always use scent shields. Those, scent blocking briefs, and a shit-ton of de-scenter applied every time you leave the ice might do it. I was researching it for you,” Dean admitted.
“Oh. Thank you, Jellybean.” I always forgot about scent shields which were silicone stickers you put over your scent glands. I’d worn scent blocking briefs for a long time but stopped wearing them because I felt like I didn’t need them anymore.
“There’s always your music career. The Boston Symphony and Professor Dublonski have already come out in support of you.” Dean showed me the videos on his phone.
Aww.
