Page 123 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“They wouldn’t dare.” Dean sat up and sniffed. “I smell tomato sauce. Jonas, what are you holding?”
“Oh, right.” Jonas pulled the bed tray table over and set down the bundle. He unwrapped it and peeled off the foil to reveal a bubbly, cheesy lasagna. “Ladybug appeared with a piping hot lasagna; she was on her way to class or something.”
“Oooh. Wait, is she the one that makes lasagna?” I remembered having some delicious lasagna at some of the pre-season team get-togethers.
Jonas came back with a handful of forks. “It’s her grandma’s sauce recipe. I think she takes most of the ingredients from the campus dining hall. Which is smart.”
“Grocery shopping at the dining hall is the best,” I agreed, mouth watering. “Can we dig in, or do we need plates?”
“It’s not like we don’t all share germs.” Dean took a fork and took a bite. Bliss coated his face.
I speared a bite with my plastic fork and ate it, letting the cheesy tomato goodness explode over my tongue.
How did Chet even know I was an omega? At the same time, I didn’t feel as panicked as I had when this happened to Dean.
I may not be a Knight right now. But despite the scare, I’d be okay. It could have been so much worse, like I could have had a heart attack or been out for months recovering from a kidney transplant.
Also, I had my pack. An agent fighting for me. My teammates cared about me.
And I had a tray of lasagna.
Yeah, we’d figure this out. Somehow.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Dean
“You’re shitting me?” I gave Coach Atkins the side-eye. He’d come after practice to the hospital to visit Grif and see how we were all doing. Also, he brought some cookies his kids made for us.
Jonas and I had skipped practice, like we did yesterday, and stayed with Grif. It had been a whirlwind of tests and meetings with an advocate, Center lawyers, our lawyer, Stu, and the publicist AJ had hired.
Not to mention fielding phone calls from worried friends and family. Reassuring fans on social media. Following the list from the Center regarding being outed so we didn’t miss anything.
As well as dealing with the fact that Mr. Longfellow and Mr. Daughtry were not relenting on firing Grif, despite public outcry. Not even Spencer Thanukos’ threat to hostilely acquire the team had worked.
Our lawyer seemed confident that we could fight this, but it would take time. I wanted to deal with this fast because I couldn’t play for a team that would disrespect my husband.
“If you and Jonas aren’t at the game tonight, the team will fine you.” Coach Atkins pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’ll be okay without you if you choose to stay here with him. Honestly, if it was my packmate, I would. JP’s solid in the net. I’ll call up Marlin from the Bantams. We’re playing the Gears, so we’ll be okay.”
The Gears were fucking assholes and played rough to make up for the fact that their starting line was brought to you by nepotism.
Marlin was a decent goalie. He’d been our EBUG before joining our farm team the Buffalo Bantams.
Grif shook his head and looked at me and Jonas. “I’ll be okay with Verity and AJ if you want to go play. It’s a home game.”
“I’m not leaving, especially to play the fucking Gears. I can’t believe they’d do this. He’s in thehospital. We should be allowed to miss without a fine.” Jonas squeezed Grif’s hand.
“I’m taking the fine. Management can suck it.” I scowled. That was a special sort of fucked up right there.
“Understood.” Coach turned to Grif. “I one hundred percent support you. A lot of staff and all the players do, too. What Cal and Bunty did was shitty. Anyhow, Dean, Jonas, do what you need to. Just be aware that if you miss too many games against their wishes, you can get in trouble for breach of contract, even with the pack contract.”
“We’re aware, thanks Coach,” Jonas said.
Coach Atkins nodded. “Are you three gone? I can understand wanting to leave the Knights after this. Though, please understand, most of us don’t believe in what Bunty and Cal did.”
“I know. The support from staff and other players has been amazing. I’m relieved that no one’s mad that I lied,” Grif told Coach.
“People understand hiding your designation for something you love. As long as you make that clear, most fans will, too. Also, the idea of an omega putting everything on the line for love and hockey? That’s the shit my omega reads on the airplane.” Coach laughed.
