Page 204 of Wrong Pucking Player

Mitchel is sharing a look with Damien before his older brother suggests, “If I could get your dad a surgery date this week, would it be possible?”

That surprises everyone.

Even I’m completely taken aback by the offering because it means one thing.

Damien and Mitchel are going to use their family’s connections to get Felix’s Dad a surgery date ASAP.

We all stare at Damien, then move our gazes back to Felix, who can’t even hide his utter shock.

“I-It’s possible,” he whispers. “I can wire the money to you the moment it deposits.”

“Not necessary,” Damien declares and pulls out his phone. “I’ll pull some strings. Keep your money for aftercare and stuff.”

“D-Damien,” Felix’s lip is trembling as his eyes are flowing with tears.

“We’re a team, yes?” Damien offers as a reminder as he dials his phone. “When every team member has some peace of mind, we can perform our best. I’ll do what I can. Just prep your dad with the news and the potential idea of getting into the surgery room ASAP. I should have an answer by noon,” he assures him.

“Score!” Mitchel cheers and punches his bro’s shoulder. “Thanks, Bro! Umma is going to be so proud of you!”

“Ugh, go back to your team,” Damien groans and pushes him out of his way. “I’m busy!”

“No. I have to cling to you now because you got like ten times the pay deal than me, so because I’m your favorite sibling ever, I want compensation money.”

“You’re his only brother,” Kenzie points out as if it wasn’t obvious.

“Which is why I’m the favorite,” Mitchel argues. “He has to spoil me!”

“You make it seem like you weren’t paid,” Ace teases.

“The moment my parents find out my pay and Damien’s pay, they’re going to say hockey isn’t for me and send me to medical school,” Mitchel whines.

It’s kind of funny because I know from meeting their family that his words are totally valid.

“Damien!”

“I’ll give you half of my advance if you just shut up,” Damien groans.

“I’ll be quiet forever,” Mitchel exclaims and hugs his brother with the biggest smile on his face.

Unbelievable.

“Why do I feel like he extorted the money from Damien?” Wolfgang questions with an unimpressed expression.

“You know Mitch. He knows how to get his brother to spoil him,” Wyatt points out. The man is right about that.

Maybe we should have got Mitch to negotiate the contracts versus Winchester. Probably could have sweet-talked us into a better deal than the shit we all got now that we know what’s possible.

Truthfully, I’ll survive with the amount given because I’m financially secure. Even if most people don’t know that part. However, I can’t shake off the disappointing feeling that I failed the others.

I wasn’t part of the negotiations. Even if I was, would I have gone over and beyond like O’Riley did for the Vipers?

No.

I wouldn’t have.

Unless Kenzie told me to.

“So, it was all a ploy,” Ace concludes.

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