Honestly, I was glad that they were protecting their players the way they were. It told me that the team and its leaders, orat least the owner, were taking what happened seriously and making sure that the Narwhals survived the scandal.
Hockey fans were fairly insane as a whole. Even though I’d spent most of my life avoiding anything to do with hockey, I was now right in the middle of it all.
Here in North Crossing, it was everyone’s favorite obsession. Parents stuck their kids in training as early as they possibly could and every single omega sought out packs that were destined for teams.
After my father abandoned my mother for the sport, I couldn’t stomach giving it any of my attention. I’ve stood by that for years. Yet here I was, signing my soul away to the devil for more zeros than my bank account had ever seen.
This was the kind of exposure that would make sure thatThe Gathering Placegot the recognition it deserved. I could finally expand in ways I’d wanted to for years.
The fact that I didn’t have to lie to do it was the only reason I was taking this job on. I wasn’t going to ruin my name for this money, but I could at least offer some unbiased journalism and give them a chance to redeem themselves by putting in the actual work.
By the time I’d signed everything I needed, they handed me a card with my name printed on the front. Jeremiah promised it would cover my rent, utilities, and living expenses.
My head was aching but there was still so much to do. First, I needed a break and caffeine in the worst way.
Of course, the moment I stepped outside, my phone started ringing. My groan turned into a smile as I saw my mother’s name on the screen. I swear she had a radar for these things.
I hadn’t exactly been truthful and I’d been avoiding her, unsure how to approach this conversation.
She was having none of that.
“Hey, Mom,” I said as I answered the phone.
“Oh, look who it is—my lost daughter,” she snarked. “Did I do something to offend my only child?”
“Of course not, Mom,” I snorted out a laugh, rubbing at my temples. “Things have just been busy.”
“Things are always busy with you, sweetheart. That doesn’t mean we ignore our family.”
“You’re right, you’re right,” I agreed. It would be pointless to argue.
Then her mom-spidey-senses must’ve been going off. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“I need to tell you something,” I admitted.
“You’re pregnant?” she gasped.
The fact that she sounded happy about it had me rolling my eyes. “No, Mom. I’m not even packed up.”
“I think we both know more than most that being in a pack doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic. My very existence was explanation enough.
“Mom,” I breathed out, just going for it. “I got a journalism gig today.”
“Oh? You’re taking time away from your forum?” Now she was in protective-mom mode. We were hitting all the sides of my mother in one conversation. “Is that wise?”
“For the amount of money I was offered for this job, it is. It means I might actually be able to expand.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” she said. “I need more information. I can’t properly support you if you don’t tell me everything.”
I laughed, because we both knew that was not a requirement.
“You’re just a gossip,” I accused.
My eyes landed on a café up ahead, and I immediately headed that way. Caffeine was exactly what I needed after my morning, though then again, my morning wasn’t quite as bad as the people who just got fired.
I couldn’t find any remorse for them. They had to have seen what their players were portraying. How did no one question where Lana was through any of it?
