Page 46

Chapter 46

Eoghan

A rriving in Germany, I was knackered, and I still had a fucking hockey game to play. Well, that was if I got to the arena on time. But I had one perk that I wasn't expecting. Emmy was here.

She still fatigued easily, and the pack didn't want us to relapse. Logan pulled a couple strings to get her off of work. The worst part was she would have to leave as soon as she was healthy enough. But at least, each day, she got stronger and stronger.

She put a hand on my thigh. "We'll make it. Don't worry."

But my GPS estimated time of arrival was itching ever closer to game time, and I was slated to play. God, if I didn't show up, they would all think that I fucked up my sobriety.

"I should be getting changed now. If I get out of the car now, I should be able to make it in time for warm-ups. At least most of it. If I stay, coach is going to bench my ass."

She patted my leg. "Go. I'll be fine and I'll see you after the game."

I looked at the map and memorized the street that I would have to run down to get into the building. I also sent a text to coach to let him know that there was massive traffic from the doctor's office, but I would be there in about ten minutes.

Then I pulled the car door handle, causing the cab driver to swear, but I dashed down the streets.

The treads of my dress shoes sucked, and it felt like I would eat pavement at any misstep. I was just glad that all my equipment was already in the locker room. I wasn't weighed down with a giant bag of gear.

It didn't take long for me to arrive at the arena. Thankfully, security didn't give me too much hassle and I could get to the locker room.

Thank fuck for my enhanced senses. Using primarily my sense of smell, I followed the scent of Carmichael's lucky jockstrap. Normally, I hated when he used that unwashed piece of shit, but it made it easy to find the locker room.

As soon as I got there, Suzuki said, "He lives."

I ducked my head and went to the stall to get changed into my gear. Most of the guys were putting their final touches on. Instead of hanging my stuff like I normally did, I just tossed it all in the locker since I had to get onto the ice on time.

As soon as I touched my hockey stick, I was pissed. I didn't have time to tape them myself and at least someone took the time to tape them, but it was all wrong. It didn't feel right.

So I swapped for the second stick. That felt off, too. I tried the third prepared stick, and it also was off, but it was closer to what I wanted than anything else. Then I got onto the ice.

Cartsy came up to me. "I hope I taped your sticks right. I know you're picky with them."

I wondered who did it for me. "Thanks Cap. I appreciate it."

I must have made a face since he said, "You're going to re-tape them all when we get off the ice."

I nodded. "You tried and if you didn't, I wouldn't have any sticks ready tonight."

He smirked at me. "I was watching the other team earlier. They like to play off the boards and their defense likes to play up."

Him filling me in on all those details really made me realize I'd lucked out with the team department. I knew they were good guys. This was super useful information, especially since I hadn't played in days. If this wasn't such an important game (especially for pre-season standards), I probably would be scratched.

"You're really covering my ass tonight."

"Yup. But you'll get me back soon enough."

I would. The next time he needed a favor, I would pay him back.