Page 10

L auren

March 7 th – Countdown to playoffs

"Either check your phone or knock off the sighing. You're making me nauseous," Barb said, her voice muffled by the mask covering her face as she monitored the anesthetized German Shepherd on the surgical table.

"Check my phone for what?"

"Just admit it—you're waiting for a text from Mountain Man."

"His name is Jax," Lauren corrected automatically, though she couldn't deny the charge. It had been three days since the charity casino night, three days since his kisses that still made her stomach flutter when she thought about it.

"And he's currently back from Detroit from a three-game road trip," Barb continued, clearly enjoying herself. "And is playing again tonight. My guess is that you guys haven't had a lot of time to chat?"

"You should be focusing on Mr. Wigglesworth's cruciate repair, not my love life."

"Love life, huh?"

It was getting that way. While they haven't had a chance to talk, Jax had sent a photo earlier this afternoon of Penalty peeking out of the top of his gym bag with a caption that read: Therapy cat wanted to come to visit the team. Vicky said no dice. We're dead if she catches us.

The image of the burly enforcer smuggling a kitten into practice had made her laugh out loud in the staff room, earning curious looks from her techs. The subsequent texts throughout the day—updates on Penalty's physical therapy exercises, questions about proper feline nutrition, a link to an article about service animals in professional sports—had kept a smile on her face despite an exhausting schedule. Except now, his phone would be off and in his locker until after the game.

"Earth to Lauren," Barb's voice broke through her thoughts. "Suture?"

"Right, sorry." Lauren accepted the thread, focusing back on the task at hand. "I'm just distracted today."

"No kidding," Barb said dryly. "Look, I'm thrilled you're finally getting some action after your two-year dating hiatus, but maybe save the swooning for after we close this incision?"

Lauren felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I am not swooning."

"You're textbook swooning."

Before Lauren could formulate a suitably dignified response, the operating room door opened, and Kim, the front desk receptionist, poked her head in.

"Dr. Mackenzie? Sorry to interrupt, but there's a call for you. Says it's urgent."

"Can it wait?" Lauren asked, gesturing to the open surgical site. "We're just finishing up here."

"It's from the arena," Kim said. "Something about the K-9 unit? One of the dogs was injured during a security check."

Lauren's stomach dropped. The Charm City Arena employed a specialized team of security dogs that swept the building before every event. As the emergency vet closest to the arena, her clinic occasionally handled their medical needs.

"Tell them I'll call back as soon as we close," she instructed. "Fifteen minutes, tops."

Kim nodded and disappeared, leaving Lauren to finish the surgery with renewed focus. Working efficiently, she completed the final sutures and stepped back to examine her work.

"Perfect closure, as usual," Barb observed, beginning the post-operative procedures. "I've got this. Go make your call."

"Thanks," Lauren said gratefully, stripping off her gloves and gown. "Let me know when he's in recovery."

In her small office, Lauren returned the call, quickly learning that one of the K-9 officers, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois named Ranger, had lacerated his paw on broken glass during a routine sweep. The handler was en route to her clinic.

"ETA five minutes," the security coordinator informed her. "Officer Daniels says it's bleeding heavily but doesn't appear to have hit any major vessels."

"We'll be ready," Lauren assured him, already mentally cataloging the likely treatment protocol.

When she emerged from her office, her team was already preparing the exam room for the incoming emergency. The police SUV arrived with lights flashing, and Officer Daniels carried Ranger in, the dog's front paw wrapped in a blood-soaked temporary bandage. Despite his obvious pain, Ranger remained calm and alert, his eyes tracking Lauren's movements as she approached.

"Let's get him on the table," she directed, her professional demeanor taking over. "Kim, start the paperwork. Barb, I need a sedative ready just in case, but let's see if he'll let us examine the wound first."

Ranger proved to be an exemplary patient, allowing Lauren to remove the bandage and assess the injury without restraint. The laceration was deep but clean, a jagged four-inch slice across his pad that would require multiple stitches.

"Good news is, no glass fragments remain in the wound," Lauren told Officer Daniels. "Bad news is, he's going to need sutures and will be off duty for at least two weeks."

The handler nodded grimly. "The arena won't be happy. We're already short-staffed with the playoff push increasing security demands."

Lauren administered a local anesthetic and sedative that put him into a calming sleep. When the dog's eyes closed and his breathing normalized, she began cleaning the wound. "Do you have backup units available?"

"Not really," Daniels admitted. "We've had two retirements recently, and the rookie dogs aren't fully certified yet." He sighed, watching as Lauren prepared her suture materials. "Tonight's game against Toronto is sold out. Upper management is paranoid about security after that incident in Boston last month."

Lauren nodded, having heard about the security breach at another arena that had resulted in a postponed game. As she worked on Ranger's paw, a thought began to form—a potential solution that would benefit both the arena and the cause closest to her heart.

"What about service-dogs-in-training?" she suggested. "Not as replacements for your K-9 officers, but as a supplementary presence? It would provide valuable public exposure training for the dogs and give you additional sets of eyes."

Officer Daniels looked thoughtful. "That might work in a pinch. The optics would be good and the general public doesn't really have to know they're in training. Do you have specific dogs in mind?"

"Parkside Animal Rescue has several dogs in their service training program," Lauren explained, placing a careful stitch in Ranger's pad. "They're all temperament-tested, partially trained, and in need of public exposure opportunities. I volunteer with their program, so I could coordinate."

"It's worth proposing to arena management," Daniels said, pulling out his phone. "If you can provide credentials for the dogs and handlers, I'll run it up the chain."

By the time Lauren finished treating Ranger, the plan was in motion. Arena security had provisionally approved the use of three service-dogs-in-training to supplement the security team for that night's game, pending final authorization from upper management.

"They want you there to oversee the integration," Daniels informed her as he prepared to transport Ranger home for recovery. "Since you're vouching for the dogs, they want your professional stamp of approval on site."

"Me?" Lauren blinked in surprise. "I have appointments until six."

"Game's at seven-thirty," Daniels said. "They'd need you there by six-thirty for the briefing."

Lauren mentally reviewed her schedule. It was tight but doable. "Tell them I'll be there with the dogs and handlers."

After Daniels left with a sedated Ranger, Barb approached with a knowing smirk. "So, you're going to tonight's game without me?"

"You can come too. The more hands the better."

"Can I drink beer and eat nachos?"

"No, we're on duty. The shelter dogs need the exposure opportunity, and the arena needs additional security."

"No thanks. Say hi to the Mountain for me."

If she had time. She'd text him, but his phone would be off until after the game.

Before leaving the clinic, Lauren made a quick stop at her office computer, intending to email the service dog credentials to arena security. As she opened her browser, an alert from her phone caught her eye—a notification for a Charm City Sports app she'd downloaded to track the Chill's schedule. She clicked it absently.

The headline hit her in the gut: Chill Enforcer Jax Thompson Spotted with Mystery Blonde at Charity Event—Off-Ice Romance Heating Up?

Beneath was a photo of them at the casino night, Lauren laughing at something Jax had said, his hand resting on the small of her back. The image was clearly taken from a distance, probably a fan's phone camera.

Curiosity overriding her better judgment, Lauren scrolled to the comments section.

Who is she? Never seen her before.

Thompson usually goes for models. This is different.

She looks too normal for a hockey player lol

Probably just using him for his money and fame

I heard she's some kind of dog doctor? Weird match

They'll never last. Enforcers need arm candy, not brain

Lauren's chest tightened as she continued scrolling, the comments growing increasingly speculative and occasionally mean-spirited. Most assumed she was a gold-digger or a fame-seeker. Some questioned what someone like Jax would see in someone so "ordinary." A few defended her, pointing out that professional athletes often dated "normal" people, but they were drowned out by the cynics.

"Hey, whatcha looking at?" Barb's voice made her jump.

Lauren quickly closed the tab. "Nothing important. Just checking some emails before I go."

But the comments lingered, planting seeds of doubt she hadn't anticipated. Was this what dating a professional athlete entailed? Public scrutiny, strangers commenting on your appearance, your motives? She wasn't sure she was built for that kind of spotlight.

THE CONTROLLED CHAOS of the arena before a game was unlike anything Lauren had experienced during her previous visits. Arriving with three shelter dogs and their handlers, she was immediately swept into the security protocols—passes being distributed, instructions given, routes assigned.

Peg had selected the dogs with care: Bella, a calm Golden Retriever mix with impeccable manners; Duke, a sturdy Labrador with search-and-rescue training; and Charlie, a gentle Pit Bull mix whose sensitivity to human emotions made him ideal for anxiety detection work. All three wore service-dog-in-training vests and behaved despite the unfamiliar environment.

"These are the designated patrol routes," Officer Carter, the security supervisor, explained, indicating highlighted paths on the arena map. "We're not asking the dogs to perform security sweeps, just to be visible and alert. If they or the handlers notice anything unusual, they radio it in. No engagement."

Lauren nodded, adjusting Bella's vest. "They understand. All three handlers are experienced volunteers, and the dogs have been evaluated for public work."

Carter seemed satisfied with her assurances. "Good. Dr. Mackenzie, you'll be stationed at the main medical office. If there are any issues with the dogs, that's where you'll be contacted."

The arrangement suited Lauren perfectly. The medical office was quiet but central, allowing her to monitor the dogs' progress throughout the evening while completing some paperwork she'd brought along. As the arena filled with fans, she received periodic updates from the handlers—all positive, with several fans commenting on the dogs' presence.

She had just settled in when the door to the medical office opened, and a tall man with a press credential entered, introducing himself as Scott Greeley from the New Haven Chronicle.

"I'm doing a feature on arena security," he explained, his gaze quickly assessing her. "Heard there was a program with service dogs tonight. You in charge of that?"

Lauren hesitated, wary after the comments she'd read online. "I'm coordinating from the veterinary side. Officer Carter is supervising security."

"Interesting," Greeley said, pulling out a notepad. "And you are...?"

"Dr. Lauren Mackenzie. I'm a veterinarian with the emergency clinic near the arena."

Recognition flashed in Greeley's eyes. "Mackenzie... Aren't you dating Jax Thompson?”

Lauren felt her guard rise. "I'm here in a professional capacity."

Greeley smiled, a sharp expression that didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. Just curious how you went from patching up animals to socializing with hockey players. Must be quite the lifestyle change."

"Excuse me?"

"No offense meant," he said, though his tone suggested otherwise. "It's just unusual. Thompson has a certain reputation. And now he's suddenly bringing kittens to vets and showing up at shelters. It's good material."

"I'm not discussing my personal life," Lauren said firmly. "If you want information about the service dog program, I'm happy to provide that."

"Fair enough," Greeley conceded, though his expression remained calculating. "Though you should know, people are talking. Small-city syndrome—everyone's curious about the woman who tamed the AHL’s most feared enforcer."

Before Lauren could respond, the door opened again, and Kane Norris walked in, wearing a full suit as he hadn't dressed for the game yet.

"Hey, Doc," he greeted her warmly, then his expression cooled as he noticed Greeley. "Scott. Didn't expect to see you here."

"Just getting some background on the security dogs," Greeley replied smoothly. "Always looking for a unique angle."

Kane's eyes narrowed slightly. "Sure you are. Lauren, I was hoping to catch you before the game. Coach Vicky wants to talk about potentially having one of the service dogs be like a team mascot or something. Got a minute?"

Lauren recognized the deliberate extraction. "Of course. Excuse me, Mr. Greeley."

As they walked down the corridor, Kane kept his voice low. "Sorry about that. Greeley's got a bone to pick with Jax after that fight last month. He's been digging for anything he can use against him."

"He seemed pretty interested in my connection to Jax," Lauren admitted.

Kane sighed. "Yeah, I saw that article. Social media's been buzzing since you two were spotted at the charity night." He paused, glancing at her. "You okay? Some of those comments were pretty harsh."

"You saw them too?"

"PR department monitors everything about the team. They forwarded it to me since I'm captain." He gave her a sympathetic look. "For what it's worth, it happens to anyone who dates a player. Most of it dies down after a while."

"Most of it?" Lauren echoed.

Kane shrugged. "Look, Jax is... polarizing. Fans either love him or hate him. The enforcer role comes with that baggage."

Lauren thought about the comments she'd read. "They made assumptions about me. About why I'd be with him."

"Because they don't know you," Kane said simply. "Or the real Jax, for that matter."

After her encounter with Kane, Lauren returned to the medical office to continue monitoring the service dog program. The dogs were performing admirably according to the handler reports, and several arena staff had stopped by to express their appreciation for the extra support.

An hour into the game, Lauren's phone buzzed with a text from Kane:

Hey Doc, just checking in. The guys were asking about the dogs. Can you and the handlers still bring them by the locker room after the game? Oliver's been having a rough time lately, and I think it would really help.

Lauren smiled at the message, touched by the captain's concern for his teammate.

Absolutely , she replied. The handlers are on board. Just let us know when and where.

Kane's response came quickly: Awesome. Most guys will be gone by then. Just a few of us want to meet them. I'll tell security to expect you at the locker room entrance around 10:30?

She confirmed with the handlers that they would love to meet some of the team and the dogs wouldn't be too tired. The remainder of the game passed smoothly, the service dogs performing admirably in their public roles. By the final buzzer—a satisfying 3-1 win for the Chill over Toronto—Officer Carter was openly enthusiastic about the program's potential.

"The dogs were perfect," he told Lauren as they gathered near the security office. "Calm, attentive, and the public loved them. Honestly, having them here added a positive element to our security presence. I'd be interested in making this a regular arrangement."

Lauren couldn't have hoped for a better outcome. "The shelter would be thrilled to establish that partnership. It provides invaluable training opportunities for the dogs."

"I'll speak with management tomorrow," Carter promised. "In the meantime, I understand you're taking them to meet some players?"

"Just briefly," Lauren confirmed. "Captain's request."

Carter nodded knowingly. "Norris is good people. All the security staff think highly of him." He hesitated, then added with a slight smile, "Thompson, too. Looks intimidating as hell, but he always remembers our names, asks about our families. Not all players bother with that."

The casual insight into Jax's character warmed Lauren unexpectedly. It aligned with what she'd come to know about him—the thoughtfulness that existed beneath the enforcer persona, the genuine care he showed to those around him.

As the arena emptied, Lauren gathered the dogs and handlers and made their way toward the locker room area. Security waved them through with minimal fuss, clearly expecting their arrival. Outside the locker room door, Kane waited in post-game attire—Chill sweatpants and a fitted long-sleeve shirt that couldn't quite disguise the impressive physique beneath.

"Hi Doc," he greeted her with a warm smile and extended hand. "Thanks for coming. And for bringing the reinforcements." He gestured to the dogs, his eyes lighting up with genuine enthusiasm.

"Please, call me Lauren," she replied, shaking his hand. "And I should be thanking you. This has been an incredible opportunity for our service program."

"Win-win situation," Kane said with an easy charm that explained his popularity with fans. "We get extra security, the dogs get training, and—" he lowered his voice conspiratorially, "—I get to meet some very good boys and girls."

Lauren laughed despite herself, relaxing slightly in the face of Kane's friendly demeanor. "They are excellent dogs. This is Bella, Duke, and Charlie, along with their handlers, Jess, Lou, and Adam."

Kane led them into a side room adjacent to the main locker area. "Figured this would be less overwhelming for the dogs than the full locker room chaos," he explained.

Inside, Lauren was surprised to find only three players waiting. Oliver sat cross-legged on the floor. Marcus Adeyemi, the analytical defenseman she'd met briefly at the casino night was on a bench taking off his skates. And Ethan Reeves, the rookie whose protection had triggered Jax's viral fight almost a month ago, was leaning against the lockers.

Where was Jax?

She wondered if Penalty was still here or if he took her home after practice so she wouldn't be alone during the game.

"The dog squad's here," Oliver announced, his face lighting up with childlike enthusiasm. "Can we pet them?”

Lauren smiled at his excitement. "They're working on their training, so a calm approach is best. Let them come to you, and keep initial interactions brief."

The next twenty minutes were filled with carefully supervised interactions between players and dogs. Oliver and Charlie formed an immediate bond, the sensitive pit bull resting his head on the player's knee while receiving gentle ear scratches. Marcus asked thoughtful questions about the training program, while Ethan seemed content to simply sit quietly with Bella.

"This is exactly what we needed after that road trip," Kane commented to Lauren as they watched. "The guys are running on fumes. Dogs have a way of bringing you back to the present moment."

"They're excellent at emotional regulation," Lauren agreed. "That's why they make such good therapy animals."

Kane's expression turned more serious. "That's actually why I wanted them here tonight. We've had a rough stretch—Liam's injury, the pressure of the playoff push. Some of the guys are feeling it more than others."

Lauren followed his gaze to Oliver, who was now smiling more genuinely than she'd seen since his anxiety episode. "The dogs can help with that," she said softly.

"That's what Jax said," Kane replied, a speculative glint in his eyes.

"Where is Jax?"

"He's getting his ass chewed out for bringing the kitten to practice."

"I see."

"We would have gotten away with it, but Penalty decided to use Coach Vicky's shoe as a litter box."

"Oh dear."

A few minutes later, though, the door opened, and a familiar figure appeared. Jax's imposing frame filling the doorway, his expression shifting from curiosity to surprise as his eyes found hers.

"Lauren?" he said, his voice carrying a note of confusion. "What are you doing here?" He stopped, taking in the scene of his teammates with the service dogs. "Hey, it's the doggos."

"Dog therapy," Kane supplied with a grin. "The arena had a security dog injury, so Lauren here arranged for service dogs in training to help out. I thought the guys might benefit from some canine interaction post-game."

"You did this?" Jax smiled at Lauren.

"It was a practical solution to a staffing problem," she explained, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his intense focus. "The dogs needed the training experience."

Practical and compassionate. Why am I not surprised?"

The simple observation, delivered with such genuine admiration, made Lauren's cheeks warm. "I thought you knew."

"Nope. But it's a nice surprise."

They moved closer together. She put her hand on his shoulder and turned him slightly.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I wanted to see if Coach Vicky chewed it all off."

"She damned near did. Do you know how much Birkenstocks cost?"

"Not off the top of my head."

"Too damned much for a pair of ugly shoes."

She patted his arm consolingly. "The unwritten costs of being a pet owner."

"A hundred and sixty bucks."

"I hate to break it to you, but that's not as expensive as you think it is."

"I mean it's not Nike or Air Jordan expensive, but I wouldn't pay twenty bucks for those shoes."

"Be thankful it wasn't a Jimmy Choo."

"Gesundheit."

Their conversation was interrupted as Scott Greeley appeared in the doorway, camera in hand. He snapped several photos before Jax noticed him.

"Thompson! Got a minute? I'm doing a piece on service animals and hockey," Greeley called out, his tone falsely casual. "Noticed you've got a new girlfriend who's conveniently providing these photo ops. Care to comment on how that arrangement works?"

The room went silent. Lauren felt her face flush with embarrassment and anger.

Jax's entire demeanor changed in an instant—his shoulders squaring, his expression hardening into something cold and intimidating. He stepped slightly in front of Lauren as he addressed the journalist.

"First, you weren't invited in here," Jax said, his voice dangerously quiet. "Second, you know damn well this is about security support, not publicity."

"Just asking questions," Greeley replied with a smirk. "The public's curious about the enforcer's sudden interest in animal welfare. Seems conveniently timed with dating a vet."

Kane moved toward the door. "That's enough, Scott. This is a private team area."

But Jax wasn't finished. "Dr. Mackenzie is a respected veterinarian who stepped up when the arena needed help. You want to write about that, fine. But if you're looking to twist this into something ugly, remember I know things about you that your editors would find very interesting."

Greeley's smirk faltered.

"Remember that charity poker game last year?" Jax continued, his voice still low. "The one where you lost five grand in team funds and begged me not to mention it to anyone? I kept your secret then. Don't make me reconsider now."

Greeley went pale. "I'll... focus on the security angle," he muttered, backing toward the door.

"Good choice," Jax replied. "And if Lauren's name appears in your article in any way that isn't strictly professional, those photos you just took will be the last ones you get inside this arena."

After Greeley retreated, Jax turned back to Lauren. "I'm sorry about that," he said, his voice gentle again, the transformation so complete it was almost jarring. "He's had it out for me since I caught him cheating at cards last year."

"It's fine," Lauren said, though her mind was whirling with implications. This was a side of dating a public figure she hadn't fully considered—the scrutiny, the assumptions, the need to defend against opportunists.

Jax studied her face. "No, it's not fine," he said quietly. "But we can talk about it later, without an audience."

And yeah, most of the team was watching what just happened with rapt attention.

Their conversation was interrupted by Oliver, who approached with Charlie still glued to his side. "Jax! Have you met this guy? His name is Charlie and he's basically my new best friend."

"I've seen him around." Jax allowed Charlie to sniff his fingers before offering a careful scratch under the chin. "He's got good taste in humans," Jax said, glancing up at Oliver.

These small moments of tenderness from a man capable of such physical power continued to affect Lauren deeply.

"The dogs need to wrap up their session," she said reluctantly, noting the time. "They've had a long evening of work."

"Of course," Kane agreed, shaking hands with the handlers. They had signed some sticks and jerseys for them. "This was exactly what we needed. I can't thank you guys enough."

"Any time," she said and the handlers nodded in agreement.

As the players said their goodbyes to the dogs, Jax moved to Lauren's side, his voice dropping to a register meant only for her. "I'd like to see you," he said simply. "If you're free after this."

The directness of the request sent a pleasant shiver through her. "I'm free," she replied, meeting his gaze. "But don't you need to rest after the road trip?"

"I've been thinking about you for three days," Jax said, his honesty disarming. "Rest can wait."

Lauren felt heat rise to her cheeks, aware of Kane's poorly disguised interest in their conversation nearby. "My place?" she suggested quietly. "Give me an hour to get the dogs back to the shelter, and I'll meet you there."

The smile that spread across Jax's face—warm, genuine, almost boyish in its pleasure—made her heart flutter embarrassingly in her chest. "I'll be there," he promised. Then, with a glance toward the door where Greeley had been, he added, "And Lauren? Don't worry about guys like that. People will talk, but that doesn't mean we have to listen."

As Lauren led the dogs and handlers out, she caught Kane's knowing wink and Oliver's delighted grin. So much for keeping things discreet, she thought with a mixture of resignation and excitement. But seeing Jax stand up for her, seeing the respect he commanded from both his teammates and arena staff, she felt more confident facing whatever scrutiny might come.

After all, if Jax Thompson could adapt his on-ice role for the evolving game, maybe she could adapt to the spotlight that came with being in his life.