Page 58 of The Sin Bin

"That's politics," Jax corrected bitterly. "They're worried about optics after that video."

"So what's the play?"

Jax shrugged, trying to appear more casual than he felt. "I do my job. Play defense. Try not to end up on another highlight reel."

"And if Wilson targets Ethan again?"

"Then I trust my teammates to step up," Jax said, his gaze deliberately finding Kane across the room. The captain gave a subtle nod, confirming he was already aware of the situation.

Jax checked his messages, his mood lifting slightly when he saw one from Lauren.

Celebration dinner at my place after the game? Win or lose.

Something warm unfurled in Jax's chest at the simple invitation. A month ago, he'd been a guy whose entire focus was hockey, whose life revolved around games, practices, and recovery. Now, he looked beyond the final buzzer to something—someone—who mattered regardless of what the scoresheet said.

I'd like that, he replied quickly.Might be late depending on how things go.

She knew it was the last game of the season. If they won, they'd be going to the playoffs. If they lost... well, he would have more time to spend at the animal shelter and with her. It was a win-win for him.

Her response came moments later:I'll wait up. Be safe out there.

Jax was thinking about a reply when Stephanie Ellis, the team's head of public relations, appeared beside his stall.

"Jax, got a sec?" Stephanie intercepted him with that practiced PR smile. "Need to discuss the service dog program before you split."

"Sure," he said, setting his phone aside.

Stephanie guided him to a nearby conference room where several glossy printouts were spread across the table. Her smile tightened slightly at the still-visible bruise along his jawline from the last game.

"So, we've been talking with Officer Collins about those service dogs," she began, sliding into her pitch voice. "The fan response was incredible. Social engagement is up nearly forty percent from our usual game-day metrics."

"Good for the shelter," Jax said, crossing his arms.

"More importantly," Stephanie continued pointedly, "it's exactly the kind of positive image association we've been wanting to build for key players." The way she emphasized "positive" made it clear what she was contrasting it against.

She handed him a proposal summary. "The front office wants to make this official. Four to six service dogs at every home game, with special feature nights highlighting adoptions. We'd coordinate everything with Dr. Mackenzie and the shelter."

Jax glanced over the document. "Looks solid," he said, handing the paper back. "Lauren's gonna flip when she hears."

Stephanie's professional facade slipped for a moment, her eyes lighting with interest. "You and Dr. Mackenzie are... close?" The question was casual but calculated.

Jax shifted his weight, immediately on guard. PR questions were never just friendly curiosity. "She patched up a stray I found," he said flatly. "I put in time at the shelter. That's it."

"Of course," Stephanie nodded, though her expression showed she wasn't buying it. "Well, we'd like to announce the program tonight. We're hoping Dr. Mackenzie would join you during second intermission for a quick hit about the initiative."

Jax's eyebrows shot up. "Tonight? Against Philly?" Jax asked, his brow furrowing. The unspoken part hung in the air—the same Philly team with Wilson, the guy whose face he'd rearranged last time.

"Perfect timing, actually," Stephanie said. "Shows a different side of you during a potentially physical game. The tough defenseman with a soft spot for animals makes for wonderful press. Much better than other headlines."

The implication was crystal clear. This was as much about keeping him out of another fight as it was about the dogs.

"I'll need to check with Lauren," Jax said. "Make sure she's on board with the interview."

"Of course," Stephanie nodded. "Front row seats, behind the bench. It would be a fantastic human interest piece—the team's enforcer partnering with a veterinarian to help shelter animals." She paused, leaning forward slightly. "The commissioner himself is interested in the program. Mentioned it might factor into any future... disciplinary considerations."

Jax's eyes narrowed as he processed the implication. "So I play nice with puppies on camera, and maybe the league won't suspend me next time I do my job? That how this works?"

"I'm just saying that positive publicity creates goodwill," Stephanie replied carefully. "The league is looking for players who connect with the community in meaningful ways. This program could be your ticket to being seen as more than just an enforcer."

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