Page 86 of The Sin Bin

"Are you kidding me?" The man behind Lauren was practically apoplectic. "Wilson's been running our guys all night, targets his bad ribs, and Thompson just takes it? What are we paying him for?"

"To win hockey games," Alison called back. "Which is exactly what he's doing. Now shut up and watch the power play."

As if on cue, the Chill converted the opportunity, Kane burying a perfect pass from Oliver to extend their lead to 2-0. The insurance goal effectively sealed the game.

When the final buzzer sounded on the Chill's victory, Lauren felt a complex mixture of emotions—relief at the win, pride in Jax's restraint, concern for both Ethan's condition and Jax's obviously painful ribs, and lingering unease from the hostility she'd overheard.

Near the press box, a reporter was recording a segment. "Thompson's refusal to engage Wilson physically will certainly be the talk of hockey media tomorrow. Has the league's most feared enforcer permanently changed his approach, or is this a strategic choice for this series only? The debate is already raging on social media..."

As she gathered her things, a hand touched her shoulder. She turned to find Allison standing beside her.

"First time dealing with the armchair enforcers?" Allison asked, nodding discreetly toward the men who were now slinking away.

"That obvious?" Lauren managed a smile.

"I've had a year of practice with these yahoos," Allison replied. "Kane's been called everything under the sun when he doesn't play the way some fan thinks he should." She extended her hand. "We met briefly at O'Malley's. I’m Kane’s wife."

"I know. I’m Lauren Mackenzie," she replied, shaking the offered hand.

“Oh, I know.” She grinned.

"Thank you for what you said."

"Hockey wives and girlfriends stick together," Allison said. "Are you coming to the team dinner? I can give you a ride so you don't have to wait while the boys are tied up with media."

The simple solidarity in the offer nearly undid Lauren after the tension of the game. "That would be great, actually."

As they made their way toward the exit, Allison leaned closer. "For what it's worth, the team knows exactly what Jax did tonight. Choosing discipline over retaliation? That's leadership. The idiots in the stands don't get a vote."

Lauren nodded, grateful for Allison's support, but she couldn't shake the image of Jax's momentary hesitation after Wilson's taunt—the fleeting doubt that had crossed his face. Despite the win, despite his disciplined performance, something had gotten through.

And as a woman who knew what it meant to care for wounded creatures, Lauren recognized the look of an animal questioning its own instincts.

Chapter Twenty

Lauren

The hostess led Lauren and Allison through DiNardo's toward the private room reserved for the team dinner. White tablecloths, warm lighting, and the rich aroma of garlic and tomato sauce filled the upscale Italian restaurant. Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her purse, stomach fluttering with unexpected nerves. This wasn't just another dinner—this was official integration into Jax's professional world.

She hesitated at the double doors. The memory of those fans' hostile comments still stung fresh.Neutered him. Turning our enforcer into a goddamn pussy.She took a deep breath. What if the team felt the same way?

"The guys will be a while with media and treatment," Allison said. "Are you okay?"

Lauren mustered a smile. "Just realizing how official this makes things."

"Team dinners are definitely a milestone," Allison agreed, linking her arm through Lauren's with easy confidence. "Come on, I'll introduce you to the WAG hierarchy. Fair warning—some of them have been with players for years and think that gives them special status."

She pushed open the double doors. The private room was already half-filled with women clustered in tight groups. They were all stylishly dressed, laughing over cocktails and clearly comfortable in this setting. Several of them glanced over at Lauren with obvious curiosity before resuming their conversations.

"Don't mind them," Allison said quietly, leading Lauren to a small table away from the main group. "I've only been married to Kane for a year, which apparently means I'm still a rookie in their eyes, team captain's wife or not."

A server appeared with wine offerings, and Allison snagged two glasses, handing one to Lauren. "The practical librarian in me says to get some alcohol in your system before the testosterone brigade arrives."

"How long have you known Kane?" Lauren asked, grateful for the buffer between her and the group of girlfriends who kept stealing glances in their direction.

"We met when I moved into his apartment building during a snowstorm," Allison said with a reminiscent smile. "I was a children's librarian trying to escape hockey players, and he was a captain trying to break a losing streak. The universe has a sense of humor."

Lauren sipped her wine, allowing herself to relax slightly in Allison's straightforward company. "Thank you again for what you did at the game. With those fans."

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