Page 46 of The Sin Bin

"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.

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