Page 92 of Puck'n Bully
“Which team wants me?” I ask excitedly.
“The Buffalo Wolves,” he replies.
Wow.
The Buffalo Wolves are among the best teams in New York City.
My excitement heightens as I realize a position in their team will keep me close to Knightswood. I’d be playing national-level hockey and I’d still be able to hang out with Liam.
Pride, relief, and even a sliver of disbelief rush through me. I look up to grin at Coach Sullivan but he’s barely looking happy or excited.
Glancing toward Logan, I find him looking grim too.
Anxiety settles in my gut. “What’s wrong?” I ask cautiously.
Coach lets out a long breath as he meets my gaze. “Your father’s been calling.”
My blood turns cold at that news.
“Why?” I ask, my voice sharp and clipped.
“He’s been asking about your prospects as a pro player since last season,” Coach explains in a grim tone. “Mr. Bastian never showed any interest in you until last year. I believe he never showed up to any of your games before that.”
“He doesn’t care about me or my prospects,” I say bitterly.
“Well, he overheard my conversation with the scout,” Coach says. “Ever since then, he’s been wanting to know how much they’ll pay you. He also wants to know if he’s going to get a cut of your money. He claims he’s ‘coached you all your life’ and deserves a portion of whatever you make as a pro player.”
Rage flares in my chest.
He gut-punched me and kicked me after the game with Silverlake U, calling me a loser over and over again. I disgust him but somehow, he still cares about what he can take from me.
He’s probably mad because I made it this far without any help from him.
I clench my jaw so tightly, it hurts. “He’s not getting a single cent from me. If he wants, he can sue me for it.”
Coach nods like he already expected me to say this.
“Hayden,” Logan calls me.
Turning toward him, I’m taken aback by the fierce expression on his face. It’s the same look he has before a game.
“You won’t have to deal with your dad by yourself anymore,” Logan says in a grim tone. “If you want to tell the truth about him—what he’s done to you—how he treats you—you can. But even if you’d rather not talk about it, just know that we’ve got your back.”
Surprise flickers through me.
I’ve never seen Logan looking so...protective.
Does he know something about my dad? Did someone else see what my father did to me on the night of the game?
Before I can figure out how I feel, Coach continues. “Your talent as a hockey player is all that matters to us. No one cares who your father is or what he’s like. Remember that, Bastian.”
My throat tightens with a strange emotion.
“I’ve had some of my people investigate Mr. Bastian,” Coach says, leaning back in his chair. “His drinking has gotten worse over the years and he’s also been arrested on DUI charges. He has racked up some debts while gambling too. I think he’s looking for someone to bail him out of trouble.”
“I didn’t ask him to drink and do shit,” I hiss angrily.
“We’ll take care of him for you,” Logan says in a grim tone. “Just know that you have us at your back. We won’t let anyone hurt you, Hayden.”
