Page 52 of Bad Wolf

“Sorry, I’m losing it, Coach. My high school girlfriend is out to ruin my life and I don’t seem to be coping all that well.”What a pussy. You can add self-loathing to the seemingly endless list of emotions I’m feeling lately.

“Take a seat, Knox.” He gestures to the chair that I dutifully sit on.

“You doing okay, kid?”

“All good here,” I say with a stiff nod. He hums and narrows his eyes at me.

“So, there’s absolutely no reason why you’ve been off since All-Stars?”

“With all due respect, Coach, we just won, and if I do say so myself—”

“Shut the fuck up, Knox.”

“Yes, Sir,” I dip my chin, but don’t break eye contact.

“Whatever it is, fix it. Your game has been shaky and yeah, you’ve managed to pull a few goals out of your ass, but I’m watching you.”

I nod but don’t bother responding.

Coach Kelly sighs and then steeples his hands in his signatureI’m about to hit you with some truth move.

“I need the kid I pulled up last season. Sometimes when I look at you, watch some of the plays you’re able to pull off—you’re…it’s…” he shakes his head, “Lightning in a bottle. And when you’re on the ice with your brothers, there are these moments of magic that just can’t be taught. Can’t be learned. You’re a dynamic player and you fit in well here, Knox.”

“Th-thanks, Coach,”

“But…”

And there it is.

“I won’t tolerate any less than one hundred percent from any of my players. You don’t put in the work, both on and off the ice, you cause me drama or headache, you pull my team down even a fraction and I’ll make it my personal mission to see you gone. Do you understand?”

I swallow around the lump in my throat.Shit.“Yes,” I croak. “Yes, I understand.”

“Good. Now how can I help you?”

“I, err, think that this is something I need to do myself.”

He sighs. “My door is always open, Knox. For you, for any of my players out there. Until it’s not.”

“Copy. I’ll do better. I promise.”

“Make sure of it.”

I leave the office and head straight for the showers. The dressing room is less rowdy when I return to my cubby. I rush to catch up with everyone, not thoroughly drying off and grimacing when my boxers and shirt stick to my skin.

But by the time I’ve sunk a few drinks in the hotel bar with the guys and Coach’s words are no longer on a constant repeat, I’ve forgotten all about the promise I made to him and sink a few more.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

WREN

Coralie: Are you at Full Moon?

Me: Yeah, I feel really dumb. Why the hell did I come here by myself?

Coralie: I’m sorry. What do you need right now?

Me: I don’t know

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