Chapter 164: Pheromone Overload and Lifetime Bans
Rhys
The excitement drained from Kayden’s voice the second his eyes locked with mine. He didn’t need to say much because I already understood him.
I just let my gaze drift slowly around the suite, taking in the way his scent had completely taken over the space.
"Your scent is fucking everywhere," I muttered under my breath.
Kayden gasped sharply and clapped a hand over his mouth, his face going pale. He spun around to look at Leo, who only shrugged with that smug I told you so expression on his face.
I let out a deep sigh, feeling Coach Reddick’s presence right behind me. There was no time to fuck around.
I pushed out my pheromones in one strong wave, letting them flood the entire room.
This was the only way to clear Kayden’s scent from the suite before anyone could smell it.
The air grew heavy almost instantly.
Leo hit the floor hard, dropping to one knee with a strained grunt. The poor bastard was only a beta — he stood no chance against the full force of an alpha’s scent when I really let it loose.
Kayden, on the other hand, was not affected.
He’d gotten so used to my pheromones by now that they barely affected him anymore.
That realization sent a quiet, dark satisfaction curling through my chest.
His own scent — sweet orchid with that soft, stubborn warmth underneath — was still layered all over the suite, but mine was heavier now and spread through the room.
The second my pheromones hit the air, Coach Reddick cursed under his breath and practically bolted for the door. The rest of the guys who had come to visit Kayden didn’t waste any time either — they scrambled out right behind him like the room had caught fire.
Jaxon was the loudest, groaning out loud as he backed out. "What the hell, man? Are you crazy? Nobody wants to smell your fucking pheromones right now."
I rubbed the back of my neck, muttering, "Sorry. They’ve been fluctuating lately."
Theo peeked back in with a wary look. "Wait... are you in your rut or something?"
Miller’s voice sounded from the hallway, loud and dramatic. "Please! No one wants to hear anything about that!"
I apologized again, louder this time so they could all hear me. For a few minutes, the whole team stayed out in the corridor, grumbling and shifting around while the air inside the suite slowly settled.
When they finally entered the suite again, Coach Reddick cleared his throat and walked straight over to Kayden’s bed.
"Good to see you again, kid," he said, giving Kayden a nod. "You doing alright?"
Kayden offered a small smile, though I could tell it was still a little strained. "Yes, as you can see, Coach... I’m good. It just hurts a bit."
Luca groaned from the corner of the room, running a hand through his hair. "Damn those stupid Westbridge Falcons."
Theo let out a relieved breath. "Thank goodness. They’ve already been kicked out of the rest of the season for next year too."
That was the news I had been waiting to hear, and it was exactly as expected.
Kayden’s eyes widened at the news. "Really?"
Coach Reddick nodded, his face serious. "Yeah. Julius has been charged with aggravated assault for what he did to you. No bail allowed. He’s staying behind bars for now."
Jaxon smirked from the side. "That fool is definitely spending a few months or a year in prison. Good riddance."
Kayden heaved a long sigh of relief, his shoulders finally relaxing against the pillows.
When his eyes met mine, I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips.
Finally, he got what he wanted.
Luca suddenly pumped his fist in the air. "And the good news? We’re heading to the fucking finals!"
The whole room exploded with shouts and cheers. The guys were loud as hell, slapping each other on the back and yelling like we’d already won the cup.
Leo cleared his throat loudly, cutting them off immediately. "Gentlemen, may I remind you that we are currently in a medical facility. Your elevated vocalizations and physical enthusiasm are likely causing unnecessary auditory distress and elevated cortisol levels in the other patients."
Everyone froze for a second, exchanging looks. By now everyone was used to Leo’s way of talking. They quickly mumbled apologies and the room went silent again.
Coach Reddick stepped closer to the bed again. "The CEO said he’ll come see you personally during the final games. He also asked me to apologize to you on behalf of the team and the organization." He paused, then added, "The NHL released an official memo about the incident too. They sent flowers. The CEO sent some as well."
Kayden tilted his head, curiosity flickering across his face. "That’s great, and if I may ask, how does the memo look?"
Miller quickly pulled out his phone and handed it over. "Here, check it out."
I watched as Kayden scanned through the message, his eyes moving across the screen.
A quiet sense of satisfaction settled in my chest as I leaned in to see what the NHL had released.
The official NHL statement read:
"The National Hockey League has concluded its investigation into the violent off-ice assault against player Kayden Vale by Julius Gerald and associated parties. These actions were deemed premeditated, dangerous, and in direct violation of player safety protocols. As a result, Julius Gerald and all individuals involved have received lifetime bans from the NHL and any affiliated leagues. The league will not tolerate such reckless endangerment of another player’s health and career. We stand firmly with Kayden Vale and remain committed to ensuring a safe environment for all athletes."
I heaved a sigh of relief and placed an assuring hand on his shoulder.
Miller leaned in closer. "And yeah — Julius Gerald and those who helped with the assault have been banned from hockey forever. Lifetime ban. No coming back."
"I know, Miller. It’s on the memo."
"Oh right," he chuckled and then cleared his throat when he realized that I wasn’t laughing.
I rolled my eyes at him and then faced Kayden, whose shoulders eased further at the news.
"Also," Miller spoke up again, breaking the silence. "There are tons of fans outside the hospital right now, holding signs and shit, all wishing for your quick recovery and safety. The support has been crazy."
As soon as he finished speaking, the door opened again and three men in sharp black suits walked in, clearly bodyguards.
They carried several large bouquets of flowers, all different kinds: elegant white orchids, deep red roses, bright sunflowers, and a couple of sleek, expensive-looking arrangements.
"Oh wow! You are truly the fans’ favorite, Kayden," Jaxon joked, and everyone laughed.
Coach Reddick pointed at two of the bouquets. "This one’s from the coaching staff and our organization. And that bigger one over there is from the NHL. Everyone truly loves you."
Luca grinned and clapped his hands excitedly. "Oh, and the Gerald family already issued a formal apology to Kayden."
Miller tapped on his phone again and turned the screen toward Kayden. "Check this out — video of Julius’s father apologizing. They said they would do better moving forward."
He suddenly burst into laughter as soon as the video ended. "Moving forward where? The Westbridge Falcons’ legacy ends here."
Jaxon snorted. "As if they ever had one."
Both of them burst into loud laughter, their shoulders shaking like idiots.
Leo hissed at them immediately. "If you two continue with this unnecessary auditory disruption, I will be forced to recommend sedative intervention for the entire group."
Miller and Jaxon instantly raised their hands in surrender, still chuckling but trying to look innocent.
Coach Reddick turned back to Kayden, his tone gentler now. "I’ve invited a couple of sports reporters for a short interview, if you’re up for it. Nothing too intense. They just want to hear from you."
Kayden didn’t even hesitate. "I’ll take it."
I opened my mouth to argue — he was still lying in a damn hospital bed, still healing — but Kayden shook his head before I could get a word out.
"I’m fine, Rhys," he said softly, his eyes assuring me that he was telling the truth. "Really."
Coach Reddick nodded. "Alright. I’ll set it up in a few minutes." Then he looked at me. "Calder, a word?"
He jerked his head toward the hallway.
I followed him out while the rest of the team swarmed Kayden’s bed, already chatting and joking with him.
Once we were alone in the quiet corridor, I rubbed the back of my neck. "Thanks, Coach. For everything you did... and for getting the investigator involved. That really played a huge role in taking down that boy. I appreciate it more than you know."
Coach Reddick smiled, the kind of small, knowing smile that eased my worries. "I’m happy we finally got answers. The truth always comes out eventually." He paused, then added, "And honestly? I’d do everything in my power to help any player who’s in trouble. Especially when it’s two people who are clearly in love."
My eyes widened. I just stood there staring at him, completely frozen.
He knew.
The old man actually fucking knew about us.
Coach Reddick chuckled lightly at my reaction and clapped me on the shoulder. "Now that this mess is over, the Cup must belong to the Northern Avalanche. You boys better bring it home."