Chapter 165: Quiet Confessions and Shattered Trust
Kayden
I shifted on the bed as it got to the last round of questions asked by the interviewer.
The interview had started an hour ago and the questions were about how I felt when I couldn’t play the two games with the Falcons when the bullying video surfaced. I took my time to answer every question.
The camera blinked red one last time as the interviewer leaned forward with her final question.
"Mr. Kayden, there have been reports that this wasn’t just a random hit off the ice assault. Julius Gerald had a vendetta against you leading up to the incident. How has that affected you, both mentally and emotionally?"
I swallowed hard, keeping my posture relaxed even though my ribs protested. "It was tough. Really tough. Being targeted like that... it made me question if I belonged here. There were days I felt completely isolated, like I was fighting alone. But I kept pushing because this is my dream. The support from my teammates and the fans has helped more than I can explain. I’m not going to let fear or hate take hockey away from me."
I heaved a deep sigh as soon as I finished.
The reporter nodded sympathetically before continuing. "And physically? Do you think you’ll be able to play in the finals?"
A small, determined smile tugged at my lips. "I’m already healing. The doctors say I’m progressing well, and I’m doing everything possible to get back on the ice as soon as I can." I took a small breath, keeping my voice steady even though my ribs still ached with every inhale.
"Honestly... I’m grateful. Grateful to still be here, grateful for the support from my team, and grateful that justice is being served. It hurt — both physically and knowing someone could do that off the ice — but I’m healing. And I’m determined to come back stronger. The Northern Avalanche will play harder on the ice and bring the cup home."
Every time I answered, my eyes instinctively drifted past the bright lights and found Rhys.
He stood just behind the main camera, arms crossed over his broad chest, standing right beside Coach Reddick.
His gaze never left me.
Even when the questions got heavy, those intense blue eyes stayed locked on mine, and every single time our eyes met, I felt a quiet warmth bloom in my chest, pushing back the nervousness.
It felt like he was silently telling me, I’ve got you.
The interviewer smiled softly. "Thank you for being so open with us today."
I gave a small nod. "Of course."
She wrapped up with a few closing words for the viewers, and the red light on the camera finally turned off.
The tension in my shoulders eased a little as the crew started packing up their equipment.
I looked straight at Rhys again and said clearly, loud enough for everyone to hear, "And thank you... to our captain. For your support, for always having my back, and for being there through all of this. It means more than you know."
I had wanted to say that on camera but I had forgotten, so I made sure the words were loud enough for everyone in the suite to hear.
Rhys’s eyes darkened with something deep and possessive. The corner of his mouth twitched like he was fighting a smile.
Coach Reddick also gave a subtle approving nod beside him.
Before the interview started, Rhys had whispered what the coach knew about us: "He knows we are boyfriends."
Once the interviewer finally left with the camera crew and the room felt quieter, Coach Reddick stepped closer to the bed, giving me a firm but kind nod. "You did well. You handled the questions like a pro and I wish you a quick recovery. Stay strong, alright?" He paused, glancing around at the team. "The others including Rhys will have to do some press interviews in the next few days before the finals. You focus on resting until we have our final practice. Once the doctor clears you tomorrow, we head back to Oak City."
I smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Coach. And thank you, guys... for everything." I said to my teammates who entered the room once the reporters left.
The team said their goodbyes, clapping me gently on the shoulder while some ruffled my hair.
Rhys escorted them out, his hand lingering on the doorframe for a second as he looked back at me. That single glance sent another warm flutter through my chest and I couldn’t wait to have him all to myself.
Once everyone was gone, Leo came back into the room, his usual calm expression in place. He walked straight to my IV stand and started checking the drip.
"You’re recovering faster than expected," he said, adjusting something on the line. "Your vitals look good."
I let out a soft laugh. "I guess I’m lucky to have a boyfriend like Rhys watching over me."
Leo rolled his eyes dramatically. "Ugh. I hate love stories."
"Lies!" I shouted, grinning. "Lies, lies! You have Miller!"
He didn’t deny it. Instead, a small, reluctant smile tugged at his lips. He glanced toward the door to make sure no one was coming, then walked over and sat carefully on the edge of my bed.
Leo sighed heavily, shoulders slumping in a way I rarely saw from him.
"What’s happening?" I asked, frowning.
He hesitated for a moment, then muttered, "I want to tell Miller about me being an enigma... but I’m worried he might not like the answer he gets. He’s an alpha. A true alpha. I don’t think he’d ever let an enigma dominate him and I can never submit to any alpha. I don’t..."
I tilted my head. "You don’t know that unless you tell him."
Leo sighed again, deeper this time. "That’s exactly why we haven’t really gotten anywhere in our relationship. Miller wants to stay on top... but I don’t want that. I have never bottomed all my life," he groaned and then slapped a hand on his forehead.
I leaned forward a little, careful of my ribs. "You should just talk to him, Leo. Maybe Miller would understand if you explained everything properly."
Leo groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "It’s not that easy. Just admitting I’m an enigma is risky enough. Enigmas aren’t even supposed to exist anymore. The government already took down so many of us. What if he tells someone? What if he rats me out? What if—"
He suddenly stopped mid-sentence, his head snapping toward the door.
I followed his gaze just as the door swung open.
Miller and Rhys stepped inside.
The surprise on Rhys’s face was clear, but Miller... his expression shattered. Pain and raw betrayal flashed across his eyes as he stared at Leo.
"Oh shit," I whispered.
Leo sat up straighter, letting out a frustrated groan. "How long have you two been listening?"
Miller’s jaw clenched hard, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "Does that even matter?" His voice cracked as he spoke. "That’s not the fucking point. You didn’t tell me because you thought I’d rat you out? That I’d tell the whole world about you?" He let out a bitter, broken laugh. "God, Leo... you’re so fucking selfish."
Leo’s eyes widened, hurt flickering across his face. "Ye... yes. If that’s what you think. I had to protect myself."
Miller stared at him for a long second, chest heaving. "Fuck this." He punched the door and turned sharply toward the hallway.
"No, wait— Miller!" I called out, trying to sit up too fast.
A sharp pain lanced through my side and I winced in pain but I didn’t let it stop me.
I looked desperately at Leo. "Won’t you go after him?"
Leo’s face hardened, but I could see the crack in his usual calm mask.
"There’s no reason for him to be angry when he was the one eavesdropping on a private conversation." He stood up from the bed, brushing his coat down with shaky hands. "I don’t care. I have other things to monitor."
Rhys opened his mouth. "Leo, that’s not—"
"I said I don’t care," Leo snapped and adjusted his glasses.
Without another word, he walked out of the room, leaving a heavy, suffocating silence behind him.