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“Nah,” Elias says.

“I’m good,” Wes says. “But thanks.”

Holt snorts, and I look over at him. He’s staring at the cat tree. “It’s massive.” He’s grinning, a shit-eating look on his face.

I shrug. “They needed a place to hang out.” Ernie chooses that moment to stroll in and jump up to his favorite perch.

“What’s up? Why the SOS call?” Wes asks as they all take seats.

“Should we wait for Hunt?” Elias asks.

A knock sounds on the door, and I excuse myself to let the last member of our group in.

“Sorry I’m late,” Hunter says, following me back into the living room and taking a seat on the couch next to Elias. “I was at the store picking up stuff for Mads and Tate when you texted.”

“It’s fine.”

Bert makes his way into the room and jumps onto the couch, sniffing at Holt. “Think he smells Peaches,” I say as Holt holds his hand out for Bert to smell.

“We should organize a play date. Daisy and Peaches get along so well,” Wes says. “Maybe these guys would like to join the party.”

“Maybe,” I tell him, although I have zero plans to organize a play date for our pets.

“So, what’s going on?” Hunter asks, changing the subject.

“Sutton’s father is a real piece of shit …”

“Oh-kay,” Wes says.

“You’re not going to believe what he’s capable of …” I explain who he is before launching into the story of what’s been going on over the past few days.

Elias whistles. “Holy shit.”

“I couldn’t have made this up if I tried,” I say.

“Maybe you shouldn’t play tomorrow …” Hunter suggests. What is it with everyone suggesting that I sit out a game? I know they mean well and that they’re worried about me, but I can take care of myself.

“No way.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“It’s you I’d be worried about, Hunt,” Elias says, pinning his half brother with a look.

“Seriously?” Hunter asks. “You’re the one who used to play for the Fury.”

I raise my eyebrows, trading glances with Wes. We’ve played the Fury and nothing has happened. I mean, sure there have been a few fights but when are there not?

“I’m not the one who’s married to Madison,” Elias says.

“What am I missing?” I ask.

“Madison’s ex-best friend plays for the Fury.” I start to ask if they were more than friends, but Hunter keeps talking. “Yes, they were only friends. He was an asshat. It was a whole thing. Anyway, he doesn’t like me. We’ve had words. But it’s been fine since.” He lifts a shoulder in a half shrug.

“Who’s the guy?” I ask. I probably should know who it is just in case something does happen at the game. And maybe so I can shove him into the boards just a little bit harder because I can.

“Elliot Jacobs,” Hunter says.

My mouth falls open. Jacobs has a reputation around the league, and it isn’t for anything good. The amount of times he’s been fined or suspended over the past few years is far too many, and there’s probably plenty of times he should have gotten in trouble and didn’t.

“You think he might be involved?” I ask, running a hand through my hair.