Page 33 of Cold Carnage

“Yeah,” Dave agreed, nodding thoughtfully. “There’s been a lot of changes in the roster, but chemistry takes time to build. And with Kane’s... let’s sayinterestingbehavior lately, it’s a big question mark.”

They weren’t wrong about the chemistry; it was something we struggled with last season and something we’d need to figure out fast.

Mike tapped his notes with his pen. “Do you think the veterans can guide these young players well enough to make a difference?”

Dave shrugged. “It’s possible, but it depends on leadership. And right now, leadership looks shaky. Kane’s got the skill and experience, no doubt. But his mindset—if it’s compromised by whatever’s going on with him—could be a huge problem.”

Mike glanced at Dave. “So what’s your prediction for this season? Playoffs or another year of rebuilding?”

Dave sighed heavily. “Honestly? Unless something changes drastically—like Kane finding a way to get past whatever’s eating at him—it’s probably another year of rebuilding.”

The conversation hit like a punch to the gut. They made it sound so simple: get my head straight and everything else would fall into place.

“Paige Adams,” Mike said suddenly, as if remembering an important detail. “Do you think her presence is affecting Kane more than we realize?”

Dave nodded slowly. “Could be. She’s new blood, and from what I hear, she doesn’t back down easily. There was also speculation that she dated Brendan Kane her first year of college."

"Really?" Mike smirked. "Brendan Kane. I haven't heard that name since the NCAA Championship a few years ago. I wonder what happened to him."

"Injury, I think," Dave remarked.

"Ah, them's always the breaks."

My chest tightened at their speculation about Paige and my brother and what happened.

“Whatever it is,” Mike concluded, “we’ll see soon enough how it all plays out on the ice. Now, let’s talk trade rumors. I hear Toronto isn’t resigning The Southern Serpent.”

The show moved on to other topics but left me staring blankly at the screen. Their words echoed long after I turned off the TV:leadership looks shaky... unless something changes drastically...

Something had to give before everything came crashing down around me.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table, vibrating against the wood. I glanced at the screen.Brendan.

I answered, my voice flat. “Yeah?”

Silence stretched before his voice cut through, sharp and demanding. “What the hell is Paige doing working for your team?”

My grip tightened on the phone. “It’s none of your business.”

“Like hell it isn’t,” he snapped. “You didn’t think to mention this to me?”

“I didn’t know it was relevant,” I replied, struggling to keep my voice even.

His laugh was bitter. “Relevant? She was part of my life for years. You know what she means to me.”

I gritted my teeth. “First, you dated for a year. That's it. Don't make more of her than she was. And now? She’s just another PR manager. Nothing special. After what she did to you, I didn't think you gave a shit."

“Bullshit,” he shot back. “You wouldn’t be this worked up if that were true.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know enough,” he said, his tone hardening. “Paige isn’t someone you can just dismiss. She’s good at what she does, and if you can’t see that?—”

“She’s a distraction,” I interrupted, pacing the room now. “We don’t need distractions. Especially considering what she did to you."

"I want to talk to her," Brendan said, his voice steely. "I deserve that much."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, confusion seeping into my tone.

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