Page 5 of Cold Carnage

Minka stopped walking and turned to face me directly. “You’re here for a reason,” she said firmly. “Don’t let anyone—especially Ryker—make you doubt that.”

Her words struck a chord deep within me. “I won’t,” I promised.

She gave a satisfied nod and then continued walking down the street. As she disappeared into the crowd, I stood there for a moment longer, letting her words sink in.

Maybe this wasn’t how I’d imagined my first day would go, but it was only one day out of many to come. And I was determined to make each one count.

Chapter 2

Ryker

Istormed into Gideon’s office, still fuming from the meeting with Paige. The irritation had been gnawing at me all through Barrett's voluntary August practice, like a splinter under the skin. I had expected her to crumble under my dismissive comments, to back down like so many others had. But she hadn’t. Paige had stood there, calm and resolute, meeting my cold gaze with a quiet strength that unsettled me.

I hated that it got to me. And worse, I hated that it was still getting to me, hours later.

I thought I had gotten her out of my system. It had been years. She shouldn’t affect me like this anymore. But…

Gideon sat behind his desk, perfectly composed. He looked up from his tablet with that same calculating gaze he always wore—sharp, observant, as if he were already five steps ahead of everyone in the room. It was the kind of gaze that had earned him respect in the league, and it was also why I’d never been able to get a read on him. Gideon was untouchable, almost eerily calm, like nothing rattled him.

“Ryker,” Gideon said smoothly, his voice calm and measured. “Something on your mind?”

I wasted no time. “What was that earlier? Paige Adams?” My tone was harsher than intended, but I didn’t care. “What the hell is she doing here?”

Gideon didn’t flinch. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled in front of him. “Paige is our new assistant GM,” he said simply. "You were there during the meeting, weren't you? This was explained, pretty plainly."

“Assistant GM?” I scoffed. “She’s barely out of college.”

“She has credentials,” he replied. “And a fresh perspective we need.”

I clenched my fists at my sides. “Credentials don’t mean experience on the ice.”

“She’s got enough to be here,” he countered calmly.

“How are you okay with this?” I asked, trying to keep my voice level. “You really need an assistant? Really?”

Gideon’s expression remained unreadable. “She’ll be focused on the PR aspect of the job,” he said flatly, as if the matter was already settled. “Freeing my time for more important things like winning the Stanley Cup.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. PR? That was supposed to make everything okay? “And you think she’s up for it?” I challenged. “Handling the media, the fans, the sponsors—she’s not ready for that.”

“She’ll learn,” Gideon replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. “And she’ll have guidance.”

I shook my head, pacing the small office. “This isn’t some college project, Gideon. This is real life. The stakes are higher.”

“I’m aware,” he said coolly. “But I trust her capabilities.”

I stopped and faced him, frustration bubbling over. “And what if she screws up? What then?”

“Then we deal with it,” he said, unflinching. “Just like we deal with any other challenge.”

His calmness only infuriated me more. “This isn’t just any challenge! This is our reputation on the line!”

“Ryker,” Gideon’s voice cut through my rant like a knife, sharp and decisive. “You need to focus on your role and let me handle mine.”

I took a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. This wasn’t going anywhere. Gideon had made up his mind, and nothing I said would change that.

“Fine,” I muttered through gritted teeth. “But don’t expect me to go easy on her.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He raised an eyebrow but didn’t look surprised by my outburst. “There is one thing to remember, Ryker.” He leaned back in his chair. “Minka wanted her in the role. You’ve met Minka, haven’t you?”

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