Page 7 of Traded

Oh,shit.

He pauses. “Effective immediately.”

A moment of silence stretches into seconds, and Carter says nothing. Then—

“Absolutely fucking not.” His chair screeches back as he jumps to his feet. “Those assholes are not sharingmydamned arena!”

“Steady.” Martin smacks his hand on the table to get his attention. “It’s notyouranything, boy, no matter how many points you rack up. We don’t get a say in this, I’m assuming?”

He directs his question to Richard, who shakes his head. He doesn’t look overly happy either. Probably because he has to share his kingdom. “I was called by Charles Laurent directly. We have no room to move on this. They’re moving across town this morning, so the team can get a feel for the facilities ahead of tonight.”

Boone.Boone Merceris going to be here.All season.

“We only have one rink,” Carter says tightly. I slip my hand into his and squeeze. He glances down at me, his face turning impossibly stonier. “And you know we have…issues with the Aces. I don’t see how this can possibly work.”

“Split practice.” Richard slides a sheet toward Carter and Martin. “Already planned out. It’s doable. Unusual, but not unprecedented. And as for your rivalry, Meridian wants to make the most of it for fan engagement this season. Really play the teams off in public. Blackwater loves the rivalry between you two, and good rivalry makes for strong viewing figures. Sponsorships. All of it. Ness is already seeing heavy interest from the networks.”

Ness’s grin feels distinctly shark-like. “Sponsor Day’s gonna be interesting.”

Carter doesn’t move for the paper. He folds his arms instead. “Find another way.”

“That won’t be happening.” Richard sighs. “It’s done, Carter. They packed up the Pit overnight. Team will be here any minute. Charles didn’t want to mess with opening night any more than necessary.”

Pushing my chair back, I head for the floor-to-ceiling wall of tinted windows that look out over Blackwater and into the car park. Truck after truck is pulling in past a gaping Sonny’s booth,some already parked up and unloading pallets packed with equipment and who knows what else.

Each one bears irritatingly familiar crimson and cream colors, all of it focused around the playing card that follows the Aces everywhere they go.

This is really happening.

“I’m telling you first so you can break the news to the team.” Richard coughsagain. “I’m confident that as the Titans captain, you’ll set a good example behind the scenes. Keep any rivalry for the ice. Ness is coordinating a number of events through the season and both teams will be attending. The suits are excited about this, Carter.”

The message is clear:So shut the fuck up and don’t fuck it up.

“Fine.” Carter’s face is flushed. “Understood. We done here? We have a season to prep for and a game tonight.”

“You are.” When Richard turns to me, I feel my body lock. “Rosie. This is Lauren Delacorte.”

The dark-haired omega smiles again. Not too much. Professional. I nod back, my throat drying.

Richard avoids my gaze when I look back at him. “Lauren is our new Head of Content Strategy.”

Ness isn’t smiling anymore. My fingers wrap around the back of a chair. “But… that’s whatIdo.”

“Meridian wants a stronger internal structure. A defined five-year strategy. Lauren isn’t their only new hire.” Richard sighs. “We all know what you’ve done for the team, Rosie. That’s never in question, and we want you to keep doing it. But Lauren will have overall creative control, help to set and oversee a new direction for us as we keep growing.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Lauren says into the silence. She’s stopped smiling. Maybe she knows it won’t go down well. “I’m really impressed with everything you’ve done, Rosie. I’vefollowed the Titans socials for a long time. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

My head jerks in a nod. “Why wasn’t I considered for the role? I never saw an ad go out.”

Lauren’s mouth snaps shut. Both of us turn to Richard. He blanches. “I wasn’t involved in the hiring.”

“Ness?” Myfriendstill won’t meet my gaze as I whirl toward her.

She shifts. “There was a certain level of experience wanted. Lauren was headhunted. My hands were tied, Rosie. I’m sorry you didn’t get to interview.”

Message received loud and fucking clear. Slowly, I nod and shove back my chair awkwardly, metal legs catching on the plush carpet and tipping. “Can we go now? Carter’s right, they have a lot to do.”

“Actually, I was hoping we could chat—” Lauren begins, but I’m already stalking for the door. My hand tightens on the handle. Carter is a wall blocking me from the rest of the room, and I feel my eyes burning as his hand brushes my back.