THE CAPTAIN AND THE KILLER

The second Kade Volkov stepped onto my ice I knew he was going to wreck my entire world.The Scotiabank Arena thundered around me as I glided out for warm ups. Twenty eight years old and captain of the Toronto Blades. The C on my jersey felt heavier than usual tonight. Fans screamed my name from every corner like I was some kind of hero. I waved back with the same smile I always gave them but inside my gut twisted. One slip up and my fathers voice would echo again. Do better. Be perfect. Dont let the name Ryder fall.I pushed off hard chasing a loose puck when the new guy hit the ice. Coach Harlan had grabbed me in the tunnel minutes earlier his face dead serious.“Evan keep this Volkov kid under control or that C comes off your chest. Owners orders. The Russian transfer has baggage longer than most careers. Do what you have to.”I nodded but already hated the idea. “Got it Coach. But if he starts shit I wont babysit forever.”Now here he was number 47 skating like he owned the damn b

The second Kade slammed that Montreal player into the boards I knew the night would end with us destroying each other.The road game turned nasty fast. Cheap shots flew from every Montreal jersey. Late in the third one of their big forwards lined me up with his elbow high ready to take my head off. Kade exploded in fast smashing the guy so hard the glass shook. The refs called the penalty on him.“What the hell was that Volkov?” I yelled skating to the box. “We were up by one. Now they get a power play because you cannot control yourself.”Kade gripped the boards breathing heavy his eyes locked on mine. “That prick was going to knock you out Captain. You wanted me to watch like a coward? I handled it.”“Handled it?” I shot back. “We play smart not like animals. Coach has me riding your ass to keep you in line and you pull this shit.”He smirked through the cage. “You like riding my ass now Ryder? Keep talking. I might let you.”“Shut up and serve your time,” I growled. “We win this cl

The second I heard that knock on my door during the team break I knew I was done fighting this thing with Kade.The apartment felt way too quiet after that tough stretch of games. No practice. No bus rides. Just me and my thoughts spinning about him. I cracked open a beer halfway through it when the sound came sharp and sudden. I set the bottle down and opened the door.Kade stood there in the hallway hoodie pulled up eyes restless like he had not slept. He looked at me for a long second."I should not be here," he said voice low and rough.I stepped aside anyway. "Then why did you come?"He walked in and I closed the door behind him. The click sounded too loud in the quiet space. Kade pushed his hood back running a hand through his dark hair. "Because I cannot stop thinking about the weight room. About Montreal. About you. This is stupid Ryder. Tell me to leave."I crossed my arms leaning against the wall. "You want me to tell you to leave? After you show up at my place? Make up your

The penthouse door swung open and I knew Marcus Vance had me by the balls before he even spoke. I stepped inside the sleek top floor suite overlooking Manhattan. Floor to ceiling windows showed the city lights blinking like they knew every dirty secret. Vance sat behind a massive desk in a crisp suit, looking every bit the shark who owned half the league. Two bodyguards hovered near the bar, not even pretending to blend in. "Captain Ryder. Right on time," Vance said, voice smooth as ice. He waved at the leather chair across from him. "Sit. Drink?" "No thanks," I replied, dropping into the seat. My legs still felt shaky from the night with Kade, but I kept my face straight. "What is this about? We got a game tomorrow." Vance leaned back, smiling like we were old pals. "Straight to business. I like that about you, Evan. Most captains kiss ass first. But you? You carry that whole team on your back. Must be exhausting." I shrugged. "Part of the job. You called me here for a reason. S