I pressed my hand against my hip, checking the suppressant patch one more time. Fresh as of this morning. Two pills already in my system. I was as stable as I was going to get.
The lobby was sleek and modern, with championship banners hanging from the ceiling and glass cases displaying historic hockey memorabilia. A receptionist directed me to the fourteenth floor, where the media operations department took up half the building.
The elevator ride felt like it lasted forever.
When the doors finally opened, I was greeted by organized chaos. Photographers moved between editing bays and equipment storage, their voices overlapping as they debated lens choices and lighting setups. The smell of coffee was almost strong enough to cover the faint scent of Alpha and Beta pheromones that permeated every professional space.
Almost.
"You must be Reina!"
I turned to find a woman about my age heading toward me, her smile bright and genuine. She had dark skin, box braids pulled back in a high ponytail, and the kind of energy that made you want to be her friend immediately.
"I'm Shayla," she said, extending her hand. "Head photographer. Welcome to the madhouse."
Her grip was firm and warm.Beta,I realized with relief. No complicated scent dynamics to navigate.
"Thanks," I managed, returning her smile. "I'm excited to be here."
"Liar," she laughed. "You look terrified. Don't worry, everyone does on their first day. Come on, I'll give you the tour."
Shayla led me through the department, introducing me to what felt like fifty people whose names I immediately forgot. The space was impressive, state-of-the-art editing stations and equipment that made my personal gear look like toys.
"So," Shayla said as we grabbed coffee from the break room, "where are you living?"
"North side. Parkview Apartments, actually."
Her eyes widened. "No way. I'm in that building too. Fourth floor."
"Sixth," I said, surprised. "Small world."
"Tiny world," she grinned. "Okay, new plan. Tonight, after work, you're coming out for drinks with me and a few of theother photographers. No arguments. You need to meet people who aren't your neighbor's cat."
Despite everything, I laughed. "Deal."
Shayla's expression softened slightly. "I know it's overwhelming. New city, new job. But you're good, Reina. I've seen your portfolio. You wouldn't be here if you weren't."
The words settled something in my chest that had been twisted tight since the airport. There was no need to really go into details about how Winter Crest wasn’t a new city…
"Thanks," I said quietly. "I needed to hear that."
"Anytime." She checked her watch. "Alright, let's get you your first assignment."
We headed back to her office, where she pulled up a scheduling interface on her computer. My stomach twisted as I watched her scroll through the day's coverage needs.
Please not the Frost Kings. And please, for the love of all that is fucking holy, not the Steel Wolves.
"Perfect," Shayla said, clicking on something. "The Frost Kings are in the training rink today. Captain's optional practice, so it'll be pretty low-key. Great way to ease into things."
The coffee in my stomach turned to acid.
"The Frost Kings," I repeated, trying to keep my voice level.
"Yeah, Captain Vale runs these optional sessions a few times a week. Super professional, great for shots." She glanced at me. "You okay? You just went pale."
"I'm fine," I lied. "Just, caffeine hit wrong."
Shayla didn't look convinced but she let it slide. "Training rink is connected to another part of the building we call The Pit. I'll walk you over, introduce you to their media liaison."
