Mated To The Ice Pack

Naeva Quinn

The cold slapped me in the face the second I stepped off the bus. Snowridge wasn’t playing around with the whole “eternal winter” thing.

Snow covered everything in sight. The trees, the sidewalks, even the rusty mailbox at the corner of the school entrance. The wind whipped hard enough to pass through my coat.

I adjusted my backpack and blew warm air into my gloves. It wasn't easy getting used to the sudden change in weather but I liked the new place anyway. Behind me, the bus roared back to life and pulled away. No turning back now.

Two students passed by, whispering. I caught the words “Vancouver” and “fists.”

Great. It hadn’t even been ten minutes and my reputation already made it to this frozen hell before I did. I clenched my jaw, had my eyes fixed on the glass doors ahead. I wasn’t here to fight. I wasn’t here to make new friends. I was here to finish senior year without anyone else ending up with a broken nose.

Inside, the hallway was warm but not exactly welcoming. A few lockers slammed shut. Students moved in small groups, giving me curious sideways glances.

“You’re Naeva Quinn, right?”

I turned. A woman stood by the office door. She looked like she was in her mid-thirties, stylish glasses, clipboard in hand.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m Ms. Decker. I’ll take you to your homeroom.”

She led me down the hall, heels clicking fast like she was late for something.

“I read your file,” she said over her shoulder. “You’re very bright. Top marks in everything but... behavior.”

I kept my mouth shut.

She opened the door to Room 113. A classroom half full of students looked up.

“Everyone, this is Naeva Quinn. She’ll be joining us for the rest of the year. Please make her feel welcome.”

I looked around the room. No one smiled. A guy with curly hair smirked. Another nudged his friend.

Ms. Decker gave me a schedule. “Oh—and Naeva, you’ve been placed in Academic Support.”

“Academic what?”

“Tutoring,” she said. “You’ll assist the hockey team.”

“What?” I blinked. “Why me?”

“You’re top of your class in every subject. And the team has... challenges.”

She left before I could argue. I slid into the only empty seat in the back and tried to disappear into my hoodie.

Across from me, someone muttered, “Bet she punches the whole team.”

I ignored it.

The day passed in a blur of introductions, weird stares, and snow-covered windows. My last period was labeled “Academic Support – Room 201.”

When I walked in, the room was quiet except for the hum of the heater. Five guys were already there, sitting like they owned the place.

Camden Wolfe sat near the window. Tall, broad shoulders, buzz cut, cold eyes. He didn’t look up when I entered.

Next to him, River Saint leaned back in his chair, hoodie pulled low, hands folded. His eyes met mine briefly. Though, it was expressionless.

Jax Ryder winked