Breaking The Ice

CHAPTER 7

Riley POV

The hockey bus was already idling outside the athletic center when I arrived. Its engine rumbled steadily in the crisp morning air while players wandered in carrying duffel bags, coffee cups, and more energy than anyone should possess before seven in the morning. "This should be illegal," Tyler muttered beside me, rubbing sleep from his eyes. “What?" I asked as I adjusted my bag on my shoulder. "Being awake.” I laughed. "It's seven.” I said cheerily. “Exactly." He grumbled.

He pointed an accusing finger at the sky. "The sun shouldn't even be working yet.” Before I could answer, Gray bounded up the steps of the bus carrying an enormous paper bag. "I have breakfast!” He informed us with a big smile. Connor followed behind him. "You mean you stole breakfast.” Conner said. "I borrowed it.” Gray said innocently. "You walked out of the cafeteria without paying.” Gray looked offended. "I planned to pay.” Gray informed him. "You never stopped walking.” Conner said. "I forgot.” Gray defended. "You sprinted.” Gray waved a dismissive hand. "Details."

Coach Reynolds climbed aboard behind them. “Walker." Gray froze halfway down the aisle. "Yes, Coach?” He answered a bit unsure. "If that bag contains twenty-four breakfast muffins…" Gray slowly lowered the bag. “...maybe." Coach sighed. "Did you at least leave some for the rest of campus?” Coach asked. Gray considered the question seriously. "There were croissants.” The entire bus erupted into laughter. Coach pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't get paid enough.” He muttered.

Tyler nudged me. "Come on.” We climbed aboard together. The seats were filling quickly. Connor and Gray had already claimed the back row. Naturally. Noah sat near the middle with headphones on. Easton was scrolling through his phone. Lucas was trying… and failing… to fit his long legs into the seat. I looked toward the front. Jaxon was already there. Window seat. Headphones in with a coffee in one hand. Completely ignoring the chaos behind him. Somehow, it suited him.

Tyler dropped into a seat halfway down. “Lucky." He said. “What?" I asked. "You don't have to sit next to Gray.” Gray overheard him immediately. "I heard my name.” He shouted. "You always do.” Tyler said rolling his eyes. "I have excellent hearing.” Gray said proudly. "You have selective hearing.” Tyler corrected. "I select greatness.” Gray said as Connor groaned loudly. "I swear, if he starts motivational speeches before sunrise..."

Gray stood dramatically in the aisle. "My teammates!” Coach didn't even turn around. “Walker." Gray sighed. "...Yes, Coach.” "Sit down.” Coach demanded. "You're crushing my leadership.” He said in mock hurt. ”You don't have leadership.” Coach corrected. "I have potential.” Gray tried again but Coach cut him short. “Sit." Gray sat. Muttering. "I'd have been inspirational."

An hour into the drive, the excitement had faded. Half the team slept. Someone had started snoring. Gray claimed it wasn't him and obviously nobody believed him.

Tyler leaned over. "You play cards?” He asked. “Depends." I replied. “On?" He enquired. "How competitive you are.” I said and he smiled. "I've been kicked out of family game nights.” He informed, smiling wider. "That sounds promising."

Within minutes, a game of cards had spread across our section of the bus. Tyler. Easton. Lucas. Me and Gray somehow invited himself. "I wasn't invited," he admitted. "I invited myself.” He informed unhelpfully. ”We noticed," Easton said but Gray ignored him.

Five minutes later… “I win.” Gray called excitedly. “You cheated!” Tyler complained. "I strategized.” Gray said. "You hid cards.” Tyler argued back. "They were resting.” Lucas blinked. "...Can cards rest?” Gray nodded confidently. "They've had a stressful morning."

I laughed so hard I nearly dropped my hand. "You people are ridiculous.” I said through my laugh. "No," Tyler corrected. "Gray is ridiculous so we simply tolerate him.” Tyler added. Gray placed a hand over his heart. “Hay! That hurts.” He said while everyone laughed.

By the second rest stop, I found myself smiling more than I'd expected. Not because anyone was trying to make me feel welcome. But because nobody was treating me differently. Gray made fun of everyone. Connor rolled his eyes at everyone. Tyler annoyed everyone. Even Jaxon had become the target once or twice. Although he'd mostly ignored it. Mostly.

As we walked toward the convenience store, I slowed beside Connor. "Can I ask you something?” He looked over. “Shoot." He said with a smile. "Has Gray always been like this?” Connor laughed. "Since kindergarten.” He said. “Seriously?" I asked flabbergasted. "Our moms are best friends.” Conner added. "So you've known each other forever?” He nodded. "Gray's always been loud.” He said on a laugh. "And Jaxon?” I asked. Connor's smile softened. "We met in high school.” He answered. "You've all been playing together that long?” I asked. "Most of us.” He gestured toward Tyler and Easton. "This team's been together for years.” He said and I suddenly understood what Jaxon had meant during practice. We've been playing together for years.

They weren't just teammates. They were family. Which made me the outsider. At least for now.

Back on the bus, Coach stood near the front. "Listen up.” The chatter faded. "This is only an exhibition game.” Gray raised a hand but Coach ignored him. "But I expect you to treat it like a championship.” Everyone nodded. Coach continued. "And one more thing.” He looked directly at me. “Bennett." He barked and I groaned internally. Great. "You're starting tonight.” Silence. Even Gray stopped talking. I blinked. For a second, the words didn't register. Starting. Me. Tonight. My first game in a Wolves jersey. "...I'm what?” I asked as the words hadn’t fully registered yet. Coach smiled. "You earned it.” For a heartbeat, I couldn't speak. Then applause broke out around the bus.

Tyler slapped me on the shoulder. "Let's go!” Lucas grinned. "You've got this.” Easton nodded once. "Don't overthink it.” Connor smiled. “Congratulations." Even Noah looked up long enough to say, "About time.” Heat rushed to my face. “Thanks." I managed to say, trying to hold back the emotion in my chest. My throat tightened. A few days ago these guys had looked at me like I didn't belong. Now they were cheering for me.

Coach pointed toward me again. "Don't make me regret it.” The bus laughed. "So much for the emotional moment.” Tyler whispered and I elbowed him playfully.

As everyone settled back into conversation, I looked toward the front of the bus. Jaxon hadn't said a word. Not during the announcement. Not during the applause. Nothing. For a second, disappointment crept in. Maybe I'd expected too much. Then, as I looked away, I caught movement. He was watching me now. Our eyes met across the bus and he gave the smallest nod. Barely noticeable. So subtle that anyone else would've missed it. But I didn’t. It wasn't a smile or a praise. It wasn't even approval. It was something better. Acknowledgment. Captain to teammate.

I smiled to myself and looked out the window as the scenery rolled by. Maybe I still had a long way to go before I truly belonged. But for the first time since arriving at Wolf Ridge… It felt like I was finally becoming one of the Wolves.