Sixty Shades Of Ice

NathanielTapping my foot nervously on the ground, I checked my wristwatch, feeling an invisible sweat trail down my forehead.“Mr. Lockwood, do you mind telling us which artery is responsible for delivering blood and nutrients to the cerebral cortex?” The professor’s eyes fixed on me. Instantly, my thoughts snapped to the present, feeling an unhealthy amount of eyes now gawking at me.I wiped my sweaty palm on my pants, slowly getting to my feet. “Can you please repeat the question?” I tilted my glasses slightly. “I didn’t get the entire question.”Professor Leo gave me a not-so-impressed look. “I said, what artery supplies blood and nutrients to the cerebral cortex?”My throat tightened, my mind scrambling like a faulty engine. I knew this, I had studied it yesterday, but my brain decided now was the perfect time to betray me.“I… uh…” My voice wavered, barely above a whisper. My classmates shifted in their seats, the silence pressing down like a physical weight. I could feel every

NathanielRapidly my oxygen supply was being cut, and the dude definitely had no intention of letting me breathe anytime soon.His fingers kept adding unnecessary pressure to my neck, forcing tears from my eyes.“Who the fuck sent you, motherfucker, and what’s your favorite way to die, bitch?” He snarled, the psycho pitch in his voice grabbing my hearing.I choked out, lungs and eyes burning.“It… I…”Dangerously, he leaned closer to my ear, his voice dropping. “Let me guess, you thought I was Liam Carrington?” He pulled away chuckling. “You got the wrong Carrington, pretty.”My eyes widened, nearly popping. My breathing had quickly turned uneven.The pressure from his grip didn’t drop.“Now tell me, who sent you to drug my brother, and if you fucking lie, I can’t promise I won’t hurt your pretty face.” He smirked, and there was something very unsettling about it.My back pressed harder into the cold tiles, his fingers still locked around my throat like iron.“I—I didn’t—” I wheezed,

NathanielThe sound of someone pounding on my door knocked me out of my slumber. My breathing came out heavy, everything still somehow foggy.“Who is—”The moment I opened the door, a punch landed on my face, completely knocking me off guard. I stumbled backward, the metallic taste of blood flooding my mouth before I even understood what was happening.“You useless piece of shit,” a familiar voice snarled.My vision cleared just enough to recognize them.Mcoy?And the two boys behind him, who I easily recognized as his group of friends.“What the hell—” I tried, but another hit slammed into my stomach. Air exploded from my lungs as I doubled over, collapsing to my knees.“You think this is funny?” Mcoy grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked my head up. “You had one job.”“I did it,” I choked out. “I did exactly what you told me to do.”A kick struck my ribs. Pain shot through my side, sharp and blinding.“You call that doing it?” one of the other men spat. “You screwed everything up.

Nikolai“Bloody no fucking way.” I frowned, anger bubbling through me. “I’m not fucking participating in any fucking tutorial program.”Professor Keller flinched.Actually flinched.The man was in his late fifties, balding, wire frame glasses sliding down his nose. His office smelled like old books and cheap coffee. Diplomas framed neatly behind him. Awards. Certificates.All useless.He cleared his throat. “Mr. Carrington, this isn’t optional.”I leaned back in the chair, spreading my legs slightly, arms crossed over my chest. The movement pulled at the bruise along my ribs.He sighed. “You’re failing your classes, and your athletic privileges won’t account for it. Unfortunately you have dropped too badly that the committee won’t overlook it this time.”I stared at him.“The committee?” I repeated.“Yes.”I let out a slow breath through my nose.“They overlook plenty.” Especially since my father is willing to throw money in their faces.I’m mostly nonexistent to their academic nonsen

NathanielI glanced at my phone, which was ringing, and of course it was none other than my mother.Heavily I sighed, ended the call, knowing that she’s probably cursing my whole future.“Hey Lockwood.” Someone called, and turning around, I spotted Tyler, waving at me, and subconsciously I inhaled.“My pal…” he attempted to throw a hand over my shoulder but I was smart enough to have calculated his movements, immediately avoiding him.Tyler chuckled, “Oh yeah, no touching.”“Personal space is a concept you should study,” I muttered, sliding my phone back into my pocket, while sending him a glare.Tyler is another insufferable pain in my ass but at least he comes with the fun part.“Yeah? Is that part of your legendary CGPA recovery plan?” he shot back, falling into step beside me like he owned the pavement.I adjusted my bag strap. “It’s called being intentional. You wouldn’t understand, since your parents literally spoil you.”Tyler gasped dramatically. “Wow. Hurtful. I, Tyler Reyes,