The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

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Leia Welsh

I swear, if this guy doesn't watch it, I might just end up breaking his arm. Kateb, the overconfident freshman, has been giving me a hard time during practice, since yesterday.

He's used to being the center of attention, but he needs to learn that in college, things are different. Warren is the center and a starter, while Kateb is just a freshman who needs to earn his place on the team.

But he's been challenging me for the past six minutes today, and I've had enough. He's so stubborn it's like trying to take a kid out of a kid's store. I wonder how Coach Johnson was able to put up with this guy, I would have already been arrested for murder.

"I don't have to listen to you, you clearly don't know what you're doing," Kateb argues.

I snap back at him, "Cry me a fucking river. You're on a college team now, so start acting like it. You're not in high school anymore, so stop acting like a spoiled brat."

I shoot him a glare, feeling like we're in a staring competition for a moment. Kateb mutters under his breath, calling me a bitch, which makes me clench my jaw in frustration.

I've had it with his attitude.

"That's it. Get on the other side of the ice," I command, skating towards him with determination. Warren steps in and holds me back, while another freshman does the same for Kateb.

We trade insults as the rest of the team laughs, but I'm not finding the situation amusing at all. I might take back being their assistant coach at this rate.

"You want respect? How about you earn it," Kateb shouts as he pushes the freshman off him and skates away to sit beside another player on the other side of the ice.

I shoot daggers at him, but Warren's hands are suddenly around my waist, trying to calm me down.

"Get off me," I snap, removing his hands from my waist.

Kateb's words barely hit me – I can't just demand respect; I have to earn it. But how can I do that when they're not even listening to me?

The team's lackluster performance is a result of everyone playing their own game instead of working together. They need to understand the importance of playing different positions, but it seems like it's not sinking in.

Coach Johnson, who talked a big game about making them listen to me, is no help either. He's lounging in the stands, munching on chips and paying more attention to his phone than to the practice.

"What now?" Mason asks as everyone nods in agreement making me skate towards all the cones as I pick them up.

Suddenly, a genius idea pops into my head, and I can't help but grin.

"What's with the scary look?" Warren calls out as he skates away from me, causing me to roll my eyes at his dramatics.

"Kateb, you were partially right, I won't be apologizing though. I mean, you did act like a dick. But get back to your position as the center," I retort, feeling a pang of guilt for being so harsh. Kateb gives me a glare but eventually skates back to his spot.

We can run a five versus five game.

The catch? There are only nine guys on the team. I guess I'll have to play. I need to know what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are, and since they oh so love playing individually, it won't be hard to spot.

"Hey, you people," I call out to the group on the other side of the ice, including Warren in the mix. "Sorry for being rude, what are your names?" I ask, as they skate towards me.