The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝟸𝟺|

Leia Welsh

I'm trapped in a never-ending loop at the Aurora mall parking lot, looping around like a deranged NASCAR driver.

The speakers are shaking with the force of Katy Perry's "USA" anthem because, well, what else is there to do when you've finished all your classes, don't have hockey practice, and have your friend's car?

Ari's sparkling white Jeep Wrangler is my trusty steed for this aimless adventure. She's kind enough to let me borrow it since she barely touches the thing.

The only condition she gave me was to not transform it into a crumpled metal mess, which seems like an obvious request. I mean, come on, crashing is not on my to-do list. I'm basically the reincarnation of Mario Andretti behind the wheel. I slam on the brakes so hard that my head smacks the steering wheel, my curls cascading in front of my face like a tangled mess. Frantically, I swipe them away, my heart racing with panic.

I lift my gaze, and my eyes practically bulge out of their sockets when I see Warren, Tim, and Ant standing there, staring at me with wide-eyed disbelief.

Never mind, I guess saying I was Mario Andretti was a little much...Seriously though? Out of all the people in the universe, why did it have to be these three?

Warren, with his annoyingly tilted, toothy grin, smirks at me, his jet-black hair falling across his face, as if he's some kind of model. He's rocking a pristine white shirt that showcases his ridiculously muscular golden arms, along with blue shorts and black sneakers that probably cost more than his monthly rent.

Tim's laughter echoes through the air, and I can't help but notice how his blonde hair practically shines like a halo under the warm sunlight.

Meanwhile, Ant shakes his head in disapproval, his eyes darting back and forth between Tim and me. In a sudden burst of randomness, he slaps the back of Tim's head, as if trying to knock some sense into him.

Ant, always the laid-back one, is decked out in a gray hoodie and black jeans that look like they cost fortunes. And his boots only add to the expensive taste. I mentally facepalm as I swiftly lower the volume of the car radio, partially hoping that it can drown out any potential awkwardness. But it's too late.

Warren and Tim saunter over to my side of the car, their presence looming larger than life. Cue my awkward laugh, which escapes my lips involuntarily. Warren, ever the witty and sarcastic one, leans against my car window, crossing his arms with a sly smirk. My heart does a little flip-flop as I feel myself squirming.

In an attempt to regain some semblance of composure, I put the car in park mode, hoping that it will buy me a few moments to gather my thoughts.

"First and foremost," Warren begins, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm, "Are you secretly plotting to stalk and assassinate us?" His arms remain crossed, his tone teasing yet somehow serious, making me question if he's joking or not.

I raise an eyebrow, trying to match his level of wit. "Well, I could ask you the same thing," I retort, my voice laced with a hint of mischief. "I mean, with the whole stalking thing, you know?" I mutter, my words coming out in a half-hearted attempt to play it cool.

"If it isn't Ice Queen," Tim smirks, leaning casually against Warren like they're long-lost pals.

I can't help but give him an awkward smile, knowing all too well that I almost turned him into a human pancake with Ari's car.

"You sure you should still have your driver's license?" Ant pipes up from the backseat, appearing out of thin air like a ninja.

I jump a bit, startled by his sudden presence, and quickly swivel around to face him. He's scanning the backseat like he's on a treasure hunt or something.