The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝟹𝟷|

Kohl Warren

"Why the hell are we out here, I'm freezing my balls off," Rocky grumbles. I scoff as he glances down at his pants, where his manhood seems to be retreating in protest.

"Ari texted me, she said she wanted us to come outside. You came willingly, Rocky," Owen states matter-of-factly, his breath forming little clouds in front of his face. I shake my head in disbelief as I trudge along behind them.

I couldn't care less if Satan himself had summoned us out here. Why on earth was I dragged into this freezing night with these fools? The bitter cold nips at my skin, making me regret not bundling up more.

"If it's Ari, I can handle a little chill," Tim declares, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

I quickly shrug it off, not in the mood for his attempts at camaraderie in this miserable weather. We all skulked through the back exit of the dorms like a bunch of wannabe spies, trying to avoid the security guard who was most likely asleep on duty.

Owen, Rocky, Ant, Tim, and me– the reluctant tagalong –sneaking around like a bunch of misfits.

Tim looks like a walking highlighter with his neon orange jacket, purple jeans, and bright red sneakers. It's like he raided a clown's wardrobe before coming here.

Rocky, on the other hand, seems to think he's impervious to the biting cold, strutting around in a black shirt and blue jeans. But his chattering teeth give him away, betraying the fact that he's just as cold as the rest of us.

As for Owen, Ant, and me, we're all sporting the same basic black jacket and sweats combo. Ant decided to throw on a pair of expensive black jeans just to mix things up.

Something about this whole situation just rubs me the wrong way. Owen, the usually nonchalant one, suddenly demanded we all come outside for a girl?

They've been getting closer to Ari, truth be told, but this feels off. Makes me wonder what's really going on between him and Ari.

I peer through the chilly air and spot two tiny figures.

"If not love, at least have sex Leia, it's good for the environment,"

I bite my tongue to hold back a laugh. It's not exactly a knee-slapper, but the absurdity of it all makes me chuckle despite myself. I sidle up for a better view. Ari's head is tilted back, a small smile playing on her lips as Owen hovers behind her.

There's something in the way they interact that sets me on a level of curiosity that's way too curious.

"And how exactly is that good for the environment?" Leia

mumbles.

Rocky stands beside me, his brows furrowed in concentration as he counts the layers of coats Ari is wearing with his fingers.

Leia's eyes slid over me, taking in my appearance from head to toe. Her hair cascades right down to her waist in tight curls, the same length as the last time I saw her. It brings a smirk to my face, knowing she hasn't made any drastic changes.

Despite the chill in the air, Leia doesn't seem bothered by the cold. She's bundled up in a white and black checkered coat that falls to her knees, a black sweater peeking out from underneath. The thin leggings she's wearing don't seem like they're doing much to keep her warm, but she appears unfazed. Her choice of footwear catches my eye. Cute fluffy bunny slippers adorn her feet.

"Maybe because your attitude would be more sunshine-like, Ice Queen," Tim mumbles. Leia shoots him a withering glare before he rests his head against Ant's back.