The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝟼𝟹|

Kohl Warren

I can't help but admire the emerald gem in the center of the necklace, it shimmers in the light like Leia's eyes. The way it sparkles brings a smile to my face.

Leia left for her parents' house earlier today, leaving me to stare at this precious necklace. I had planned to give it to her on her birthday, but that didn't feel like the right time.

I want the moment to be perfect, like in those cheesy romance movies she says she hates watching, but she secretly loves them.

So, for now, the necklace will remain tucked away in its velvet-colored box in my dresser. I imagine the look on Leia's face when she finally sees it, and it brings a warmth to my chest that I'm not quite used to.

My phone rings, interrupting my moment of peace as I lazily glance over at it. Athena's name flashes on the screen, and I can't help but wonder what drama she's dragging me into this time. With an exaggerated sigh, I reluctantly pick up the phone and press it to my ear, already feeling a headache coming on.

"Hell-" I start to say, but before I can finish, Athena's voice cuts in, all shaky and urgent. I sit up straight in bed, my curiosity piqued.

"KW, can you come over? It's Leia," she whispers, her words sending a chill down my spine.

I can practically hear the panic in her voice, and it sets off alarm bells in my head. Without another word, I jump out of bed and start making my way towards the door, my mind racing with all sorts of worst-case scenarios.

"What happened?" I demand as I sprint down the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest.

"She said s-she's in pain." Athena's vague explanation only serves to fuel my anxiety, and I can feel the anger bubbling up inside me.

Leia's in pain? Who the hell hurt her? What the hell happened?

As I make my way down the stairs, I ignore the curious glances of my roommates in the living room, too preoccupied with the urgency of the situation to care.

I slip on a pair of sneakers, not bothering with socks, and practically bolt out of the dorm, my mind racing with many possibilities.

"Pain? Athena, explain what the hell is going on, explain it clearly," I shout into the phone as I sprint on campus as fast as I can, the cold air stinging my lungs with each breath. I quickly put the phone on speaker so I can keep running.

My heart races as I dash around the campus, the campus lights casting eerie shadows as I pass.

Ari's cries echo through the phone, sending a chill down my spine and making my panic intensify. I turn right, my shoes pounding against the pavement as I push myself to go faster.

"Athena, what is going on??" I press, the desperation clear in my voice as I round another corner and sprint straight ahead.

My muscles burn with exertion, but I push through the pain, the phone clutched tightly in my hand.

"I don't know, Warren, I've never seen her like this," Athena's worried voice comes through the phone, fueling my determination to reach Leia. I sprint ahead, my mind racing with worry and fear for Leia's well-being.

"What the hell do you mean by that Athena?" I shout, my voice dripping with concern and anger.

I finally reach The Walcott dorms, my heart pounding in my chest, and I swing open the large glass doors before abruptly ending the phone call.

As I sprint up two flights of stairs, my breath coming in ragged gasps, I can feel the eyes of other students boring into me with shock and curiosity.

I slam open the door to Leia's dorm and my eyes lock with Athena's as she paces back and forth in the living room.