Page 130 of Pistols & Peonies

I hold his gaze, then smile. “Me.”

His eyes narrow, brow furrowing. “But you’re supposed to be running the night.”

“I am,” I reply, straightening. “You put me in that ring, you don’t lose your main event. You upgrade it by giving them something they’ll wanna watch even more. A rematch of the Gauntlet.”

“How’d I know you wouldn’t be able to stand on the sidelines?” Noah mumbles, chuckling under his breath.

I roll my eyes, waving him off. “This is purely out of necessity.”

Jeff studies me for a moment, still considering. “You sure about this?”

I nod without hesitation. “Absolutely.”

“Fine,” he sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. “The Slay is in.”

A ripple of excitement runs through me. Not because I’m getting another shot at Reaper after the mess of the Gauntlet– though I can’t deny I’ve been aching for a chance at redemption– but because I’ve worked my ass off to make this fight night a success. Everyone’s here for a show worth watching, and with me in the ring, it’s sure to be one they’ll never forget.

“No getting distracted by your mate this time,” Noah teases, wagging a finger at me.

“Don’t worry about him,” I cluck, turning on a heel. “I’ll just kick him out if I have to.”

“Good luck with that,” Jeff snorts.

I flip him the bird– teasingly, of course, since he’s my boss– then leave the office, heading back out onto the main floor.

Kane’s eyes find me immediately from across the room, tracking my path back to the bar. Dread curls in my gut with every step as I close the distance, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation that’s about to go down.

“What happened?” he asks as soon as I’m within earshot, worry creasing his brow.

I’ve really gotta ask him for tips on my own poker face.

“Bones bailed,” I mutter, squaring my shoulders as I come to a stop in front of him. “I’m taking his place in the main event.”

Kane’s mouth twitches. “Against Reaper?”

I fold my arms, dipping my chin in a nod.

I expect him to push back– to offer alternative solutions, to try to talk me out of getting in the ring– but he doesn’t. Instead, he just nods back at me, like he somehow already predicted this exact outcome and mentally prepared for it.

“Then you’d better win this time,” he murmurs, the corner of his lips quirking into what looks suspiciously like a smirk.

I squint at him, searching for the catch. “You’re not gonna lecture me about throwing myself into dangerous situations?”

“I’ve seen you fight,” he says simply. “I know you can handle yourself.”

I tilt my head, cocking a brow. “And you’re not gonna threaten to bash his face in for touching me?”

“Well, if he throws any cheap shots, I’ve got plenty of creative ways to make his life hell tomorrow,” Kane replies with a shrug, as if siccing pack enforcers on someone for personal vendettas is a totally normal suggestion. “But tonight, I’m here to support you, however that looks.” He hooks an arm around my waist, drawing me against his chest in one smooth motion. “Whatever you need, mate.”

Ugh.

It’s not just my wolf swooning this time– I’m right there with her, my stomach doing a full flip as my heart beats a riot in my chest.

God, I love this man.

I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him hard, showing him exactly how much it means to me to have his support. He kisses me back just as fiercely, his tongue tangling with mine, the bond between us burning bright.

“Thank you,” I say breathlessly as I pull back, his hands warm and steady on my waist.