Page 77 of After the Burn

“I’m more than pissed off. What that stupid fuck doesn’t know is that’s when I’m at my best.”

“I know you are.” His gray eyes met mine. “I’m asking you to fight smart and don’t get reckless.”

I stood, rolling my shoulders. “I know what’s at stake. I’ve got this.”

“Taryn is one smart bit—” Lucas rolled his eyes when Adrian and I both let out a growl, “—girl, and even without all of this shit, she’d figure a way out for her and Lila.”

I looked at him in surprise, but Adrian just smirked, as if he knew something we didn’t.

“She may be a lot of things, but I never thought stupid was one of them.” He stood and leaned the rifle carefully against the wall.

“That she’s not.” Adrian smiled with pride. “And I have faith you’re right. But isn’t it fortunate that she has us to pave the way?”

“She has the two of you. I’m only in this to help get us the fuck out of here.” Lucas stepped into our small bathroom and shut the door.

“You know he’s full of shit, don’t you?” I downed a bottle of water.

“So much so, his breath stinks,” Adrian smirked, then pushed away from the window. “I’m sure Gideon plans on making this a spectacle, so be prepared.”

I picked up my shirt. “Then let's make sure it’s a good one that ends with Taryn in our arms.”

Adrian looked surprised by the ‘we’ I’d used. Admittedly, it felt strange on my tongue, but when I agreed to something, I was all in.

“I like the sound of that.” Adrian’s nod of approval meant more to me than I’d ever admit out loud.

If I had to share my girl, I could do worse than these two men.

The old baseball field sat on the edge of town.

Although fresh timber and steel cable reinforced the fighting ring built over home plate, the chain-link fences still surrounded the outfield.

The place buzzed with anticipation.

Men filled the bleachers, with a few women scattered throughout. Armed guards stood watch along the perimeter in case an infected situation had to be dealt with quickly.

The moment I stepped through the gate, conversations slowed and heads turned. There were daily fights, but not between two men like Mace and me.

Across the ring, Mace leaned against a corner post, speaking quietly with Gage. He looked over, and our eyes met; neither of us was willing to look away first. The D-bag was a big guy, maybe an inch taller than me and fifteen pounds heavier, with broader shoulders.

It didn’t matter.

The only measurement I cared about was whether he stayed down when I popped him in that big fucking mouth.

A bell rang once, and all the conversations going on around me died almost instantly.

Gideon stepped into the center of the ring. “This town still exists because people chose survival over pride.” Silence fell over the crowd. “The old world rewarded selfishness.” He slowly turned, taking in the families around the ring. “We built something stronger.” He gestured toward the people watching. “Strong families, strong defenders, and strong leadership. Our walls stand because capable people put aside old beliefs and embraced our new reality.”

The crowd nodded and shoulders straightened. This bastard really knew how to captivate an audience. I bet they’d heard all this before. Maybe not word for word, but enough times to believe it.

“Conflict weakens us.” He paused for effect. “The ring prevents that weakness from spreading. Today, two family groups seek the same future.”

My jaw tightened, and across the ring, Mace smiled.

Gideon turned toward the entrance. “Ahh, here she is, the lady of the hour, Taryn Calder.”

Every head in attendance turned.

Harper escorted Taryn through the crowd, with Lila beside her. I glanced around but didn’t see Wren, the poor, misguided soul. That was probably for the best. I didn’t think Gideon was her biggest fan.