AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I will escort Hayley,” Monroe says, speaking up. “I’m an excellent fighter, and I want to ensure she truly knows how to handle herself in the supposed Fright Fights.” Monroe twists and looks at Cooper. “Is that okay?”
Copper shrugs his shoulders. Having Monroe ask him if it’s okay is probably the last thing he expected. Lawrence doesn’t say anything as Cooper finally agrees. He probably prefers that the Bella Crew separates.
I don’t like it, but I know I don’t have a choice. Sawyer, Knox, and Monroe have a plan. They always have a plan.
Turning to Sawyer and Knox next, Monroe adds, “You know how to alert me if you need me. I’ll also inform Tate of what’s going on. I’m sure she’s waiting for my call.”
Sawyer whacks Monroe on the back with a nod. “Don’t get into too much trouble.”
Monroe chuckles without another word.
Grabbing Cooper from his spot sitting on the floor, Monroe hoists him to his feet.
The three of us disappear at vampire speed. I say a silent prayer to the universe. This is my new life now. I hope it’s better than before. But I won’t hold my breath. Because I don’t even know if that’s possible. How could it be with me?
***
“First of all, you have to show her how to hold her weapon, so she doesn’t lose it.” Monroe curls his fingers around his dagger, showing me how to jab and swipe while also protecting myself. “It might help your ass too.”
Instead of arguing with Monroe, Cooper listens and readjusts his grip on his own daggers. I realize the only fighting experience Cooper might have is in the ring. That won’t help either of us when it comes to outside threats.
“It’s also better for you to wear out your opponent first. You’re a sexy little minx, Hayley. Use your talents to your advantage. I’ve seen you in the air. If you can get up in the corner of the ring, you can jump and reach that beam up there. Maybe we can rig the stage for a better show that will also benefit you. Make it a lot more fun and entertaining while also keeping you safe. You could help the donors as well. I’m sure we can figure out how to get to them.” Monroe runs toward the side of the ring and climbs on the ropes, repositioning himself. Without warning, he jumps at Cooper and tackles him.
I screech and hop out of the way, watching as Monroe pins Cooper in a matter of seconds, aiming his blade at his neck.
“It could benefit your ass too. We’re going to need you to work on your damn skills if you’re going to survive. Everyone must toughen the hell up. The Bella Crew has a lot of threats, even among our allies.” Monroe catapults off Cooper and holds his hand out to him, helping him to his feet.
Cooper rolls his shoulders, shaking off the fact that Monroe beat him so quickly.
“Things are really going to fucking change around here. I don’t even know what the point is for me to even think I could help you guys.” Cooper steps back and leans against the flexible wires. “I might be in over my head, and I hate it.”
Monroe surprises me again by crossing the space and leaning next to Cooper. “Fuck yeah, you are, but that doesn’t mean anything. It just means that you know your strengths and weaknesses. You don’t just assume you’re a fucking badass because you’re a vampire now. You have intelligence that can benefit everyone. You know the other fighters. You can teach us about them.”
Cooper smiles, his whole face lighting up. It makes me appreciate Monroe even more. Sure, he can be psychotic and aggressive. He can be a handful when it comes to others outside of the Bella Crew. But at his heart, he’s a softy. He understands boundaries and respect, and he gives them where they are due. He’s always been careful and kind with me, and I love to see him act the same with others.
Cooper meets my gaze. “Uh-oh. You just set the dhampir off. She seems to have two switches. She’s triggered by violence and by kindness. Look at her eyes. You might want to brace yourself.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Yeah, you better. I’m about to attack you with my fucking lips. You’re so cute. I can’t even stand it.”
Monroe chuckles and opens his arms for me, and I race to him and hop into his embrace, letting him spin me around. I kiss him, sliding my tongue into his mouth, savoring his closeness.
“You’re utterly irresistible,” I moan against his mouth.
“Hell yeah. Do you whatever you want, little bird. You know I don’t have shame.” Monroe falls back and grins, flicking his hands at Cooper. “You better turn around. This sexy girl is about to have at me.”
My giggle echoes through the air, and I wiggle in his arms until he puts me down. “No. Remember, I need to work on my control. I’m okay. You were just extra adorable. I wanted to show you my appreciation.”
“Don’t let me be a fucking cock-block. I know dhampirs’ natures. The connections to the vampires who claim them are important. That’s how you’ll be able to survive. My grandmother always told me that she would’ve been better off had she found a coven to take her in, but she was too scared because she had my mom already. She grew up among rebels against the uprising and just adapted to live as a donor out of sight. She wasn’t bitten with venom until much later in her life.” Cooper bounces on the tethers and pushes himself toward the middle of the ring. He scoops up the weapons and performs a couple of jabs like Monroe had shown me. He’s already ten times better than before, adapting quickly. But I guess he would have to.
“That makes sense. I’m sure it was hard for her if she needed vampire blood to survive.” Monroe moves behind me and positions my stance, getting me to spread my legs wider as he adjusts my arms, having me bring one up to block my face.
“She did what she had to, if you know what I mean. Vampires are easily persuaded when males severely outnumber females in this town.” Cooper purses his lips, grimacing at the thought. And I can’t blame him.
I know what it’s like to be a woman in La Vega. I know what a lot of the men want, which is why I performed a lot of sexual favors for Alexander. It was just part of life as a performer. I’d probably still do the same now if I didn’t have the Bella Crew.
“Fucking hell. Just the thought pisses me off. These asshole leaders and their twisted ways have to fucking stop. They need to earn that kind of right to be with a woman. This is why we always go for the cocks.” Monroe flares his nostrils. “You tell me if there’s any twisted fuckers around here. I’m cool with risking my ass to clean the house.”
Cooper nods his head, his face twisting with his appreciation. He smirks, and I can tell that he agrees with Monroe’s morals. “Damn. I wish you guys could’ve come a lot sooner. This shitty hellhole could really use someone like you around here.”
