Page 31 of Bride By Initiation

Brody turns his head to the others. "That's the welcome we get."

Brax and I cross over to them. "No, but you were in town a few weeks ago. Why are the four of you here? That never happens unless there's something special going on."

Brody's eyes darken. "Time for a workout, Sean. Brax, get into the ring. Work off some steam. We'll talk about business later."

My chest tightens. While I love a good workout at any time of the day, I hate it when I know something's looming and I don't know what.

Uncle Aidan takes a lighter out of his pocket and starts flicking it. It's something he always does, and I'm usually mesmerized by how he can let the flame burn practically on top of his fingers. But for some reason, today it makes me antsy.

I ask, "Can you stop doing that?"

"Why? What's it to you?" Aidan says, flicking it faster.

"Maybe he's worried the place will go up in flames," Tynan jabs.

"Shut up," Aidan orders.

I get in the ring.

"Come on, now," Liam says, nodding toward the ring. "Make the fight good."

"Yeah. We've been bored the last few weeks," Nolan calls out.

Finn goes over to Brax and helps him lace his gloves, and Killian helps me with mine. They both talk to us, giving us their coaching advice. And then Declan rings a bell.

Brax and I practice in the ring for the next hour, tossing punches at each other until we're covered in sweat, a bit of blood, and out of breath.

"That's enough," Liam calls out.

Uncle Killian comes over and helps me remove my gloves. I take my hand out and get a flashback of my dad's hand flexing just like I'm flexing mine now. I grab the top rope of the ring and close my eyes, feeling slightly dizzy.

"What's going on, lad? Are you all right?" Killian questions.

I steady myself. "Yeah. I just haven't eaten a lot today."

Killian says, "Devin, grab a protein bar and some electrolytes."

Devin brings it over and hands it to me.

I guzzle the drink and then rip open the protein bar. I down it in two bites, realizing I'm starving.

Declan jumps up and holds his hands to his mouth, shouting, "Everyone get your fucking asses out."

The gym erupts in loud grumbles, but they all listen. That's the rule. When an O'Malley speaks, you don't question it. You listen and do what you're told.

"You too, Brax," Finn orders.

His face falls. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. Get your arse out," Declan follows up.

Brax gives Finn another look, pleading to stay.

Finn shakes his head.

"I'll be in the car," Brax huffs as he exits.

When the gym is clear, I feel outnumbered. My uncles are the only ones left, and all nine men are staring at me.

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