Page 3 of The Devil's Wrath

The arena erupted into chaos, some cheering for the new champion, others crying foul. Connor was on his feet, his face twisted inanger and disbelief. “That’s impossible!” he shouted, his voice barely audible over the crowd’s roar. “Reggie was undefeated!”

I stood beside him, my shock slowly giving way to strange fascination. The Bronze Devil stood tall and victorious in the center of the ring, his chest heaving with exertion. I barely heard Connor, my gaze still locked on the stranger. His eyes met mine again, and a shiver ran down my spine. There was something in his expression, a flicker of recognition, of understanding. It was as if he could see straight into my soul, into the darkness that lurked within.

Vera tugged at my arm, breaking the spell. “Come on, Wren. Let’s get out of here before things get uglier.”

I nodded absently, allowing her to lead me through the crowd and into the cool night air. Connor followed close behind, anger rolling off him in waves. He paced back and forth, his hands clenched tightly.

“I can’t believe it,” he muttered. “Reggie was supposed to be unbeatable. How did this fucker come out of nowhere and take him down?”

I remained silent, my mind reeling, and focused on the intensity of his stare.

Vera touched my shoulder. “Are you okay, Wren? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I shook my head, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. Just a little overwhelmed, I guess.”

“I know that wasn’t exactly your scene. Let’s get out of here and grab a drink at the afterparty. I think a few drinks might help you loosen up a bit.”

Connor nodded in agreement. “I could use a little music and alcohol right now too.”

I nodded and followed him to his car. The afterparty was just starting by the time we arrived, the bass thumping through the walls of the dimly lit house. Connor immediately walked to the bar, his jaw still clenched tight. I watched him grab a drink and down it in one gulp, his eyes scanning the room. The afterparty was a who’s who of the underground fighting world, with fighters, managers, and groupies all mingling together.

I made my way through the crowd, my eyes searching for a familiar face. Vera had disappeared, no doubt in search of her latest conquest. She’d find her way back eventually. While I waited, I grabbed a drink from a passing tray. I needed a strong one if I had to be at this party.

TWO

THEO

Ichecked the tape on my hands to make sure it was secured, hopped up and down to get my blood pumping, and walked out to the ring to “American Psycho II” by D12.

“Coming out weighing 175 pounds, the challenger, the one and only Bronze Devil!”

The crowd booed as I stepped through the ropes and into the glaring lights. My opponent was already there, bouncing on his toes, a sneer on his sweat-slicked face. He had at least thirty pounds on me, but I wasn’t worried. I knew I had the speed and agility to outmaneuver him.

The referee called us to the center of the ring and recited the rules in a bored monotone. We touched our gloves and returned to our corners. My trainer, Cavan, talked to me, but I didn’t hear anything he said.

I was too focused on a raven-haired girl in a tight black dress sitting in the front row. Her eyes were locked on mine. I was almost positive I had never seen her before, yet there was something familiar about her. Her gaze made my heart race faster than any pre-fight jitters ever could. She had an intensity about her that was both alluring and unsettling

An intensity that matched mine.

A flash of her eyes—dark andscared.

I blinked, and the image was gone. The referee called me, urging me to take my position in the ring.

“Let’s have a clean fight,” the ref said sternly as he looked between us.

Time to crush this prick.

We both nodded.

Then the bell rang out.

We circled each other, fists up, eyes locked. He threw a few jabs to test my defenses. I slipped them easily. Then he lunged with a wild hook. I ducked under it and landed a solid right to his ribs.

First blood to me.

He grunted and reset, more cautious now.

I raised my hands and circled to my left, keeping light on my feet. My opponent matched my movements, his eyes fixed on me. We sized each other up, two predators searching for weakness.

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