Page 101 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

The deeper they ventured, the louder the primal roars became—hungry, violent sounds that vibrated through the walls.

"Stay close," Ronan murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "This isn't the MBA cocktail circuit you're used to."

Serenity's heartbeat quickened as they descended a final set of metal stairs. "I've handled board meetings with men who'd cut throats for profit margins. I can handle this."

But even as the words left her mouth, the assault on her senses intensified. The corridor opened into a cavernous space carved from concrete and desperation. Hundreds of bodies pressed against a chain-link octagon, the cage illuminated by harsh industrial lights that cast everything else in shadow. The air was heavy—thick with cigarette smoke, spilled whiskey, and the unmistakable cocktail of Alpha and Beta pheromones.

And blood. The metallic scent hung in the air like perfume.

"Fuck," she whispered, her golden eyes widening as she took in the spectacle. Two men circled each other in the cage, their bodies slick with sweat and crimson. "This is?—"

"Mine," Ronan finished, a dangerous pride glinting in his green eyes. "One of three fighting rings I control in the city."

Serenity's body betrayed her Omega biology, responding to the concentrated Alpha energy permeating the space. Her skin flushed hot despite her determination to remain composed. This was the underbelly of the empire she'd inherited—the world her father had kept hidden from her.

"Your legitimate security business is just the surface, isn't it?" She had to raise her voice over the crowd's sudden roar as one fighter landed a devastating blow.

Ronan's mouth curved into a wolfish grin. "Drake Security pays taxes. This pays for everything else." His hand slid possessively to her hip as they navigated through the crowd. "Including the muscle that's keeping your father's former associates from testing your resolve."

The crowd parted instinctively for Ronan, Alpha males and their companions shifting away with lowered eyes. Serenity felt their stares—curious, hungry, calculating—as they evaluated the Omega by Ronan's side.

They reached the edge of the fighting pit just as the match ended, the victor standing over his unconscious opponent with blood-streaked arms raised triumphantly.

"The Vale princess graces us with her presence," a smooth, cultured voice cut through the noise.

Serenity turned to find two men watching her with identical predatory expressions. The speaker stood slightly ahead—tall and lean with aristocratic features and cold blue eyes. Beside him, a broader man with the same sharp facial structure but darker coloring lounged against the barrier.

The Beaumont brothers.

Ronan's body tensed beside her, his scent shifting to something sharp and dangerous. "Alexander," he acknowledgedwith a curt nod. "Didn't expect to see Beaumont money slumming it tonight."

Alexander Beaumont's gaze never left Serenity, traveling over her body with insulting deliberation. "When I heard the heir to the Vale fortune was touring the pits with her... guard dog, I had to see for myself." His nostrils flared slightly. "Unmated Omega. How... provocative."

Serenity met his stare unflinchingly. "Mr. Beaumont. I've reviewed your family's attempted hostile takeover of Vale Shipping last quarter. Impressive, if ultimately futile."

The step-brother chuckled, pushing off the barrier. "She's got fangs, Ronan. Unusual in an Omega."

"Back off, Elias," Ronan growled, his fingers digging into Serenity's hip.

Alexander stepped closer, close enough that Serenity could smell his cologne—expensive but failing to mask the sour note of his Alpha scent. It lacked the raw magnetism of Ronan's, yet carried the unmistakable edge of power and privilege.

"I'd like to propose something," Alexander said, raising his voice so those nearby could hear. The crowd around them quieted, sensing entertainment beyond the scheduled fights. "A challenge, Drake. Winner gets first choice of any Omega present tonight."

His eyes locked with Serenity's, making his intention unmistakable.

Deep inside, her Omega instincts screamed danger, but years of boardroom negotiations kept her expression coolly amused. This was calculated—the Beaumonts had waited for a public venue where Ronan couldn't simply refuse without losing face.

"I'm not on the menu," Serenity replied before Ronan could speak, her voice carrying clearly. "And Mr. Drake doesn't speak for me."

Alexander's smile widened. "Oh, but that's not how our world works, is it? Omegas don't make the rules here." He turned to Ronan. "Unless you've gone soft, letting your little pet think she has a choice when Alpha business is conducted."

Serenity felt Ronan's body coil like a spring beside her. His grip on her tightened possessively.

"You're pushing dangerous boundaries, Beaumont," Ronan said, voice dangerously quiet. "The Vale empire isn't up for grabs through cage matches."

"Not the empire," Alexander clarified, eyes glittering with malice. "Just the Omega. One night. Unless you're afraid I'd break her."

The crowd had fallen completely silent now, all eyes on the three of them. Serenity's mind raced through scenarios. This was a power play—not just for her, but for territory, for respect, for the shifting alliances in the underworld since her father's death.

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