Page 82 of Savage Torment

“Before we do this, I think there are a few things we need to straighten out.”

“That’s what the fight is for,” I grunt back, and he shakes his head.

“There’s more to this than just pounding the fuck out of each other,” he replies with a pointed look, and I snicker.

“That’s what she said.”

He stares at me, blinks, and continues to stare.

Nothing. Nada.

That was funny.

Fucker.

“Fine, I’m listening,” I grumble, folding my arms over my chest, and he nods.

“Once we’re done in the ring, we’re done.”

“Agreed,” Tatum chimes in, but Blaze doesn’t pull his stare away from me. He’s searching for something. What, I’m not sure, but eventually, he sighs.

“I need you to win.”

I scoff. “That’s the plan,” I explain, and he doesn’t say a word, but the grin on his face spreads.

My jaw ticks when he tilts his head at me, happy to let the silence linger. “Anything else?” I bite, the tension in my muscles coiling, and I channel it, eager to let it spur on my adrenaline.

“Yes,” he breathes, nostrils flaring ever so slightly as he nods before stuffing his hand into his pocket. “I’m also here because I believe you know about this.” He lifts his hand, revealing a gold coin between his thumb and forefinger.

“She told you?” Asher asks, and he shakes his head.

“Nope.”

“Then how?” Lincoln snarls, glaring at the vampire like it’s going to burn him on the spot.

“My gut is telling me it’s the only thing making this almost amicable between us.”

“That still doesn’t make any sense,” I mutter, and he gives me a pointed stare.

“I just showed you a coin, a special fucking coin at that, from across the room. You didn’t blink or frown in confusion. You know exactly what it is and how important it is.”

“Maybe.” My hands flex at my sides. I feel overwhelmed when I’m not in control, and with this fucker, I feel like I’m spiraling.

“Maybe you have one, or maybe you know what I’m talking about?” he asks, looking for clarity, and I shrug. “Because I know she has one,” he adds before turning his attention to Tatum. “And if my research serves me correctly, it’s Tatum who has a coin out of the four of you.” Tatum gulps, but none of us offer an answer. “I’ll take your silence for what it is, but once this is done,we have to get over this shit. For her.” It’s not a request. It’s a demand.

“I’ll do what I please,” Lincoln snaps, a small vein protruding at his temple with anger as he clenches his fists at his sides.

“My priority is her; if yours isn’t, I’m not going to take your opinion into account,” Blaze bites back, and Lincoln grunts.

“Of course not,” he mutters under his breath, turning away from the vampire, but the way he said that… the meaning and determination that was there… I like it. More than I care to admit.

Without thinking, I cut the distance between us, clenching my right hand into a fist before lifting it in the air. Blaze looks from me to my fist and back again before he finally takes the olive branch and fists bumps me.

No words to initiate our agreement. No contract. No signature on the dotted line. But it’s there. We can both feel it.

I grin. “Okay, motherfucker. See you in the ring.”

Adrenaline courses through my veins,controlling my every step as I make my way down the corridor and toward the noise and lights. My music plays through the speakers, but it’s barely audible over the chanting of my name. Before I turn the corner and step into the audience’s view, I pause for a moment, letting their chants filter into my mind, fueling me further.

---