Page 47 of Alpha Fate

“Are you saying I can’t go?” I feel my jaw jut out as I pull my arm away.

“No, dammit! I’m just…” He trails off because that’s pretty much what he’s trying to do.

“I’m going there, Gage. He saved me, and he needs to see a familiar face right now. Even if it’s only me.”

His eyes narrow, and his jaw clenches. I can see frustration warring in his eyes as he deliberates over his next words. I don’t give him time to say them.

“I’m going,” I say, turning on my heel. “Don’t try to stop me.”

Chapter 16

Gage

Stars burst, and pain blossoms as Casey’s fist catches me in the jaw by surprise.

“Careful, Heller; if you don’t pay attention, I might knock your teeth out and mess up your pretty face.” She dances out of reach as I throw a clumsy swing at her.

“I am paying attention.” I’m not really. I’m preoccupied with my argument with Savannah.

It wasn’t an argument. A disagreement.

Over her visiting another male.

I growl low and swing again. This time, Casey’s jab catches me just below the ribs. My breath whoomps out.

“You are?” She’s still dancing, fists raised before her face. “Could’ve fooled me. You’re being beaten up by a girl!”

Not just any girl. This is Casey Stone. She fights better than half the men on our team. It’s why I picked her to spar with; thought I’d burn off a little steam. Instead, I’m getting my lights punched out.

“I’m going easy on you,” I counter. “Because you’re weaker than me, girlie,” I taunt her. My next blow connects with her shoulder and knocks her back a step.

“Easy on me? Bullshit! You’re preoccupied.” She’s already recovered from the punch and is dancing circles around me again. I feel like a lumbering ox. She hits me again; this time, my cheekbone bears the brunt of it.

Fuck!

I shake my head to clear it.

“Come on, you asshole! You’re not making this any fun.” Casey scowls at me. “I feel like I’m beating on a big ole cow.”

“Ox, coz I’m male,” I say, going back to the image I’d had in my head. “Actually, make that a mighty bull.”

“Bull?” she scoffs. “Yeah, I’m dealing with a whole lot of bull right now.”

I spin to throw a roundhouse kick in her direction, but she dodges it, zips in, and pops me in the solar plexus.

“Shit!” I croak out as I drop to one knee, wheezing.

Casey lowers her fists and glares at me. “That’s it. This is ridiculous. I’m not playing anymore.” She starts leaving the ring, stooping between the ropes at the far side.

“No. Wait,” I gasp, a hand over my gut as I bend over my middle. “I’m fine. Give me a minute.”

“No.” She’s taking her gloves off. “I’m going to hurt you, and then Law’s going to chew my ass off.”

I follow her out of the ring and slump onto a bench next to her as she unravels her wraps.

“What’s up?” Casey looks at me. “Why’ve you got a bug up your ass?” When I don’t answer, she goes on, “Let me guess. It’s got something to do with a lost little wolf.”

“She’s not lost,” I mutter. “I found her.”

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