Page 108 of Magnetic God

“That it is, Larry.”

We shake hands before making our way to the go-position area backstage. We both do lunges and squats as we wait for the match to be called. Larry makes his way through the curtain first, and the crowd cheers for him.

When I first started wrestling, I wanted to be a face, or the good guy. Going out there and hearing the crowd cheer for you is electrifying. But, alas, it wasn’t in my cards because I’m a natural heel. One of the newer wrestlers slaps me on the back as I make my way to the curtain. The arena goes silent as they wait to see who Larry’s mystery opponent is.

OWF does its best to keep matches like this secret, and my return might be the best kept secret in a long time.

The lights dim and the screens on both sides of the stage flicker with static. When it’s pitch black, I walk out onto the stage, turning my back to the crowd. Suddenly, the lights turn on and my entrance music starts. Slowly, I spin to face the crowd. They’re torn between cheering and booing for me.

It’s the best fucking feeling in the world.

My pace is slow as I walk to the ring. I soak up the energy from the crowd as I climb up the metal stairs to the ring and climb through the ropes. Larry and I stare each other down as we wait for the bell to ring, signaling the start of the match.

Larry grins at me. “Let’s give them a hell of a show, Brooks.”

“Deal.”

The bell rings and the match starts.

Fuck, I’ve missed this.

We go back and forth, giving the audience our best. Larry throws down his signature moves, but it’s my finishing move that ends the match, letting the world know that Brooks the Body McGruff is back.

I stand on the second turnbuckle, looking over the crowd. They chant my name, but what has me grinning is seeing my angel in the front row, just like the first time I saw her, six years ago. I knew then that she was going to be mine, and here she is, here as my wife.

She mouths ‘I love you’. I mouth it back, making her cheeks turn bright pink.

Hopping down, I climb out of the ring and make my way to her, pulling her into a sweaty hug over the barricade. She laughs, looking up at me.

“Brooks, you were amazing.”

“It felt pretty fucking great, Angel.”

“Does this mean you’re back?”

“I’m back, baby.” My tone turns serious. “But now I need you to go back to the hotel. I won’t be long.”

She nods, pulling away from me. Letting her go guts me. Every fiber in my body screams to pull her back into my embrace, to keep her safe, but I can’t. Not when there are foes who are watching. And I know they’re watching. Ace is sitting a few rows back, behind Hannah, and dips his head.

Time for show number two to begin.

I make my way backstage, where I’m congratulated by several people. After showering and changing into a suit, I exit the locker room to find a member of the Brotherhood sent by Jones.

“Elite Member Henderson. This is a pleasure, sir.”

“Remind me of your name again.”

Even though I’m the Face of the Brotherhood, I don’t know every member, especially the newer ones. I have learned one thing over the years. Never judge a man by the Brother who takes him under his wing. Just because this man is close to Jones doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy. But…if he is…he’ll be dead by the end of the night.

He touches his chest. “Brother Reigns. I’m a huge fan, sir. I’d love to pick your brain about how you got into wrestling.”

I pat his shoulder. “I’d like that, too. We can chat later.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He leads me to an elevator where Ace waits.

“Elite Member Moretti! This is a surprise!” Brother Reigns’ eyes widen to a comical size. “Oh, no! Was I supposed to bring you up, too?”

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