Page 32 of The Devil's Dream

I nodded, my eyes finding Nova. She was gripping Haze's arm, her knuckles white. Seeing her so upset didn’t sit right with me.

My kitten was too sweet to ever have that look on her face.

An airhorn filled the air, and Dragon exited the cage.

Round two started but this time, Mad Dog was being more cautious.

We circled each other, trading shots.

Back and forth until he lucked out and caught me with an elbow that split my eyebrow.

“Fuck!” I growled as blood started to trickle into my eye.

Not good.

I waited for my opening, letting him waste energy with wild swings. He was out of shape, and it wouldn’t take long for him to wear himself out.

When he overextended on a right hook, I struck. My fist connected with his liver, and he doubled over. I followed with another knee to his face that sent him sprawling.

The room exploded with people shouting and cussing as Mad Dog struggled to his feet just before the count. The bell saved him just in time.

“One more round,” Dragon reminded me as I bounced on my feet to keep my legs from getting lazy. “Make it count.”

I rolled my shoulders, feeling the exhaustion creeping in. I was in good shape, but this sport was brutal.

Glancing over my shoulder at Nova's worried face had fresh adrenaline surging through me.

I had to win this fight. Not just for the club’s coffers, but for her as well.

The air horn blew, and the final round started.

Desperate, Mad Dog rushed me, managing to get me against the cage. Putting all his weight behind him, his fists landed against my ribs, each blow felt like a sledgehammer.

I tucked my elbows. All I could do was try to weather the storm, wait for him to run out of steam.

When his assault started to slow, I knew it was now or never.

Breaking free from his grip, I spun us, reversing our positions. My elbow caught his temple, dazing him, but I didn't let up.

Left hook, right cross, knee to the body.

Each strike was precise and brutal.

Mad Dog's defense crumbled under the onslaught.

The opening I needed came when he shifted to cover his face, dropping his guard.

I unleashed a spinning back kick that connected perfectly with his jaw.

In slow motion, his eyes locked onto mine for a brief second before rolling back in his head.

He was out like a fucking light, and the crowd went wild.

I raised my fists in victory, immediately seeking out Nova. The pride and relief on her face made the victory feel even sweeter.

Without thought, I was on the move, my eyes fixed on hers as Haze helped her to her feet.

They made it through the crowd just as I stepped out of the cage.

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