Page 75 of Bait Wolf
I took a breath, faced the camera, and said, “No one. I think it’s time to retire while I’m still on top.”
I wouldn’t be for much longer if I kept going anyway. My heart just wasn’t in it anymore. It was seated with my mate in the front row.
As shock reverberated through the room, I thought carefully of how to phrase the next part.
“I’ve had a great fight career, but there are other things that need my attention now. But I will always thank the people of Lunar City for supporting me the way you all have. You’re the best fans in the world!”
The crowd erupted, giving me one last boost of support while the commentator went on about my legacy, about how I’d never lost a fight. I didn’t care. I was already getting out of the cage and marching up to Ember.
He stood up, coming to meet me halfway and pretty much jumping into my arms.
“What was that?” he demanded into my chest. “I didn’t know you were quitting.”
“Neither did I,” I admitted. “But enough is enough. There’s something else I have to do now.”
He looked up at me curiously, but I didn’t want to say too much here.
“Let’s just say that Abram isn’t going to be very happy with me soon. I have a lot of connections in high places now.”
Ember arched a brow, but when I didn’t answer, he shook his head, smiling up at me.
“You’ve been nothing but surprises since you fought your way into my life,” he informed me. “All good ones, don’t worry.”
“Good,” I said, grinning and bending to kiss him.
He held me tight, not letting me pull away too soon.
Neither of us even minded the cameras.
“Come on,” I said, finally pulling back. “I promised Asha a mac-n-cheese bake.”
His eyes glinted.
“Yum, let’s go.”
Hand in mine, we left the stadium to head home, just like that.
It was all so simple and so easy being together. That was how the good things were supposed to be. And it didn’t get boring. Staring into Ember’s eyes alone could easily entertain me. But there was more to it.
Together, we were finally the people we were meant to be, living the lives that we deserved.
Despite the situation it came from, I would forever be grateful for the turn of events that put Ember into my cage that night.
Epilogue
Ember
I zoomed Asha around the yard on my back while she giggled like a maniac.
The summer sun was beating down on us and I was sweating and going at half the speed of when I’d started playing with her twenty minutes ago, but she didn’t seem to care.
“Again!” she shouted.
How was it that someone so small had so much moreenergy?!
“Okay, enough torturing Ember,” Coal called from the deck. “The barbecue’s ready.”
We both cheered as I gratefully set her back on her feet.
