Page 57 of Filthy Beginnings

Her stomach churned. “W-What do you want?”

“So much. Death, destruction, revenge. But I’ll settle now for a little pain at your expense.” His gaze flickered toward Egan. “You actually did me a favor with that one. Unfortunately, I can’t repay it with kindness…. I can, however, give you the chance to save those you love.”

The dread inside her grew, the black inside her eating away at everything—but unable to come out. No matter how hard she tried, leaving her helpless as ever.

Nothing more than a colorless, flimsy toy that was all too easy to break.

The Alpha took another step into the room, blocking out the light at his back, and quietly shut the door behind him. “You and I have much to discuss.”

14

Rotation five of the tournament: theElite 100,the main event…

Cheek pressed flat to the ground, Damien came to with a splitting headache.

What in the fuck? He dabbed the back of his head. Blood.

He was flat on his ass in the underground tunnel

Someone had gotten him good.

Screams and boot-stomps echoed above, followed by horns, drums.

Fuck.The tournament.

Those were the sounds of the consortium’s opening ceremonies. It was about to begin.

How long had he been out?

“Scarlett!”

He pushed up from the ground and promptly staggered into the nearby wall.

Whoever had sucker punched him had hit hard.

But figuring out who he’d be killing would have to wait.

If they thought this would keep him from Scarlett, they were wrong.

He was feeling better by the time he reached the locker room and shoved his way through the sea of fighters preparing for combat.

The stench of sweat, bloodlust, and nerves hit hard.

Out of the one hundred fighters gathered in the locker room, only one would emerge the ultimate champion.

It was going to be a fucking melee. A no-holds-barred, brutal scrum. No scent masks. No rules. The chance of injury, high. The possibility of death, real.

“You okay?” Crex’s worried face popped into Damien’s line of vision. “You seem off.”

“Fine.” He had to be. Scarlett was counting on him.

Fuck.He had to find her. Apologize again for losing it. Explain what had prevented him from meeting her, and assure her everything would be alright.

She had to be worried sick.

“You sure you’re okay?” Crex studied him.

He was fucking far from okay. “I’ll be fine once I’m in the ring.”

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