The Fighter

by Elin Peer

  “If you ask me there’s a big chance these are the men you’ll be choosing from. I thought that maybe you wanted the chance to ask them some questions. Three of them are Doomsmen.”

  The five men were different in looks and colors but they all had serious expressions on their faces. Mila, who had been laughing and smiling a minute before, was now fiddling with her hands. “Ehm, okay, well, I didn’t really prepare any questions.”

  “Ooh, I have a good question for you then!” I whispered it into her ear.

  Mila nodded. “Right. Okay. Then my first question would be: how do you feel about my friend Raven joining the police corps?”

  They exchanged looks and when no one answered, Mila turned to the first man.

  “Chip, was it?”

  “Yes.”

  “What’s your opinion on women working as Raven does?”

  Chip was one of the few Nmen who had trimmed his hair short. He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I don’t have a problem with women working, as long as it’s not dangerous work.”

  “So, if Raven was your wife you wouldn’t let her work on the police force?” Mila asked.

  Chip’s eyes fell on me. “Probably not. It doesn’t seem safe.”

  “All right, thank you, Chip. How about you?” she asked the next guy and one by one they all backed up Chip that women shouldn’t work in a place of danger. Only one of the men insisted that women shouldn’t work at all. Mila gave him a polite comment, “Interesting,” before she moved on with what I assumed was a mental note not to pick him.

  “What do you know about me?” Mila asked the men.

  “You’re the Commander’s daughter.” Morris stood like a soldier with his legs spread and his hands clasped in front of him.

  “Yes, I am. What else do you know?”

  “You were born in the Motherlands and you don’t like to fight. The Commander wants you to have a strong husband.” Morris gave the three facts like he was reading out a report.

  “And are you a strong man, Morris?” This time it was Jonah who asked the question, and there was something about the way he stepped closer to Mila that made me straighten up and pay attention.

  “Absolutely. I hold a record for the most bench presses in my unit. I can lift two and half times my own weight.”

  “I wasn’t referring to your size of muscles, but your personal strength. Are you loyal and selfless? Do you have integrity and intelligence?”

  Morris wrinkled his nose at Jonah. “Who are you?”

  Jonah stood calmly and faced all five of the giant men. “I’m Jonah, councilman of the Motherlands and one of Mila’s closest friends.”

  The man frowned then smiled a little. “For now.”

  Jonah tilted his head. “What do you mean when you say for now? Are you implying that if she married you, Mila wouldn’t be able to be friends with me?”

  Morris raised his chin. “She wouldn’t need you. She would have me.”

  Jonah’s jaw tensed up and he linked his hands behind his back. “Right, and I’m sure you and I are so alike that Mila wouldn’t feel the difference.”

  It wasn’t the first time I’d heard Jonah use sarcasm and irony but it always threw me off because it was so rare among Motlanders.

  Mila gave Jonah a sideways glance and changed the subject. “Please tell me where you live.”

  The five men informed her and she nodded. “Okay, thank you. And would you tell me what you do for a living?”

  As Khan had said, three of them were soldiers in the Doom Squad, one was a ranger in a large forest on the east side, and the last guy, Phyton, owned a workout studio in Kingstown where he taught fighting techniques. Mila asked another question about their view on pets before she gave one of her signature soft smiles.

  “Thank you. If my dad and Khan are right, we’ll meet again at the tournament.”

  The five men inclined their heads to her before they walked away.

  “Do not pick Alan,” Willow muttered. “Solo works with him and I swear that man is either mentally retarded or flat-out gross.”

  “Why?”

  “I always hear Solo complain about his lack of hygiene and his sweat that smells like death.”

  Mila wrinkled her nose up. “Thanks for the warning.”

  Jonah had been talkative and happy when we first joined him but now he had grown somber and quiet.

  “I’m sorry, Jonah, I know you worry about what’s going to happen to your friendship with Mila after she marries. Nmen are territorial when it comes to their women. I’m not sure Leo would like it if I had a best friend who was male either.”

  “But would you let Leo decide who you can be friends with?”

  “No, of course not, and I don’t think Mila will either. She really cares about you. But it won’t be the same as it used to be between you. I mean you two talk more than Mila and me, and that says a lot.”

  Jonah’s gaze was on Mila, who was talking with Willow and Darlene. “She’s the best friend I’ve ever had. I wish she wasn’t getting married. These men are…”

  “Are what?”

  He lowered his gaze to the floor. “Nothing. I’m just frustrated and upset.”

  “I get that. My fear is that she picks someone who lives at the other end of the country and that I won’t see her as much.”

  Jonah’s ears were red. “Please excuse me, Raven, I think I need some fresh air.”

  He had only just left before I was spun around by my new husband. “Are you looking for me?”

  The sight of his warm eyes and bright smile filled me with joy. “Yes. Where did you go?”

  “Oh, Solo, Zas, and I just met someone we had to talk to. Did we miss anything?” Leo kissed me.

  “No, just some of Mila’s nervous suitors whom she interviewed.”

  “Who is her favorite?”

  “I’m not sure. I haven’t had a chance to talk to her about it yet.”

  He took my hand. “I walked past the gift table; did you see it?”

  “No, where is it?”

  “Right outside. The table is stacked with presents, which reminds me that I spoke to your headmaster and he gave us a special wedding gift.”

  “He did?” I furrowed my forehead, as I didn’t trust the man.

  “Yes, he was kind enough to agree that you don’t have to live at the academy. You can live with me as long as you’re back for class every morning on weekdays.”

  “No way.” I gasped in disbelief. “You’re kidding.”

  “No, I’m serious, Raven.”

  “Why? He doesn’t like me. Why would he do something this nice?”

  “It was Solo’s suggestion. He mentioned that it was a lot of pressure for Martinez to be responsible for your safety. He agreed and I suggested that you could do like you did at Station Seven when you came in in the morning and went home in the afternoon.”

  Holding a hand in front of my mouth, I teared up. “I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”

  “I know, right?” Leo lifted me from the ground when he hugged me tight. “I was dreading sleeping alone without you, but now I won’t have to.”

  “I can’t believe how everything is falling into place.”

  Leo nuzzled his nose against my neck. “I’m happy you feel that way because in a few weeks, Khan is going to announce that he’s running for president and encouraging others to run against him. Even though he has been planning his campaign for weeks already, I guarantee you that the next months are going to be unstable and chaotic in the Northlands.”

  “You keep saying that, but how can you know when it’s never been done before?”

  Leo tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear. “Try to think of the Northlands like a small room. Right now, everything looks nice enough, but there’ve been small holes that indicate there might a problem with termites. But every time there was a hole, Magni showed up, sprayed for insects, and patched the hole up.”

  “Okay.”

  “Think of the four i
nner walls as representations of the laws that are currently prohibiting people from talking out against Khan.”

  “Okay.”

  “He’s preparing to tear down those walls to the studs, and what I’m saying is that we’re going to see what’s really inside the walls and it might not be pretty.”

  “Are you expecting major termite issues?” I smiled.

  “I am. And termites can cause major structural damage, so one should never take that shit lightly.”

  Reaching up on my toes, I kissed Leo. “Maybe it’s time to remodel the Northlands and get rid of any hidden rodents and termites. Hopefully we can all live in a better room after that.”

  Leo kissed me slowly before looking deep into my eyes. “Just know one thing. Whatever happens, I’ve got your back.”

  “Thank you. I’ve got your back too. I hope you know that.”

  He smiled. “There’s something I’m dying to show you, babe.”

  “What is it?”

  “I was going to surprise you with it tonight after the celebration, but the wait is killing me.”

  “Then show me now.”

  Looking over his shoulder, Leo made sure no one was watching and then he unbuttoned his shirt. Across his heart was a tattoo of a black panther.

  “You didn’t,” I exclaimed in a small gasp.

  “Of course I did. Catching you has been my greatest and most satisfying hunt ever.”

  My initial shock turned to amusement. “Can I touch it?”

  “Yes, they sprayed a protective layer on it.”

  My hand ran over the impressive art piece. “And why does the panther look cute and harmless? If it represents me, at least you could have let it show some claws and some teeth.”

  Leo pushed another lock of my black hair behind my ear and leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Nah, I prefer my cat purring and happy.”

  “Huh.” I studied the tattoo, feeling honored that he’d chosen that place on his body for a symbol of me.

  “Maybe I should have one in the same place as you. Yes, I think I will.”

  “You want a black panther?”

  “No, I think I want a number instead.”

  “What number?”

  I chuckled. “Sixty-nine. You know, as a memory of the first time we were physical.”

  “Ah, you’re talking about your porn fighting moves.”

  “It was a good fight.”

  “Except you almost strangled me to death.”

  I moved closer, pressing myself against him and letting my hands slide from his rib cage down to his firm behind. “I won’t apologize for being a fierce fighter. You’ll just have to try and keep up.”

  Leo’s face cracked in a large grin. “Shit, if you only knew how sexy you are right now. Damn, I wish we could just get out of here.”

  “Me too, but it’s going to take a while to say goodbye to everyone.”

  Leo looked back over his shoulder at the ballroom full of people. “Screw that. It’s our wedding night and I don’t care.” When he faced me again, the mischievous smile on his lips should have warned me that he was up to no good, but it still took me by surprise when Leo picked me up and began walking with me bridal style.

  “Coming through,” he called out to the people who didn’t move away fast enough.

  “Put me down – I have two feet, you know,” I protested at first, but seeing the world from his height and feeling safe in his arms was also making it impossible not to smile.

  Laughter and encouraging comments followed us through the crowd.

  “Don’t go too hard on her, we’ll need her back at the station in one piece.”

  “Everybody move aside. Here comes a man on a mission.”

  “That’s it, Leo, show her who’s the boss.”

  “Hey, what happened to equality? Raven, how come you’re not carrying Leo?”

  “Enjoy your wedding night.”

  I had wrapped my arms around Leo’s neck and was returning the many smiles that met us as we moved through the crowd and out of the large room.

  Leo set me down only when we reached the large suite that Mila had prepared for us at the Gray Manor. I laughed when he threw himself on the bed, spreading his arms out and panting after having carried me all the way here.

  “How about a cold beer?” I turned on some nice music and moved to the cooler that Mila had arranged with cold drinks.

  “Yes, please.”

  Leo sat up on the bed and removed his jacket and shirt before reaching for the beer. “Want me to help you remove that dress?”

  “Since you did all the work to get us here, how about I do my part and undress myself for you?” Kicking off my shoes, I began swaying my hips to the rhythm of the music, turning my back on him and pulling the dress down over my right shoulder.

  “You have no idea how gorgeous you look right now.”

  I gave him a smile. “Is it the dress?”

  “It’s your hair, your skin, your smile… it’s everything. I can’t believe you’re my wife. Seriously, Raven, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

  “Give it a few years and you might change your mind.”

  Leo smiled. “Not if you keep giving me beers while stripping for me.”

  He was beautiful when he smiled like that. “When did you start smiling so much? I feel like you make jokes and smile a lot more than when I first met you.”

  He tilted his head to one side. “I wonder why that is? I can’t imagine it has anything to do with the fact that I’m no longer a sexually starving man in love with a woman who constantly makes jokes about how boring I am.”

  “You were boring.”

  “Oh yeah?” In a fast movement, Leo got up and I could tell he was going to tickle me again, so I got out of his way and let him chase me around the room.

  When he caught me, we were both panting and he locked my hands behind my back while kissing me. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’ll sit back down and let you finish that enticing show you started, and when you’re out of your dress, I’ll show you how imaginative I can be. After tonight, you’ll never call me boring again.”

  “Is that a promise or an order?” My heart was beating fast and my body was buzzing with desire for my husband.

  “Both.” Holding on to me, Leo moved back to sit on the bed before releasing me. “If this is the only time you’ll wear a dress, I’d better take mental pictures of your last seconds in it.” He released me and gave me a nod. “Come on, baby, strip for me.”

  “Yes, sir, Inspector,” I teased and began dancing again.

  He took a sip of his beer. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “Will you promise me something, babe?”

  I gave him a cute smile with a questioning look.

  “When you get to be a police officer and get your official uniform, will you strip for me again?”

  “I love it when you say ‘when’.”

  “Will you?”

  Walking closer, I let the top of my dress fall down to my waist. I was topless now, but with my back to him. Covering my breasts with my hands I turned to face him, still moving seductively to the music.

  “I will… if you do the same for me.”

  Leo’s eyes widened as he pointed to himself. “You want me to strip out of my uniform for you?”

  “I do.”

  “But I’ve never stripped to music in my life.”

  I laughed and pushed the dress all the way down. “There’s a first for everything, babe. Think of it as an adventure.”

  Leo was admiring my body and reached for me. “Raven, I swear every day with you feels like an adventure.

  I tapped my finger on my hip where the large P was tattooed. “That’s because P stands for pioneer.”

  “After seeing how sexy it looks on your hip, P will forever be my favorite letter in the alphabet.” Leo squatted down in front of me and let his finger trail over the P before he licked it. “P for pioneer, a
nd pleasured panther.”

  “Pleasured?” With a questioning smile, I lifted his chin to look into his eyes.

  “Yeah, pleasured. Remember how I told you that I’m the best lover you’ve ever had?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Lucky for you, I’ll also be the best husband you’ve ever had.”

  “That is lucky.”

  “I’m going to make a bold claim here.” He rose up to his full height in front of me.

  “Let’s hear it.”

  “I guarantee that tomorrow when you wake up from our wedding night, you’ll be a thoroughly pleasured woman.”

  “And you? What will you be?”

  “A fucking proud husband.”

  “What about your pleasure?”

  “I’m not worried about that.” He guided me back to the bed with a sexy grin. “After all, you promised that you’d be the best wife and lover that I’d ever have too.”

  This concludes Men of the North #9 – The Fighter

  Thank you so much for reading Raven and Leo’s story. I hope you enjoyed it, and as always, I’m crossing my fingers that you’ll leave a review. It makes or breaks an indie author like me.

  To make it easy for you, here are some links.

  Amazon.com – Amazon.uk – Amazon.ca

  Goodreads

  Want more?

  Can you believe that we’re coming to an end in the Men of the North series? Don’t miss out on the epic ending to this adventure.

  Men of the North #10 – The Pacifist

  A promise is a promise but this promise is one I should have never made.

  Mila, a sweet pacifist born in the Motherlands, has avoided conflicts all her life. Now, living in the Northlands with the ruling family who adopted her, she’s under pressure to follow the traditions of the North and let fierce warriors fight for her hand in marriage.

  But how can she marry if it means giving up on her friendship with Jonah, the first male councilman in the Motherlands and her closest friend? Every night they talk, laugh, and share their darkest secrets.

  Will Mila find a voice strong enough to say no, and is she willing to jeopardize her family’s political power for Jonah, who most likely wants nothing but a platonic friendship with her? Or does he?