A small dart embedded into Iska’s arm. He hissed and yanked out the sedative dart.
“You sit still for a moment and let that work its magic,” the soldier said. “Then we’ll go for a walk. If you’re really good, I might pet your pretty blond fur.”
The soldiers laughed as Iska cursed, already feeling the effects of the strong sedative as it shot through him.
He didn’t realize his eyes had closed until he heard the clang of the gate as the door opened on his cage.
Two hands grabbed him and yanked him out.
Iska staggered along between the two soldiers. He tried to get his eyes to focus, but everything blurred and spun. “Avril?”
“You’ll see your human toy soon enough,” a soldier said.
“She’s not a toy, crap face.”
The soldier laughed. “Nice insult. I’ll have to remember that one.”
“Gonna rip your... nuts off.” Iska couldn’t concentrate. His mouth felt bone dry. That sedative had been too strong.
“You can barely stand, fur ball. You try to hurt either of us, and we’ll hang you up and fetch ourselves a fine pelt for the floor.”
“I’d like to see you try.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
They dragged him into a torch lit arena with sand on the floor. There was raised seating all around it. The soldiers dropped their hold on him and disappeared back into the gloom.
Iska swiped a hand down his face as he struggled to make sense of this new environment. That damned sedative was killing him.
He sensed there were people watching in the shadows, maybe even sitting in the seats and observing him. He growled at no one in particular and flipped the bird to anyone who might be watching.
“Where’s my father,” Iska slurred.
There was no reply, just the gentle pulse of the wind as it stirred the sand around his feet.
Iska drew in a deep breath. “I demand to see him. I know he’s behind this fucked up excuse for a game.”
The silence continued.
Despite wanting to do nothing more than sleep, Iska clumsily ran around the arena several times. He could flush the worst effects of this sedative out of his system if he worked up a sweat.
He dropped to the ground, forced his eyes to stay open, and pumped out fifty press ups.
The adrenaline surging through Iska cleared his head. His vision stopped blurring, and he took a moment to look around the arena. It was not dissimilar to the environment of his fight club back on Prodigy. It was somewhere for opponents to attack each other whilst everyone else watched the fighters.
“Where is the coward? My father is a traitor who isn’t brave enough to come out and fight me.” Iska continued to goad his father, determined to get him in front of him.
The atmosphere around him felt charged with tension, but there was still no sign of his father.
Iska wouldn’t give up. He would make his father angry enough to show himself. “I’m glad you left me. I’d have felt nothing but shame if I’d turned into the same monstrosity as you. I’m more of a Mehab than you’ll ever be.” He didn’t believe the words he said. He’d spent his whole life fighting against the knowledge he’d been abandoned and wasn’t good enough to be loved.
“I’m surprised you haven’t been stripped of your position and made to grovel before everyone. You’re an embarrassment to all Mehabs. I’m glad you don’t recognize me as your son.”
“Easy now, brother. There’s no need to tell so many lies.”
Iska staggered as he turned in the direction of the voice.
His older brother Tythe, emerged from the shadows, a smirk on his face. He was the dark to Iska’s pale. His fur was black and streaked with silver.
Iska hissed his disgust. “I should have known you’d be involved in this.”
“Indeed, you should since you’ve been tracking me. Have you been enjoying your travels while you tried to catch me?” Tythe’s smirk slid into a cruel smile. “I have found it most entertaining watching you chase your tail.”
“I always knew where you were. You always came back to Prodigy.”
Tythe shrugged, his expression arrogant. “It’s convenient for my work. True Fight keeps me busy.”
“Our father has put you in charge of this?” Iska snorted. “No wonder you kept hidden.”
“My father knows I can handle this level of responsibility.” Tythe glowered at him. “You are not a part of our family. He has nothing to do with you.”
“Which is something I’m eternally grateful for, you piece of crap.”
“The same old Iska. Always on the defensive and thinking people are out to get you. You should be impressed with how much I’ve achieved.”
“I think about your achievements every time I take a dump. It helps me relax.”
Tythe’s top lip curled. “This is a top ten game in the galaxy. In a year’s time, I’m taking this across the star system. Everyone will have a True Fight addiction.”
Iska growled and spat at his brother’s feet. “Is that the achievement you want to be remembered for, forcing humans into this joke and making others watch?”
Tythe’s smirk faltered. “I will be remembered for much more than this. It is father’s wish that this happens; therefore, it does.”
“You’re still obeying his every command like a whipped dog?”
“As all good Mehabs should.”
“Does that include committing murder on his behalf?”
Tythe’s smile vanished. “There is no proof of that.”
“Proof enough that I’m chasing the bounty on your head.”
Tythe shrugged. “Why do you think I’m always a few steps ahead of you every time you hunt me? I made sure you searched dead ends while I continued my work. You were never a threat to me, little brother.”
“I was threat enough when we were only cubs that you tried to get rid of me.”
“I didn’t try. I did get rid of you.” Tythe growled at Iska.
Resentment burned inside him. No matter how hard Iska tried, he’d always felt less than his brother. When he saw the scorn in Tythe’s eyes, it dragged him back to the days when he’d fought for survival as an unwanted cub.
The only time Iska ever felt anything positive was when he was winning, and when he beat opponents in the ring or brought down a fugitive.
An image of Avril entered his head. That wasn’t true, not anymore, not since she’d come into his life. When he dropped his guard around her, Iska had discovered she accepted him as he was now. He felt he could be himself around her. It felt amazing, much better than the temporary highs he got every time he knocked out an opponent or claimed his bounty money.
Iska’s eyes narrowed as he focused on Tythe. He’d spent too long fighting his family, never able to fully accept they didn’t want him. This was his opportunity to end it.
Tythe was his prize. Capturing him would not only mean he could claim a huge reward, but his father would see him differently. He’d see him as worthy and better than Tythe.
“If you think you can beat me, let’s fight,” Iska said. “Isn’t that what this game is all about? Fights to the death.”
Tythe laughed. “You will be fighting. That’s why you’re here. We hadn’t anticipated you’d come into the game, but it’s a bonus. We can finally be rid of you and provide entertainment at the same time.”
“Then fight me, coward.”
Tythe shook his head as he gestured behind him with one hand.
Iska took a step forward at the sound of footsteps approaching. Anger slammed into him as he saw two soldiers drag Avril into the arena. They threw her to the ground, turned, and moved to stand behind Tythe.
Tythe smirked at Iska. “This is who you will fight.”
Chapter 21
Avril thought she’d done a great job of hiding how terrified she was as the soldiers had dragged her out of the cage and thrown her to the ground.
Her legs only shook a little as she stood from th
e sandy floor and faced Iska.
His fur retracted as she studied him, and he gave her a brief smile. Maybe he was trying to reassure her that everything would still be okay. At the moment, she felt it would be anything but that.
From the cuts and red marks on his face, she could tell they hadn’t treated him well.
The spark of relief she’d felt at seeing Iska was replaced with sadness. They’d been brought here to do one thing, and that was to fight each other to the death.
Iska shook himself, and his fur sprang out. He ran toward her, staggering to the side as he did so as if he was dizzy. The two soldiers who’d brought Avril in dashed forward and held him back before he could reach her.
“I admire your eagerness to begin combat.” The large dark-furred Mehab, who stood at the side of the arena, turned to Avril. “I am hoping you will be a worthy opponent to my brother.”
Avril’s eyes widened. “You’re Iska’s brother?” It looked like she would be meeting all the Matusa family today.
He gave a swift nod. “Tythe. Unfortunately, I am.”
Avril heard Iska growl as he struggled in the soldiers’ grip.
“We are not ready to begin the fight. Take a few moments to assess your opponent.” Tythe smirked. “It is always good to identify weaknesses.”
Avril glanced at the tall Mehab. How could this monster be related to Iska? She’d only been in his company for a few seconds, and she already hated him. Avril never hated anyone, not even Diadora when she made her pull a double training shift without a comfort break.
Iska’s continued growling had her turning. Defiance shone in his eyes.
“Patience, brother. You will soon have your chance to kill.”
“This isn’t happening,” Iska spat. “I will not fight Avril. You should be ashamed of running this game. I would never stoop so low, no matter how many times our father commanded it. You are the embarrassment in this family.”
Avril felt proud of Iska. He stood up, not only for her, but also against the family who had let him down and betrayed him. The family who should have supported him, but instead had hurt him and made him bitter and angry with the world.
Hope fluttered in her chest. Even if she died today, she would do it standing on her feet and by Iska’s side. Avril would not go begging on her knees for her life. She’d had enough of being full of fear and going around terrified that somebody would make a cruel comment and consider her odd.
She could do this. Iska had refused to fight and so had she. They would be punished, but she’d had enough of being beaten down and made to feel not good enough. It was time she became a real warrior.
Avril drew back her shoulders and cleared her throat.
Tythe glanced at her but looked back at Iska.
She gritted her teeth. Avril had spent her whole life asking for permission to speak or apologizing when anyone paid her attention. It was time she dropped the words ‘sorry’ and ‘excuse me’ from her vocabulary. Warriors didn’t ask for permission. They acted.
Despite her newfound defiant streak, Avril’s knees shook as she walked toward Tythe.
He crossed his arms over his chest as she stopped in front of him.
“Do you have something you wish to say, little human?”
She nodded. “I’ll fight.” She decided not to mention it wasn’t Iska she’d be fighting against.
Tythe grabbed her shoulders and spun her to face Iska. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Say that again. Louder this time, so my brother can hear.”
Avril stared straight at Iska. “I will fight.”
“Humans are so predictable,” Tythe said. “They look out for themselves first. Of course, you’re going to try to save yourself. You will fail, but it will be entertaining to watch.” His arm slid around her chest, and he pulled her against him.
Avril resisted the urge to squirm out of his grip and instead pressed back against him. He might as well think they were friendly. It would mean he let down his guard. He wasn’t as superior or smart as he thought he was.
When Avril had been dragged to a cage after her meeting with Tarle, she hadn’t sat there shaking and crying. She’d silently observed everything going on around her.
What she’d seen would give her a tiny advantage that Tythe had no clue about. There was a way out of this game, and she planned to grab it with both hands.
Before she could act on this slim advantage, Avril needed Iska by her side. She was going nowhere without him.
“Will you fight bravely?” Tythe asked her.
“If it pleases you.”
A purr rumbled out of him. “My brother claims to be a great fighter. I admire your spirit. I’m tempted to give you a weapon to increase your chances of survival.”
Avril’s breath caught in her throat. With a weapon, she could attack Tythe. “I’d like a weapon.” She kept her voice level.
He chuckled as his hand ran down her arm. “I bet you would.”
“Keep your filthy hands off her,” Iska snarled.
Tythe’s grip tightened on Avril. “Do you like this human? She is your mate?”
“She is too good for me or you. Leave her alone. She doesn’t need to be involved in our fight.”
Tythe lowered his head. His tongue flickered across Avril’s cheek. “Interesting, you carry my brother’s scent marks on your skin. It would appear I have more of a prize than I realized.”
Avril’s gut clenched. “We are not together.”
“You stink of my brother. It is a smell I have no fondness for.”
“Just like you, he is an enormous Mehab. If he wished to scent me, there would be nothing I could do about it. I do not like to be coated in his smell.”
“You are not attracted to my brother?” Tythe turned Avril to face him.
She swallowed her fear. “He said it himself. I’m too good for him.”
Tythe chuckled as a growl from Iska slid across the arena. “He is right. No female will ever want to be with the litter runt. He is alone in this world with no family to support him. You can do so much better.” His fingers wound into Avril’s hair, and he pulled her head back.
Tears prickled in her eyes, but she refused to beg him to stop. “I will fight.”
“I know you will. I shall enjoy watching every second.” Tythe lowered his head, his gaze on Iska as he kissed Avril.
She wanted to puke as his cold lips touched hers. She would knock this douchebag on his butt when she got the chance.
Tythe pulled back, a smirk on his face as he looked over at Iska. “Shall we begin?” He turned Avril to face Iska and shoved her toward the center of the arena.
Avril saw the anger and confusion on Iska’s face as the soldiers released him and backed away, so he could attack her.
He didn’t move as his arms hung by his side. He already looked defeated as if Tythe touching her had wounded him.
Avril would have to make the first move. Iska would never strike her.
He watched her closely as she inched closer but made no moves of his own.
Avril got close enough so she could talk to him without being overheard. “We have to do this.”
Iska shook his head as hurt flashed across his face. “No, we don’t. I cannot attack you.”
“Neither of us is dying here.”
“That’s the whole point of this,” Iska growled. “One of us has to die. Then the other one will be slaughtered. Nobody wins here, other than my family.”
“It’s time to fight,” Tythe shouted from his position at the side of the arena where he stood flanked by the soldiers.
“I have to hit you,” Avril said to Iska.
“Hit away. I won’t stop you.”
Avril sucked in a breath. “At least defend yourself.”
“You can never hurt me. What is that saying of yours? So long as my spirit is not broken, nothing else matters. Any wounds you give me will heal.”
“Jeez, you’re annoying sometimes. I don’t sound like that much of a
geek when I use those phrases, do I?” Avril raised her fists.
“No, they work for you. You are lovely.”
Avril’s brows rose, and she blushed.
“Fight or I’ll have my soldiers slaughter you,” Tythe yelled.
They were out of time. Avril had to act now. “I’m so sorry about this.” She punched Iska in the face.
Chapter 22
Iska didn’t move as the first blow landed from Avril. There was power behind the punches, and they stung, but he refused to fight back.
His insides still roiled as he recalled the way his brother had touched Avril. He’d wanted to tear his arms off for being so disrespectful to her.
Why did she say those things? Why had she told Tythe she would fight?
“You must retaliate,” Avril said as she flipped her hair out of her eyes. “This needs to be a good fight.”
He shook his head. “I can’t.”
She punched him in the chest. “Sorry for hitting you, but you must.”
Iska couldn’t raise a hand against her. This was his Avril, his Warrior Princess. He’d die to protect her. He realized that now. She wasn’t just a friend he gamed with. She’d made him feel again. She’d made him feel alive. He wasn’t letting go of that.
He blocked a couple of her punches, but his movements were still sluggish from the sedative he’d been given. He was glad. It helped keep his primal urge to hunt and attack in check.
“Don’t just stand there,” Avril said.
“You’re going to have to kill me. I won’t touch you.”
Avril shook her head. “Sorry about this.” She grabbed Iska around the neck and knocked his knees out from under him.
He landed on the ground, his arms splayed to the side.
Avril hissed as she kept her arms around his neck and applied pressure. It wasn’t a touch that would injure him, but it brought their faces close together, so close he could see specks of brown in her green eyes.
If Iska was going to die today, he wanted one more taste of this female. His arms slid up her back.
She shrugged him off and shook her head.
Avril leaned down so her mouth was by his ear. “We’re not going to die, but we need to make this fight convincing. Everyone needs to believe we’re going to kill each other.”
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