Chapter 24

CHAPTER 24

KANE

“ I s this really a good idea?” Morris grumbles as he drives.

Tonight is an amateur fight night. They do them once a month, a chance for fighters to get noticed and moved onto a more regular fighting circuit. Our beta is grumpy, because this place is a mafia whore’s idea of a wet dream.

A lot of the mafia heads come here to bet on their favorite fighters, do business, or get their dicks wet with all the pretty omega pussy walking around.

Shrugging, I say, “What’s the fun in having those? I’ll get to beat the fuck out of someone, and then go home. I don’t see a downside to this.”

Jed snorts as he listens to my smug words. “Or you’ll get your ass kicked, and I’ll laugh,” he mutters. “I’m going to see if I can make connections tonight. I knew Minnesota would be slower to warm up to us, but this is ridiculous.”

“Patience,” Demon says. “We’re in short supply of it, but it’ll be necessary.”

“Wise words, little brother. How’s school going?” I ask.

“It’s been hell seeing her three times a week and staying away,” he admits. “I said my piece in the janitor’s closet, but it hurts to know that I make her so sad. I have a class with her tomorrow, and I’m going to plant my ass right next to her. I don’t know if I’ll say anything, but it’ll be nice to sit beside her.”

“I don’t think she has any idea how head over heels we are,” Morris says so softly I almost don’t hear him.

“We were screwed from the moment we chased her through her backyard,” I sigh. I’ve been keeping my suspicions to myself about Jeremiah, but I need to say something. “What if Adira’s dad didn’t steal from Dad?”

“What?” Jed asks, turning. He hasn’t heard what I’ve been hearing, since I’m just the muscle. People talk more around me.

“They had money,” I insist. “People have been talking, wondering about where the “lost princess” is now that Jeremiah is gone and the house blew up. What if Dad decided Jeremiah offended him just by existing?”

“He wasn’t completely innocent,” Jed says thickly, thinking about it. “Why did he have Adira on hormone suppressants?”

“There’s a lot more reasons than you’d think,” Morris says. “My sister isn’t speaking to me, so I did some research instead on the dark web. If he didn’t want to deal with her heat because he knew he’d be keeping her away from alphas, that’s a reason. Jeremiah may have had a pack in mind and was biding his time. None of the reasons are altruistic.”

“He kept begging for Adira’s safety,” Demon remembers. “Fuck, it’s possible that we could have killed a semi-innocent man.”

“Semi, because there’s not a made man alive who is completely innocent.” I snort. “It’s something that’s been on my mind, though. I needed to get it off my chest, because I keep going around and around about it. Wait… If we want to be nefarious assholes, we can use Adira’s safety with the families.”

“Why would that make a difference?” Demon asks carefully.

“If we can show that Adira’s safety is directly affected by Dad’s death, we may be able to get them to give us the time of day,” I explain.

“She wants to help,” Demon says softly. “In the closet, I asked her if she wanted to kill Dad, watch his blood run out of his body, and she fucking perfumed for me. Our little omega told me she’s pretty sure her body is broken after the auction.”

Morris shudders at his words, and Jed rubs his shoulder slowly. I know he’s refusing comfort, but it’s obvious he needs it.

“The little rabbit just got even more interesting,” I murmur. “I wonder if she’d want to be fucked in it.”

My cock hardens as I think about it, and Morris grunts as the smell of strawberry shortcake fills the SUV.

“Don’t touch your dick,” he growls. “I swear to God, Kane.”

No fucking fun.

Morris parks in the lot, and I get out with a pout. Now I have all this pent up sexual energy to use for the fight. I guess that’s not a terrible thing.

We follow people walking down into the tunnel and I hook my duffle over my shoulder. It’s a cool concept for how out of the way it is. I would have never thought there would be an underground club once I get to the bottom.

There’s several bouncers taking people’s money, checking identification, and a guest list.

“Kane Dresmond,” I tell the beta checking the list. “I’m fighting tonight.”

Nodding, he checks my name off as Jed pays for the entry for the others.

“Walk down to the left of the ring. Gabriel will talk to you there,” the beta bouncer says.

As we move through the club, I see there are several bars, an upstairs area for special events, as well as heavy music being pumped in. The guys bump knuckles with me as they find seats together, and I continue on to find Gabriel.

My nose prickles from all the scents of both omegas and alphas all around, and I breathe in sharply as I start to feel excited. The scent of snickerdoodle also flows in and my head turns to see if I can find it.

Mmmm. Fuck if I don’t also smell frosting too.

Little rabbit is that you? I hope you watch me fight and find you can still feel. My dick twitches in my joggers, and I grunt as I tell it to shut up. I can feel the gaze of several omegas staring at my tented pants, and I ignore them as well.

You’re not broken, baby. I’m determined to show you that.

Turning, I see Gabriel and walk over to him, more intent than ever to win this fight.

ADIRA

This place is insane. Duncan and Callum suggested I leave my coat so I wouldn’t lose it, and that it would be much warmer inside the club. Taking them at their word, we all left our coats and went inside.

They grunted at my outfit and muttered about how they may need to murder people.

They should have been big brothers to a sister, and it makes me think about the best friend that they lost over fifteen years ago. Rubbing my hand over my chest, I send a thought out to her, wherever she may be. I know it doesn’t change anything, but I hope she’s alive and fighting.

“You okay?” Duncan asks, throwing his arm around my shoulders.

“Yes,” I say, leaning into his side as we walk past the bouncer. They glanced at the brothers and waved them in.

I guess they are here often enough to make an impression.

“Alright. You let me know when you’re not,” Duncan says. “We’re going to see a few people and then find our seats.”

“It looks like a free for all,” I murmur as the dull roar washes over me.

There are people everywhere, and I half wish I’d thought to use my alpha pheromone blocker gel. Instead, I move closer to Duncan to breathe in his familiar scent of rum and blackberries.

Being around this many people reminds me of the auction, a feeling I didn’t think about when I agreed to come.

“Is the crowd getting to you?” Callum asks, leaning toward me. They’re my bookends at the moment, and helping with the anxiety.

“It’s a lot,” I tell him with wide eyes. Callum’s green eyes darken with worry and he nods.

“Duncan, we’re going to make sure we’re seen and then take her upstairs to the box, where it’s not such close quarters,” he announces. “Look up there, in the middle of the stands, Adira. There’s a box, and while it’s open, there are fans that circulate the air out into the club.”

“Why do they have a box like that?” I ask, shocked by the need for it.

“You’re not the only one who is sensitive to the scents in the room,” Callum says. “Let’s get this over with, yeah?”

“Yeah,” I breathe, grateful my boots are comfortable as we walk. There are a lot of omegas curled up with alphas or talking to each other.

Alphas and betas talk in suits or dressed down, smoking cigars or sipping drinks.

“Short Stuff, I’m going to use your name a bit, introduce you,” Duncan says, his lips to my ear. “It’ll keep Rock happy if he’s monitoring our movements. It wasn’t the original purpose of this outing, but it’ll keep you safe.”

I barely have a chance to acknowledge his words before we’re spotted.

“Duncan, long time no see,” a man calls out from the stadium seating.

Walking over, Duncan grins as he looks up at him.

“Corbin, how is life treating you?” he asks, keeping me close.

The alpha has dark hair with the temples beginning to gray. He doesn’t have any facial hair, but his thick lips are prominent along with his bright, blue eyes.

“Can’t complain,” Corbin says. “It’s keeping me busy. I hear there is some new talent tonight, which is good. I need a little excitement.”

I’m not sure it’s a good thing that a mafia man is looking to liven things up. He has the look of a made man in his dark blue suit, his coat obviously hiding weapons. Corbin is also surrounded by enough people that others can’t get close, and it appears intentional.

“We’ll see what they’re capable of,” Callum says, easily picking up the conversation thread. “Have you met our omega? This is Adira Firestone.”

Corbin leans forward, eyes narrowing as he gazes at me. I have a feeling he’s looking further than skin deep and I stand taller as I stare back at him.

“How is your father, girl?” he asks, surprising me.

“Is that a joke?” I ask. “I would have thought a man such as yourself would know he’s dead.”

My mouth ran away from me, shit! Duncan doesn’t stiffen at all, simply shrugging as if to say that I’m right.

“I do,” he grunts. “I didn’t think you’d call me out on it, girlie. My condolences. I understand your house was blown up as well?”

“That would be correct,” I sigh. “It’s been an interesting time.”

“Eh, I may have some news to share if it’s quite alright with you,” he says.

I nod, unsure if he’s waiting for permission from the alphas next to me, but he never glances at them.

“I’ve had the pleasure of having drinks with Jeremiah several times, and your father always held his cards close to his chest,” Corbin says. “While he was friendly enough, there wasn’t anyone he was truly invested in. Everyone always said so. Jeremiah came from a long line of mafia men, going back to Ireland. He always seemed untouchable.”

I don’t say a word, because it stands to reason that since he's dead, that’s not the case.

“He always talked very highly of the jewel of his eye, which would be you,” he says with a heavy sigh. “When he lost your mum, when you were eight, he started liquidating his businesses. Jeremiah became a homebody soon after, shifting gears so he wouldn’t have to travel.”

I remember that he started doing more business from home and nod.

“The man who killed your father, because you know anyone else was simply the tool, probably believes Jeremiah’s fortune was all in his property and home,” Corbin says. “No one keeps piles of cash at home, and I am fairly certain that if Jeremiah thought there was a chance of a hit on him, that he would have begun to move money to accounts no one could touch.”

“Possibly offshore?” Callum asks. “I’m surprised no one thought to check for bank accounts in general.”

“I haven’t stopped to think about it,” I admit. “It’s dumb to admit that but?—”

“Nay, don’t do that,” Corbin barks. There’s no power that I can tell in his words, and I wait patiently. Just because I am not affected by an alpha bark, doesn’t mean I can’t feel it.

“Your father died, girlie. I’m certain that between that and a new pack, you haven’t had a moment to think. If you can poke around, I imagine you’ll find where your father put your inheritance.”

“Thank you,” I breathe. I blink hard, in shock at what’s possible. It doesn’t mean I won’t still be working my ass off, because it may take a while to find, but I may not be as destitute as I imagine.

“I’m not doing anything but passing along a bit of information,” Corbin says. “You may notice that people will call you royalty, don’t shy away from it. Embrace it, as it’ll help open doors. The Irish are a bit sentimental, Adira. Before the families split as far apart as they have due to Rock Dresmond’s iron fist in Missouri, we were very close.”

I feel as if I’m in shock as Duncan and Callum wish him a good night and we move on. Over and over, people stop us, and they’re surprised to see me sandwiched between the brothers.

Many of them have either met my father or knew of him, and they’re respectful when they speak to me.

“What am I missing?” I ask from the corner of my mouth as we walk toward where the box is. We’re on the other side of the room at this point, and have to cross it to get there.

“Apparently you’re a badass and don’t even know it,” Duncan mutters.

“This could go either way,” Callum says. “I want to upgrade your pocket knife, Adira.”

“Self defense is going to need to be taken seriously, too,” Duncan grunts.

“When am I supposed to study or sleep?” I groan.

“Bring your books over to our house,” Callum says. “I’ll spoil the shit out of you like a proper alpha and then Duncan can put you through your paces.”

“I don’t think that’s how that’s supposed to work,” I mumble.

“If it's not the Kelly brothers in the flesh,” an alpha with blond hair in a top knot says, his tattoos on display as he crosses his arms. His beard is well kept, and he exudes authority, despite his white T-shirt and black tactical pants.

“Glad you could make it. Hope the new guys have something to show us.”

The more people mention that, the curiouser I am. The crowd seems to be finding their seats, and I can feel the excitement in the air.

“Hi, Tommy,” Duncan says with a grin, shaking hands with him. “This place is a roaring success. You’ve built something incredible here.”

“Appreciate it,” Tommy says with a large smile. “Jasper and I are proud of it. I know Gabriel is somewhere around here with his fighters. He’s very dialed in on fight nights.”

“My brother and I always have a good time when we come,” Callum says, jumping in. “Have you met our omega, Adira Firestone?”

“I haven’t, welcome,” Tommy says, extending his hand for me to shake.

I reach out, noting his strong grip. When I’ve shaken other people’s hands, I’ve noticed a variety of things. Some of the men, whether they be alpha or beta, treated me as if I was breakable. Their grip was weak. Others nearly squished my hand in their large hands, and I found myself massaging it once I was out of their sight.

Tommy, instead, is gentle but firm, keeping his gaze on mine as he shakes my hand.

“Are you going into the stands?” he asks, worriedly looking around at how full the seats are.

“We’re taking her up to the box,” Duncan explains. “Adira needs a bit of a break from all of the scents.”

“I can absolutely understand that,” Tommy says, relaxing a bit. “Go right on up. It can be overwhelming. There’s no harm in taking a break from it.”

“Thank you,” I murmur. “It was very nice to meet you.”

As we move away, Callum ducks his head, so his lips are nearer to my ear. “Tommy is originally from Chicago, and probably isn’t as embroiled in our gossip, Adira,” he murmurs. “It’s been a good experiment to see who recognizes your name or didn’t.”

“Is showing me off one of the reasons you asked me to come?” I ask him. “You could have just told me.”

“It wasn’t until we’d already arrived, and it occurred to me,” Duncan grunts. “I wouldn’t have lied about something like that. It’s quite a bit of spotlight to shine down on you without a heads up, Short Stuff.”

“You did amazing, though. Let’s go take a well-earned break and watch people beat the shit out of each other,” Callum suggests.

Smirking, I agree as I climb the stairs to the box. It’s well ventilated and not overly warm once we’re inside. We are also the only ones here.

“Welcome to Amateur Fight Night,” an MC calls out as he climbs into the ring with a microphone. “There’s no holds barred here, and they’ll fight until one of them is knocked out. Let’s see what they can do!”

My lips are parted as I listen to him, and I wiggle to get comfortable. I’m excited. Maybe a change of pace is exactly what I need.