Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
“Do it.”
I grimaced as Christos traced the blade across Sloan's eyelid, releasing the pool of blood it held. After drying it, he held up two fingers and asked, “How many do you see?”
“Four,” Sloan answered confidently.
After a moment's pause, Christos patted him on the back and replied, “Good deal.” I could tell the lie pained him, but there was nothing else he could do; scaring Sloan certainly wouldn't help. Besides, I was terrified enough for the both of us.
Christos jerked his head, signaling to me that we needed to leave the ring once more. I kissed Sloan's head, told him I loved him, and begrudgingly left his side. This was killing me. It was everything I hated, but magnified. But it meant so much to Sloan. I would be strong for him.
The bell rang, and round two began. Alexander was on a warpath and held nothing back. He swung wildly, landing every shot. I swear I heard bones cracking. He knocked Sloan down again and again, and each time, it took him longer to get to his feet.
When the bell rang, I beat Christos into the ring. I hurried to Sloan's side and put his arm across my shoulders to help him to the corner; he couldn't walk on his own.
He slumped in his chair. His face looked like raw hamburger and blood poured from every direction. Loud wheezes sounded from his chest with every breath. He didn't look up at us or try to speak.
“He has to stop,” I told Christos as tears flooded over my cheeks.
“He can't,” he answered softly.
“Like hell, he can't! Look at him! He's getting killed out there. I'm not going to stand by and watch my mate get beaten to death. We're calling the fight.”
Sloan gave a long, low moan and slowly shook his head back and forth. I tried to keep my voice even when I told him, “Sweetheart, you are so strong and brave, but this fight isn't fair. I can't let you keep going.”
Christos placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “I don't know what will happen to him if he doesn't.” I could see the pain and fear in his eyes; he didn't want Sloan out there any more than I did, but he knew more about Ares’ wrath and power than I did.
But how could Sloan continue? He couldn't even sit up straight. I doubted his body could take another hit, let alone the beat down Alexander had waiting for him. I would gladly take his place, but I wouldn't last, and it would only cost both of us.
“Dammit,” Christos grumbled when the bell sounded. Neither of us moved, or took our eyes off of Sloan, who I wasn't sure was even conscious anymore.
The bell sounded again, louder, and the noise made my blood boil. No one in their right mind could expect him to fight; especially no one who cared about him. Ring!
“He needs a fucking minute!” I yelled, turning to face Ares. For the first time since the fight began, the crowd spoke in aghast, hushed whispers. Ares’ cold, black eyes narrowed on me, but they had no effect.
“He's suffering.” My voice cracked as I added, “Maybe even dying, but you just keep ringing that damn bell, wanting him to march to his death. Fuck that. Fuck you.” My tears ebbed as anger took over, fueling my words. I wasn't a pushover when it came to Sloan's life. I found my strength in my love for him.
“What kind of psychotic piece of shit makes his own sons beat the hell out of each other? And you just sit there and watch! You're heartless. And I bet you've never been inside this ring. You make your kids do all the dirty work. You're pathetic.”
A loud crack sounded, and Ares burst onto the mat in front of me, on the tail of a black cloud. Well, fuck. I was probably about to get my ass blasted straight to hell, but I didn’t back down. I stared him in the eyes, prepared for whatever he was going to do to me. Maybe I could spare Sloan the pain.
A gurgling moan sounded from behind me. I looked over my shoulder to find Sloan dragging himself across the mat. Christos helped him to his feet, and they both stepped in front of me. My eyes flooded again; my mate couldn't even stand on his own, but he was still determined to protect me. And his friend, my friend, stood proudly at his side.
Ares glared at them for several beats of my panicked heart before he let out a shrill laugh. I was shocked he had the ability. “You dare to stand against me? I am all powerful. I made you, and I can strike you down.” Neither of them budged, and after a moment, the god gave a wry smile. “You've finally shown a fighting spirit.” He looked between the two men at me. “You all have.”