In a while, the arena for the fight was set up. It wasn’t much, just a rough, fifty-foot-wide ring marked out and bordered with sandbags.
"When you go in there, crush him completely," Roman said, playing the role of a hype man as he massaged Asher’s shoulders, kneading out the tension.
Asher was stripped down to only his shorts, his slitted gaze fixed on the ring ahead—the circle that would determine either his victory or his death.
"If it gets too hard, remember Violet and all the mind-blowing sex you won’t get if you die in there," Roman added like it was a perfectly reasonable motivational speech.
Asher tilted his head, staring at him in stunned disbelief.
Roman’s face was deadly serious as he went on, "What? It’s the truth. I’ll take her in positions you’ve never even imagined while you sit up in heaven watching us."
Then, as if reconsidering, he muttered, "Would that even matter in heaven? You’d probably be too busy chilling or playing harps or something."
He suddenly frowned, "Actually, that does sound like I’m losing out here."
Then, with a sudden spark, Roman said louder, "Fine! I’ll enjoy being with her on earth before heading to heaven. Ha! Whose loss would that be?"
Asher just stared at him blankly for a long moment before breaking into a genuine smile.
"Thank you. For everything." And he meant it.
Roman’s chest bloomed with pride at the words. Then, true to form, he immediately ruined the moment. "Oh, I meant every word. You better win this fight," he warned with a wicked grin, "or I’ll screw our girl right right in front of your grave!"
"God, Roman. You need help!" Asher was flabbergasted.
Roman only grinned, shamelessly owning his madness like a badge of honor.
Meanwhile, across the arena, Dominic was surrounded by his supporters, his expression stoic as he prepared himself for the coming fight.
"You know what’s at stake here," Alpha Marlow subtly reminded him in a whisper.
Dominic’s jaw ticked in irritation. "I know. You don’t need to educate me," he growled.
Marlow glared at him. The man wasn’t even Alpha yet, and already his arrogance was suffocating. Still, he schooled his tone and said, "Nonetheless, good luck to you."
Dominic didn’t respond, only watching as Marlow walked away. Luck? He scoffed inwardly. He didn’t need luck. Not when Asher’s fate was already sealed.
He rolled his shoulders, feeling the unnatural rush of strength coursing through his veins. It was beginning to wane, but that was to be expected. He couldn’t let anyone suspect that he had taken the red pill.
The red pill was a banned drug, outlawed by all packs. It temporarily augmented a wolf’s physical strength to terrifying levels, pushing both body and wolf to their limits.
Of course, it came with brutal side effects: fever that wouldn’t break, hallucinations, potential organ failure, and even permanent damage to the wolf itself. Most wolves who took it never fully recovered.
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