3. Strength Of Four Men

Varg POV

“Varg!” the crowd chanted as I stepped into the ring. Two brunettes standing nearby took off my black, sleeveless jacket. I eyed the man across from me, tall, broad, with a round belly and thick, strong arms. I scoffed at his appearance; this wasn’t the opponent I had expected.

I wanted a real challenge, someone stronger. Seeing this man as my opponent made me wonder if the manager who set up this fight was mocking me or doubting my winning streak. Despite having won nearly thirty matches since I’d started fighting in this underground arena, they still had the fucking nerve to pick an opponent like this.

“You little whelp, I’m going to put you in your place with the rest of those fools who brought you here,” the man growled, giving off the same hostile energy I felt.

I didn’t respond. As much as I wanted to put him in his place with a few words, I figured it’d be better to let my actions speak. I cracked my knuckles, my red eyes blazing with a fire I was more than ready to unleash.

“Let the game begin,” one of the brunettes announced, flicking a playful wink at the guy. He was momentarily distracted by her smile, which was clearly his weakness. I used that moment to lunge forward, slamming my fists into him while he fumbled to get a grip on me.

That was my technique, strike while they’re distracted, and if they’re not, find their weak spot. The fight was intense, with punches and blows flying. Sweat started to pour down my body, every muscle pushing harder than I’d thought possible. Ever since a new Alpha challenged my parents killing them, my brother and I left the Moon Pack. It was after then that I realized I possessed a power that felt overwhelmingly potent. My uniqueness was significant, and I knew exactly how to wield my abilities to get what I wanted. I didn’t give a damn about anyone's opinions or comments.

My brother, Lucian, was my opposite in every way, though he liked to claim he was powerful. He went to great lengths to establish himself as a strong, dangerous presence, but I knew his weakness. Everyone has one. My thoughts drifted to last night when I saw Lucian walk in with a girl. Lucian wasn’t the type to keep women around unless he wanted something from them, usually just pleasure. But the girl doesn't look like one of his call girl, she was definitely scared.

What’s he up to? The question lingered in my mind as I balled my fist and aimed it at my opponent. He dodged and struck me in the back. It was the first time I’d let an opponent get so close, what was I even thinking?

Biting my lower lip, I growled in rage, clenching both hands into tight fists and delivering a rapid, brutal series of blows until he was down, almost lifeless on the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers as I raised my fists in victory. I was the winner, always and forever. I spread my arms, and the two brunettes slipped my jacket back on before I strode out of the ring, heading toward the manager’s office to collect my ten thousand bucks.

“Varg, congratulations. You won as always,” Parker, the assistant manager, said, trying to keep pace with me. But I grabbed him and shoved him against the nearest wall. I could hear his heartbeat racing, and I enjoyed the fear in his eyes.

“Why did you set me up against that round-bellied fool?” I growled, glaring at him. “Can’t you find anyone capable of standing up to me?”

“I-I’m sorry,” he stammered, sweating and nearly shaking. “I thought he was strong enough to match you.”

I scoffed, releasing him before continuing toward the manager’s office. Hearing his words of apologies only pissed me off.

I walked into the manager’s office, barely taking in the dim lights and crowded shelves stacked with files and boxes. My eyes fixed on the man sitting behind the desk, a lean, wiry figure with sharp eyes that gleamed in the low light. He didn’t bother standing up when I entered, probably too used to the inflated sense of power he felt in his own domain.

“Varg,” he greeted, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin. “Another win. You’re becoming predictable.”

“Ten thousand, as agreed,” I said, not in the mood for small talk.

The manager slid a thick envelope across the desk, and I snatched it up, counting the bills quickly. “Don’t waste my time next round,” I said. “I want a real opponent. Someone worth my time.”

“Believe me, Varg,” he replied smoothly, lacing his fingers together. “Your next opponent will be one you won’t forget.”

I didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me. “I heard your brother’s been up to some dirty shit, you better watch his ass. Before he bit the tail of an angry wolf?”

I froze, my fingers curling into a fist at my side. “Stay out of my family’s business,” I growled, shooting him a cold glare.

He shrugged, unfazed. “Just an observation, Varg. Nothing more.”

Leaving the office, I pushed open the heavy door and stepped out into the cool night air, letting it wash over me. My mind went back to Lucian, to the girl he’d brought to the mansion. It didn’t sit right with me. Lucian wasn’t one to involve outsiders unless he had a purpose, and whatever his reasons, they were bound to be dangerous.

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thought, but something gnawed at me. If Lucian was bringing in someone from outside, there had to be more to it than he was letting on. I slid into my car, turned the key, and the engine roared to life. Pulling out of the parking space, I merged onto the main road, the city lights blurring past as my mind raced.