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Instead of being taken aback, Von’s smile only widened. “Well, this is exciting, isn’t it? Nathaniel, you are allowed a physical fight to take his advantage or reward for yourself. As our long-time viewers know, this is called an Alpha Brawl. Very sexy and usually bloody, but…” He held up a warning finger. “Competitors are not allowed to kill one another in the Brawl. That’s the only rule, really. Nathaniel, is this something you would like to pursue?”

Nathaniel glared at me. “Hell, yes, I do.”

He obviously wasn’t used to not coming in first place. It was like he took personal offense that I’d gotten back before he did. This fucker had been laughing about Ryan’s death and happily handing over the winnings to Omar.

Gritting my teeth, I held Nathaniel’s gaze. “I accept,” I growled.

Nathaniel stared me down. He was trying to intimidate me and was probably used to getting other guys—even alphas—to bow to his intensity. All I did was stare right back.

“Fantastic,” Von said. “Before we get