Page 19 of Storm

"Actually," Mack leans closer, his breath sour with cheap whiskey, "speaking of plans... got another fight lined up for you. Next week. Double the money."

I hesitate. Double the money means double therisk. "Who's the opponent?"

Mack's smile widens. "Reed Howard.”

The name hits me like a bucket of ice water. Reed Howard. Elite alpha with a reputation for destroying anyone who steps into the ring with him. Including me four years ago.

"You're out of your mind," I say, already turning away. "I'm not fighting Reed Howard." It’s not worth it.

Mack grabs my arm, his fingers digging in hard enough to bruise. "Two grand. Think about it, Holloway. That's rent for two months."

I shake off his hand. "Don’t need rent money that badly."

I've only recently begun paying for it myself after The Pit covered my apartment expenses for the last four years. I've been putting any extra money aside and I’ve built up a decent savings. I'm only doing this so I won't have to dip into those savings to cover rent and utilities, just until Storm’s with me. Then I have the money for us to leave and start that life I promised her.

"He's asking for you specifically." Mack's voice follows me as I push through the crowd.

That stops me cold. I haven't seen him or fought at that underground fight club in four years—not since that night when Storm stepped into the ring to save me from Reed. The night that changed everything.

I turn slowly, facing Mack again. "Why would Reed Howard want to fight me?"

Mack shrugs, trying to look casual, but I can see the excitement in his eyes. This would be the biggest fight he's ever promoted. They don’t get elites down here. This club is too beneath them, and that's why I fight here.

"Don't know, don't care. He's offering good money, and he wants you specifically."

A cold feeling settles in my gut. This doesn't make sense. Unless it has something to do with Storm. His pack runs the Omega House. It didn't take long after Storm was sent there for his pack to take over. I might not follow the elites and government. But I sure as hell follow everything to do with Storm. The Omega House and who runs it are part of that.

The thought of her name sends a familiar ache through my chest.Four years. Four long years since I watched her being dragged away to the Omega House, her wild auburn curls flying as she fought the beta guards every step of the way. Four years of waiting, planning, saving every penny I could.

"I'll think about it," I tell Mack, my mind racing.

If Reed Howard is asking for me by name, it has to be connected to Storm. Or maybe she's already had her Choosing Day, and I missed it. She went to meet me and I wasn't there. Does he know of our plan?Fuck.

The thought makes my blood boil. I've kept up with the Choosing Day broadcasts as best I can, watching every couple of months in case I spot her. But I haven't seen her yet. I've been waiting, counting down to her twentieth birthday, which was last month. All omegas go up for Choosing Day after they turn twenty. This has to be it.

"When?" I ask Mack, decision already made.

"Next Saturday," he says, trying to hide his excitement but failing miserably. "Ten PM, the old warehouse near the docks."

The last place I fought him. I clench my fists. This time will be different.

"I'll be there."

Mack's face splits into a grin. "Knew you couldn't resist, Holloway."

I push past him without another word, shoving through the crowd toward the exit. My mind is racing faster than my heartbeat. The cool night air hits my face as I step outside, a welcome relief from the stifling scent of alphas in the warehouse. I flex my bruised knuckles, wincing at the sting. I need to clean them up.

My apartment is fifteen blocks away, but I walk it every time. The movement helps clear my head, and tonight I need that more than ever. The streets are quiet at this hour, most of the city asleep or at least pretending to be. The only sounds are my footsteps and the occasional car passing by.

As I turn onto the next street, I notice something unusual—a small crowd gathered around one of the storefronts. The electronics shop, the one with all the TVs in the window. People are pressed against the glass, watching intently.

Curious, I slow my pace. It's late for this many people to be out, especially on this street. I approach cautiously, keeping to the edges of the crowd.

"Is that her?" someone whispers. "The one they're announcing for next month?"

"Two of them," another voice replies. "Beta-born omegas. They're doing something different this time."

My heart skips a beat. Beta-born omegas.Storm. I push forward, ignoring the protests as I shoulder my way to the front of the crowd.