Semua Bab The lost packs: Bab 71 - Bab 80

*Tjeck* Even in the dead of night, Kress’s gates are vigilantly guarded. Given the hour and the looming threat of war, they refuse us entry until either Kress or Thorn grants permission. The only reason they even consider getting Thorn it is because of me; when an Alpha appears at this hour, it signals something of great importance. Thorn arrives looking as if he just rolled out of bed, clad only in a pair of loose-fitting pajama pants. His hair is a wild tangle of curls, and now, knowing what I do, I can easily see the familial resemblance and the small quirks they both share. I leave it to Amber to explain our predicament. This time, however, it’s much more challenging for her to articulate, and she stumbles over her words. When she finally finishes, Thorn regards her with a bemused expression. “I have never been this happy to have been turned down by a hot she-wolf before… because elseway this would be a whole other level of weird.” “Thorn!” Amber slaps him lightly on the shou

*Amber* "You underestimate me, Christopher," Thorn says calmly. "Do you really think I would walk in here all alone, without backup?" He starts laughing. "You came alone," Christopher points out. "Because I already have the best backup imaginable right here," Thorn replies, nodding toward me. "Oh, and I currently have three trained snipers outside the house, all three have you in their crosshairs, dear father." Thorn looks at our father. "So I recommend you stay perfectly still while Amber tells you her conditions." I stand up and calmly step between them. Having the knife in my hand helps a bit with my nerves. "I’m going to sign the papers and agree to marry you." I ignore my father and focus solely on Christopher. "After that, you let me walk out of here, and you never have to see me again. According to the laws of inheritance, you get to keep both the money and my name if I die or if the marriage lasts more than three months. Three months from now, you’re free to pronounce me

*Tjeck* That evening, I head out to the club with Thorn, Adis, and Mike. We settle into our usual table on the second floor, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and the faint scent of sweat, spilled drinks, and the electric energy that only a night like this can bring. From our vantage point, we can clearly see Amber and Kattie working the bar, their movements fluid and confident. They both seem completely at ease in the bustling environment, unfazed by the relentless advances of the men trying to catch their attention. “Isn’t it about time you start showing up for fight nights again?” Mike asks, casting a sideways glance at Adis. "You must be in shape to start accepting challenges, don’t you think?" Fight nights at the arena are a wild affair, a spectacle where members of our alliance pay to enter, eager to witness the clash of strength and skill. The place bursts with life as we serve drinks and take bets on who will emerge victorious. Between bouts, our resident band keeps

*Amber* Tjeck and Thorn face off in the first fight. While the band plays, it is possible to bet money on the result, and they spend the time warming up a bit in front of the ring. Adis, Kattie, Drew, and I stand on the floor down in front of the ring. The band packs up as Tjeck and Thorn step into the ring. Everyone goes silent, as if the entire audience is holding its breath. But when the fight starts, people begin whistling and cheering, and the noise level explodes. I have seen Tjeck in the ring before, of course, but only during training and never against Thorn. Their every movement is so fast and precise that it looks like something they have rehearsed. It is impossible to count how many times they strike each other, but they just keep going as if they don't even feel it. I feel my heart hammering in my throat; it is impressive to see the speed, strength, and tactical knowledge they both possess. But on the other hand, it is my twin brother fighting my... well, what is Tjeck

*Tjeck* Adis isn’t happy about Thorn’s challenge; his tense stance makes that clear. However, by accepting the challenge, Amber earns a lot of respect. “Stop it, Adis.” I pull his fingers from his mouth. There’s no reason for him to bite his nails over this. “They’ve faced each other in the ring several times. Why is it suddenly a problem?” “It’s always different on fight nights,” Adis mumbles. “You just give that extra little nudge. He just kicked your ass for the Goddess’ sake.” “Yeah, it would seem so. We had to go full out.” I explain. “Everyone had to see Thorn as ruthless and brutal, like he would do anything to win.” Adis’s fingers find their way back to his mouth just as Amber strikes at Thorn, who easily blocks her. When Thorn and I faced each other, we both got through an equal number of strikes, and we excel at breaking through each other’s defenses. But with Thorn and Amber, it’s different. They predict each other’s attacks so well that they both block most of them.