Page 69 of Glutton for Punishment

The car rolls to a stop in front of a building that looks more like a bunker.

“We’re here,” he exhales, still frustrated.

The doors open and I recognize Kael as he steps out towards us with an enormous grin. Two men flank him, guns and knives strapped across their chests.

He’s a lot shorter than Maddox but built like the Universe overcompensated his lack of height with muscle and thickness. Scars cut across his face and his arms, disappearing beneath his shirt.

“Maddox,” he calls, spreading his arms like we’ve just arrived at a celebration. “I thought you’d never come visit me.”

His gaze slides to me. “And with my new sister in tow.”

He gestures wildly with his hands when he talks, which would be fine if he didn’t have a loaded gun in his palm.

“Don’t be shy,” he says, already stepping toward me. “Give your brother a hug.”

Kael closes the distance between us as Maddox moves.

One second Kael’s closing the distance and the next, Maddox is in front of me, solid and immovable.

“I don’t think so.” Maddox’s tone sends ice down my spine. It’s much more frightening than the growly voice I’ve become accustomed to.

The two men behind Kael raise their guns in one smooth motion, and my heart stops dead in my chest.

Kael pauses, then laughs.

“Whoa, bro. Relax.” He lifts his free hand, still smiling like this is all part of the fun. “Just being friendly.”

He glances back at his guards. “Put those away, guys. Come on. This is family!”

Kael’s smile doesn’t falter, but something in his posture tightens.

“Boy, do I have a treat for you,” he continues, already turning toward the doors. “Come inside. The fights are just getting started.”

I want to ask Maddox if the fights haven’t started, then why are there fresh blood drops on his pants… but probably best not to dwell.

We follow him inside, and the loud sound hits my ears hard and fast. Shouting, cheering, something slamming against metal, the sharp crack of impact followed by a roar that feels hungry. The air is thick with sweat and the familiar scent of blood.

Now this feels like home.

But instead of a dirt pit, the place is full of concrete walls and exposed beams. The space opens up as we move deeper, revealing levels stacked above and around a central ring caged in metal.

People crowd every inch. Pressed together, leaning over railings, shouting down at the entertainment below.

The chaos of the masses part for Kael, guards falling into step behind us again. We’re led up a set of stairs to a section that’s clearly VIP, a booth overlooking the pit, enclosed on three sides with a clear view of everything below.

“Make yourselves comfortable,” Kael says, already moving behind a counter stocked with bottles that look expensive. He sets the gun down and starts pouring drinks.

I step closer to the glass. Below, two figures circle each other inside the cage. One of them is already bleeding.

The crowd roars as I hear the clink of glasses behind me. Kael hums under his breath, at ease.

“Now,” he says, sliding a drink across the counter, “what can I get for you, brother?”

Maddox doesn’t sit. “That’s unnecessary, Kael. We came here to discuss Amaya and Riven. I know they are working on plans against me, and I know they have approached you.”

Kael waves him off. “Hey—no business talk right now.” He tops off his own glass, sloshing a little over the rim. “This is family fun time.”

I cringe. Maddox is not in the mood for family fun.