A Rebel Without Claws (Southern Charm #1)

15. ~Ronan~

Chapter 15

~Ronan~

“Stop pacing,” Ty commanded. “You’re putting my wolf on edge.”

I stopped and shifted from foot to foot, checking the tape wrapped around my fist for the twentieth time. Everything was just right, like it had always been before a fight.

I was excited to be competing in a legitimate fight for the first time. My boys looked good. All of us were in our dark red trunks, fists taped, and ready to go.

Bowie sat on the bench against the wall, his AirPods in, bob- bing his head to his hype music. Zack was posting on social media.

“What’s wrong with you?” asked Ty. “You’re never nervous. If anyone should be, it should be me or those two.”

“It’s nothing.”

“We’re going to win,” Ty added.

“I know we are.”

We’d taught Zack and Bowie all that we knew, and they’d soaked it up like natural fighters. Even Bowie, with his larger physique, had perfected all of the swift take-down moves we’d taught him. It’s like they were born for this. It was yet again another sign I was meant to be here.

We’d also studied videos of the Iron Claws on YouTube. We knew what moves they leaned into at the beginning of the fight, if they started offensively or defensively. We knew what defensive techniques they used when they got tired, and we’d practiced counteractive moves over and over again these past few weeks in preparation.

Between work and training, I’d only been able to sneak off to see Celine a few times for coffee and breakfast at her brother’s on two mornings. She still hadn’t introduced me to her parents—and I was pretending that didn’t bother me—but she was also busy in her own right.

On one day, I’d taken a long lunch break, getting Ty to cover for me, to meet at a Mediterranean place called Misa’s that had a romantic vibe, then we made out heavily in her car in City Park before we parted ways for work. We were like teenagers sneaking around. And while I cherished every minute with her, I wanted more.

“He’s nervous because Celine isn’t here yet,” said Zack, finally setting his phone aside and leaning back against the wall, crossing his arms with his trademark grin, casual as fuck and not a bit worried about his first fight in the cage.

I didn’t even argue. Not two seconds later, she peeked into the locker room. “Is everyone dressed?”

I jogged over and pulled her into my arms. She laughed and pecked a kiss on my lips.

“You made it.” I beamed down at her, curling my fingers into the loops of her jeans .

“Of course I did. You thought I wouldn’t?” “Just didn’t know if you could get away.”

“I told my parents Samara wanted a girl’s night.”

Refusing to acknowledge the slight hurt that she still hadn’t introduced me to her parents, I said truthfully, “I’m glad you’re here.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Did Samara come with you?”

“No. She’s got finals for her summer class coming up. But Diego, Morgan, and Boomer came.”

“Sweet,” said Zack. “I thought they would.”

“You told them about it?” I asked.

“Yeah. Why not?”

“No reason.” Then I tugged Celine into the hallway. “So you told your brother about us?” My pulse had picked up speed.

“Actually, Joaquin did. And Diego isn’t stupid. He pretty much figured out we’ve been seeing each other.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Her brow pinched together. “I’m not ashamed of dating you, Ronan.”

“How does Diego feel? Does he want to kick my ass or something?” Not that it mattered, but I needed to know what I’d be facing later.

“No. I told him I’d never forgive him if he started shit with you.”

I slid my hands around her waist. “And that worked?”

“He’s my triplet. He knew I meant it, and he hates it when I’m mad at him.” She laced her fingers at the back of my neck. “Besides, Joaquin was on my side. He can’t go against both of us. It’s impossible. ”

“I knew I liked Joaquin.” I lowered my mouth and brushed lightly, letting the taste of her sink in and give me strength.

I drew away from her when male voices echoed from down the hall. Behind me where the other locker room was, Baron and his teammates were walking this way. Immediately, my wolf growled, going on full alert. Interestingly, other than growl occasionally, I hadn’t sensed the need to shift since he’d partly resurfaced.

I eased Celine out of my arms. “Go on back to your brother. I’ll see you after.”

“Okay. Good luck!” She pecked me quickly, then spun and hurried back down the corridor, her ponytail of copper waves swinging.

A whistle tightened my gut and pulled my attention to the assholes coming closer behind me.

“That’s a pretty fine witch you’ve got, Ronan.” Baron grinned. They were wearing matching blue trunks and short silver silk robes.

“Yeah,” snorted Carter, the big oaf on their team. “How the hell’d you manage that?”

Ty, Zack, and Bowie pushed open the locker room door and joined me as the Iron Claws walked on past.

“I wonder if the carpet matches the drapes,” said Adam, the one I was slotted to fight tonight.

My entire body was locked tight, including my jaw to keep from taking their bait.

“I’d love to find out,” said Baron, winking at me over his shoulder, then they were heading through the swinging door, laughing, and out into the arena to the roar of applause. Music boomed at their entrance .

“Don’t listen to them,” said Ty. “They’re just trying to get you angry. To get you off-balance.”

“Yeah, I know.” I fisted my hands, my knuckles cracking as I strode toward the door leading into the arena. “But I’m sure as fuck going to make Adam eat his goddamn words.”

“They’ll all be eating them,” said Bowie, falling in line close behind me. “If they have any teeth left.”

“That’s what I’m fucking talking about.” Zack laughed.

Post Malone’s “Take What You Want” was blaring from the arena, the crowd screaming.

“Just focus on your training. Don’t lose your cool,” said Ty, now beside me. “And kick the fucking shit out of them.”

Then we stepped through the double doors for our first fight.