Rejection Denied
Juniper Alley

My walk to Juniper Alley turned into a steady jog. Fighting may not be a legit job, but it’s my only source of income. The hot dog I’m craving will have to wait. If I’m late, I miss my slot. If I miss my place, I lose my manager.

Mark isn’t a patient man, and he can be very intimidating. He’s a proud baldy, with a collage of tattoos covering most of his body. At least the parts that I’ve seen. His broad shoulders and muscular build have many people cowering away from him. But not me of course.

The only thing I find slightly odd about Mark is his eyes. Sometimes they’re dark brown, and other times I swear there’re pitch black. That’s when I know not to approach him. He warned me himself. You don’t need to tell me twice. I just need Mark to set up my fights and pay me my money. I could care less about any personal problems he may be having.

“But at the same time, if you considered having friends, he would be one.”

“In another life, yes. Right now, I only need you.” I mentally hugged my inside voice.

“You know you’re weird, right? Calling your inside voice a friend.”

“Yes, I know. But you didn’t deny being my friend. Although it’s all inside my head, I know you’re really here for me. As a matter of fact, I’m going to name you. How about Mia?”

“Mia?”

“It’s official, convo over.”

Approaching the inviting orange glow of a barrel fire. I noticed there was a crowd already forming around the makeshift ring. I walked towards the back underneath the bridge to search for Mark.

“Are you lost, little thing.” A tall figure dressed in black approached me. His face was hooded, and he smelled like alcohol.

“No.” I continued walking past him—Trying to give the bastard the chance to live another day. He latched onto my shoulder and whispered in my ear.

“You know I can be your personal guard for the night. It gets really crazy here at night.” He chuckled. “ A pretty thing like you could get lost. There are some bad people out here. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

Deep breaths, Aviry...

Feeling my murderous side taking control, I had to breathe. I wanted to save my remaining energy for the fight, that way, I’d get paid for my violence. But I have no problem dropping the fight and killing the drunk bastard.

Deep Breaths...

“Mia, it’s not working... He’s touching me.” My hand was twitching with anticipation.

“Don’t kill him Aviry. Just break his arm.”

I grabbed the stranger’s wrist and slowly turned to look at him. I probably looked like a crazy-ass psycho the way I was huffing and puffing. I tightened my grip on his wrist, and just as I was about to break it, two large arms wrapped around my waist and carried me away.

“You’re late Aviry,” Mark said, still carrying me toward the back of the bridge. “Save the fighting for the ring. I promise I have someone good lined up.”

“I swear that guy better come back and thank you for saving his fucking life Mark.” Because let’s be honest. Breaking the drunk’s arm wouldn’t be enough for me.

Mark Laughed and set me down by the registration table. “Don’t worry I’ll teach him some manners after the fight.”

“Names and Class.” A dirty-looking rat asked in a snotty voice. Stained wife beaters must be on sale.

“Aviry Mills, Mark Shephard, Champion Class,” Mark answered with his arms crossed. “We have our fee, and I want to double it. My bets on my champion.”

“Mark, what the fuck?” I questioned. First of all Champion class? I’ve never been that high up before. I mean, I’ll take it as a compliment but, a bitch could’ve been warned.

Then doubling the entrance fee? All the money earned from both sides goes to the winner and their manager. The higher the bet placed the higher the payout if your side wins.

This man must be drunk, high, or a combination of both with a hint of stupid.

“You do know the entrance fee is five grand tonight right?” The weasel said, pulling out a cash box.

“Did I ask for you’re fucking input? Double my fee, and put it all on my champion.” Mark slammed the banded wad of cash down and walked away with me in tow.

“MARK!! What the actual fuck. Do you know how much money that was?” I was dumbstruck. “What if I lose—”

“You won’t lose, that’s a fact. You’re ruthless and fierce when it comes to fights.” He sighed. “Look, I’m confident you’ll come out on top. One competitor one round. If you want out, now’s your chance to speak.”

“Fuck you! I’d never back out. I’m just saying that money would’ve been better off in my hands since that’s where it’ll be before the night ends.” I laughed and punched his arm. “So I’m guessing big money big target. Who’s my opponent?”

He turned me around, and when I laid eyes on the unfortunate soul, I got excited. Not only was I going to have more than enough cash after tonight. But I was also going to be able to release all my pent-up anger without holding back.

“The way you’re jumping up and down like a kid on Christmas is amusing.” Mark chuckled

Was I jumping shit, I was. “Mark, do you know who that is? Bex Jensen, BJ, the fucking beast!”

“If you think this is pushing it, I don’t mind—”

“Are you fucking kidding me? This is probably the happiest moment of my life.” I tightened up my ponytail and walked toward the stage. “Mark, let’s go! We have money to win, and I have to make a grown man cry and beg for mercy.”

“Wait, Aviry, there’s something else you need—”

“Men and ladies of Juniper Alley!!! Are you ready for the final match of the night?!” The host shouted through his mic. The speakers damn near blew my eardrums out.

The gathered crowd was screaming and cheering. Beer bottles were splashing their contents in the air. This crowd was rowdy and ready for blood. And I’m ready to satisfy their craving.

“AHHH Yeah!! We got something special for you guys tonight. Easy fucking money. Place your bets now. We will begin the final event in three minutes!” The announcer motioned for the bet keepers to begin. “Can I get both opponents to the ring? It’s only fair that our people see who they’re paying for!”

“Mark, let’s go!!” I’m not going to lie; I’m almost happy. Like legit, this is a great feeling going on right now.

“Wait, Aviry—” Mark looked at me, and I’m almost sure he seemed worried for a sec there. He rubbed his head, “Just be careful. You’re my best fighter.”

“No promises boss man. But I’ll win you your money, even if I come out black and blue. At least I’ll be alive, I can’t say the same for the other guy.” I almost smiled, but I slapped that shit away.

“All right.” Mark sighed heavily. “I’m not gonna tell you good luck. That sounds like an insult to someone like you. Instead, I’ll say get your ass out there and do what you do best Aviry. Go kick some ass.”

I took that as my sign to step away and prepare myself for the hell I was about to bring forth.

“Aww, your friend cares for you.”

“Not now Mia. We...I need to focus. I need every ounce of strength that I can muster. My only goal is to win and spill more blood than I give. I’ll need to channel every negative thought into each hit I give. And with each blow, I receive I’ll accept it and move the fuck on.”

I walked up to the ring with Mark keeping pace beside me. All the looks and whispers were directed toward Mark. I was being overlooked as always. Underestimated, and that’s everyone’s mistake. I’ve always been abnormally strong. These people don’t know that I took down Mark; that’s how he became my manager. That’s the only way he agrees to take someone under his wing.

I didn't get away unscathed from that fight it was fair and brutal. Mark earned my respect that day.

I stepped into the ring with Mark. Bex and his manager were already standing beside the announcer.

The closer I get to Bex, the more anxious I am to start this fight. I want his throat under my foot, gasping for air. I want his pretty chiseled face to turn colors. I want his blue eyes to realize that I was his ultimate nightmare. Yes, he’s built, and he is slightly taller than me. But that’s not intimidating to me, I’ve fought plenty of males, and he’s nothing special.

“People Here are your competitors! Bex The Monster, and Mar—”

“Umm, no.” I stepped forward and waved. “It sounded like you almost said Mark, my manager. No sir, read the next name on that card, please.”

“Umm..uh... Aviry Mills.”

“That’s it. Much Better.” I clapped my hands slowly and stared at the announcer as he gaped like a fish.

“Bu...but you’re... a female.” The whole crowd was silent.

“HA HA HA!! AHHH god!! What the fuck, who’s playing jokes.” Bex was bent over laughing hysterically.

I don’t know why he’s laughing. I don’t find anything funny about his imminent death if he continues to consider me a joke. I’ll be the deadly final punch line to the joke that if he keeps laughing like a fucking clown.

“I think he wants to die,” Mia whispered.

“I thought the same thing.”

The crowd broke out in laughter. And I mentally photographed each face. The audience rapidly passed cash over to the bet collectors. Clearly choosing Bex over me. I mean, it’s their money. If they want to lose it that easily I’m not going to stop them.

“Ok, ok, everyone quiet down now. Mark, what the hell?” The announcer was trying to hold back his laugh as he spoke to my manager. Bypassing me like I’m an ignorant child. “I’m going to give you a chance to back out of this Man. We were good friends at one point. I don’t want to take your money like this. It feels like robbery.”

The crowd laughed again. Bex and his manager were cheesing like a couple of cool cats discussing something as they both look at their phone unbothered by the situation.

“Listen—” Mark shouted.

“I’m not sure what’s so funny.” I shrugged my shoulders and walked to the front of the stage. And shouted loud enough for the people in the back. “Bex is about to be in the hospital. Life support should be on stand by the way.” I looked at Bex and his manager. They were no longer smiling. “A lot of weak ass bastards are about to lose money.” I looked back to the crowd and then turned to the announcer and looked him dead in the eye. “And you joker will be beaten for free if you don’t start this event.”

“It’s your funeral bitch.” The announcer snarled in my ear as I walked back to stand by a grinning Mark.

“You heard her folks. She’s ready to die. Final call for bets.” The announcer turned to face us again. “Managers, Bex, and dead woman walking. Please go to your corners.”

It’s ok. Every insult is just getting Bex closer to his grave. And if I’m not satisfied after that, I’m coming for the host. What they’re not realizing is I’m already in my murderous mood. My silence is never a good thing.

I walked over to my corner with Mark. He was whispering something to me, but my focus was set on the creative ways I was going to mess Bex up Even the cheers and chants from the crowd faded out. The booming speakers and the announcer brought me out of my trance.

“Remember, folks. The Champion event isn’t for the faint of heart. Our competitors are fighting until the other is incapacitated or dead. There will be no intervening until the sound of the next round. Failure to comply results in automatic elimination.”

“So are me going for incapacitated or death Aviry?”

“I mean honestly, Mia. Whichever comes first. Well, rather whichever one I recognize first.”

“So death...”

“Yeah, most likely.”

“Mark, are you ready to be a wealthier man tonight. I want a steak dinner and a 2-night stay at a hotel of my choice.” I looked to my manager, and there’s that worried look again. Never have I seen that emotion from him.

“I’ll get you whatever you want; just be careful.”

“Boss man, if I can take you down, I’m not going to worry about Bex.”

Mark shook his head, glaring across the ring at Bex. “This guy’s different. I went easy on you, kid.”

“Bullshit Mark.” I looked over at Bex. His face of anger was hilarious. I guess he was trying to scare me. So I waved at him and plastered a fake smile on my face. This seemed to piss him off even more, so I blew him a kiss and winked.

“You’re going to die bitch!!” He screamed across the stage. The crowd seemed to love it, so they cheered.

“I’m sorry you said what, Bex!?” I smiled. “Did you say your grandma’s selling cookies? Oh no, thanks, bud.” I looked at Mark. “Mark, do you want some cookies. Bex is selling some.”

“You are pissing him off on purpose, aren’t you. Look at him.”

I looked back over at Bex, who’s now currently fighting against being restrained by his manager.

“I can confirm. But I call it marinating it just makes it all the better when it’s time to fight.” I stood up and stretched my limbs.

“Alright, All bets are in. Let’s begin the event.” The host looked over at Bex. “Teach her a lesson, monster.” He looked over at Me. “You’ll learn your place tonight, girl. Managers step out of the ring. Competitors to the center.”

When I say I’m beyond ecstatic, I’ve never been so eager to release all of my anger on one poor soul before. I walked to the center with my hands behind my back. And for the first time, I was actually smiling.

Bex stepped up in front of me. Now that he’s closer, I realize he’s not that much taller than me. But still fighting low at the beginning with him will be my best bet. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Last chance, sweetie. I’ll be staying in time for the night. I can just take you back to my room, and we can settle this there.”

“No, thanks. I’m sure your mom doesn’t want a crazy bitch like me around her virgin son. I may just be a bad influence on you, pretty boy.”

“You influence a lot of things on me beautiful. But I’ll forgive your insults after I fuck that pretty face up. I won’t need to look at the top half of you when I only care for the bottom.”

“Yay, death!!” Mia was happy.

“I know, I know, calm down, let’s be sure to play with our new toy before we destroy it.”

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