The Alpha’s Fated Choice (Alpha's Fated Encounter Trilogy #1)

I’m glad Mathew warned me. This woman is a powerhouse. Unlike other fighters I have faced, she does not attack at random. She is targeting my vital organs, her goal clearly to incapacitate me as fast as possible.

I find myself slightly impressed. But I’ve been in the game a long time, too. I deftly avoid her strikes and land two of my own, one against the side of her neck—stunning her momentarily—and the other against her hip, which seems to be a weak point for her.

She doesn’t go down that easily, though, and I prepare myself for a long, drawn-out fight.

I can hear the crowd in the background, but I pay them no mind. If I wanted to, theoretically, I could knock out the Beaver with one blow. But that is not something I’m allowed to do. My wolf feels excited at facing such a worthy opponent. However, I can also sense its distraction. It seems to be searching for something in the audience, its attention constantly moving away from our opponent.

My wolf and I are always in sync during a fight. This is the first time I have felt it so distracted. I glance at the timer as I kick the woman in the stomach and make her stumble backward.

I still have a minute left.

Deciding to go on the offensive, I deliver nonstop strikes, moving faster than normal, and she goes down.

The bell sounds, and Mathew enters the ring. He holds up my hand. “Round one goes to the Wily Vixen!”

I take a deep breath. Two more rounds to go.

By the time the fight ends, my arms are aching. I had to let the Beaver win the second round before I crushed her in the third, securing my victory.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it seems the Wily Vixen has managed to, yet again, hold on to her crown!”

I let Mathew ramble on, hyping me up to the crowd. As he holds my hand in the air, my gaze flies over the faces watching me.

My wolf is still searching for something. And the minute my eyes land on the man who is standing at the very far end of the room, his hands in his pockets, his eyes pinned on me, I feel my wolf relax.

It was searching for Alex.

The next fight is about to begin, so I start to head back to my dressing room. As I walk away, I can feel Alex’s gaze on me. Does he know who is under this mask?

I’m not taking any chances. As soon as I enter my dressing room, I take off my mask, but I don’t bother unbraiding my hair. I change into a clean set of clothes, including a hoodie, and wait for Mathew to drop off my payment.

When he knocks, I can smell him from the other side of the door, and I turn the knob to let him in.

“Good job—” He begins, only to cut himself short. He arches one surprised brow. “Are you in a hurry?”

“I have a shift at the bar,” I lie easily.

I have a feeling Alex may be waiting for me outside the back door that I always use, so I ask Mathew, “Do you think I could go out the main entrance this time?”

He gives me a strange look. “You use the rear exit for a reason, Sophia. A lot of people will be out front. If somebody recognizes you…” He trails off, but I know he’s right. I can’t take that risk. “Use the back door,” Mathew advises. “And I left some beef sandwiches for you on the kitchen table.”

For a moment, I consider telling him about the possibility of Alex being out there. But I hold my tongue, knowing the potential consequences that might arise. Mathew hands me a fat envelope and leaves as I stuff it in my bag. I’m about to head out myself when I pause. Better to be safe than sorry. Taking out my mask, I secure it on my face and pull up my hoodie.

I don’t want to waste any more time. I grab the sandwiches on my way through the kitchen and put them in my bag, as well. Finally, I walk out the back door, and as expected, Alex is standing there. He’s alone this time, his friends nowhere in sight.

“We meet again,” he says softly.

I stare at him, my blood humming. Has he recognized me? I keep waiting for him to call me by my name.

“What’s your name?”

I nearly collapse out of relief. But all I do is shake my head.

“I know you’re a shifter.”

He takes a step toward me, and I instantly hold up a hand. My voice is muffled from the mask, and I desperately pray he doesn’t recognize it. “That’s far enough. What do you want with me?”

“I just want to have a conversation.”