Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
The referee crouched down next to Marco and counted out loud as he slapped the floor. The boxer didn’t budge as the numbers climbed. He was knocked out cold, and when the count hit ten, the crowd roared again.
Not all of the audience’s shouts were positive; these people paid good money to see twelve rounds of boxing, and Sloan ended it all in a matter of moments. But most of the cheers were encouraging, and though I didn't love the sport itself, I was in awe of Sloan's skill and strength.
Once again, his team stormed the mat, along with several other men carrying video cameras and microphones who were all loudly vying for his attention. The referee approached him as well, but Sloan pushed his way through everyone to get to the ropes.
He knelt down and offered me a gloved hand. I took it and he hefted my weight up onto the mat as I tried to help, but mostly just flopped around like an ungraceful baby hippo.
Sloan helped me to my feet and I told him, “You were incredible!”
“Thank you, sweet Lyric.” He leaned down and rested his forehead on mine, but only for a moment. One of his staff members hurried to Sloan's side and quickly unwrapped the tape from his gloves, releasing his hands. Another man leaned in and secured a necklace around Sloan’s throat.
The referee lifted one of Sloan’s arms in the air as he announced into his microphone, “With a time of forty-four seconds in the first round and keeping his record undefeated, the winner by knockout is Sloan “The Deity” Vasilios!”
I clapped and whistled, and was shocked when Sloan took my puckered lips in a kiss. He didn't care that the crowd was watching or cameras were rolling, catching the moment on film.
It sent the reporters into a frenzy. They all shouted questions of who I was as they shoved mics in front of Sloan and me. My heart raced when Sloan answered simply, “He is mine,” before guiding me through the crowd to the edge of the ring.
He held open the ropes and helped me through them before guiding me down a small set of stairs. Once we were on the floor, he took my hand and he led me through a doorway and down a hallway. I was both terrified and exhilarated to realize I would follow him anywhere.
Chapter Two
Sloan
My mind spun as I led Lyric down the corridor towards the locker room. Every time I won a fight, pride and joy filled my heart. Today, I was overcome with the same feelings, but they were not from my victory.
I had found my mate; the partner I was bound to love and protect for all time. All my life, I'd heard promises that the goddess Fate would deliver a mate to me, but I was beginning to doubt the vow.
But she did not forsake me. She delivered a beautiful man to me, and I was forever grateful that she found me worthy. Perhaps it meant that others would as well. Maybe my Earthly journey was coming to an end. Maybe all of my hard work and sacrifices were finally paying off. I would find out soon enough. But for now, I was itching to speak to my gorgeous mate without reporters or referees in my face.
We entered the empty locker room and were followed in by Christos, my closest friend and valued team member. Normally, his presence was welcome, but I wanted time alone with Lyric.
I turned to Christos to ask him for privacy, but found that his hands were raised in front of his chest before I said a word. “I won't stay. I just wanted to say congratulations. I'm so happy for you.” I knew he wasn't talking about the fight. Christos knew all about my desire for my mate. He was the one I sent to retrieve Lyric from the stands.
“Thank you, my friend.”
“I’ll guard the door to ensure your privacy.” Christos wasn’t as big or strong as I was, but he was persistent and dependable, and I trusted him to do as he said. I thanked him again, and he turned his smile onto Lyric. “Congratulations to you as well; Sloan is a good man.”
Though Lyric appeared a little confused, he smiled and nodded at my friend. When Christos opened the door to leave, I heard the ruckus of the media outside, but the noise faded away once the door was shut again.
Thrilled to finally have a peaceful moment with my mate, I turned to Lyric. I had so much I wanted to tell him; how happy I was to have finally found him, and what awaited us in our future together. But I didn’t know where or how to begin.
Even if I did, my words wouldn't come easily. I was too struck by Lyric’s beauty. He was everything I wasn’t. Where I was sharp and chiseled, everything about him was soft and lovely; his name, his body, his face, and the gaze of his crystal blue eyes.