The Untouchable Stryker

by Kara2211

Lexa has had a very hard life. She doesn't know who her parents are or where she is really from. All she knows is she is different and wants to get out of Afghanistan. She is forced to fight for Ahmed's group when her school was bombed. That's where she met Ash, the person she thought was the love of her life but then she meets Clarke.

14. Chapter 14: Lexa

Chapter 14: Lexa

By the time we returned from getting my stuff, Micky had posted the fight bracket. Not that looking at the names helped me in the least because I didn't know anyone, but I decided to see what the odds were and place a few bets. O took me to the betting booth, where she introduced me to Sloan, the oddsmaker. Sloan looked to be a few years older than me, but she was beautiful. She was nicely built with shoulder-length blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and a fantastic smile.

I was jarred from my thoughts by laughter. O says, "Lexa, Sloan ask you a question."

"Oh, sorry. What was the question?"

Sloan smiles and repeats, "Would you like to make a bet on some of the fights?"

"Yes, but first, I would like to know the odds on the tournament I'm fighting in. What are the odds for me to win the entire tournament?"

Sloan says, "Well, we usually go fight by fight on the odds but giving what I know about most of the contestants, except you, I would say +4200 for you to win the entire tournament."

"Really? What is the maximum I can bet?"

Sloan looks at O. She just shrugs her shoulders. "Look, I just met you, and I don't doubt that you think you are that good, but I would hate for you to lose all your money on a stupid bet. I mean, don't get me wrong, you are handsome, as well as amazingly built from what I can see, but that is a crazy bet."

I can feel myself turning red, and O is laughing. So I simply say, "Thanks for the compliment, but what is the max I can place on myself?"

"We usually cap it at $50,000 a fight, but since this is for the whole tournament, which will possibly be five fights for you, let's say $250,000. I will just need to double-check with Micky before I let you place the bet."

Sloan picks up the phone to call Micky, and O pulls me to the side and says, "What the hell are you doing?"

I just laugh, "I figure once they see me fight, the odds will never be in my favor again, so if I go ahead and make what they think is a crazy bet upfront, I stand to make a lot of money. Once I make a bet, they have to honor it even after they see me fight. So I suggest that you get in on this bet if you want to make some money, that is, if you have any to bet. If not, I can front you some if you want."

Octavia says, "I understand the concept. I'm not stupid. My question is, where are you going to get that kind of money?"

"From my bank account. One thing about the middle east and fighting terrorists, there is always money lying around for the taking if you are good enough to take it. Let's just say that Omar had a lot of cash lying around when I rescued Ash, and I took it. How did you think I was paying for all the drinks and food for everyone?"

She says, "Honestly, I thought Ash was paying."

"Why would you think that?"

"I don't know. Maybe she feels guilty and gives you whatever you want!"

"Seriously, Octavia, she may, but I would never just expect her to pay for everything. I want to make my own money, get my own place and never have to depend on anyone for anything."

"Jeeze, calm down. I didn't mean to get you upset."

Just then, Sloan said, "Micky said he would take the bet, but he would need for you to provide proof that you can get the money. He said to stop by his office on your way to get dressed."

I thank Sloan, and we head back to Mickey's office once again. When we get there, I walk in and say, "What do you need for proof that I can cover the bet?"

He laughs and says, "So you are serious about this? In that case, I guess if you can show me a bank account in your name with at least that amount in it, I will allow the bet."

"Fine, give me a second to pull up my account." I pull out my phone and enter in the information required to show him three accounts with a total of $550,000. "Is this good enough?" I turn my phone towards him so that he can see the account balances.

He replies, "Well damn, where does someone your age get that kind of money? It doesn't matter. I will allow the bet."

"So, if I bet $250,000 at +4200, that would mean when I win, the payout will be $10,750,000, correct?"

He just laughs and says, "You sure are confident, but yes, your math is correct."

I reach out to shake his hand and say, "Alright then, it's time to make some money. If I were you Mickey, I would place a few bets on me." I look at O and say, "Are you going to place a bet?"

She leans over and whispers, "I only have about three grand, and I'm not sure I can risk it."

I laugh and say, "Trust me, it isn't a risk, it is a sure thing, I will front you. Micky put another $50,000 on me to win it all for Octavia. You've seen the account, so you know I have it."

She cuts her eyes at me, but Micky just shakes his head yes and says, "Ok, get out of here before I change my mind. I'll let Sloan know."

Octavia grabs me, dragging me to the locker room to change. While I am changing, she is talking nonstop about how much money I just bet, and if I win, we will be set for life and never have to work. I can't help but laugh at her. I walk out of the changing room in the pair of basketball shorts Ash gave me that first night and a Nike sports bra.

"Hey, is this okay to wear to fight in?"

O turns around, and her jaw drops. I say, "What's wrong? Should I wear something else?"

She begins to stutter but finally finds her words, "Sorry…I…no, that is fine to wear. I mean, I knew you were built but damn, I didn't expect…what are all the scars from?" She just waves her hands up and down at my body and says, "I didn't expect this. Now I see why you made the bet. You look amazing. No wonder every girl around hits on you, and those scars just add mystery to an amazing body…."

I interrupt her rant, "Yo! Octavia, please stop! You are making me a little uncomfortable here."

"Damn Lexa, I'm sorry. It's just…I mean…if you weren't like my sister, I would be jumping your bones right now."

We both just start laughing uncontrollably at the absurdity of her statement, "Well, let's go get you some gloves, and then I have a few phone calls to make before your fight."

"Wait, what phone calls?"

She laughs and says, "Don't worry, I'm just calling some of the guys to give them a chance to make some money, that's all. I won't call Jess or Angie in case they would feel the need to tell Callie."

Before I can answer, she runs off, and I hear over the intercom that all tournament participants need to report to the staging area for weigh-in. I follow the crowd, lining up with about eighty other fighters. Apparently, three tournaments are going on today. I feel ridiculous standing up here on the stage with everyone gawking at me. I understand the need to weigh in but not the need to do it in front of all the spectators. I must look as uncomfortable as I feel because the guy next to me says, "Hey, don't sweat it. They are just here trying to get a look at everyone so that they can decide who to bet on."

I look over at him and say, "Ah, now it makes sense. Thanks, I'm Lexa, by the way."

He smiles, "Nice to meet you. I'm Russell Cooper, but most people call me Coop or Russ. Are you new around here?"

I give him the once over and notice that he is built well with toned, defined abs and short, stocky legs. He has a tattoo covering his left arm of what looks to be army helicopters and soldiers. He also has piercings in his left eyebrow, both ears, and nasal septum. He looks like he could be ex-military. "Yeah, I haven't been in town long. Did you serve?" I ask, pointing to his tattoo.

He replies, "Yeah, just got out. How about you?" He points to my tattoo.

"Sort of, long story."

He gives me a funny look and then notices the tattoo around the scar. He points to it and says, "Wait, does that say the valley, 08-22-20? Afghanistan?"

"Yeah, why?"

He says, "Holy shit! You are THAT Lexa?"

I look around and see people are starting to notice us, and I tell him to quiet down. "I guess…I mean, I was at the valley in Afghanistan on that date, but before you say anything else, try and keep it quiet. I don't want to ruin my betting odds."

He laughs, "Damn, you are like a legend. I think everyone who has served over there recently knows who you and Fletch are. I sure hope I don't have to fight you tonight, but I will go straight over and bet on you to win your first fight and probably every fight you have. Look, it is really nice to meet you. I would love to hang out sometime and talk."

He seems like a fun-loving nice guy. "Sure, just find me later, and we will exchange numbers."

As Coop weighs in, I look over the crowd to pass the time, and I can't believe who I see. It's the pro golfer Allie Wood. I'm surprised she would even come to something like this. She must notice me at about the same time because she smirks and gives me the once over like I'm a piece of meat. I don't have too long to think about it because it's my turn. I weigh in at 142.

As I make my way off the stage, O and the entire crew, minus Jess and Angie, come up to me. I try to cover up as best as possible because it is embarrassing standing around half naked when everyone else has clothes on. On top of that, there are a few new people in the group. I feel like everyone is staring at me. I should have brought out a t-shirt with me to wear in between fights. What makes it worse is that Griffin is here with Finn. The way she's looking at me…I can't decide what it means, but I can tell that Finn isn't happy about it.

Octavia introduces me to Rose and Lucas. I wave hello and then look at O and say, "What the hell Octavia? I thought you said a few people, not everyone you know." Griffin is trying her best not to stare at my half-naked body and failing miserably. I think Finn notices because he is turning red. I can feel my cheeks starting to burn. I smirk at her, but I hear my name being called to report to ring one before I can say anything.

As I start to walk away, Clarke grabs my arm. I turn to look at her. She points to my shoulder and stitches, "You shouldn't fight with those still in."

"I'll be fine. The wounds are pretty much healed anyway." I say harsher than needed.

She snaps, "That might be true, but your opponent will see them and target them. So let me take them out for you."

Octavia grabs me and says, "Come on, I will show you where to go. The rest of you guys should go place your bets if you want to make some money."

"Hold on a sec, O. Griffin has a point. I should let someone take out these stitches before I fight."

O replies, "We don't really have time…."

Clarke cuts her off, "It won't take but a few minutes. Come on!" She takes my hand, pulling me towards the locker room.

As soon as our hands meet, I feel the electricity. I don't know what or how to describe it. It felt like my skin was on fire. I wasn't sure if she felt it or not. Once in the locker room, she made quick work of my stitches, putting a layer of glue on the wounds for good measure. When she was finished, she looked up at me like she was about to say something, but O rushes in before she can.

We rush to the ring just in time to hear them introduce me. The announcer says, 'For the first fight of the night, we have a last-minute entry. This is her first fight with us. She stands in at six feet, one hundred and forty-two pounds, fighting out of the red corner is Lexa Trikru!'

I look at O, then walk up the steps and enter the ring. Surprisingly, the crowd goes wild. I guess they are just ready to see a fight because the only people here who know me are now standing ringside. I can't help but smile. My thoughts are interrupted by the announcer, 'In the blue corner, we have a returning fighter from Mexico, standing five foot eight inches tall and weighing in at one hundred and fifty-three pounds, we have Keya Bagdi.' Again, the crowd goes wild. 'Fighters, please report to the center of the ring for final instructions.'

I walk to the center of the ring, where I get my first look at my opponent. He's pale with thick eyebrows and short straight copper hair. He has powerful arms, a well-defined muscular torso covered in a tattoo of the grim reaper. I look him in his blue eyes as the ref says, 'Okay, fighters, the rules are simple, there is only one really. No low blows, and listen to what I tell you. There are three ways to win, knock out, submission, or judge's scorecard. Any questions?' We both shake our heads no. He continues, 'Okay then, touch gloves and report to your corners and wait for the bell.'

As we touch gloves, Keya says, "You are going down, dyke!" I just look at him and smirk, thinking we will see about that, jackass! When I get back to the corner, Octavia says, "Did he really just say that?"

"Yep, I think I will end him quick just for that comment." The bell rings, and I head to the center of the ring. He charges at me and attempts a flying knee, so predictable. I step to my right, plant my feet, and throw a hard-right hook that catches him right in the temple as he flies by. He lands face first on the mat, out cold. I look at the ref and head to my corner. The crowd is stunned, silent before erupting into applause. O is in the cage and has me in a bear hug before I know it.

Once they get the jackass awake, the ref calls us to the center of the ring and officially raises my hand as the winner. I try to be a good sport and ask, are you okay? He just turned and said, "You got in a lucky shot, that's all." I just laugh and walk out of the cage, where I'm met by all of my friends. Everyone is screaming and yelling their congratulations. It feels amazing.

When I finally break free from everyone, I head to the locker room to get a t-shirt and put it on. As I come out of the locker room, I run into someone knocking them down. I immediately reach out to help them up and apologize when I see that it is none other than the golfer, Alli Wood. I smile and say, "I really am beginning to think that you are stalking me!"

She says, "Nope, but we do seem to keep running into each other, literally. This time though, I was actually looking for you."

I smirk, "Really? What can I do for you, ma'am?"

"Well, I just wanted to congratulate you on your win."

I laugh, "Thanks! I'm really sorry, but I really need to get back out there and see who I fight next. Would you like to get a smoothie or something after my next fight?"

"We'll see. Good luck, my Stryker!" She says as she walks away.

I shake my head and think, what does she mean by my Stryker? Finally, Micky brings me out of my thoughts by saying, "You trying to show off or something? Usually, the spectators like to actually see a fight, not a two-second knockout."

I smirk at him and say, "Well, they might want to get used to it from me because I plan on finishing all my fights in the first round. That way, I don't get hurt. Besides, I didn't like what he said to me before the fight. He should learn some manners."

He laughs, "Kid, you are a riot! There is no way that you will end all your fights tonight in the first round. Everyone will be gunning for you now."

"Would you like to place a side bet on that? I mean, surely by now, you know I'm going to win the tournament, so I'm good for a couple of million."

"Seriously, kid, you are crazy!"

"Maybe, but I prefer the term confident, even cocky as opposed to crazy." I see O walking toward us and smile at her.

She comes up and says, "What are you guys talking about?"

Micky says, "O, you need to talk some sense into your girl here. She says that she will finish all her fights in the first round even asked if I wanted to place a side bet on it."

She looks at me and says, "Lexa, what the hell are you thinking? Have you even seen all of your competition? Some of the guys are pretty big."

I shrug, "Doesn't matter. It just means they will fall harder and faster!"

Micky says, "How about this kid because I like your craziness, I mean 'confidence.' I have a yacht I never use that's worth at least $400 million. I will bet it against your projected winnings that you don't finish every fight in the first round. If for some reason you lose the tournament, you will fight for me for free until you pay off your debt."

Octavia says, "No, Lexa. That's a crazy bet. Do you know how long it will take you to pay that off if you lose? It's not worth it!"

I look at her then to Micky, "So, if I win all my tournament fights in the first round, I get your yacht free and clear plus my winnings from the tournament and the bets I place. On the other hand, if I fail to finish all the fights in the first round but still win the tournament, I walk away with nothing. If I lose the tournament by some miracle, I fight for you until my debt is paid. Are these the correct parameters of the bet?"

"Yep, that sums it up, kid. So, what do you say?"

I hold out my hand for him to shake, "I'm in, but remember that I warned you about betting against me. I think you and I are going to make a lot of money together after I take your yacht, that is."

Octavia says, "Lexa, you have lost your mind? Ashley is going to kill you and me, especially if you lose."

I cut my eyes at her, "I won't lose, and if Ash finds out about this before I tell her, I'll tell Blake about what you have been up to while he has been away."

Micky laughs, looks at me before he says, "Oh, I am going to make so much money on you tonight. I'm going to tell Sloan about how you say you will finish the fights in the first round so she can give odds on that, which is bound to bring in money. I like your confidence, kid. I think we are going to work well together even if you do take my yacht."

O grabs my arm and pulls me toward the ring. "Lexa, I don't know what the hell you are thinking. This isn't some random street fight. Some of these people actually have some fighting experience. You can't just go around making crazy bets like that. Now everyone will be out to hurt you, not just beat you."

"Just chill out Octavia, I know what I'm doing. I have plenty of experience fighting, probably more than all of these guys put together, except in the past when I fought, there was a real possibility that I might be killed. So these fights are just for fun. Now come on, I want to watch some of the fights before my next one, then maybe go see Sloan again."

We wander over to our group of friends just before the next fight started. I found a seat ringside while the rest of them talk. That guy Coop that I was talking to during weigh-ins was fighting a girl and losing badly. He wasn't a bad fighter, but she looks to have had some MMA training where he just has his military hand-to-hand training.

I get up and walk over to the group, but I'm cut off by Clarke. "Hey, Griffin. What's up?"

She snips, "What the hell do you think you are doing?"

"What are you talking about? I'm just having a little fun and releasing some pent-up frustrations in the process."

She starts to yell, "You know damn well that's not what I'm talking about! Are you crazy making those stupid bets? You are going to get yourself hurt or killed. I have a good mind to call my mom or Ashley. Maybe they can talk some sense into you."

I'm pissed now and raise my voice, "It is too late. The bets are made. I have to fight now. Besides, what does it matter to you? You clearly don't give a damn about me. So, why do you even care? As far as your mom goes, I'm sure she wouldn't want you hanging out here either. So, go ahead and call her. Ash, well, she's out with Callie and Asher today, so she probably wouldn't even answer her phone." By now, the entire group and some of the spectators are looking at us. But I really don't care. I'm tired of the way she thinks she can talk to me and try and control me when she clearly doesn't like me. Especially since she has a boyfriend who really doesn't like me. I don't know what her problem is! Whatever, I need to walk away.

I storm off toward Sloan's booth to see what Micky has told her. As I walk away, I hear Finn yelling at Clarke, but I don't care. Sloan sees me coming and smiles, finally someone who is happy to see me. "Hey, Sloan!"

"Hey, Lexa. I heard you won your fight pretty easily."

"Yeah, nothing to it. Has Micky stopped by to talk to you yet?"

She says, "Yes, about that. Do you really think that you can end the fights in one round?"

"Yes, and please don't tell me I'm crazy or stupid. I have heard it all already from my friends. If I let you in on a secret, can you not let it affect the odds of my fights?"

She smiles, "I've already posted the odds, so I can't change them."

"Great! First, what are the odds for me to win the next fight in the first round?"

"Lexa, should you…never mind. Micky said the odds for your next fight are -180 to win and +2000 to finish it in the first round."

"Thanks, Sloan, for not lecturing me. I have to make my money now before everyone realizes just how good I am, and the odds turn to crap. Can you put me down for $50,000 to win in the first round? I'm not trying to sound cocky or anything. It's just…here, let me show you. Hand me your phone, so I can bring up a website." She does. I bring up my YouTube channel and put in the passcode required to access it. I don't want just anyone to be able to watch what I put on there, so it's passcode protected. "Okay, here. Watch these, but don't let anyone else see them yet, please. Once you see these, you will understand what I mean."

Before she has a chance to watch them, I see Octavia waving me over to her. I'm still irritated at everyone and would rather just be alone. I walk over and say, "What?"

"Look, Lexa, I'm sorry. I know that you can handle yourself. I should trust that you know what you are doing, but I just don't want to see you get hurt, that's all."

"I appreciate that, but you need to trust me and just watch my back, please. I'm used to Ash having my six, and now that she isn't here, I would feel better if you would do it for me."

"Of course, I will always watch your back. Although I don't have the skills Ashley does, I will do what I can. Now come on, it's time for your next fight."

As I'm talking to O, I glance over her shoulder and see Finn is still arguing with Clarke. I take a minute to watch. I can tell that Finn is distraught as he is constantly opening and closing his fist, which is a clear indication that he could turn violent at any time. Griffin turns to walk away, but he grabs her arm and spins her back around. I can tell things are about to escalate, so I take a couple of steps toward them.

O says, "Hey, wrong way. We need to get to the ring for your next fight."

"Do you know anything about who I'm fighting?" I ask as I keep walking toward Clarke.

"Just that it's a guy who's built like a boxer, tall and lanky. He looks a little scruffy, but other than that, I don't have a clue."

"Alright, well, if you want to tell the group to place bets, the odds are great if they bet on me finishing the fight in the first round. I mean, even though they are giving me shit, they may want to make some money."

O just laughs, walking over to them while I take off my shirt and put my gloves on. I keep my eyes on Clarke and Finn. I listen to the announcer once again call my name, then my opponents asking us to report to the ring. I was about to walk into the ring when I see Finn raise his hand like he is going to hit her, and I lose it. I run over and getting between them right as he swings a backhand, smacking me across the face. I look at Finn, and he looks startled, but he quickly covers it up and says, "What do you want? This is none of your business."

"It became my business when you decided it was okay to hit a woman. Now, why don't you get the hell out of here before I decide to hit you back."

I hear the announcer say my name for the second time. Octavia walked up and says, "Lexa, you need to get into the ring, now!"

"Not until this asshole leaves!"

Finn says, "I was leaving anyway." Then he walks away. I reach up and wipe my nose, realize it is bleeding then head to the ring.

The ref calls us to the center to touch gloves, and as I turn to walk away, my opponent says, "You've got a pair, I'll give you that, but I'm not going to make it easy on you. Besides, Mickey is offering a bonus to anyone that lasts past the first round against you."

I just touch his gloves and walk away. When the bell rings, I head to the middle of the cage. This time my opponent, Emil, doesn't just charge at me. He comes out in a boxer's stance throwing a few jabs to try to find his range, but I dodge them easily. Next, I throw a few jabs of my own, which he avoids. I then throw a low leg kick. As he steps back, he throws a high kick. I dodge by ducking down and performing a Martelo do Chão, which is a capoeira move that is kind of like a half cartwheel where I kick him in the top of the head on the way down. The kick catches him precisely right and knocks him out.

I simply turn, walking to my corner, and await the ref's signal. Once he calls me out and raises my hand, I look to Emil, "Are you alright?"

He smiles and replies, "Yes, that was an amazing move. I have never seen anything like it. Anyway, good luck in the rest of the tournament. I know I will be placing my bet on you."

I smile and shake his hand before he walks out of the cage. As I walk to the steps leading out of the cage, I hear, "Hey, my Stryker, we still on for that drink."

I know without even looking who it is by the fact that she called me my Stryker. I turn smiling, but before I could answer, I was wrapped in a bear hug. I start to laugh, "Put me down, O. As we walk out of the ring, the group, meets us at the steps. Most of them congratulate me. Clarke gives me a look that I can't decipher. Whatever, I start looking around for Allie.

Octavia says, "Who are you looking for?"

"Huh, what?" Then I hear, "My Stryker are you avoiding me now?"

O looks at me, "Who is Stryker, and why is that stuck-up golfer girl headed this way?"

I laugh, "That stuck-up golfer girl's name is Allie. She calls me Stryker for some reason. I'm about to find out why, so stick around if you want to know."

Before she can say anything else, Allie walks up. "Hey, Allie, why do you call me Stryker?"

She laughs and says, "I thought it would be obvious since you served in the military, but a Stryker is an armored troop carrier with the capability to strike with its various weapons. It has a great defense and better offense, just like you in the ring."

I feel my cheeks turn red, and I stare at the floor while saying, "Thanks, but in my defense, I was mainly an interpreter in the military. How did you know I was in the military, though?"

She smirks, "You know you're cute when you're embarrassed and not coming off as an arrogant ass. I have my ways."

I hear O clear her throat when I look at her. She is trying hard not to laugh. She looks at Allie and says, "Hey, I'm Octavia, the arrogant ass's best friend." She reaches out to shake her hand.

Allie laughs and shakes her hand while saying, "I know who you are. We met the other night briefly, plus I've seen you around. Stryker about that drink…."

"Yeah, sure, let's head over to the snack bar. I'm starving. O, are you coming?"

O just shakes her head no, heading back over to the group, but not before saying, "Remember, your next fight is in twenty minutes, so don't overeat."

"Yes, mom." Allie and I head over to the snack bar. I order myself two protein smoothies and some fries. I hate to admit it, but O is correct. I shouldn't eat too much. I ask Allie what she wants. She orders, wait for it, a Caesar salad with grilled chicken and a smoothie. I can't help but laugh.

She says, "What are you laughing at?"

"Well…um…who comes to a fight and orders a salad?"

"You know what, you were a lot cockier when you were trying to pick me up at the bar."

"I wasn't trying to pick you up; I was saving you from the butch and her friend. Plus, I had been drinking. So what made you decide to give me a search me out today when you basically blew me off the other night? Wait, I know, it was seeing my amazing body. It makes all the girls go crazy."

"Now see, that right there is what I'm talking about. You sound like an arrogant ass again. But, no, it has nothing to do with seeing your body, although it didn't hurt. I don't know. There is just something about you that makes me want to get to know you. Is that so bad?"

I smile, "No, in fact, I like the sound of that. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time today with the fights and all. How about I take you to dinner sometime next week? You name the time, day, and place."

She reaches her hand out and says, "Give me your phone. I'll text myself, so you have my number, and I have yours."

I hand it to her, and she puts her number in and says she will text me on Sunday to set something up. I stand up to leave, and she grabs my wrist. I turn to look at her, and she says, "Please be careful, my Stryker." I smile and take her hand and bring it to my lips and place a gentle kiss on her knuckles and say, "I will, princess, don't you worry about me." I grab my trash and leave.

I head over to see Sloan really quick. I only have about five minutes until I fight again, but I want to check the odds on this fight. When I get there, Sloan smiles and says, "I hear you had another great fight."

"I guess it was another short one."

She says, "I watched your videos. I can see now why you are making all of these bets. You are right. Once everyone catches on, it will be harder to get good odds. I have to admit, I thought you were just reckless until I saw your fight clips. You really are an amazing fighter. I guess you are here for your payout. Where do you want me to wire your $1,050,000?"

"Before, I take it. What are the odds on the next fight?"

"Lexa, Micky is going to catch on if I keep letting you place these large bets. He has already told the fighters he will pay a bonus if they can last until the second round with you and if they beat you, an even bigger bonus. So look, I'll let you let it ride this once, okay? The odds are -100 for you to win and +3500 for a first-round finish."

"Thanks, Sloan. I don't want to get you into trouble, so this is the last one. Just let it ride on me to have a first-round finish." She nods, and I hurry off to the cage, where O is pacing back and forth.

"Where the hell have you been? You need to get to the ring ASAP."

I smirk, "Ok, let's go." I get to the ring just in time to hear them call my name. I quickly take off my shirt and slip on my gloves as I walk to the ring center to touch gloves. I look at my opponent and see a guy with dark hair, tips dyed pink. I can't help but smirk until I realize he is over six-foot-tall and probably outweighs me by twenty pounds.

He must see my surprise because he smiles and says, "Don't let the hair fool you. I'm getting that bonus money."

I just touch his gloves and wait for the bell to ring. Instead, he comes charging out like a bull and lowers his head like he is going for my waist. I jump and land a flying knee but not solidly. He is still able to grab my waist, lifting me up slamming me to the mat. I'm not going to lie; it hurt and knocked the breath out of me. While I was stunned, he lands an elbow on my right eye. That's all it took to bring me back to my senses. I quickly maneuver, wrapping my right arm around the back of his neck, putting him in a guillotine choke. He didn't tap but tried to escape, which only allowed me to get the coke in deeper. He punched me in the ribs a couple of times before he was out cold, and the ref told me to let go. The ref raises my hand and says, 'Your winner by guillotine choke, Lexa Trikru.'

I got up, heading to my corner where O said, "Damn, that's a nice goose egg above your right eye from that elbow."

I reply sarcastically, "Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't notice."

She just laughs as I walk out of the cage. Then, to my surprise, I was met by Clarke, who immediately grabs my chin. I said, "Um…excuse me. What're you doing?"

She snaps, "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm trying to examine you."

"Um…are you a doctor or something?"

She says, "Seriously? Yes, I'm a resident. Now come to the locker room so that I can take a better look at you."

"Look, I appreciate it, but I'm fine, and I have another fight in like twenty minutes."

"I will be the judge of that, and it will only take like five minutes. If you stop arguing with me."

I hear Octavia laughing, and I reply, "Whatever, but make it quick." I follow her to the locker room, where she asks me a bunch of questions then makes me follow her finger with my eyes. Finally, she hands me an ice pack and says, "Well, you don't appear to have a concussion so just put ice on it before the next fight."

I can't help but say, "I told you I was fine, but thanks." I walk out of the locker room only to, once again, run smack into Allie. "Really, princess, we have to stop meeting like this."

She turns red, "Um…sorry, my Stryker. I just wanted to check on you. But, eww, that eye doesn't look so good."

"I promise, it looks worse than it is. Besides, the doc has already checked me out and says I'm fine. Thanks for checking on me, though." I lean down and give her a quick peck on the cheek before walking toward Sloan's booth.

When Sloan sees me, she winces. "Damn, that looks like it hurts."

"Not really. So, what are the odds on the next fight?"

"I thought we agreed. No more bets?"

"Technically, you said no more large bets. I thought I would just bet the $50,000 max. That shouldn't qualify as a large bet." I say with a smile.

She shakes her head and smiles. "You are unbelievable, you know that? They are -150 for you to win and +3500 for you to finish in the first round. Let me guess, $50k on you in the first round."

"You got it, babe!" I say as O is coming up to make her bet. I decide to go get a quick protein smoothie before the next fight. I run into Coop at the snack bar. We chat for a few and exchange numbers. I also tell him about the BBQ and tell him that I will text him the details later.

About five minutes later, I climb into the cage once again. When I look my opponent in her eyes, I feel she likes to be in control. She has light brown eyes and looks to be in excellent shape. We touch gloves, and I see that she has a tattoo on her right forearm of a black panther crouching in a tree, ready to pounce.

The bell rings, and I head out to the middle of the ring. I can tell right away that she will try to get me on the ground to try and control the round from there by the way she is circling and shooting. I throw a hard kick to her front leg, making it buckle a little. She throws a jab that I dodge, but then she quickly dives at my legs. I could kick myself for being overconfident and not seeing the move coming. Instead, we hit the mat, and I promptly roll her so that I am on top. She grabs my head, trying to control it so that I can't posture up and throw elbows or hammer fists.

She briefly loses head control, and I am able to land a vicious elbow to her right eyebrow opening a cut. Somehow, she's able to flip me getting me in full guard. She puts her forearm across my neck to interrupt my breathing. With my left hand, I shove her elbow off my neck. I make sure that her arm passes to the side of my head. I then place my head against her tricep and my bicep against her neck, fully wrapping my right arm around her head, squeezing. It only takes a few seconds for her to tap. I release as soon as I feel her tap, standing up. I immediately help her up and tell her she fought a good fight. The ref raises my hand and says, 'Your winner Lexa Trikru by arm triangle coke.' The crowd goes wild, and I am tackled by Octavia.

She says, "Wow, I thought you were in trouble there for a minute, but that was awesome!"

"O, can you please get off of me? I need to get out of the ring." I walk out of the cage, only to be surrounded by Octavia's group of friends. Well, I guess by now, technically, they are my friends too. Everyone is congratulating me and patting me on the back when Sammy says, "So, Lexa, where are we going to celebrate after you win the tournament and O wins her fight?"

Before I can reply, Octavia does, "Well, Sammy, that's a secret for now. We'll have to see what happens in this last fight."

Everyone looks from her to me, and I just shrug. I start to walk toward Sloan's booth when I feel someone grab my wrist. I turn around to see Allie. Before I can say anything, her lips are on mine. At first, I'm surprised and confused, but instead of fighting it, I decided to just go with it. I kiss her back hard, running my tongue across her bottom lip asking permission to enter. She immediately opens up, and our tongues begin a duel for dominance. Then, just as we start to find our rhythm, I hear someone clear their throat and say, "Get a room."

I look up to see Clarke turning and walking away. Whatever! I look into Allie's bluish-green eyes and say, "Not that I mind, but what was that for?"

She blushes, "I'm sorry! I don't usually do things like that, especially in public, but…I don't know."

I smirk, "You're cute when you are rambling. It's fine. I quite enjoyed it. Can we maybe continue this later?"

"Um…sure."

"Good!" I lean in and give her a quick peck on the lips and continue to walk toward Sloan's booth. When I get there, Sloan smiles, "I know, I know, $50k on the next fight for you to win in the first round. You do realize this is the championship fight, right?"

I smirk, "Yes, I know. What are the odds, and yes, please on the bet?"

She says, "Does it really matter what the odds are?"

"Not really, just curious."

"-250 to win and +4500 for a first-round finish. Please be careful. Jas's sister is a UFC fighter, so she knows what she is doing out there."

"Thanks for the heads up, but I'll be fine."