The King and the Golden Wolf

Nemesis

Leonor

“Hey Sam, how's tricks?” I say as I leave the boxing ring all sweaty and puffed out from my sparring session.

“Ah my little spit fire, just the person I am looking for” Sam replies with his cigarette between his teeth as he folds the fresh towels onto the shelves. I give Sam a look to continue while I unwrap my hands as I catch my breath.

“That snake, Cyrus, who arranges the fights, came in this morning looking for you. I mean you know how much I hate the slippery fucker, anyway he wants you to headline Fridays fight am not going to pretend I am happy about it.” Frowning Sam looks concerned.

"Ok, so did he give you any more details?” I said while shaking my head with a small smile. Sam was one of the first people I met when I arrived in the city. He introduced me to Mirrum, the coffee shop owner and landlord.

“Well, I want you to understand I do not approve of this fight, and do not think you should take it. "He wanted to put you up against Nemesis, he said, frowning at me while shaking his head.

Nemesis was one of the biggest opponents at well over six and a half feet tall and built like a tank. He has never been beaten. The word on the street is he has actually killed someone in the cage. To be fair, I have never lost a fight yet, but for the first time I feel nervous.

“Did he tell you what the purse is?” I say.

“You can not be f*****g serious Lenny, you will get hurt girl” he practically shouts.

“Come on Sam, you know I can look after myself'' I rolled my eyes at him. I gave him a small hug and a kiss on the cheek as I went past him into the changing room.

Thirty minutes later I left the gym after another lecture from Sam. I had just taken my mobile phone out of my pocket when the heavens opened up and the rain came down, fast and heavy. I decided to wait until I am in to call Cyrus, see what the actual score is for this Friday.

I had just entered the back alley behind the coffee shop when that feeling was back.

I swear it was like I could feel someone's eyes trailing up and down my body, leaving an unsettling feeling. Fear wasn't something I allowed myself to feel. I promised myself, after the years of abuse at my father's hands I would never let someone have that power over me.

That's why I trained, why I would fight and make enough money so that, if I needed, I could get up and leave at any moment, without worry. Unlike Lillith I have no interest in a mate. My crazy friend and her romantic notions are completely ridiculous to me.

Slipping into my work from the back alley, I instantly feel better. The feeling of being watched creeps me out. It's not the first time I have had unwanted attention from males who have seen me fight, but this feels different, almost sinister and dark.

The smell of coffee swirls around me like a comfort blanket. It made me relax my shoulders, even though I didn't realize how tense I was.

“Lenny, not like you to use back entry, come get dried” fused Mirrum as soon as she saw me. I playfully rolled my eyes at her, that earned me a flick from her cloth she was wiping down the work surface with.

My shift went painstakingly slowly, especially when I had things to do. I didn't need to work in the coffee shop. The money I earned from the fights was more than enough to live off with some left over. I have come a long way from my first fight 18 months ago.

I liked to keep busy, even though I kept to myself, I still liked to be among people. I guess that was due to growing up in a pack.

Turning off everything, I made my way up to my flat. It's a Wednesday so Lillith works until eight tonight. Leaving me with some time to get a bath and relax before she comes home with dinner, Pizza from our favorite take-out. I had just come out of the bathroom when my phone started ringing.

“Hello Cyrus, how can I help you?” I answered with more cheer in my voice than I actually felt. The man was a slime ball, his eyes and hands had a way of wandering. Took the threat of a broken nose for him to finally understand I wasn't his typical female.

Even so, I know I needed to keep him close as he was the organizer of the Friday night fight card. I know I now have a following and can negotiate my purse. A far cry from the timid girl who got five hundred for my first fight.

“Lenny, I have been trying to get a hold of you. Anyone would think you don't want to headline this coming event” came his naisel reply.

“Calm down Cyrus, I do have other s**t to do. So Sam said it's Nemesis, you want me to fight?” I said while rolling my eyes at him.

“Yes, I know he is a bit bigger and never lost. "You have never lost it would be my two champions, a clash of my titans” He rushes to get it out with a hint of hope and a nervous chuckle.

“A bit bigger, he has 200kg on me, at least Cyrus” I say as I rub my temple. I seem to be getting a headache. Cyrus has that effect on me.

“I know, but come on Lenny, you ain't scared of s**t, look at it like a challenge. Plus the purse is twenty grand for the win and five to take part” He says, almost as if that would win me over.

“Twenty for the win and ten to take part not negotiable”, I hit him back.

“Deal, now you're on at eight, be there for seven.” Then he hangs up. Just then, I heard Lillith shouting.

“Honey, I'm home” before she comes in with our pizzas. She stops at the door when she sees me rubbing my temple.

“Are you OK? Your aura is a bit off. Is something bothering you?” She asks, looking concerned.

“I am fine, just hungry” Even though I know she doesn't believe me, she lets it go. I love my friend. Her being a witch and can sense everything means I can't hide anything from her.