Wheeler’s stomach turned when he realized where this was going.
“You were legendary,” Delgado said with admiration. “The stakes were always higher when you fought in human form, so you can thank yourself for lending a hand in my wealth. I sat there staring at your brother for a long time—I’ll never forget that face. After a little conversation, he mentioned that he had a twin. Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Cole.”
“Where’s Ben?”
“Let’s make this quick and to the point. I’m quite curious if your identical twin would be as savage as you once were in a match, but I’d prefer to have a sure thing. Either way I’ll have someone to fill a sudden vacancy for the panther. Make a choice: you or your brother. One of you is going to be my bitch, so who will it be? Ticktock, Mr. Cole. Ticktock.”
Wheeler closed his eyes in a moment of déjà vu. “Where?”
Maybe after all he’d been through, he should have cut his losses with Ben. But saving Ben was the last thread of humanity he had left in him. How could his brothers ever trust him if they found out he had left Ben to rot? How could he live with himself? So Wheeler scribbled down the address and willingly gave up his freedom for his brother’s life.
During the drive, he thought about the floral smell of Naya’s perfume when she was sitting beside him on the sofa. She hadn’t noticed he’d been stroking the soft curls of her hair with his outstretched arm. Wheeler had contemplated putting his claim on her openly, although he wasn’t sure what repercussions that would bring. Would his pack accept a panther? They’d brought humans into the house, but this was different. Claiming Naya was a bigger gamble than any of Ben’s poker games, because Wheeler was gambling with his heart.
After walking out the front door, he realized that he’d never see Naya again. He wondered if they’d search for him—wondered what Ben would tell them. Would rumors leak about what he was involved in? Would Delgado place his lifeless body on Austin’s doorstep?
Jesus. He’d never be able to escape his past.
When Wheeler arrived at the location, Delgado stayed true to his word and released Ben. It surprised Wheeler that Delgado wasn’t considering pitting the two brothers against each other in a cage, but then again, maybe his satisfaction would be gained in sending Ben to break the news to the pack.
Ben didn’t even make eye contact, but Wheeler could see the shame on his face. They had beaten him, but not severely. He kept his eyes low to the ground and walked with a steady gait to Wheeler’s Camaro and drove away.
Not a thanks, a hug, a sorry, or even a good-bye.
Wheeler had never felt more gutted.
Did he even have it in him anymore to kill for the sake of survival? What the hell was worth living for?
Naya. He laughed to himself. She had forgiven his past, but she’d never accept him for repeating history. Then again, maybe her attraction to him was only physical. If so, she might end up looking to Ben for comfort.
Hell, the bastard would probably offer her consoling words before sticking his tongue down her throat.
Wheeler stared at the shackle on his right arm covering the tattoo wrapped around his wrist. They’d stripped him out of his shirt and had taken his belt and shoes, leaving him in just a pair of jeans. Wheeler thought about how easily he could use his jeans to strangle a guard who got too close. He spent a lot of time working out that plan in his head.
Delgado had mentioned he used his partner’s property to house the fighters. Delgado made his money by organizing the events as well as putting in his own fighters. Wheeler knew right away that he was dealing with a novice. Delgado focused on the animal more than the person, whereas most ringleaders didn’t kidnap strippers. Rogues were the preferred choice because they had the right kind of temperament for fighting.
Wheeler had no clue where the hell he was because they had blindfolded him during the drive. His room looked like a prison cell, minus the sink and bed. The only luxury provided was a toilet, which was a step up from the bucket his previous owner had made him use all those years ago. That guy used to keep the guards in line by placing them on “bucket duty” as punishment. That left an attractive vulnerability. Whenever guards entered a cell, there were all kinds of opportunities for escape. Unfortunately, his new cell had modern plumbing, so they’d probably only enter when taking him to a fight.
Bastards.