Lost in thought I stalk through town at a rapid pace heading for my car. I can hear Micah yapping behind me, but I ignore him while I unlock my car and get into the passenger seat. Dad and Sonny were right, he's going at it again. Micah gets in right after, both of us closing the door as I look his way and tell him.

'I need you to go get me some stuff.'

Micah lifts an eyebrow and grumbles that he isn't my butler, but I choose to ignore his snide comment as I sigh and say.

'I'm sorry.'

His voice dies bewildered as he stares at me in shock. Seeing the look on his face I can't help but crack a smile.

'I'm sorry for what I said last week, and for making you worry when I saved Karma from that cart earlier. I know you don't want to see me involved with Karma because you can't trust her, but I do. Moreover, I'm under orders so you know there can't be anything done about it.'

'I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.'

The frown on his face is still there, although not as strong, and I sigh lightly. Goddammit, Micah! I can't stand it whenever I'm arguing with him.

'Bloody hell I need you, Micah! You're my best friend and you know everything about me. Just trust me on this, alright?'

'Alright, alright! Quit being sappy, it throws me off. I trust you, you know I do. What do you need?'

Micah grumbles bashfully and I can't help but heave a little sigh of relief having him back to normal.

'I want you to work your magic. I need a phone for Karma that'll only be traceable for us. The same goes for a microchip small enough so she can place it wherever.'

Micah's eyes sparkle instantly. There isn't anything you can't do when we're talking about the technical field. He's a hacker and one of the best around, this is his area of expertise. He immediately switches into work mode and grabs his laptop from underneath the back seat. As soon as he has it opened up he starts typing away as he asks.

'The phone, basic model? I'll be able to make it nontraceable for others, no problem. You want her to be able to reach us?'

'Yeah, I want you to put in my number. Also yours, Marty's, and Sonny's. That way she will always be able to get a hold of one of us in case something happens.'

Micah continues typing for a while, but all I can see are letters and numbers flying by at an inhuman pace. His fingers are still flying over his keyboard as he suddenly speaks up.

'You think she will though?'

'At this point, I don't know. She trusts us as much as you trust her.
I just have this gut feeling...'

'I get it, trouble just seems to find her. Sounds familiar, don't you think?'

He snorts as he lifts a mocking eyebrow at me smirking before delving back into his work. Zip it, smartass. I think to myself as he's already back talking about work-related stuff.

'I'll have the phone done by the end of the evening, but the chip will take me a few days.'

'That's fine.'

'I'll make sure the chip won't be traceable or detectable. I'll see if I'll be able to make it waterproof as well, but I can't promise that.'

'Just do what you do best. I'll text Marty to come to the meeting with Dave, so you can go on ahead and get this done.'

Micah nods and his hands stop for a second as he looks over at me.

'Be careful around that Hendrix guy. There is something off about him.'

'You hardly trust anyone anymore.'

I snort as Micah looks into the distance with a hollow look in his eyes. I know. The reason Micah distrusts people is my fault, I know that all too well. I bite my lip at the bitter reminder and shove those thoughts aside immediately as I clasp my hand over his shoulder and say.

'Although, this time I think you're onto something. I can't explain it either, but that guy has this strange gleam in his eyes. I can't put it to words~'

'He has the eyes of a madman.'

Micah grumbles before I get a chance to finish. You're right. I look up at his stern face and nod in agreeance.

'I'll keep my guard up, don't worry. Marty will be there as well, I doubt he'll be stupid enough to try something.'

Micah nods in understanding before we go over some other small stuff and I hand him my car keys, grab my case, and see him off.

Once I'm back at the bar my eyes drift around for a second. She's gone, as I expected. She probably headed downstairs already. I'm on my way there as well, but as soon as I walk past the bar Sean pulls me to the side and tells me Hendrix is here already. He sent him down to wait for me in the restricted area upstairs which only we're allowed to enter. Damn. I grumble as I give him a stiff nod while grabbing my phone to send Marty a quick text. *Hendrix is here, come downstairs as soon as you get to the cafe. Luca.* I tell Sean to send one of his waitresses down in a couple of minutes before I head to the basement.

While walking down the stairs I pull out my gun from the back of my pants and give it a quick examination before putting it in a holster inside my jacket, better safe than sorry. I immediately head for the private area upstairs to see Dave launching on a couch, glancing at the ring downstairs. As soon as he notices me he gets up and gives me a curt nod as he introduces himself.

'Luca. Thanks for being able to make time on such short notice.'

He lifts a curious eyebrow once he notices I'm here by myself and I sit down placing my case next to me as I say in a curt tone.

'Hendrix. One of my men will join us shortly, he had to take care of some other business for me first.'

He nods and sits down opposite me. I place my gun on my leg and out of his view, pointed in his direction. Just precaution. He lights a cigarette and I dive straight into work mode as I mutter.

'So, what do you want? It's not often the head of a motor gang goes out of his way to see someone like me from another town.'

'I don't trust those flies where I'm from. My gang has more influence there than the mob. I need some stuff they won't be able to get without drawing attention.'

'Quit talking riddles, I don't have time for that. Tell me what you need, and we'll talk price.'

I grumble slightly irritated. I hate people who wander on subjects, especially when I'm at work. He takes a swig of his cigarette and looks at me for a moment before he says in a low voice.

'Weapons and vests.
Five hundred of everything. I want the best you have to offer, money isn't an issue.'

The glimmer in his eyes doesn't bode well with me, but this is business. What he's going to do with a weapon arsenal like that isn't of my concern as long as they can't pin anything on the Whitfields.

'I take it you're not talking about kid stuff like this.'

I say laying my gun on the table still pointed in his direction. His face stays motionless and in the corner of my eye, I catch Marty walking toward us. Right on time.

'Those are easy to come by. I want machine guns, the best you can get your hands on. Just name your price.'

Marty settles into a dark corner his eyes trained on Dave as I put a finger by my mouth pondering over his request.

'I'll talk numbers with my father. This isn't an everyday demand with that kind of shipment, so it'll take some time to get things in order. I'll get back to you.'

Dave gives a short nod and pushes his cigarette out in the ashtray before he stands up. His eyes glance over at my gun, a little too long for my liking, before he says matter of factly.

'You have my number, call me when you've come to a decision.'

I give him a nod and he leaves shortly after. Once he's completely down the stairs and disappeared through the doors Marty takes his seat opposite of mine. I pick up my gun and put it back into my holster, my face stoic as Marty says.

'You are aware that whatever the reason he wants those guns for... It isn't going to end pretty, right?'

I nod absentminded looking downstairs when I see Karma coming out of the locker rooms, waltzing to the bar and she seems to be in a particularly bad mood. What got your panties in a twist so suddenly? I ask myself. As if she heard my thoughts her shoulders suddenly twitch as she stops mid-stride. She drags her hands through her messy hair as she turns and looks up directly at me. Sharp as always.

She's already wearing her boxer uniform and I can see she has already done her warm-up since her body is sparkling underneath the spotlights pointed around the venue. Now that's what I call sexy. I think as I eye her from top to bottom. Contrary to what people might think of me, I'm not into princesses. They always managed to find me, but they never were more than a decent fuck. She on the other hand... She has the total package. She's the first girl who ever managed to spark my interest. I think you're fucking gorgeous, though you'd probably disagree with me.

She isn't even afraid of my family, which is something new to me. But I'm glad because that also means she doesn't put on an act. She's blunt and stubborn as hell. But quite frankly, I find it entertaining. The corner of my mouth curls into a smile as I see her glare back at me, I lift my hand and give her a quick wave. She glares at me even harder and proudly lifts her middle finger in the air as she mouths 'Fuck you, Luca.'  I chuckle wholeheartedly, throwing her a wink as I mouth back 'My pleasure.'  She rolls her eyes in frustration before she stalks off again, grumbling to herself. Your reactions are priceless. Even though she tries to hide it, I can see her shoulders aren't as tense as when she came in. I grin and turn back to see Marty watching me with a thin smile.

'You like her.'

He states simply, nevertheless it leaves me speechless. Marty isn't the type to comment on personal relationships. He usually observes and doesn't speak up on trivial matters. I can't deny his comment though.

'She's different than other girls, that's why I find her intriguing'

'Tell me if you think I'm crossing the line, but she is ...damaged.'

Marty squints his eyes together looking into the distance as if he's having a flashback of an unpleasant memory. After a second or two he snaps out of it and looks at me to make sure he can continue.

'Luca, we've both seen death. We've both killed. But I have done things in the past that only your father knows about and he will take those secrets with him to his grave. Maybe there'll be a day when I tell you exactly what happened, but for now, you must understand there is only so much a human body and mind can take. I've seen and done things even you can't imagine. I'm not saying she was SF, but ...I can tell.
From the look in her eyes, I know she has seen and done things no human should have to. I, however, don't think she's a bad person. Just a whole lot of evil twisted shit has happened to her.  Eventually, people switch into survival mode. Certain parts of the brain just shut down.'

I keep quiet and listen intently. I'm sure this is the first time ever I've heard Marty talk this much on end. Even though my dad mentioned some of this stuff earlier, hearing Marty say it strikes a nerve. My heart tightens painfully every time I picture Karma as the broken tiny girl my father described making me bite my lip in frustration. Why would anyone destroy the soul of a child?

'I know because I went through it myself, you did too. PTSD comes in many shapes.'

My mind immediately goes blank. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Although I believe it goes by PTSS now, the word "disorder" replaced by "syndrome". Not that it makes a difference for how awful it is. For over a year that god-forbidden disease had plagued my mind and soul, and I know that it did things to me that'll probably never go away. Reliving your own personal hell, over and over again. That would be my review of it. And if I'm totally honest with myself... I don't think I've overcome it entirely, even now. Marty's right, somewhere I already knew she was suffering from it, but that doesn't mean I wanted to hear someone confirm it either. It hurts my soul to know she's going through such intense pain and suffering. And somewhere inside of me I know that she's experiencing it way worse than me. Marty pulls me out of my thoughts as he looks at me seriously.

'Luca.
I won't stop you from helping her as to how things are right now. Your determination reminds me of your dad when we first met, he was the one to help me out of it.
But. I'm not sure you actually wanna know what happened to her...'

I eye him dangerously, suddenly feeling very agitated. What on earth are you talking about?! The thing that has been driving me mad from the beginning is the fact that I wanna know everything about her! He knows he's on thin ice judging the look on my face, but he still looks me right in the eyes with determination as he snaps in a low voice.

'Can you handle it, Luca?!
Can you handle it when she tells you all of the fucked-up shit that has happened to her, or what it made her do?!
Can you handle that?!'

My eyes waver slightly, realizing what he's getting at. He's worried I'll fly off the handle. I've only once completely lost my sanity and Marty was there with us when it happened. He knows the reason that cost me my PTSD. I bite my lip in frustration as a million thoughts run through my mind. To be honest, I have no clue as to how I would react when she tells me... I get why Marty wouldn't put it beside me that I'd go on a rampage. I don't trust myself either.

'Thanks, Marty. I get it, I really do.
And quite honestly, I have no fucking clue what I should do right now. The only thing I can tell you is that every fiber in my body is just screaming at me. I know you're right, but... I just want to know her, I need to know her.'

After a second I chuckle mockingly to myself. I sound like an idiot, feel like a fucking mess, and I can't remember when I've ever felt this conflicted with myself. Whenever Marty opens his mouth people tend to listen closely because it doesn't happen often. I'm glad he shared his opinion with me, even though I feel even more confused by it. He's right. It'll be better for both of us if I leave her alone, but a part of me just can't do it! Whenever I see her, I feel drawn to her. Marty smiles sadly at me as if he expected as much while he mumbles.

'Just be careful.'

I give him a stiff nod and change the subject. For the moment I need to focus on other things than her. I pick up the case that's been next to me on the ground and open it up, Marty grabs the book and stash he needs for the bets tonight before we go over some of the numbers and bets people have already set for tonight until one particular name draws my attention. Keith? My brows knit together wondering why he would be betting on these fights. It's not common for him to leave his place in the Bayou and come here... I tap my finger on his name when Marty looks over to see why I've been so quiet. He nods knowingly and tells me Keith's been keeping an eye around since someone has been sniffing around the Bayou and his men led him back here. The fact that he placed a random bet is just so he could mingle within the crowd of people tonight. Marty also tells me my dad is already aware of this and he has ordered several men to come and keep an eye out tonight.

'Once the fights are done I wanna have a word with him.'

I tell Marty and he nods telling me he'll make sure to send him upstairs. Sonny arrives soon after and tells Marty it's time to go downstairs so the rest of the people can place their bets. As I look back down I notice that Pry is downstairs as well and he's talking to Sean at the bar who's setting everything up. Goddammit. I groan and Sonny laughs knowing exactly why my mood has gone sour in an instant. I slide to the corner of the couch and lay back against it in a lazy manner.

'Do you know what he wants?'

I sigh as I put my arms behind my head, closing my eyes. Marty grabs his stuff while Sonny says.

'Apparently, he's worried he'll get busted.'

I can't help but laugh pathetically while Marty excuses himself and goes downstairs. Sonny sits beside me and hands me a whiskey. I smile at him in thanks before I take a sip. Once I swallow it I snort ironically.

'Aren't we all?'

Sonny gives me a stiff smile and turns his eyes downstairs. Sean looks up at us anxiously waiting for an answer until Sonny nods as an okay to send Pry up. Great, that's all I fucking need tonight. I lean forward gulping down my whiskey at once. Quickly lifting the glass at Sean, gesturing for another one. He nods before turning back around and I lay back down on the couch heaving a sigh.

'It's a little late for that, though. We better make sure he understands that too once he leaves.'

Sonny gives a curt nod and I close my eyes again. Before I do I can see Pry from the corner of my eyes on the top of the stairs shaking like a leaf as he walks toward us. Pussy. People like him make me want to puke. They act like they're the perfect example of a human being, excelling in everything and working hard to earn their money. While in truth, they go about in their spare time making a deal with the devil just so they can uphold their image to the outside world. At least my family isn't hiding or lying about who we are. On paper, nothing can be held against us and we do have our fair share of family secrets, but in reality, everyone knows we are mafia. We all make our choices and take risks, knowing that one day it might turn out bad. We don't pretend. I keep my eyes shut not even interested in looking up at him as he stammers.

'I-I'd like to have a word w-with, Mister W-Whitfield.'

I can't help but smirk, my eyes still closed as I hear the fear in his voice. I don't even need my eyes to know the look of terror on his face right now. Sonny ushers him to sit down and speak.

'F-Federal agents are looking through our records, I don't know what they are l-looking for. But even if it isn't u-us they're after, I'm afraid they'll find s-something by chance.'

He stammers without even pausing to breathe. The feds? I can feel Sonny slightly tense up beside me, but I can only smile as I drag myself upward looking over at Pry filled with boredom.

'First of all.
If they find something, that means you haven't done your job properly. It's a good fucking thing I never liked and trusted you in the first place because I've already taken measures in case something like this would happen.
As for you...'

I look him straight in his eyes, my own deathly. The color on his face, or what's left of it at least, drains out of him immediately and Sonny watches me intently as he bites his lip. I know my father would've liked to work with him a little longer out of convenience, but I won't allow it. Sonny is caught right in the middle because he's my father's second man, but he doesn't have the authority to go against me either so he keeps quiet awaiting my verdict. Pry is on the verge of cracking and needs to be dealt with, now.

'There won't be any more business between us. However, my men will be keeping an eye on you. If you spill anything...'

I don't finish my sentence but put my gun on the table in his direction. What little was left of his complexion disappears completely now and he looks like a ghost while he shifts in his seat, unable to utter a word. Little fucking scaredy-cat. He rapidly nods his head trying to convince me. But I look to the side, having already lost interest in him as I "shoo" him off with my hand. He staggers up and scatters off as if his feet are on fire. Now we'll see if you're a man of honor. I think and once he's out of sight Sonny looks in my direction, but before he's able to say something I silence him and dial Micah's number putting it on speaker.

'Micah. Pry's phone, now.'

The other side goes quiet besides the rattling sound of his keyboard as Sonny looks up at me with a frown wondering what I'm up to, at the same time Micah replies.

'He's calling someone right now, wanna listen?'

'Yes, put him on.'

The line goes quiet for a second or two before we hear Pry speaking to someone unknown through my phone.

'I-I'll talk! But you'll have to keep me safe!'

'What made you change your mind so suddenly?'

'I... I thought I was on good enough terms... I thought they would cover for me, but if you don't get me protection. They'll kill me for sure!'

'Meet me at the church in Willow Brook.'

The line gets cut and Sonny looks at me astonished as I swear.

'God damn, he just had to prove me right.
Micah, you know what to do. He can't make it to Willow Brook, make it look like a regular car crash.'

'Consider it done. Something else?'

'The feds are snooping around at the bank. You sure you checked everything?'

'Is that even a question? They'll come up empty-handed, no worries.'

With that, I hang up and face Sonny. I explain to him I had Micah hack Pry's phone a little while ago since my gut was telling me he would eventually turn on us. I also made sure Micah checked if there were any traces leading back to us digitally.

'Pry has made his own death wish. If he would've kept his mouth shut, I wouldn't have had to give the order to kill him. Though it doesn't surprise me, I thought it would end like this. Pathetic.'

'Why am I still surprised when you pull stuff like this? Youngsters these days with all of their tricks...
I don't know how you do it, Luca. You always listen with half an ear and one eye closed, but in the end, you're always one step ahead.'

'I'd like to think that's why dad wants me to be his successor..'

I tell him bored as I let my eyes drift back to the crowd downstairs. The fact that I think other people are boring or bothersome doesn't mean I can't see what they're up to. I just do my job, nothing less nothing more. The place is packed by now and the bar is swarmed with people ordering drinks. Marty's still taking in all of the bets with a frown of displeasure on his face as people push and pull on him from left to right in order to be the first ones. With every fight the people get more and more enthusiastic, I have to talk to dad about setting up some more men to keep them under control. 

Sonny and I keep going over some stuff as I casually gaze downstairs. Just before the fights start, I spot Keith. He's wandering among the crowd trying to meddle in with a frown on his face. Seemingly aware that I'm is watching him, he turns his head in my direction for a second. He gives me a nod of acknowledgment before he continues to squeeze himself through the crowd.

Shortly after, the lights in the room start to dim and the sound of the referee blasts from the speakers sending the crowd into a frenzy. Here we go again. While the pairs are drawn I see Karma standing in the corner of the private area, her eyes glued to the ring. Once she hears her name as the last fight of the night she smirks. At least this time I'm looking forward to at least one fight... I grin while I notice some of the other male fighters scowl in frustration and I ask Sonny if there's any reason why the order of the fights seems so important to them. He tells me that when the actual WMC begins the fights will all be drawn beforehand, in a pyramid order, and they'll make progress until there are only two fighters left. As for now, the fights will be set once the bets are already made. They have to leave a good impression on the bidders, earning them more bids for the upcoming fights. People always have a tendency to remember the last ones better, instead of the earlier fights, even if they were better. Meaning the last spots of the evening are the most wanted.

I nod to him in understanding as I see Marty coming back upstairs, and he lets out a sigh of relief as he plops down on the couch. I gulp my drink down which one of the waiters brought earlier and go over the numbers while the fights downstairs progress. It's only when I hear the referee shout Karma's name through the mike that I take my eyes off the book. I tell Marty to handle the rest and he gives me a sly smile as he nods.

Karma enters the ring in full focus and just like last time I'm mesmerized by her presence. I shift over to a seat closer to the balcony, so I'll have a better view without taking my eyes off of her. I can feel Marty's and Sonny's eyes glued on my back, but somehow it doesn't bother me enough to say something about it.

The fight progresses quickly. The woman she's up against doesn't even stand a chance and in her eyes, I recognize she knows it too. Even though she still stands proudly and fights Karma with a smile on her face. She respects her opponent's abilities, and it shows. Karma ends the fight impressively within a few minutes. Although I still feel like you dragged it out a bit, you could've ended that faster if you wanted to. I grin as the crowd erupts in a frenzy shouting her name over and over again making a warm feeling spread through my chest. I join the people downstairs and clap my hands a few times, proud of her victory.

'Never thought I'd see you celebrating at one of these.'

My head instantly snaps into the direction of the familiar voice. Keith is standing by the stairs with Marty right behind him. I didn't even notice he went downstairs... Whenever Karma's involved I lose all of my focus. That does worry me, but for now, I put those thoughts aside and usher Keith to sit as I smirk lightly.

'Neither did I.'

He settles opposite me with a lazy smile on his face and in a relaxed manner, he puts his arms on the back of the couch as his eyes focus on me. A waitress comes by to take our order and once she goes back down I ask him if he found the one he's been looking for and he nods telling me I don't have to worry about it.

'It's not common for you to go after these guys yourself, you have enough men at your disposal. So why?'

'I've been feeling anxious lately and I don't understand why. I was coming here tonight so I could get a change of pace...'

'But?'

I squint my eyebrows together and look at him with a grim expression on my face. I'm sure there's something else going on, this isn't you're idea of changing things up. I think, knowing my old friend well enough to recognize that this is out of place. The waitress comes back and quietly puts our drinks on the table, as soon as she's gone he takes a sip and his face turns more serious.

'Who's the girl?'

His question catches me off guard and the serious expression on his face doesn't sit well with me. Since when do we talk women? My eyes drift back down quickly, but Karma has gone back to the changing rooms already. Acting ignorant with Keith won't work. I know, he knows. Without looking back at Keith I ask him while biting my lip. Don't tell me...

'Why? What do you want with her?'

'Don't worry, it's not her...'

He smirks and I can't help but glare at him, in an attempt to deny the fact that I'm relieved. Deep down I can't help but act possessive of her, even though I have no right to do so. She isn't mine. As my emotions get the better of me I scowl, trying not to let my true feelings slip through the cracks.

'Like I'd care if she was.'

Keith squints his eyes slightly in annoyance. He looks over to the other men who are gathered on the floor. Most of them are mine, but some are his and he tells them all to leave us so we can talk in private. Keith's men leave immediately, but my men look over to me for confirmation. I nod ushering towards the stairs. Without another word, the rest of the men leave, including Sonny and Marty. As soon as they're all out of earshot Keith grumbles.

'Cut the crap, Luca! You'd care, alright. You can act stupid all you want around your men, but not with me. You honestly thought I wouldn't notice what you did?'

He laughs. Shit. I grind my teeth in frustration. Keith is one of the few people I consider a friend whom I truly can be myself with. Besides Micah, all the men see me as their superior which makes it difficult sometimes to be myself around them. With Keith, I don't have that problem. I'm sure when push comes to shove he's my superior because of his powers, but he never looked at it that way. He thinks we both have our parts to play in this town.

He and his people keep themselves in the shadows of the Bayou living their lives as far away from humanity as possible, while we Whitfields make sure other people don't go sticking their nose where it doesn't belong. Whenever there is a conflict, we come to each other's aid. That's how it has been between our families for ages. His father and mine are good acquaintances too and I believe they'd consider themselves best friends, just like Keith and me. The only problem is due to those powers he sometimes notices a little too much. For fuck's sake, there's no way I can talk myself out of this with him.

'It's common for my people to leave a mark like that. It stood out like a sore thumb. If you thought I wouldn't notice, you're out of your fucking mind.'

'It ...just happened. Besides if I had known you would swing by, I'd never done it in the first place. Fuck!'

I grumble honestly as Keith barks with laughter. He looks at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. It happened on a spur of the moment, but... Shit! He finishes his drink without breaking eye contact with me.

'Even if you didn't, your scent lingers on her. I would've noticed regardless. I've known you ever since we were born and I've never seen you like this. Come on, tell me about it.'

'Even if I wanted to tell you, I'd have no idea where to begin.
Karma is... She's annoying, rude, not afraid of anyone. Not even us, which honestly I find quite comical. She has the bloody mouth of a sailor! Micah hates her guts, she kicked Sonny's ass without even breaking a sweat and Marty thinks she'll be the end of me, mentally. She's secretive and doesn't trust or open up to anyone.
But... Whenever I see her I lose track of everything that's happening around me, fucking mesmerized by her.'

Looking into the distance I cut myself off once I notice how obsessed it truly sounds. I've said way too much. Keith's laughter pulls me back to earth and my head snaps in his direction. On contrary to the mocking look I was expecting, he looks at me almost gently. Although there's still a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

'I can't say I've experienced it myself, but I've seen it happen in my village many times. It's not the same with you guys, I know.
But to me, it sounds like you might have found your soulmate.'

'Soulmate?! Fucking hell Keith, don't make me laugh! That kinda shit doesn't happen in the real world.'

'The glimmer in your eyes when you were talking about her just now tells me otherwise.'

'Go screw yourself, Keith.
I know it's like that for your kind of people, or at least you told me so. But here, there's no such thing as a soulmate. I don't believe in that bullshit.
Anyway, I'm guessing mocking my damned emotional state and fucked up love life wasn't the real reason you brought her up. What is it you really wanna know?'

Soulmate? What a whole lot of bull... Keith falls silent for a moment contemplating whether or not to change the subject but I eye him dangerously to let him know that this conversation stops right here. I'm not in the mood to discuss this any further! After a few seconds, he sighs in recognition dropping the subject.

'Well for one, I take it you know she hangs around the Bayou?'

I look at him stunned. What the fuck does she want in there?! Keith sees the surprise on my face and continues.

'She hasn't crossed the border, not once. My men noticed your smell lingering around her, they thought she was working for you. They informed me and I told them to let her be. Though judging from the look on your face, she isn't? I don't know what her purpose is for coming there, or what kinda relationship you have. But as long as she stays like this, not bothering anyone, and not crossing any lines... I don't have a problem with her.'

'As you said, I wasn't aware of that. She doesn't know about you guys, but I'll warn her not to cross the border.
Though knowing her? If I say that, she'll cross it the very next day.'

'If she does, I'll make sure nothing happens to her. But if she discovers our secret by accident, will you be able to make sure she keeps it under the wraps?'

'Yeah, I don't think that'll be a problem. She may have a bloody big mouth, but she doesn't seem like the person to blab about something like that.'

Keith nods satisfied and I empty my drink. Just as he's about to say something else he stops himself halfway. His brows furrowed together as he perks his ears. I look at him wondering what's going on and glance downstairs, everything looks fine. People are dancing and there doesn't seem to be any ruckus whatsoever. Curious I look back at Keith waiting for him to tell me what's on his mind. After another few seconds, he seems to be pulled out of his daze and looks at me seriously.

'We'll talk about the rest some other time, I need to confirm something myself first.
But I believe your girl is having a heated argument in the locker rooms, which is spinning out of control rather quickly. You should go.'

'Goddammit!'

I swear as I fly out of my seat, I nod to Keith in thanks and stomp away down the stairs as fast as I can without drawing attention. What is she up to now?! Micah stops me at the end of the staircase and I tell him to follow. Marty also follows us after exchanging a few words with Sonny when I stalk past them with a stern look on my face. Once I open the door to the back I can already hear voices shouting from the locker rooms.

'DEAN, FUCK OFF!'

I hear Karma and instantly I quicken my paste, even from a distance it's obvious she's fuming. This isn't good. With Micah and Marty on my heels, we hasten in the direction of the voices.

'Always such a big mouth, but are you even going to be here when the real fighting starts? Or are you going to vanish like a ghost, yet again? Pussying out of a grown-up fight as always. What you did tonight was child's play!'

'DEAN, I SWEAR TO GOD! I'M GONNA K-'

'Karma don't!'

'STAY THE FUCK OUT OF THIS MARK!
I'M NOT JUST GOING TO STAND HERE AND LET THIS SON OF A BITCH CALL ME A PUSSY! I NEVER BACK OUT FROM A FUCKING FIGHT. I'D LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN TO REARRANGE YOUR DAMN FACE RIGHT NOW!
IF YOU DON'T GET THE HELL OUT OF MY SIGHT, I WILL DO EXACTLY THAT!'

'You'll get disqualified for the WMC. I dare you...'

I slam the door to the locker room open with a loud bang and storm inside, my gun drawn. My eyes quickly land on Karma. She's in her regular clothes facing some other fighter, her hands clasped in tight fists. The skin around her fingers whitened from the tension in her body, ready to slam into his jaw at any moment. That must be Dean... I conclude as she grinds her teeth. Her eyes flash to me for a second, her nostrils flaring with rage. Next to her is another guy who's trying to hold Karma back from jumping on Dean. Probably Mark... Another few fighters are standing in the corner with pale faces, not even daring to intrude. I nudge them to get out and they scatter away at the speed of lightning. I fix my eyes on the two of them as I bark in a loud tone.

'BACK OFF! BOTH OF YOU!'

Karma's head snaps in my direction as she squints her eyes in disgust while she snaps.

'Luca, stay out of it!'

Even though her eyes are still ablaze, her voice is lighter when she speaks to me. Immediately she looks back at Dean. But before she's able to do anything I'm standing in front of her as I grab her arm standing between her and Dean as I growl.

'This shit ends now!
Settle it in the ring. If I see any of you fighting outside of the matches, no matter who started it, I will disqualify the lot of you!'

I stare right into Karma's blazing eyes. Bloody hell, Karma! I'm trying to help here! My hand is still firmly grabbing her arm and I notice her body is literally shaking from anger. I don't know what he did... But you'll get your revenge another time. Please, trust me. I try to tell her with my eyes before briefly squinting them at Dean. As if she understands me, she starts to calm down if only a little, and gives an almost invisible nod. I turn around to Dean once more who stands arms crossed observing us.

'Am I clear?!'

Dean chuckles in amusement and gives a nod before he snorts in disgust.

'Oh. I get it, alright...'

I can feel Karma's hand tense up again. What is he going on about? I ask myself and I see him looking between me and Karma before he spits.

'So that's how you did it? You fucked your way into the WMC's...'

For a split second, I'm just dumbfounded. The fuck?! Karma's shaking hand wakes me back up and I grab it tightly to appease her, maybe even myself a little. I think as I point my gun to one of the corners at the ceiling and pull the trigger once. *BANG* The smug look on Dean's face instantly disappears while the sound of a loud blow echoes through the hollow room.

'You dare to suggest a Whitfield would play dirty?! Cheating the WMC system to find fighters a way in, giving them good spots. In exchange for a good fuck?!'

I bark seething with rage and I can see Dean gulp as I point my gun towards him next.

'Let me be clear!
I don't fuck anyone, I don't want to fuck.
And whom I sleep with is none of your bloody concern either. Insult me like that again and the next bullet will land in your skull, understood?!'

'Yes, sir.'

Dean mumbles annoyed and I lower my gun slightly, my eyes still fixed on him.

'Then fuck off.'

He grumbles something as he grabs his bag and stalks out of the locker rooms. I turn back when I feel Karma yanking her arm away, her bitterness now turned towards me. For the love of God, seriously?! I roll my eyes and look at the guy behind her. He glances back at me, biting his lip as if he wants to stop himself from saying something.

'Go away Luca.'

Karma mocks as she turns to her bag and grabs a bottle of water, downing half of it at once.

'I need to talk to you. Alone.'

I say, looking at the other guy as I tuck my gun away. His eyes go between me and Karma, not sure what he should do. Who the hell are you anyway? I wonder as Karma sighs heavily before she turns to me with one hand on her hip.

'Luca, I'm not in the mood right now. Can't you bother me some other time?'

She yelps almost defeated and I can't help but smile a little at her sudden cute change in behavior.

'Sorry but I need to do this now, I'll make it short.'

My words aren't entirely true, it could've waited. But fuck, I just want you alone with me right now... She bites her lip as she looks right at me. Don't you go distracting me, goddammit! I mutter as she stays quiet for a second until she eventually nods.

'Sorry Mark, I'll take a rain check.'

'Sure, no problem. See you, Karma.'

He nods with a smile and throws his duffle over his shoulder before he leaves together with Marty. Leaving only Karma, Micah, and me in the locker room.

'Make it quick, I really don't wanna deal with you right now...'

She mumbles irritated as she continues packing her bag with her back turned to me. Micah hands me the phone, knowing this is why I needed her alone. I tap her on the back and she sighs while she turns to face me and I hand her the tiny black device Micah made. She looks at it quizzically as I tell her.

'Micah assembled it, it's an emergency phone.'

She lifts an eyebrow doubting me as she looks at the tiny piece of electronic. It looks more like a small remote-control switch for a garage rather than a cell phone. It doesn't surprise me she doesn't believe it. Micah walks up to us as he starts to explain to her, as someone would to a child.

'It doesn't have any display and works through satellite function, so you don't need money for it.
Like a ...walkie-talkie.
The battery should last at least a day or five without charging. Luca asked me to put in four emergency numbers, push the top button if you wanna call Luca. The second is my number, then comes Sonny's, and the bottom is Marty's. Here on the side is a little slide button that serves as a lock.'

'Interesting.'

Karma utters softly as she turns the small device a couple of times in her hands before locking it and tossing it in her bag. Micah grimaces at the sight, causing me to cover my mouth with the back of my hand to prevent myself from laughing. The fact that Karma handles his electronics like this sure doesn't help to improve her image with him.

'I'll take it, only, because I know you won't leave me alone otherwise.
But don't expect me to call you, I can handle myself.'

She murmurs annoyed and I usher Micah to wait outside. He leaves without a sound as I ask with a low voice.

'Like you did just now?'

'I could've handled it just fine. The only difference would've been the state of his face and the state of Sean's frikkin' ceiling!'

She grumbles annoyed motioning to the hole in the roof.

'At least I would've had the satisfaction of kicking his ass.
Now that idiot walked out unscratched and thinks I'm fucking sleeping with you!
Isn't this just great!'

She shouts frustrated and I can't help but blink a couple of times. What? Her face flushes with both anger and embarrassment as she drags a hand through her messy hair. She's worried about that?! I stare at her in surprise but she looks away from me, her eyes still wavering with anger. I grab a hold of her to make her look back at me as I question.

'Why would something like that bother you?'

Her body flinches slightly under my touch as she glares back at me raging with anger and snaps.

'ARE YOU SHITTING ME?!
Why do you think it would fucking bother me, mister popular?
Not only Dean but also Mark and some of the others noticed you "sticking up" for me!
Goddammit, Luca! Just leave me the hell alone. My reputation is wonky enough as it is, butt out!'

Her anger leaves me speechless for a second. Where did this come from? Bad reputation? I raise an eyebrow in confusion. And who are Dean and Mark to her anyway? The fact that she's worried about what all these other guys think leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Though I can't explain why exactly... The fact that I can't even understand myself at the moment frustrates me even more than all of this other shit and I narrow my eyes in irritation as I growl.

'Well, your bad.
These are my orders. I'm on your case whether you like it, or not!'

Her eyes waver with an emotion I cannot decipher as she yanks her arm away from me and stomps to the door while she spits back at me.

'Go fuck yourself!'

As she grabs the doorknob, pausing for a second until she murmurs with a broken voice as if she's about to burst into tears.

'Luca... I won't allow you to fuck this up for me.'

The pain in her voice leaves me rooted on the spot as she yanks the door open. Without waiting for my reply she turns to walk away. The last thing I see is the corner of her eyes glistening in the light as her hair sways behind her. Karma. Shit! I don't know if they are tears of rage or sadness, but seeing her like this makes it feels as if someone is stabbing me with a knife. Something which is usually my occupation. Instead, I'm on the other side of the blade now... She lowers her head so Micah can't read her expression as she passes him by and leaves in a hurry. Frustrated I drag my hands through my hair as I try to figure out what just happened. Damn it, Karma...