\[Maverick’s POV\]
“Of course.”
Rosco’s words erupt from him along with a smile that screams predator who is about to take out its prey, but he was going to be sadly mistaken. There was no fucking way I was going to lose this battle, not when so much was riding on it.
Returning his look with my own, I tap into my strength and power for the first time in front of everyone.
Slowly, it begins to trickle out of me, and when I know that Rosco feels it, his eyes widen, and a momentary look of shock appears on his face. However, it doesn’t stay there long before he is moving, his fist swinging in an attempt to hit me.
Holding out an arm, I catch his attack and strike out with my own that he manages to avoid.
Together, we take the defensive, attacking blow for blow, while the other works to gain dominance over the other. But it is clear that we are evenly matched, at least, in terms of strength.
Once again deciding that this just wasn’t the way to win, I jump backwards while Rosco tries another strike, and when he stumbles, I move in while he works to right himself, but he’s fast—much faster than I’m expecting and he easily avoids getting caught.
“You’re twenty years too young to one up me.” He chuckles as we begin to circle each other again. “But I’ll give you one thing: you’re pretty damn strong.”
“Right back at cha.” I chuckle, taking note of his movements. Every few steps, he feigns movement, trying to get me to lower my guard to stop him, but I don’t buy into his bluff. And like that, we continue to move while I work to figure out what exactly would be the best course of action.
Got it. I announce inwardly, waiting for him to make his next fake attack, and when I look like I’m buying into it, he moves, striking out while I pretend to be caught off guard, but in the end, I catch him and pull with all my might so that my knee can slam into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him, and while he works to regain his footing, I begin to punch, landing blows wherever I can until he starts to do the same.
Our movements are like a well choreographed dance while we hit each other in almost the exact same spot. It leaves my body bruised, torn, and in pain, but I fight even when my muscles scream at me to stop.
This is for you and Serenity. I remind myself again and again. I had to win this in order to prove myself worthy of being his daughter, and I would be damned if he would stop me.
Letting out a snarl, I move backwards and then forward, slamming my shoulder into Rosco’s chest and taking him down.
For a moment, he is left caught off guard, clearly confused over how I managed to move so fast, and by the whispers of those who are watching, I know they too are feeling the same.
“I thought you were just a warrior.” Rosco puffs as I pin him down. “How are you so strong and able to move so fast?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.” I admit, continuing to fight to keep him down. “Do you submit?”
“No!” He growls, strengthening his attempts to break free.
Rolling my eyes, I move forward and slam my forehead against his, causing him to grow still as I can almost see the stars flashing in his eyes.
“And with that,” Jose calls, coming up behind me and touching my shoulder. “I think it is safe to say that Maverick is our victor.”
His words ring out, causing the crowd to cheer with excitement over the turn of events, but I don’t give a damn about any of them. The only person I care about is watching me with a smile playing on her lips that is so beautiful it takes my breath away.
“Congratulations,” Jose chuckles as I get up and begin to head to Serenity. “Well done.”
I don’t bother responding, I’m already beelining for the woman in front of me, and when I reach her, my arms are snaking around her and our lips are meeting. I know I’m being bold and that Rosco will probably throw a fucking fit when he snaps out of his daze, but I don’t care. Just knowing that I proved my right to be beside her makes me bold.
“Maverick,” she gasps, pulling away as I attempt to deepen the kiss. “What are you…”
“Just a little longer.” I murmur, finding it a little difficult to calm down. “Just a bit more.”
“I wouldn’t recommend that.” William, who stands beside Serenity, murmurs. “Unless you want to find yourself in another fight.”
“Let him try.” I huff, but I pull away and find Serenity giggling.
“Congratulations.” She whispers, wrapping her arms around me and giving me a hug. “You were amazing out there.”
“She’s right,” William agrees. “But that prideful bastard won’t let you off that easily.”
Turning, I watch as Rosco begins to get up, his dark gaze fixed on me as I continue to hang onto his daughter.
“Here he comes.” William sighs. “I think I’m going to go ahead and make some phone calls. Good luck.”
“Thanks.”
Keeping an arm around Serenity, I turn and watch as Rosco closes the distance between us, and when he reaches, he doesn’t speak. Instead, he just stares me down with an unreadable expression.
“Maverick,” he says slowly after a long moment. “Good job.”
As he speaks, he sticks out a hand and waits while I stare at it like an idiot.
“Go on,” Serenity urges me. “Don’t leave him hanging.”
Nodding, I reach out and take it, then squeeze, and when Rosco pulls me toward him and wraps a single arm around me to rap my back, I know that this is his sign of acceptance and approval.
“I guess it is safe to say that nothing I say is going to stop the two of you from being together.” He says once he pulls away.
“That’s right.” I confirm.
“And what about if both of you find your mates?”
“That doesn’t matter.” Serenity responds before I can. “I’ve chosen Maverick, and he is who I plan on spending my life with.”
“And you?” Rosco pushes. “What about you?”
“No one will ever come above Serenity.” I assure him.
“I hope you’re right.” He sighs, shaking his head. “But know, if you do anything to hurt my daughter, I’ll kill you, understand?”
“Of course,” I respond seriously. “But you don’t have to worry about that. If anyone were to hurt anyone, it is her.”
“Not a chance.” Serenity growls.
“You know that it isn’t going to be easy for the two of you.” He continues, looking from me to Serenity. “As a wolf without a background or any pedigree to speak of, the members of Emerald Moon won’t immediately accept you. Are you still prepared to stay despite the judgment, the rumors, and the possible backlash not only you but Serenity will receive?”
“I am,” I confirm. “And just like I did with you, I’m willing to show them my worth.”
“I’ll leave her to you then.” He sighs, clapping my shoulder. "Don’t let me regret it.”