Night Marks Read Free Page B

the call you can go right in. You should have identified yourself sooner. If I would have known, there never would have been a question of you getting in armed. I am hoping to be put on your protection detail one of these days, but I am still going through training,” he says clearing the way and opening the door for us.
    “Keep up the good work, I guess,” I say as Alex drags me inside. He would probably be an easy guard to get away from, so I am semi-serious about my comment. If I was worried about my life, though, I would make sure that guy was not on the short list of people sent to protect me.
     

Chapter 3
    There’s no need to fear
     
    I haven’t ever been inside this arena before. Wait, that isn’t right, I did chase a mark from a concert a couple years ago. For obvious reasons, I didn’t really take the time to check the place out back then.
    My initial reaction to the inside of the building is, bright. They could really stand to tone down the overhead lights. I don’t know if I am just light sensitive, but the rays are giving me a bit of a headache.
    There are merchant booths lining the side of the long walkway that seems to be the only way to go. I see food stands promoting the freshest cuts of meat. It looks like you can sign up to have the choicest cuts delivered to your house daily.
    That might be something worth looking into. It’s one less trip to the store I would need to make, granted I don’t remember the last time I actually went grocery shopping, since my meals are usually provided, but it is food for thought.
    There are also a lot of weaponry stands that draw my eyes. I thought the guy at the door said no weapons, so how does he justify the sight before me? Someone has some explaining to do.
    “People can purchase items, but they don't take possession until later,” Alex states seeing the questions in my gaze. “I doubt anyone has anything you don’t already own, so let's get to our seats.”
    He attempts to drag me away from a booth and I allow it. We head further down the hall to the open doorways into the arena proper. I try to glance into the openings, but there are too many people milling around for me to get a good look. About halfway down the long tunnel, he turns and pushes through the crowd to get to our seats.
    We end up front and center. To be any closer we would have to actually be in the ring. We are looking at an elevated platform that supports a black chain linked cage. There is currently a scantily dressed woman walking around the ring with a digital clock counting down the time until the fight.
    The crowd is joyous already, crying for the blood sport to commence. I have been involved in a lot of fights, but I have never been to an actual event like this. I have heard they can get pretty vicious.
    “So, what are the terms?” I ask Alex. I figure he knows all the details, since he brought me here.
    “No weapons, shifts allowed, tap out,” he replies.
    It isn't a death match then. I imagine the opponent that taps out is probably knocking on death’s door. A loss in this division knocks you down to the bottom rung of the ladder and you have to fight your way back up. Most of that journey is paved with death matches. I like fighting a whole lot, but the whole to the death element has always left me queasy.
    The countdown clock is ticking off its last second and a male werewolf joins the ring girl. He has a microphone in his hand, so I am guessing he is the ring announcer for this evening.
    The lights in the arena dim and spotlights start circling the room.
    “Ladies and gentleman, thank you for joining us this evening. Night Owl City Hall is proud to present tonight's match between Joe 'The Hulk' Murray and Trevor 'The Wolfman' Amonte,” he shouts to the crowd.
    One of the contestant’s entrance music kicks on and the people get on their feet. I stand too, thinking about how these guys need to find themselves more original nicknames.
    It looks like The Wolfman is the one