This could be fun, but dangerous. If I lost control, if I pushed myself too hard, if I gave in to my instincts, my Aunare would show.

“We’ll stop before it becomes an issue.”

My mouth opened to ask him what he meant, but I knew what he meant. He was thinking the same thing I was, but he was going to stop the fight before I showed too much of my hand to the watching crowd. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to stop myself, but maybe hiding didn’t matter anymore. “Okay.”

Santiago quickly headed out, and Ahiga made the first move before Santiago was clear of the ring.

My body moved as I anticipated Ahiga, but damn it, he was fast. His fist grazed my cheek, and I spun, kicking my leg out, nailing Ahiga in the stomach.

He caught my foot and twisted.

I moved with it and flipped.

I started to move faster and faster. Watching and anticipating. My body grew warm, and I felt at home. At peace as our fight became a true dance.

I was lost in the moment and started to really let go.

Ahiga held his arms in the air. “Done!” He yelled as he took five quick steps back and bowed.

I froze. What? Why?

The energy from the fight buzzed under my skin.

Shit.

I quickly squeezed my eyes shut.

Six in. Three out. Three in. Six out. Four in. Eight out. Eight in. Four out. Six in. Three out. Three in. Six out. Four in. Eight out. Eight in. Four out.

“That’s it?” Santiago said.

I opened my eyes and looked to the doorway. Matthew lifted his chin a little before turning around.

I shrugged and mouthed “Thank you” to Ahiga.

“That’s it.” Ahiga’s gaze stayed locked with mine.

And in that instant—in that one solid look from Ahiga—the click happened. My gut said to trust him, and I did.

It hadn’t happened with Tyler or Audrey yet. Maybe it would still. But I trusted Ahiga with my life. I was lost in the dance of it, seconds away from showing my true nature, and when I would’ve pushed harder—would’ve shown everyone in the room how Aunare I could be—he stopped the fight.

Even when trying to keep Matthew’s attention. Even while locked in a fight with me. Ahiga had kept me safe.

Just like my mom had kept me safe. Just like Jorge and Roan had kept my secret. Just like I knew that Declan came into my life to help me, even if it’d gone sideways. Ahiga was someone I could count on, and in this place, that meant everything.

He gave me a small, almost imperceptible nod.

“Thank you,” I said aloud this time.

Another small nod and he turned, ducking between the ropes, and left the room without another word.

Chapter Twenty-Six