“As a reminder of the rules, you may change your bet at any time until the chains are released. Once that happens, your devices will be disabled and there’s no going back. Take a moment to consider your wager, and remember the minimum bet requirement. If you can’t meet that minimum, then I’ll ask you to leave the room. The price for watching without betting is two thousand. And as a generous offer, should the panther be the victor of this match, I will hold an auction. One lucky bidder will have time alone with our lovely lady in private quarters for the entirety of the evening. This is going to be a spectacular show, gentlemen. Place your bets.”

My eyes widened as I looked at Wheeler. I wanted to speak, but the cold shackle around my neck was biting into my skin and making me dizzy.

“Ease up on that,” Delgado said in a tight voice.

The chain loosened and blood returned to my head.

Delgado approached the cage from behind me and I looked to the left. He smelled like cigarettes.

“My apologies for the unnecessary force on your restraints. Wouldn’t want you going in at a disadvantage,” he said. “Sorry we haven’t formally met, but these things happen for a reason. I’m a strong believer in fate. Are you?”

If I had eaten anything, it would have already been all over the floor.

“Please don’t do this,” I pleaded. “Let him go.”

“Him?” he asked with surprise. “Not you?”

“Release him. I’ll do what you want. His pack will come after you and cause more trouble; I have no one to claim me.”

“Sorry, Miss James. As curious as your request is, that’s not good business.” He leaned in so his voice wouldn’t carry. “Whatever feelings you might have for that man, I’d reconsider in your last moments. He’s a ruthless killer; I’ve seen it myself. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to survive, and if you trust him, you’re a bigger fool than I took you for. So do me a favor and put on a good show.”

When he stepped away, I tugged at my chain. I got four steps into the cell before they yanked me back.

That’s when Wheeler swung his eyes up to mine. Those pale brown beauties glowed like embers from a fire, and I didn’t recognize the man standing before me.

Slowly the colored lights in the darkness became less frequent until they stopped altogether. The air chilled my arms, which were still damp from when they had thrown the water on me. I wiped my wet hair away from my face and tried to make eye contact with Wheeler. Could I trust him not to kill me?

“Gentlemen, we are releasing the chains.”

When Delgado nodded, my shackle clicked and fell away. I stumbled forward just as Wheeler’s right arm swung to his side without the chain attached. He stood catatonic, his heavy-lidded eyes transfixed on my legs.

The longer he stared, the more tempted I became to look down. I didn’t see anything outside of the mosquito bites, so I reached down and scratched one. Someone in the crowd chuckled.