In the Ring

Jay's POV

The minute I stepped into the ring, the whole atmosphere shifted. Tension filled the air like smoke thick, suffocating. My opponent? A damn giant. Broad shoulders, towering height, and a reputation for breaking bones like it's his favorite hobby. Great. Just what I needed getting my ass handed to me in front of my friends… and Sissel.

The bell rang, and before I could even blink, I was flat on my back. No warm-up, no mercy. The bastard slammed me down like I was a featherweight. The impact sent a wave of pain through my spine, and all I could think about was how bad this was about to get.

But then I saw it.

Out of the corner of my eye, just past the ropes Sissel. In Jacob's arms.

They were hugging.

My heart clenched so hard it hurt. What the hell was I seeing? Since when did they know each other let alone be close enough to hug like that?

A storm of confusion and jealousy erupted inside me, burning hotter with every second. I didn't have time to think it through not now but it stayed there, sitting heavy in my chest. I clenched my jaw, forcing my focus back where it needed to be. I couldn't afford to lose this match not now, not ever.

Fine. If I'm going down, I'm taking this giant with me.

I channeled every ounce of anger I had straight into my fists. Targeting his knees that's where he was weakest and I went all in. Blow after blow, rage fuelling every strike.

Jacob's POV

I didn't know what the hell I was doing here hugging my little sister like nothing happened. Like I hadn't disappeared from her life for three years. But the second I saw her, really saw her all the walls I'd built crumbled.

Those teary hazel eyes, the way her shoulders shook… how the hell was I supposed to just stand there?

She was always the softest part of my ugly world. And in that moment, holding her felt like the only thing that made sense.

I'd promised myself I'd stay away keep my distance for good. But some promises are just too hard to keep and meant to be broken anyway.

The sound of the crowd's roaring cheers pulled me back, snapping me out of whatever trance I was in. I turned my head and found Jay and damn, the kid was fighting like his life depended on it. His punches were fierce, calculated like he was aiming to break the guy down piece by piece. Smart move going for the knees.

"She's still your safe place," a voice whispered inside me. And maybe that's the only reason I was even here.

I leaned down to Sissel, lowering my voice, "We should focus on Jay's match… it's what we came for anyway. We'll talk later."

She sniffled, nodding weakly her red nose and glossy eyes making my chest ache. I hated being the reason behind those tears. Hated it. But it was too late to undo any of it.

I forced myself to watch the fight. Jay didn't stop kept hammering away at the guy until the giant started faltering. Damn… kid had more fight in him than I thought.

I could feel Aidan's eyes on me sharp, curious but he kept quiet. For now.

What the hell were we going to tell them anyway? That I was Sissel's long-lost brother? The one who walked out and never came back? There's no way to explain that without sounding like a complete piece of shit. And honestly, I didn't want to talk about it. Not now. Not ever.

But something told me… there was no running from this anymore.

Aidan's POV

Jay was relentless. Every punch, every move was calculated. And finally , finally he locked the giant into a brutal arm hold. The guy's face turned pale, veins bulging.

Then… it happened.

The giant tapped out, slapping the mat like his life depended on it.

Relief hit me hard Jay had done it. He won.

"Hell yeah! Congratulations, bro you were insane out there!" I rushed over, pulling him into a quick hug before slapping his back.

Jacob was next clapping his hands and grinning. "You did good, man. Really good."

Jay smiled but it wasn't the usual cocky grin I knew too well. This smile was… forced. Hollow. His eyes? They weren't even on us they kept flickering toward Sissel.

And that's when it hit me.

He saw them. He saw Jacob and Sissel hugging.

I acted quickly, pulling Jay to the side under the pretense of messing with him. Leaning in, I whispered low enough for only him to hear, "They're siblings… and don't ask me how. I don't know either."

Jay froze. Eyes wide, breath caught in his throat.

Yeah… this wasn't over.

Not even close.