Reign in Blood

Jasper had won the fight. Now the war began.

Blackridge belonged to him, but he didn't simply take over. They had to hold onto it.

And in this kind of place? As long as other people scared you as well, you would be respected.

Two days after Jasper and Briggs' fight, a riot broke out in Cell Block C.

 It wasn't a full-fledged insurrection, but enough to put his authority to the test.

 A message.

 The Aryans and Latinos, his purported friends, were at odds again.

 Jasper arrived at the scene with Mark at his side. Bodies sprawled on the floor, some beaten, others stabbed.

 Briggs and Raul stood facing each other, their guys behind them, fists clinched, eyes flaming.

 Jasper sighed. They were testing him.

He stepped forward. Slow. Controlled.

 The room became silent.

 He glanced at Briggs first. "What happened?" "

 Briggs sighed. "One of Soriano's men tried to steal our stash."

 Jasper turned toward Raul.

 Raul shrugged. "Your boy is a liar." "One of my guys was jumped first."

 Jasper's jaw tight. He glared at the two of them.

 Then he moved.

Fast.

A right hook caught Briggs across the jaw.

A split second later, a brutal left jab slammed into Raul's ribs.

Both men staggered. Stunned.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Jasper rolled his shoulders. "You don't get to test me." His voice was cold. Deadly. "Not like this."

Blood dripped from Briggs's lip. Raul clutched his ribs.

Neither man said a word.

Jasper 's voice cut through the silence.

"This is your first and last warning." His eyes burned. "There's one power in Blackridge. You don't like it? Try me again."

No one moved.

No one dared.

Then, slowly Briggs spat blood onto the floor.

And nodded.

Raul did the same.

The message was received.

Jasper owned this place.

Later that night, Mark met Jasper in the yard. The old fighter was smirking.

"Damn, kid," Mark said. "You really enjoy making enemies."

Jasper exhaled, rubbing his sore knuckles. "Not enemies. Loyalty."

Mark chuckled. "Same thing in here."

Jasper looked around. The prison had changed.

When he first arrived, he was just another body in the machine.

Now?

Every gaze in the yard followed him. Some with fear. Some with respect.

But none with doubt.

He was no longer just another inmate.

He was Blackridge's king.

And soon? He'd be its first escapee.