Chapter 54

Kadeem

“I don’t want to.”

Mateo’s arms were crossed over his chest, reminding Kadeem of a willful child.

“Come on,” Kadeem said, gruffly, before adding in a lighter tone, "It's just a quick workout session."

Kadeem’s mood had been a roller coaster lately. He needed an outlet. Mateo was the unwilling sparring partner today.

Mateo eyed Kadeem skeptically. "Fine. But if I break a nail, it's on you."

Kadeem chuckled, clapping Mateo on the back as they made their way towards the gym. The power had been restored overnight and the gym was empty today, closed for the Sunday rest. The only sound echoing through the cavernous room was the hum of the overhead lights.

Kadeem led Mateo towards the boxing area, where a large ring stood proudly in the center. Around it were several punching bags suspended from the ceiling, swaying gently with anticipation. The smell of leather and effort hung heavily in the air.

"Alright, Mateo," Kadeem said, wrapping his hands with tape before slipping on a pair of red boxing gloves. "Let's start with some basic punches. Trust me, you'll love it."

"Love is such a strong word,” Mateo sighed, as he mimicked Kadeem's actions and slipped on a pair of blue gloves.

Kadeem guided Mateo through each movement with patience and encouragement. Soon, Mateo picked up the rhythmic dance of jabs and hooks. Kadeem enjoyed the sense of camaraderie with Mateo, and the escape from the worries that had been swirling though his mind nonstop since his memories returned. The worries were now distant, in the zen of boxing.

A mischievous grin spread across Mateo's face as he threw a playful jab towards Kadeem's shoulder. "I have to admit, this isn't as terrible as I thought it would be."

"See?" Kadeem laughed, easily dodging the punch. "I told you you'd enjoy it."

Mateo rolled his eyes, but smiled, pausing to wipe the sweat beading on his brow with the back of his arm.

“Let’s move to the punching bags,” Kadeem said. “You’ve got the feel for it, and now, we can work on building up your strength.” Kadeem helped get Mateo positioned in front of a punching bag. “Don’t forget your footwork,” he coached from the side.

Mateo groaned, but corrected the position of his feet. Kadeem helped with the timing of the hits. “One, two, three, go.”

Kadeem began to demonstrate, using a bag to Mateo’s left. “Attack,” he said, striking it. “Then use your feet to back up, or go to the sides, then jab again, just like we did together.”

Mateo nodded, continuing the flow of jabs and bouncing footwork. Kadeem took some swings at his own punching bag. His waning focus on Mateo’s workout pulled Kadeem back into his own troubles.

Kadeem’s muscles burned, and his fury surged. He could feel the pressure inside him building up, like a raging storm that was moments away from unleashing its fury. He threw off his boxing gloves and continued hitting barehanded.

Mateo looked over at him with a guarded expression, seemingly aware that something was about to happen. He appeared unsure whether to intervene or let it play out.

Kadeem felt his chest rising with anger, his attention narrowing in on the punching bag in front of him. His wolf nature took over, and with a burst of strength, Kadeem slammed his fist into the punching bag, feeling the sweet satisfaction as it buckled under the force. The bag ruptured, scattering the contents all over the gym floor.

Kadeem stood, panting. He looked down to see blood dripping from the knuckles of his right hand.

"Kadeem," Mateo cried, rushing to his friend's side.

"Ah, shit," Kadeem muttered, cradling his injured hand.

"Let's sit down and take a break," Mateo suggested gently, leading Kadeem to a bench. He hesitated for a moment, pursing his lips. "You want to talk about it?”

“No,” Kadeem said, his breath ragged as he sat down on the bench. “Can you just grab the First Aid kit, over there?” He pointed to one hanging on the opposing wall.

“Gotcha,” Mateo said. He came back with the box, which he sat down on the bench next to Kadeem. "Kadeem,” he said, opening up the kit. “I'm not an expert on boxing, but I do know when someone is hurting.” Mateo took out a large bandage. "You've been through a lot lately, it's no wonder you're struggling to make sense of things.”

“I just wish I knew the truth,” Kadeem said. “I don’t know what to make of Ardal.”

Mateo began to wrap Kadeem’s hand.

”She’s hot and cold,” Kadeem continued. “And I guess I am, too. I feel this pull to her, but also a little on-guard and distrusting at the same time.” Kadeem paused, looking down at his hand. “I think Susan may have engineered things to ruin our marriage all those years ago.” He sighed. “Actually, she put the nail in the coffin. I’d already ruined things.”

"Listen,” Mateo said, fastening the end of the bandage. “Don’t beat yourself up over the past. What’s done is done. Just hang in there, and as far as trusting Ardal or not - you’ll figure it out. Remember that I’m here for you, too.”

"Thanks," Kadeem said, offering Mateo a small, grateful smile.

"Maybe you should talk to Ardal directly," Mateo said.

Kadeem considered Mateo's advice as he flexed his injured hand, wincing slightly from the pain. Could he really face Ardal and confront her about the past? “I don’t know,” he said. “I… okay - I’m just going to own up to something.”

Mateo raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“I don’t plan on telling her I remember who she is.”

“For now, you mean?”

‘Ever, Mateo.”

Mateo rolled his eyes. “That’s gotta be one of the dumbest things you’ve ever said to me.”

Kadeem stood from the bench. “As soon as I tell her - the second I do - we’ll just be drowning in the past shit again. I’d rather just try to build something new. This could be a second chance, you know?”

Mateo frowned. “Tell that to the Kadeem I just saw break a heavyweight punching bag.”

Kadeem walked over to put the First Aid kit away. “I mean, yeah. This isn’t exactly easy, but it’s better than the alternative.”

Mateo shook his head and picked up his bottle of water. “Sure, I don’t see any way that will go wrong.”

“Really?” Kadeem craned his head over.

“I was being sarcastic,” Mateo said, opening his water bottle to take a swig. “Of course I see this going wrong. There’s no way it won’t blow up in your face. That bag was just the starter.” Mateo pointed to the wreckage strewn over the floor.

Kadeem clenched his jaw and picked up their boxing gloves to put away. “Thanks, pal.”

“I’m going to be honest with you, not blow smoke,” Mateo said. His eyes scanned the room. “How do we clean up this mess? I don’t see a broom.”

“I’ll worry about it tomorrow,” Kadeem said, slinging his gym bag over his shoulder. “And you’re forgetting something.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s what Ardal wants, too,” Kadeem said, hitting the overhead lights. “She hasn’t tried to tell me who she is.”

Kadeem and Mateo stepped out together, walking towards the back exit of the building. “And actually,” Kadeem said. “I know for a fact that she’s deliberately tried to hide it from me, because -“

The backdoor to the gym creaked open, revealing a petite woman with dark hair.

Kadeem blinked. “Riley?”

Her eyes were wide and anxious, her usually laid-back demeanor replaced by an unmistakable tension.

Mateo whistled. Kadeem whipped around furiously, ready to backhand him. Mateo’s grin shriveled and died on his face.

“What,” Mateo asked, defensively. “This is Riley? You didn’t tell me your beta is a girl.” Mateo eyed her appreciatively.

“Woman,” Kadeem corrected automatically, but he was hardly paying attention anymore. The amount of anxiety coming off his beta was overwhelming him.

Riley narrowed her eyes at Mateo. “Who the fuck are you,” she asked, scowling.

Mateo opened his mouth.

“Don’t answer that,” Riley said, cutting him off. “That was rhetorical, asshat.”

Mateo’s eyes widened with delight. “Feisty,” he muttered.

"Kadeem," Riley said, turning to her alpha. "I've got some bad news."