Nichole Rider: The Nerd of the school. Quiet. Distant. Blends in the background. But has a secret. Alex Carter: The Bad Boy of the school. Rich. Hot. Has girls swarming around 24/7. But can't get Nichole. *****Author's note: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE PICTURES. THOSE ARE ALL FROM THE INTERNET. I REPEAT: I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE MEDIA!

ONLY THE FIRST 9 CHAPTERS ARE AVAILABLE. ***** An enslaved champion in the bloodsport of battleboxing, Imalroc has fought for years to try and regain his freedom. But when his fighting contract passes into the hands of Rerdas Toriem, a disgraced noble guarding a dangerous secret, Imalroc finds himself grappling with feelings that both bewilder and upset him. The two men couldn't be more different, but to avoid a political noose, an enemy empire, and a mysterious disease that threatens to upturn everything they know, they must find a way to overcome their conflicting alliances in the hope of securing freedom, safety, and a chance at something more than friendship. [[word count: 200,000-250,000 words]]