CHAPTER 60

As the weeks passed, Jack's hard work and dedication paid off. He won his next two fights, and the only one left was the final one that would catapult him to the UFC. Jack was eager to get it over with, as it meant progress and a step closer to his ultimate goal.

Meanwhile, Jack had managed to get a bit closer to Alexander. They weren't exactly friends, but they were at least friendly. Alexander had taken a liking to Jack, and they would often chat about their shared passion for MMA. Jack was careful not to get too close, knowing that Alexander was still a Blackwood, and he couldn't trust him completely.

One day, Jack decided to call his mom. He knew she wouldn't be thrilled about his decision to pursue a career in MMA, but he wanted to prepare her for the fact that he would soon be appearing on the UFC. He didn't want her to find out through someone else, and he hoped that by telling her himself, he could soften the blow.

"Hey, Mom," Jack said, trying to sound casual.

"Hey, son. How are you doing?" his mom replied, her voice laced with concern.

"I'm doing great, Mom. I've been training hard, and I've got some good news. I'm going to be fighting in the UFC soon," Jack said, bracing himself for her reaction.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Jack could almost hear his mom's disappointment. "Jack, I thought we talked about this. I don't want you getting hurt, and I definitely don't want you fighting in that...that...UFC," she said, her voice trembling.

"Mom, I know you're worried, but I'm doing this for me. I'm chasing my dream, and I can't change my mind now. Besides, it's not like I'm fighting in illegal fights or anything," Jack said, trying to reassure her.

His mom sighed, and Jack could tell she was trying to accept his decision. "I know you can't change your mind, Jack. Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?"

"I promise, Mom. I'll be fine. And who knows, maybe one day you'll come to one of my fights and see how much I love this sport," Jack said, trying to lighten the mood.

His mom laughed, a small, sad laugh. "I doubt that, Jack. But I'll always support you, no matter what."

Jack felt a pang of guilt for not telling his mom the whole truth. He hadn't mentioned the underground fights or the threats he had received from the Blackwoods. He knew she would worry even more if she knew the full story, and he didn't want to burden her with that.

As they wrapped up their conversation, Jack felt a sense of relief. He had taken the first step in preparing his mom for his new career, and he hoped that eventually, she would come to accept it.

Over the next few weeks, Jack focused on his training, pouring all his energy into preparing for his final fight. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready for whatever lay ahead.

Jack was sitting with Ashley in the living room, kissing and holding each other close. But as much as Jack wanted to take it further, he knew Ashley wasn't ready. He could sense her hesitation, her uncertainty, and he didn't want to push her. So he just held her, kissing her forehead, trying to be patient and understanding.

Ashley looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "I know what you want, Jack. And I'm sorry. I just need a little more time, okay?" She knew she was asking a lot from him, especially since they were both in their 20s and their hormones were raging. But Jack was different. He was kind and gentle, and he didn't pressure her.

Jack sighed and hugged her tight. "It's fine, baby. I understand. We'll take it slow." He knew it wasn't easy for her, and he was willing to wait.

In a different room, a different scene was unfolding. Alexander was sitting opposite his father, Marcus, begging for something. "Please, Dad, just this once. Help me find a way to get to his mom." Alexander was desperate, his eyes pleading.

Marcus, a cold and calculating man, looked at his son with disdain. "You're an incel, Alexander. I was ignoring your little shenanigans, but your stupid fighter ruined things for me. And now I have to find someone new." He slapped Alexander across the face, the sound echoing through the room.

Alexander cried out, his face stinging. "But Dad, that was my fighter! I trained him, I found him. Why do you get to take everything from me?" He was unwilling to give up, to let his father take away the one thing he had worked so hard for.

Marcus sneered at him. "Shut the fuck up, and do what you're told. I'm confiscating your little fighter, since you seem to beg for it so much. And this week, the guests will come to the grounds. I expect to see him there." He turned and walked away, leaving Alexander feeling defeated and helpless.

Alexander was furious. Why did his father always have to take everything from him? Why did he always have to be so cruel and heartless? He felt like he was nothing more than a pawn in his father's game, a game he didn't even understand.

He got up, his eyes blazing with anger, and stormed out of the room. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he knew he had to do something. He couldn't just sit back and let his father ruin his life.

As he walked away, he felt a sense of determination building inside him. He was going to fight back, he was going to take control of his life.

Alexander pulled out his phone and dialed Jack's number, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge and anger. He wasn't thinking clearly, and he just wanted to lash out at someone, anyone. Jack answered on the first ring, and Alexander blurted out an invitation for drinks without even thinking.

"Hey, Jack, let's grab drinks tonight. I need to blow off some steam," Alexander said, his voice laced with aggression.

Jack, sensing an opportunity, agreed enthusiastically. "Sure thing, Alexander! I'm always up for a good time. What's going on? You sound like you've got a lot on your mind."

Alexander snorted. "Just my dad being his usual asshole self. He's been screwing me over left and right, and I'm sick of it. I'll tell you all about it when we meet up."

Jack's eyes lit up with excitement as he hung up the phone. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time - Alexander was finally going to spill the beans about his father's shady dealings.

When Alexander arrived at the bar, Jack was already there, sipping on a drink and looking like the cat who ate the canary. Alexander launched into a tirade against his father, and Jack listened intently, his eyes gleaming with interest.

As Alexander ranted on, Jack's smile grew wider and wider. He was getting the inside scoop on the Blackwoods' dirty secrets, and he couldn't wait to use this information to his advantage.

"Alexander, you're a genius!" Jack exclaimed, slapping him on the back. "I had no idea your dad was such a piece of work. We need to take him down, man! After all if he takes all the cash i make I wont .. i mean we won't have anything, imagine if he takes all the bets we could win, he might as well take your future wife as well. "

Alexander's eyes narrowed, unsure if he had just made a mistake by confiding in Jack. But Jack's enthusiasm was infectious, and soon they were both laughing and scheming like old friends.

As the night wore on, Jack's mind raced with possibilities. He had finally gotten the upper hand on the Blackwoods, and he was going to make the most of it. Alexander might have thought he was just venting to a friend, but Jack knew the truth - he had just handed him the keys to the kingdom.