“That’s exactly what we think,” Tank said firmly. “Real war is for the strong. For alphas like us.” Victoria looked at each of them one last time. “Alphas,” she mused. “The elite of the elite.”
“Damn right,” Snake said, though he was already looking for the exit. Victoria nodded as if accepting the terms. “Well, boys,” she said brightly. “I guess there’s only one way to settle this.” “What are you talking about?” Spider asked suspiciously.
Victoria’s smile was genuine now, but it was the smile of a shark. “I’m giving you a chance to prove I don’t belong here,” she offered. “Prove to everyone in this room that I’m just taking up space. Space that belongs to ‘alphas’ like you.” She gestured to the hundreds of silent witnesses. “Listen up!” she commanded, her voice suddenly taking on the authority of a drill instructor. “Since you’re so sure of your strength and my weakness, let’s test it. Right now. Five ‘street fighters’ against one ‘paper pusher.'”
The bullies froze. The mess hall erupted in a low murmur of excitement. Tank was the first to find his voice. “You’re serious? You want to fight all five of us?” “Why not?” she shrugged. “You’ve been talking a big game. Here’s your chance to prove it.” She laughed, and the sound was full of predatory anticipation.
“Unless you’re only ‘alphas’ when you’re cornering kids in the hallway?” The insult stung. Backing down now would mean total humiliation. They had walked into a trap of their own making. Tank tried one last time to save face. “Look, we don’t hit women,” he muttered. “Just walk away.”
Victoria rolled her eyes. “You don’t hit women? A minute ago you were going to ‘shut my mouth.’ You change your mind fast.” Snake held up his hands, trying to de-escalate. “This is a setup. No sane person takes on five guys.” “A setup?” Victoria smiled. “You’re the experts. I’m just a clerk. It should be easy.”
