The Underdog: The Dark Horse Series, #1

By Alandra Hensley

18-year-old. Astra Marx dreams of becoming a professional wrestler in the professional Sinful Mayhem Wrestling or "SMW". Astra's father is in prison for a murder he claims he did not commit, at the time he was an amateur wrestler on the verge of breaking into Sinful Mayhem Wrestling. Astra is looking to prove the authorities wrong and give her father his freedom back. But Astra's mission is in jeopardy as her mother does not approve of her daughter's dream. Does Astra have what it takes to become a wrestler in Sinful Mayhem Wrestling without getting distracted by a male colleague who is interested in her romantically? Or will she fall short of her dream and live in the shadow of her father?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alandra Hensley
• Release date: Mar 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386651574

Alandra Hensley

Alandra Hensley is the Sports Fiction Romance author of The Underdog. She lives in Colorado and works on her books full-time.

Book preview

ONE

Igraduated from Cherokee High School and started my wrestling career in SMW.. I began wrestling at fifteen in a school run by former champion Dory Funk Jr., but my mother didn't know since she was always working, and I wasn't yet 18.. But I don’t think he committed the crime, seeing as he was an amateur wrestler was on the verge of breaking out into SMW when the murder had taken place.

My name is Astra Marx and I’m eighteen years old. I have long black hair that goes down to my waist, beautiful brown eyes, and I’m super skinny but athletic. Most people say I resemble my father, but I’ve never met him since my mother Mackenzie forbade me from even visiting him in jail. She gave me her Maiden name so I wouldn’t have to get harassed by anyone uses my father’s surname while I was growing up. My mother is a Dr. who works at Florida Hospital and had recently married Theo Falorsi.

Theo was a millionaire because he worked for Sports Center as a commentator. I didn’t care for Theo because he was trying to replace my father in my life, but my mother did, so I did my best to like him. But I knew Theo would never replace my real father. My mother wanted me to go off to college and become a Dr. just like she did, but I didn’t feel that becoming a Dr. was in the cards for me.

My aspiration was to pursue a career in professional wrestling, just like my real father did.. I guess that with him being behind bars and never getting to realize his dream of becoming a pro-wrestler, so I wanted to live out his dream for him. I had turned on YouTube and was watching how the female wrestlers did their kick ass moves in the ring when the doorbell rang, bringing me out of my zone to speak.

I’ll get it! I yelled as I pressed the pause button on the remote and ran to open the front door. I smiled when I saw my best friend, Hailey Sassetti. She had also graduated with me, and I used my right hand and motioned for her to come in.

So, how are you doing today, Astra? She asked me as we sat down on the couch. Hailey was beautiful; she had long platinum blond hair and gem green eyes. She had been my best friend since elementary school.

I’m fine. I replied as I passed the match. I was watching between Dr. Brit Baker and Kris Statlander.

Hailey grunted in annoyance when she saw what I had been watching. Again, with the wrestling stuff, Astra? She groaned as she plopped down beside me on the couch. "Aren’t you tired of watching this fake soap opera yet?" Hailey hated wrestling; she was all about fashion.

I rolled my eyes at her. I’m thinking of enrolling in wrestling school. I said to her with a serious look on my face. I'm already enrolled in wrestling school, but I can't tell anyone I'm one of the best female wrestlers for my career's sake..

Does your mother know about you wanting to become a professional wrestler? Hailey asked me, arching her eyebrow. Because I’m sure she will say no to that.

I sighed and looked down at my feet. She doesn’t. I spoke. But I really want to become a professional wrestler, Hailey.

Do you even know the first thing about becoming a professional wrestler, Astra? She asked me. Work your ass off by keeping fit, eating right, not to mention getting beat up and risk breaking your neck or something. She paused. And using me as an opponent on the trampoline doesn’t count. She added. True, I was using Hailey as an opponent on the trampoline every afternoon for the past four years, but I had pretended that I was a newbie at this, right?

Those are risks I’m willing to take. I spoke. And I’m willing to learn so-

You’re willing to learn what Astra? Theo asked, overhearing our conversation. Hailey’s eyes got big as she looked at me, wondering what I would say. I didn’t want to lie to Theo, so I told him the truth, at least a part of it.

I want to enroll in wrestling school. I said, and the room grew eerily quiet.

Does your mother know about you wanting to become a professional wrestler, Astra? Theo asked me.

I sighed in annoyance. No, I said angrily, leaping to my feet. It’s my choice, what I want to be in life and-

Okay, okay. Theo said to me, holding his hands up in self-defense. I’ll make some calls and see what I can do to help you out with this.

I was about to protest when Theo’s words sunk in.

Okay, okay, I’ll make some calls and see what I can do...

Wait? I asked him. You can get me into wrestling school? I asked him slowly. And... you won’t say anything to my mother about it? Like at all?

Theo smiled a genuine smile at me. I can guarantee you I will get you into the best wrestling school in the city. He spoke. And I won’t tell your mother about this.

Why are you doing this for me? I asked, knowing that Theo had a scheme behind his random act of kindness.

Because that’s what fathers do. Theo said, pulling out his cell phone. They support their daughters and their baffling dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. He found a number he was looking for. He dialed it and put the phone up to his ear. Hey, they're JC, Theo said to the person on the other end of the line. It’s Theo Falorsi, and I’m calling in that favor that you owe me...

I paced the room, wondering if Theo could pull this off for me. If he could get my foot in the door at SMW, that would be great. What did he say? I asked Theo as he hung up his phone. I bit my lower lip nervously as I waited for the news.

Theo smiled at me as he hung up the phone. Jared wants to meet with you in person, Astra. He said casually. So, we had better get going so-

Wait, I said, cutting Theo off mid-sentence. He wants to meet with me... like right now?

Yes, right now, Theo said, looking at me strangely. He has to see what he’s working with to get you into the best wrestling school, Astra. He paused. But after you get better than you will have an audition at SMW.

Right, I said, feeling the nerves kick in again. Good thing I’m already dressed in a black wife beater shirt and a pair of hot pink shorts with my white DC shoes. I quickly threw my hair up into a tight ponytail and put on some