Page 72 of Luna Trials
Don’t trip… Don’t trip...I smiled and waved to the general direction of the cameras, making my wayacross the stage. The lights were so much brighter out here and heat seemed to radiate from them. I was starting to sweat again, but this close, I could see the foundation caked into Jay Renfro’s skin. It helped me feel more at ease and less worried about being perfect as I sank onto the chair.
“There she is. Our darling Aspen from Nuva Pack.” Jay clasped my hand within his, leaning closer like we were good friends. I was surprised he even knew my name.
“It’s so good to see you, Jay.” I followed his lead and shook his hand in earnest.
“That’s quite a grip you’ve got there.” He laughed, shaking his hand dramatically in the air.
“Shifter problems.” I shrugged. It seemed strange that his wolf wasn’t anywhere near the surface. I could barely sense the animal within. “But you know that.”
“I do.” Jay smiled with all his teeth, not missing a beat. “Speaking of shifter problems, how has your time in the Luna Trials been so far?”
I resisted the urge to look at the audience even though I could feel Ranger’seyes on me.
“It’s going well,” I said. “All the girls have been super sweet.”
“Just the girls.” Jay wiggled his eyebrows. I’d never seen someone actually do that in real life. “Or have any of the Alphas been sweet too?”
Since most of them wouldn’t look at me and the one who did was not what I’d call “sweet,” I figured I shouldn’t answer that.
“Maybe.” I winked.
Jay laughed. “Fair enough. Mysterious. I like it. Well let’s get to the questions. Our producers picked three from the ones the Alphas submitted and we get to be mysterious too by not saying who they are from. Are you ready?”
“Throw them at me.” I leaned back in the chair, crossing my ankles and still smiling. I was going to ace this test.
“The first question the Alphas have for you today is ‘what are you looking for in an ideal mate?’”
Come again?
I was expecting something about policy change or world history or even quantum physics. Not… the typical thing you’d ask on a dating show.
My palms started sweating and the lights were suddenly too bright as Jay sat there staring at me.
“Um. Can you repeat the question?” I really needed a sip of water.
“Your qualities of a mate?” Jay looked to the cameras like he couldn’t believe what he was dealing with.
“Cut,” the director yelled from somewhere on his perch.
Molly stormed out, rubbing her temples. “It’s a simple question, Aspen. Do you need notecards?”
“No… No. I’ve got this,” I stuttered. There were a few snickers from the Alphas watching and for some reason I felt young again, tormented under the laughs of the football team with Trenton sitting there, saying nothing.
A deep predator’s growl echoed through the room. The same one that had my wolf perking up and paying attention. I clenched my fists, hating that he was watching me flounder like this. The jolt of anger renewed my confidence.
“My apologies.” I stared at Jay. “I’m ready now.”
Molly crept off the stage.
“Take two.” The clapperboard snapped.
“Well, Jay. I hate to say that I’m picky, but I need a mate that is kind and honest. One who works hard and loves nature. Who values my opinion and isn’t afraid of me challenging him. Oh, and my papa has to approve.”
I shrugged with one shoulder, playing off my earlier misstep and causing Jay to laugh again.
“I wonder if we could get your papa to come to the show.”
“Between you and me,” I leaned forward, lowering my voice to a stage whisper, “I wouldn’t do that. He’s a total main character and would steal the spotlight from all the lovely contestants.”