Page 94 of Luna Trials
“We’re both adults here.” He chuckled. “All I’m saying is that even fated mates don’t get it right at first. But you’ve got to put in the work if you want to win.”
*
I wasn’t sure that I wanted to win. Or what winning even entailed. But laying in bed feeling sorry for myself wasn’t going to do anyone any favors.
I pressed the button for the elevator, ready to start the day. There were a few things I wanted to take care of before the last trial started.
“Jesse.” I poked my head into the makeup room, wondering where he hung out on his off time.
The scent of hairspray was still fresh, but his feline smell had faded. A noise in the back corner behind the rows of vanity tables made my ears twitch. Maybe another stylist would know how to reach him.
“Sorry to interrupt,” I called out as I made my way around the mirrors. “I’m looking for Jesse. Have you seen him?”
I rounded the last table, coming face to face with Genie. She scowled at me as she held up a dress on the hanger. I thought about running until I caught a whiff of cotton candy behind the curtain.
“Hey Opal. How’s it going in there?”
“She’s busy.” For a human woman, Genie could growl.
“Whoa. Okay.” I held up my hands. “I’m looking for Jesse.”
“Try the bar.” Genie turned her back to me.
“Are you alright in there, Opal?” I asked, clearly overstaying my welcome as Genie shot me a murderous glare over her shoulder. These stylists really took their picks seriously.
The rings on the curtain squeaked as Opal pulled back the fabric, poking her head out and rolling her eyes. “I’m fine.”
“You can go now.” Genie smiled smugly, moving to stand in front of the Omega. My protective instincts were flaring, but I knew when to leave well enough alone.
“And you can tell the cat that if I see you in royal blue for the ball, I’ll skin his hide and stuff it,” Genie called out as I left.
And I thought the candidates were dangerous.
*
I was feeling low, but not sitting in a dark bar first thing in the morning alone nursing a glass of what smelled like a white Russian low.
“Don’t you have a home to go to?” I asked, sliding onto the stool next to Jesse.
The ice clinked in his glass as he raised it. “Ah, but here I get free drinks.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“You want to hear about my problems?” His tongue darted out to lick a bit of milky foam thatbeaded on the rim of the cup. “That wouldn’t be very fairy godmother like of me.”
I laughed. “I’m under no disillusion that you haven’t made some kind of bet and that’s the reason you’re helping me. But you’re the only male in my life besides my papa who is helping, so let me return the favor. What’s up?”
Jesse’s shoulders hunched as he set down his glass. “Do you ever feel like you’re alone in the world?”
Ouch. Maybe I should pour myself a drink. “Sometimes, but I kind of like being alone. People are less disappointing if you don’t interact with them.”
“Amen to that sister.” He smiled. “Except you’re here to find love.”
“I don’t think love is looking for me.” I glanced around the darkened bar. There weren’t any cameras watching, but I couldn’t be sure they weren’t hidden in the walls.
Jesse seemed to remember our earlier conversation. “What is your wolf saying?”
Ranger.“We’re working through what’s best for us, but enough about me. Why do you look like someone stole your canary?”