Page 36 of Alpha Games
She sighed dramatically, drawing out my guilt at leaving her hanging. But I still wasn’t sure how to answer all her questions.
“Listen, I promise that whatever happens, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Considering you’re being filmed for national television, I won’t judge you when you break that promise.” Clara giggled. “But make sure to keep your phone on you this time. I’m tired of you missing my calls.”
*
Something was wrong with my phone. Clara said she’d called a few times, but I didn’t see any of the missed calls. And the charger wasn’t working right. It was probably because the cord was barely hanging on by a strand of wire, but I couldn’t get my phone past fifty-percent on the battery.
Frustrated, I left it plugged in as I headed downstairs to grab breakfast. The traditional hunt was tomorrow, but the guys had the day off to recover from the obstacle course yesterday. We had some interviews scheduled this afternoon which I guess would be after the airing of the next episode. I still didn’t understand how all the recording and splicing and showtimes worked.
I figured one day, when I got out of here, I might try to sit down and watch this whole season.
If I could stomach it.
“Good morning, Luna.” Ivan’s deep voice boomed down the hall.
I jumped, clutching my chest. “Goddess, you scared me. Don’t you ever sleep?” I swear I heard him pacing the hall last night.
“I sleep five hours every night.” Ivan fell in step beside me.
“Five hours?” My eyes widened. “That isn’t enough. You need at least eight on a normal day.”
“Whatever you say, Luna.” He seemed grumpy and probably needed more sleep.
I pressed the button for the elevator. “Does Molly require security for all the contestants or is this a special me thing?”
“Molly?” Ivan blinked. “Oh, um, not exactly. But I take the safety of my Luna very seriously.”
“Don’t tell me you’re into betting too?” I rolled my eyes, thinking of Jesse. At least he seemed to be in a better mood now that he was getting paid extra for me staying on the show.
“Bets?” Ivan scratched his jaw. He was a little slow today. That’s what happens with not enough sleep.
“Never mind.” I laughed, waiting for the doors to slide open.
Ivan held out his arm. “After you, Luna.”
I patted his shoulder as I walked into the elevator. “Thanks, big guy, but if you don’t mind, can you please just call me Aspen?”
*
I should have probably gone to find Trenton, but there was another Alpha I was hoping to bump into. Trenton healed up quick after the javelin spear incident yesterday so I wasn’t too worried anyway.
When I got to the cafeteria, the Alpha pheromones were practically non-existent despite a few of the males still lingering over their empty trays.
He’s not here.My wolf sniffed and then settled back down. I got the feeling she was saving her energy for the heat.
That should’ve scared me more than it did.
But the past few days had lit a spark that excited me just a bit. I was curious. Call it the scientific nerd in me, but I wanted to see how this season would play out. Plus, I needed a few more details to give Clarasomethingor I’d never hear the end of it.
I loaded my tray with breakfast, grabbing a sprinkled doughnut along with my sausage and scrambled southwest style eggs. Ever since Opal left, I seemed to have developed more of a sweet tooth in memory of her. Or maybe I was gearing up for the heat. Either way, food had never tasted so good.
Ivan leaned closer to me, sniffing the tray at the same time I did. Checking all my food was gettinga little old, but I wasn’t stupid enough to let my guard down.
And I also didn’t care who saw me do it. Sure, there were a few snickers and some upturned noses, but a girl’s got to eat and I’d prefer my meals poison free, thank you very much.
Once I was sure my breakfast wouldn’t kill me, I made my way to an empty table. Ivan hung back by the cafeteria doors, making me feel very top-secret-security-awkward, but the big guy was growing on me.