Page 78 of Alpha Games
Fallon joined us by the pool with her signature to-go cup of coffee already in hand. If I spent more time with her in McCaw Pack then I wondered if I’d be able to sneak in some decaf options. It was crazy to think how fast my life was changing and all the possibilities that were coming with it. I clung to Ranger’s arm, basically hanging on for the ride as we hiked up the hill to where an octagon shaped platform sat with chain link walls surrounding the ropes.
It’s silver and iron.My wolf bared her teeth at the pulsing power coming from the metal cage as we walked past it.
I felt sick to my gut, but Ranger and Fallon didn’t seem to mind.
“Isn’t that deadly?” I tugged on Ranger’s sleeve.
He looked to the cage with a tired resignation on his face. “Not really. It just hurts a lot to get thrown against it. But it keeps the viewers safe.”
We reached the tents where the rest of the contestants were already milling about, eating finger sandwiches and sipping lemonade. I’d eaten earlier once Ranger had personally taste tested room service and I didn’t plan to eat or drink anything again until we left the resort tonight.
“Big day today,” Chad called out to Ranger, not bothering to stand from his table as his cousins and the Fraziers sat beside him.
My whole body tensed as my wolf started growling. Ranger tightened his grip on my hand in warning. I glanced at Fallon and then at Ranger, wondering how they looked so calm as they walked over to Chad’s table. I wasn’t a great actress. I didn’t think I could do this.
“Ranger,” Edith purred, batting her eyelashes at him. “We’re excited to see which poor little wolf you pick to fight today.”
Kill this bitch.
I bared my fangs.
Ranger turned me around, gathering me in his arms as he kissed me in front of everyone and stole my breath away. He pulled back, leaving me dazed, and touched me on the nose.
“Behave,” he whispered.
I nodded, biting my tongue. I’dtryto do as he said.
Edith was flushed as she turned to Lilith. “Have you seen Meghan yet?”
“I haven’t. Scott said something about her staying in the room.” Lilith leaned closer to Chad, showing him her phone. He wasn’t paying attention to her though.
An amused expression was on his face as he studied the way Ranger held me to his side. I couldn’t believe I’d thought his smile was charming once. It was slimy. That of a politician.
I shivered in disgust.
“Alright gentlemen, we need you all to come to the stage,” the production assistant called out using a megaphone. I glanced around, surprised Molly wasn’t here. Her voice could project on its own. Not all the Lunas were there this morning either. The guys had all arrived though and were lining up.
“Don’t get into trouble.” Ranger kissed my forehead as he pulled out a chair at the table.
“You either.” I smacked his butt for good luck, giggling when he growled at me.
Edith made a gagging noise, scooting closer to her sister and taking Chad’s empty seat.
Fallon and I turned around in our chairs so we could watch the guys line up for the cameras.
“He looks good up there,” I said, admiring how at ease Ranger seemed next to the other Alphas.
Fallon was ripping at the lid on her cup. “I don’t like this.”
“He’ll be okay.” I put my hand on her shoulder to show support. I’d never seen him fight before and maybe I should’ve been more nervous if his sister was. But I’d seen his confidence in other areas and couldn’t believe he’d struggle with anything.
“It’s not that.” Her gaze was focused on the cage. “This feels wrong. It reminds me of the old days when he was the main event.”
I swallowed down the lump in my throat at hearing the pain in her voice. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how rough it was for them growing up like they did. “I wish things were different.”
“Me too.” Fallon sighed, taking a sip of her coffee. “But hopefully tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our new lives.”
“Cheers to that.” I bumped her raised fist as Jay walked onto the platform. The cue cards came out, reminding us to be quiet.