Page 81 of Alpha Games
I’m getting there.
Cindy was walking into the resort with one of the makeup artists and she cast a deathly glare my way. I scratched the side of my face with my middle finger, annoyed that she didn’t see it before the doors shut behind her.
“Do you want some coffee or something?” I asked Fallon, already knowing the answer.
“Yes.” She waved me away. “Don’t eat or drink anything yourself unless Beau tastes it for you.”
“I’m fine.” My stomach chose that moment to rumble. Beau hurried over to our table.
“Ivan is almost done with the video feeds,” he whispered, handing me a granola bar from his shirt pocket. I carefully tore open the foil and munched on the half-crushed bar as I went to pour Fallon a cup of coffee from the refreshment stand.
The olive and cheese skewers looked amazing, but I didn’t want to touch them. It was going to be nice to get away from this resort and be able to trust my food again.
“Ms. Nuva, we’ve been looking everywhere for you.” The production assistant who’d come with us to the hospital was flustered as she poked her head inside the back flap of the tent.
“For me?” I pointed at my chest.
“Yes.” She nodded, looking to her clipboard. “Your grandfather, a mister Arnold Nuva, is on the phone trying to get in contact with you. He says its urgent.”
“Here.” I thrust the coffee cup for Fallon into Beau’s hand.
“Luna,” he sputtered, changing direction when the PA looked at him, “Misses Aspen, would Ranger think that’s okay?”
“Oh for fucks’ sake.” I growled, marching over to shake Fallon’s shoulder. This whole deferring to Ranger for everything was going to get old, fast. “Here’s your coffee. My papa is calling. He probably can’t get ahold of me through my phone.”
“Hurry and talk to him. Ranger’s fight is next. We probably have like five minutes until it starts.” There was the sound of a victory howl and Fallon grinned. “Make that two minutes.”
I took off running, not wanting to miss Ranger’s fight but worried sick that something had happened to my papa on the road. They’d left Nuva Pack last night and stayed at a hotel.
But what if there was an accident?
My heart physically couldn’t take it if he was not okay.
“He’s on line two in the conference room. Molly is in there now,” the PA called out as she was running behind me. I heard Beau grumble, hurrying to keep up.
I raced through the lobby and headed to the stairwell, jogging down the short flight of stairs. The hall was becoming familiar now for reasons I didn’t like. It felt like I was entering the principles’ office… again.
I burst into the conference room.
Molly looked up from her spot at the head of the table. “Aspen, long time no chat. Please take a seat.”
“I…” I looked around for a landline, realizing I’d never seen one in this room. “They said my papa called. Is he alright?”
“Forgive us for the dramatic flair.” Molly smiled as she leaned back against her chair. “That’s show business for you.”
“What are you talking about? Did my papa call or not?” My nail beds were burning as my claws started to extend.
“You’re a better actress than I gave you credit for,” Molly said. “Such a shame you never held up your end of the bargain.”
“I don’t owe you anything.” I growled, moving toward the door. It was already shut. Beau’s fists were pounding against the other side. I felt another shifter behind me move, but I wasn’t sure who to turn my back on.
“Yes, you do. It’s in the contract.” Molly stuck out her bottom lip as she rested her hand on her chin. “And you promised me drama, but you were going to deprive the viewers of their favorite couple this season? Oh no, no, no. Not onmyshow.”
I think she’s losing it.My wolf was snarling.
I took a step back, watching Molly’s face darken a shade of red. “It’s just a dating show.”
“It isMating Seasonyou ungrateful little brat!” Spit flew from her mouth as she screamed.