Page 9 of Alpha Games

Trenton scowled. “Is this the kind of stuff your wolf wanted?”

Not from you.She snickered.

I closed my eyes, drawing on inner peace again. “No.”

I really didn’t want to get into this. It was four years ago on my first heat and mating season when I was eighteen. Maybe I could have handled it another way, but my answer would still be the same.

“Why are you making me do this if it wouldn’t have worked on you?” He gave a smug grin like he’d won this round.

I patted his arm. “Because the rest of these women have the luxury of not growing up with you so you still have a chance with them.”

*

Jesse entered my room just as Trenton headed downstairs to get ready with his own stylist.

“What’s with the muscle?” Jesse hitched a thumb over his shoulder as he air-kissed my cheek.

I leaned past the open door to see Ivan standing there. “The show keeps someone in the hall now after the killer cupcake attempt.”

Mostly it was Ivan they assigned and I kept trying to get the big brute to talk, but he was a solid statue. I was making it a side mission to wear down his edges in the next two weeks before I went home.

Jesse nodded like it was perfectly normal to have a bald seven foot hulked-out wolf shifter standing silently at my door. He carried his makeup tool belt and dragged his rolling case inside my room. “I’m going to leave my suitcase in here.”

“Am I your only client?” I asked, watching him get set up.

“You are now.” He unzipped the case.

I frowned, grabbing the chair from the table and carrying it to the bathroom. This show was takingthe extra precautions a little too far. I was grateful for it, but I could protect myself and didn’t want anyone to suffer because of me. “I’m sorry. Does that cut into your business?”

I hadn’t been able to get much information on his life, but I found out he had money issues. If I had to, I’d pay him back.

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” Jesse laughed as he pushed me into the chair. “I have a feeling this season is going to be talked about for years and it’ll all be because of my work. Now sit there and look pretty for me so we can keep those sponsors happy.”

*

I was trying hard not to be nervous. The Luna Trials were over and I’d earned my spot on the show. They’d be filming the Alphas for the next two weeks until theMating Seasonfinale episodes would begin. I still thought it was a little annoying that the Alphas couldn’t be voted off, but that was my vagina talking–because she hadn’t quite learned herplaceyet.

As long as I did my part by smiling and engaging more, keeping Trenton “on,” and didn’t eat any poison cupcakes or tried not to die…

It was a little hard not to be nervous.

The PA finished clipping on my microphone and I took a seat at one of the wrought iron bistro tables with two matching chairs that were set up in the garden. The other Luna contestants found their own tables. Fallon must have been late because I didn’t see her anywhere. I watched the other females passively, still waiting for someone to showthemselves as my enemy. But like the last few days, most of them wouldn’t meet my eye. I had to wonder if the rumors were that I’d purposely done something to Opal.

Whatever. Let them think what they wanted.

I knew the truth.

The days were getting a bit warmer with spring on its way and the cherry blossom trees planted around the rose hedges were blooming in earnest. Soft pinks and dusty white petals were in stark contrast to the clear blue skies above.

I smoothed the pleats on the dress Jesse had picked out as I crossed my ankles under the table, ignoring the beads of sweat gathering in my bra. My wolf was pacing. I tried to breathe slowly to calm her as the spring breeze drifted through the trees, cooling my neck since my hair was twisted into a curling ponytail.

“Mic check.” Another assistant tapped my device as he handed me a bottle of water. He moved on and I checked the seal, making sure it hadn’t been opened. Ivan stood back a few feet by the woods beyond the garden. I looked away and accidentally caught Molly’s glare as she hurried to speak with the director.

Don’t take it personally. She’s just busy.

At least I hoped that was the case. I’d done everything she asked for, encouraging Trenton to come out of his shell, and I knew ratings were still high from the Luna Trials kiss.

Technically, she hadn’t told me to do that. But even she couldn’t deny the results.