That's what made my heart skip a beat. Taylor had a huge head start and an incredible advantage. He could've beaten the crowd and come in first place with plenty of time to spare. Instead, he’d aided someone in need. I didn't see that kind of compassion every day, especially not on a reality TV show.
When Taylor arrived on the shore with his wolf friend, I couldn't help but stare at him. He enthralled me. He was something special.
And what did I get from staring at Taylor?
A furious glare back from the sassy tiger.
I couldn't help but be amused. Even his thorny side was endearing.
It felt like an eternity before the final line of omegas appeared before me. I already had my choice. When Gaius handed me the mic, I was relieved for this to be over.
"The winner of this challenge, and the omega I choose to take on a date tonight... is Taylor Chalchin."
Taylor's eyes widened. For a split second, the righteous fury in his eyes vanished, replaced by pure shock—and maybe something else—but then the irritated glare returned with a vengeance.
And speaking of vengeance, that white cat shifter Alaric looked ready to go on the warpath.
That was none of my concern. I only wanted to know what Taylor was thinking.
Gaius leapt down to shore, ready to carry on with the production. "Congratulations, Taylor! You've won the honor of dining with Crimson tonight. How do you feel?"
He thrust the mic at Taylor, who looked too shocked to respond. A million cameras were trained on him, along with the eyes of every omega who'd lost to him. I felt empathy for Taylor. He wasn't the type to bask in the spotlight. Just like me. Maybe that's why I felt a connection with him.
"I... I don't know," Taylor mumbled.
Gaius laughed good-naturedly. "That surprised, eh? Don't worry, Crimson doesn't bite. Unless you ask."
My jaw dropped as Gaius winked. That bird brain...
Taylor didn't respond to the teasing joke. He didn't even give a polite chuckle.
But Gaius was a champion showman and didn't let the brief lull become awkward. "Good luck tonight, Taylor! And great job to the rest of our contestants. You're still in the running to win the Dragonfate Games—and Crimson's heart."
I saw Alaric's eyes flash hungrily. He was a cute omega, but the ravenous desperation wasn't my thing. I wasn't looking forward to turning him down.
What Iwaslooking forward to was my date with Taylor. After Gaius's announcement wrapped up, I eagerly headed down the hill to talk to Taylor. But before I could even get close, Gaius grabbed my arm and shuffled me away.
"What are you doing?" I demanded.
He shot me a sorry look. "No can do, drago."
I hated that stupid nickname. "And why not?"
"We need tension for the cameras. Keeping you two apart until your date builds drama."
A growl slipped from my teeth. "I don't care about drama. Let me speak to him."
"C'mon, Crimson. Duke will have my tail feathers."
I tried to sidestep around him. "You can afford to lose a feather or two."
Gaius gripped me tighter. Bird brain or not, he was still a gryphon and had the strength of a mythical beast the same as I did.
"Weren't you listening during the million briefings?" Gaius sighed. "Just because this is a fun game show to find your mate, you still have to follow the rules."
"I think we have a different definition of fun," I said sourly.
Gaius smiled and patted my upper chest. "Your date's only a few hours away. Relax for a while. Have a drink or two beforehand. It'll be time before you know it."
