Jade shrugged. "I don't know, Crimson. He was firm about getting a word in."
I rolled my eyes. "When isn't he?" Glancing out the window, I saw the sun had risen off the horizon. "Looks like the day is starting. I'd better go."
Jade nodded. "I'll do what I can to convince production to end the Games on a strong note."
I gave him a thankful nod.
As I went to leave, Jade called out, "Oh, and by the way..."
"What is it?"
He gave me a coy look. "You'd better take a shower, or douse yourself in cologne. You reek of tiger."
Fifteen
Taylor
"You're a dirty cheater!"Alaric snapped.
I'd braced myself for a barrage of insults from the cat shifter, but that was an unpleasant way to start my day.
"Good morning to you, too," I mumbled.
"Oh, be quiet," Alaric said venomously. "Just admit it! You're lying!"
I crossed my arms. "Okay, Alaric. What exactly am I lying and cheating about?"
Alaric glared at me like he wanted me to explode. "You're cheating at the Games. And the fact that you won't own up to it is infuriating."
"How?" I shot back.
"You smellexactlylike Crimson. Among other lecherous things." Alaric's odd eyes flashed furiously. "I know for a fact he was here. Don't deny it."
Shit. If I lied now, Alaric would use it as ammo against me. There was no point in lying, anyway. As a fellow feline shifter, I knew Alaric's nose was as sharp as mine. He could definitely scent theevidenceof my late-night meeting with Crimson.
"Fine," I said quietly. "You're right."
For a second, Alaric looked shocked that I’d relented. His eyes widened before slitting into sharp knives.
"I knew it," he hissed under his breath. "Youarecheating. You're sleeping with Crimson in order to win!"
That accusation was an irritating jab, like a nagging fly that wouldn't buzz off.
"No, Alaric," I growled. "You're right that Crimson was here last night. But I'm not trying to get any special treatment."
Alaric barked out a callous laugh. "Yeah, right! I see the way Crimson looks at you, like you're so gods-damned special. You whiff every challenge and still get chosen as the winner? I call bullshit. Iknewsomething was going on behind closed doors. I should turn you in right now."
I couldn't help the one-note scoff that escaped me. That was a mistake. Alaric's face twisted into rage.
"What's so funny?" he demanded.
"Sorry. I don't think that will accomplish anything."
I meant it genuinely—I didn't want Alaric to waste his time—but my comment had the opposite effect. Alaric thought I was goading him. Apparently, he hated being on the other end of that. An angry caterwaul built in his throat. I sensed that if he was in cat form, all the hairs on his pelt would be on end. No doubt he wanted to rake his claws across my face.
It was early enough in the morning that Alaric's shouting had roused the entire floor. A couple shifters poked their heads curiously out of their rooms. Muzo yawned as he stumbled into the hall, rubbing one sleepy eye.
"What's all the ruckus?" he mumbled.
