“I would assume so. Though as you’ve probably gathered by now, my lack of involvement with the Games means things are a bit... disorganized,” I admitted.
Alaric crossed his arms. “Hmph.” He paused, then added in a gentler voice, “As long as the prize involves spending time with you.”
My heart skipped against my ribs like a stone across water. I could tell Alaric didn’t say that lightly.
My deepest insecurities flared up. Alaric had seen my inner sanctum. He’d witnessed me at my most vulnerable, my most indulgent—and he still wanted to spend time with me? I couldn’t make sense of it. Anyone sane would’ve cut and run after seeingthat.
Or, was Alaric more on my wavelength than I gave him credit for?
8
Alaric
The disorganizationof the Games was already starting to show. Without Jade’s input, the other alpha dragons in charge had no clue what they were doing. I recognized that when I asked Gaius about the prize for winning the challenge, and he said it was a surprise.
In other words, nobody had figured it out yet.
I sighed as I picked out my outfit. How was I supposed to dress if I didn’t know what the activity was? Would it be a nice dinner? A moonlit walk on the beach? Something completely different?
“I like that one,” Poppy said from his spot on my bed. Since his friends Taylor and Muzo were busy babysitting while their mates helped ‘run’ the Games, Poppy seemed lonely, so I’d invited him over. He was the only omega here I considered a friend, and we shared more experiences than anyone else. Besides, his company helped me think about something other than Jade.
“This one?” I asked, holding up a pale blue cardigan.
“Yeah. It matches your eyes. Er, one of them,” Poppy said.
The tender wolf said the exact same thing about every outfit I’d tried on, but I appreciated the compliment anyway.
“Thank you,” I replied, comparing it to another shirt in the mirror. “It’s just so hard to know what to wear to a mystery event.”
Poppy smiled. “I’m just happy you won the challenge. That book was hard to read...”
“You can say that again.” As a thought floated into my mind, I paused. “Poppy, I have to ask... Whyareyou happy for me? Aren’t you upset when others win instead of you?”
Poppy tilted his head. Clearly, that thought never crossed his mind. “Why would I be upset?”
“BecauseI’mupset,” I grumbled. “But I’m also a cold-hearted bitch.”
Poppy laughed softly. Even his laughter was gentle, like falling into a cloud.
“It’s all right,” he said. “Winning the challenge made you happy, so I’m glad for you, Alaric.”
“I watched other omegas win challenges plenty of times, and trust me, I was not happy about it,” I admitted brusquely. “But you never bat an eye. Do you even care? It’s like you’re not even trying.”
Poppy’s smile thinned. His voice was quiet but firm. “I am trying. I’ve been trying the whole time. I... I want a real mate as much as you, Alaric.”
The vulnerability in his voice caught me off guard. I felt a sharp stab of guilt for hurting him. Putting the shirts aside, I sat next to him on the bed.
“I’m sorry, Poppy. That was a careless thing to say. And while I’m at it, I’m sorry for calling your suitcase ugly,” I added.
He chuckled lightly. “It’s okay. It kind of is.”
I’d never been good at the whole friendship thing, but now was a good time to make an effort. I awkwardly put my armaround Poppy’s shoulder to comfort him. In response, he leaned against me. I found his warmth oddly comforting, and I slowly relaxed. Maybe I could get used to not being such a bitch after all.
“It must be hard, watching all your friends find their mates before you,” I murmured. “At least, that’s how it feels for me.”
Poppy didn’t speak for several seconds. “It is hard. But that doesn’t mean I’m not happy for them.”
I nodded. That made sense, even if it was more gracious than my perspective. Deep down, I was glad for the other omegas, too. I was just painfully jealous—and I knew what would happen if I didn’t find an alpha.
