To my chagrin, I had to give my brothers credit for their dastardly strategy. Despite my efforts to fight back, they’d cornered and pestered me until I caved. Their scheme paid off.
I sighed, feeling like a weight was suddenly crushing my chest. “Fine. I’ll go next.”
They all cheered like students on the last day of school. Even Viol smirked in satisfaction.
I kept a patient smile on my face, keeping up my calm facade. But on the inside, I was mired in dread. My mind raced with doubts and anxieties.
I’ll go next... but don’t expect me to walk out of this season with a mate.
2
Alaric
The fifth seasonof the Dragonfate Games had barely begun, and I was already pissed off.
My face twisted into a scowl as I picked up my belongings from the beach-side baggage claim. A heinous scuff marred the surface of my luxury suitcase.
“This is unacceptable! Who’s responsible for this?” I demanded, looking around for someone to yell at.
Other omegas milled around the area, chatting excitedly about the upcoming season. I didn’t recognize any of them, and at this point, I didn’t care to. I’d performed this song and dance enough times to be considered a gods-damned veteran, and cozying up to my competitors was the last thing on my mind.
I pushed the rabble’s luggage out of the way, then grunted with effort as I hauled my poor suitcase to its feet. An old hard-shelled brown suitcase beside mine tipped over into the sand. No doubt the mark came from that hideous thing.
I traced the ugly scuff with my hand. My suitcase was pure white, just like my shifted form’s fur, and the mark stood out like a sore thumb. The worst part was that the luggage was expensive, and I’d saved up at my minimum-wage job formonths to be able to afford that brand. Not that I would ever admit that.
“I’m serious. Who did this? Who threw my belongings around like trash?” I asked, putting my hands on my hips.
My demands were ignored. Nobody was listening. The other omegas teemed with excitement, already on their way to the hotel. Meanwhile, the plane crew was nowhere to be found. As the crowd dispersed, only a single person remained—a familiar lost puppy of a person.
“Um. Hi again, Alaric,” Poppy said with a meek wave.
I sighed and waved him over. “Hello, wolf. I suppose it’s just the two of us again.”
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I don’t mind. I’m glad to see you.”
My eye twitched. The soft-hearted wolf may not have minded, but I certainly did. I was sick of being cast aside for less important omegas. None of them could offer what I could. None were as perfect as me. Why hadn’t any of the bachelors on this gods-forsaken island seen that?
“Um,” Poppy said, shuffling on his feet. “Can I just...”
He gestured to the pile of remaining suitcases. I sneered at the brown bag lying on its side. Upon closer inspection, I noticed how banged-up and decrepit it was. It looked ancient, like a crumbling fossil.
“Gods, that thing is ugly,” I mumbled.
When Poppy ducked his head and grabbed the brown suitcase, my heart dropped.
“Oh,” I said. “That’syourbag, isn’t it?”
He nodded sheepishly. “Sorry. I know it’s a mess.”
I kicked myself internally. Even a cold-hearted bitch like me felt guilt for hurting Poppy’s feelings.
“It’s a testament to your care it’s lasted this long,” I assured, seeing how the thing was practically falling apart.
Poppy frowned. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault your suitcase got scuffed. Mine probably rubbed off on it...”
How anyone—much less awolf shifter—could be so meek, I’d never understand.
“I’m going to get a migraine if you don’t stop apologizing,” I muttered. “Come on. Let’s get out of the sun before my gorgeous skin gets burned.”
