“At least yours wasn’t caught on camera,” she says, glancing over her shoulder at Rafe, her cheeks darkening again with her blush.
If I didn’t know better I’d say she likes him. What exactly happened between them earlier? If I knew, maybe I could create other situations that would encourage a repeat. Anything to grow whatever is happening between them.
“True,” I murmur, deep in thought.
As if she senses the change in me, she tilts her head to the side, watching me with her perceptive blue eyes. But before she can say anything, Rafe says, “I assure you both that having vomit all over you, that’s not your own, is worse than being the one puking.”
CHAPTER 13
Lilah
The conversationwith Elliott and even Rafe flows so easily, I've completely lost myself. It feels so natural and right that when Turner Clark appears and tells us all that it’s time for the ceremony, nerves explode in my belly. And the cameras come back into focus. As well as the omegas all glaring daggers my way for taking up the time of not one but two alphas.
How do I go from unsure about staying to wanting to stay in the matter of twenty-four hours?
Chad links his arm with mine the second we head for the ceremony room. “You really are going for it. I’m glad to see I’m not pulling all the weight in this little plan. But don’t let them fall for you, that will ruin everything.”
I scoff and glance up at him. “They were being nice. Nothing else.”
“Nice? There were twenty-nine of us omegas besides you, and you had the full attention of two of them. You are lucky you have me because these bitches are out for blood now.”
“That wasn’t my intent. I hung back. They came to me,” Isay, pointing out the fact that they both did approach me, and neither one of them left my side all night after that.
If I was watching this play out on my television, I would be convinced that they are taking me all the way to the end. That it’s game over for everyone else. But I know better. Rafe just wants to use me, and Elliott’s just curious about the omega that has no filter.
Still, the evening was nice chatting with them. It’s left me with butterflies, who shouldn’t get any ideas about escaping my stomach.
I go through the motions as production meets us in the ceremony room and arranges us on the triple-layered dias by height. Chad is placed at the bottom, and I’m on the top. Hailey Gray and one of my roommates surround me on either side. And Willow’s on the opposite side behind Chad. Once everyone is in their places, the cameramen come into the room and film shots of each of us.
The space is full of nervous energy. And it seeps into me, making me know that if I were perfuming, it would have that slightly sweeter tang to it, more cookies and less cream. The guys file in, and trays are rolled in after and set up next to each of them. A red fabric covers each one, and I can’t help but try to figure out what the trinket is tonight.
I don’t wait long. Elliott uncovers his table, revealing blue velvet boxes, too large to be a ring and too small to be a necklace. Definitely some kind of jewelry, if I were to guess.
Turner steps forward as he’s done so many times on my screen. It’s surreal standing in this room ready for the first ceremony.
“It is time. Have you done enough to catch the attention of our alphas? Is the connection going both ways? You’ll have your answer soon. Each of our alphas, Elliott, Rafe, and Miles will each choose eight omegas. Six of you will go hometonight. Your dreams end here. While twenty-four of you get to look forward to the next opportunity to capture their hearts. Are you ready?”
The way the energy ramps up in the room as he speaks is so different in person. I’m hyper-aware of each of the omegas standing around me, as well as the alphas standing at the front of the room.
Each of them watch us, clasping their hands behind them, and various expressions paint their faces. Rafe’s screams that he’s uncomfortable with the whole process, while Elliott and Miles both smile. Although, if I had to guess, only Elliott’s happy tilt of his lips is real. I’ve witnessed Miles when he shows his teeth and that tight lipped expression is not it.
Elliott steps forward, reaching for a velvet box. He lifts his eyes to us, roaming over all of us, pausing on a few faces, including mine. It makes my heart gallop loudly in my ears. I’m positive the girl next to me can hear it.
He clears his throat. “I would like to give this first token to show my intent to…Tamika.”
My gaze flies to my roommate as she gasps in surprise and hurriedly steps forward.
“Will you accept this trinket?” he asks.
She nods excitedly. “Yes! I look forward to getting to know you.”
He smiles kindly, and she strides out of the room with a wide smile. I'm sure none of us could wipe the joy off her face. Not that I would want too. I like her.
Miles takes Elliott’s place and picks up one of the trinkets, testing the weight of the box in his palm. He lifts his eyes to us, and I feel it when his gaze brushes over me. He’s kept his distance this evening. But anytime he’s in my vicinity, it’s hard not to imagine the musk I smelled on him this morning.
It twists something deep in my belly and draws me tohim. Almost as if he’s meant for me. Which is silly. Because I never plan to have another alpha again.Right?I mean, that was true before, but now I’m on a show for that purpose.
He wets his lips and swallows, and my hands go clammy as I sense his nervousness in the air. It isn’t a scent, not really, but an almost tangible emotion.
