For a moment, I forget about the cameras, the other contestants, and even Elliott. There’s just Rafe and the way he makes me feel. The attraction’s intense, almost overwhelming. I can feel the heat between us, and it takes all my willpower to keep a small distance even in the cage.
Rafe leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “You’re incredible,” he says, his voice low and intimate despite the loud music. “I’ve wanted to dance with you like this for a long time.”
His words send a rush of warmth through me, and I find myself smiling, unable to hide how much I’m enjoying this. But then I remember Elliott, and the reality of the situation crashes back in. I can still feel Elliott’s essence on my thighs, a reminder of what happened not long ago. Rafe might be flirting, but he made it clear that what happened with Elliott doesn’t change anything.
A pang of uncertainty tightens my chest. Rafe’s just playing his part, acting for the cameras. Sure, there is a lust that burns between us, but there is no love. I know that. He hasn’t kept it a secret. He’s not deceiving me. But in this moment, it feels like more than that, even if his words don’t line up with this feeling.
“Rafe,” I start, needing to hear him tell me I’m right. It’s just lust. It’s just a show for the cameras. “Is this just lust? Are we just putting on a show?”
He looks at me, his expression softening but still guarded. “What do you think?” he asks, his hand lingering on my waist, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
“I don’t know,” I admit, searching his eyes for the truth. “Sometimes it feels real. But then I remember why we started this...”
Rafe sighs, his hand moving to brush a strand of hair from my face. “It started as a strategy, yeah. But it’s more than that now.”
His words make my heart race, but doubt still lingers. “Yeah. There’s lust.”
He steps closer, his golden eyes intense and filled with emotion, his dancing stopped. Something flickers in their depths that I can’t read, and he nods. Sending my heart plummeting to my feet. “There’s that. I can’t deny I want you. You might have started out as a way to block the other omegas from me. But now—I can tell you this—I’m not that good of an actor.”
Despite myself, I laugh, the tension easing just a bit. “You’re better than you think.”
Rafe smiles, his thumb tracing small circles on my hip. “Maybe. But I meant what I said. You’re incredible.”
For a moment, I let myself believe him, let myself get lost in the music and the way he makes me feel. But the camerasare still there, capturing every moment, and I know I can’t let my guard down completely.
He cups my cheek, lifting my eyes to his. “For now, can we just enjoy this? Just you and me, no cameras, no competition… just music and dance?”
I nod, deciding to let go of my doubts for now. He starts to sway again, taking me with him, our bodies moving in sync, the chemistry between us undeniable. Even if this moment is fleeting, I decide to savor it, letting myself feel the warmth of Rafe’s touch and the thrill of our connection.
As we move, I can't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, this is more than a strategy, more than a game. Maybe this is real. Maybe I can have it all.
Reality slamsback into me the second I’m back at the mansion, with the next ceremony looming. I had sex with Elliott and then couldn’t keep my hands off Rafe. While Miles chatted with the other omegas, his eyes never left me for too long. It’s like they are mine. My pack. And I want them. Forever.
But so do seven other omegas. Well, if I can count Willow. And I’m not sure I can. I think she snuck off with the cameraman this morning after being encouraged by Chad. Not that I am going to tell anyone…how could I after what I did?
Once the guys leave, we gather in the living room. Shelly, Thomas, and Turner join us with the film crew. The air is thick with anticipation and nerves. Shelly smiles softly at each of us. She’s different from Thomas, who seems to always have a perpetual frown.
“Congratulations for making it this far on your personality alone.”
Chad snorts, unable to contain himself. “Personalities—I’m pretty sure Hailey’s only personality is fame-hungry bitch.”
Thomas presses his lips together, looking like he might have had something bad to eat, but he doesn’t say anything to deny Chad’s blunt words.
“Better than a panting, alpha-chasing omega,” Hailey replies, looking him up and down once as if it makes her point.
“Newsflash, that’s the reason all of us should be here—to win,” Chad snaps back, his eyes narrowing.
Hailey’s eyes flash with anger, but before she can retort, Shelly raises her hand, drawing our attention back to her. “Let’s get back on track. Going forward, your perfume will be in the mix; as well as their musk. Before the next elimination, you each will be scent blocker free.”
A quiet falls over the room as we look at each other nervously. I know what the pack smells like, and they know my perfume too. But what if Ben or Tamika or even Chad match them? I’m not even sure if scent matching is actually real or just something my heart wants to be real. And if it is… can they be mine?
I’m such a mess.
Chad nudges me gently, a reassuring smile on his face. “You’ll be fine,” he whispers. “We’ve got this.”
I nod; he’s right, I know my place here—second best. Again. But that isn’t Chad’s fault, he’s become a friend throughout this chaotic process, even if he wants to be the last omega standing. He’s almost like a best friend, and it doesn’t make me want to cringe. It should. Because I’ve already lost out to one bonding ceremony because of my best friend. This is different though, right?
Willow gives me a quick wink from across the room. She looks the most at ease with the revelation. And I’m sure it hassomething to do with her disappearing act… Hailey and Blair, on the other hand, exchange smirks, clearly relishing the discomfort coming off the rest of us.
