"He's… protective."
"He is besotted." The word came with a faint smile. Vrax glanced briefly toward the throne where Egon danced with Contestant Number One. “You are fortunate,” he added softly. “To find one’s true mate… it is the greatest blessing.”
Before I could respond, the music cut off. A loud chime rang through the air.
“Switch!” Chet’s voice rang through the room.
Vrax bowed slightly and released my hand.
The next three dances blurred together. A massive Viken warrior who moved with the careful precision of someone afraid he might accidentally break me.
Then another Atlan beast who smelled faintly of metal and storm wind.
Then a tall male who looked almost entirely human—dark hair, calm eyes, perfectly tailored suit.
When I asked, he explained that he was an Elite Everian Hunter—which, according to the whispered commentary from the contestants around me, meant he was one of the most feared assassins in the known universe.
And he waltzed like a ballroom champion.
I smiled politely. Made small talk.
But my attention kept drifting across the room.
Watching Egon. Dance after dance.
Number Two: a blonde who giggled nonstop.
Number Three: the Asian whose long, silken hair I’d kill for.
My stomach tightened as she pressed herself against him, whispering something in his ear.
Egon's jaw clenched visibly.
Number Four: a redhead who stepped on his feet three times in two minutes.
Number Five: another blonde who tried to kiss him and very nearly lost her arm for the attempt.
Number Six: a brunette who started crying when he wouldn't look at her.
The dances kept rotating. Faster. More chaotic.
My partners changed every three minutes while the cameras zoomed in, capturing every expression.
And through it all… Egon kept looking at me.
Every few seconds his gaze searched the room until it found mine.
Making sure I was still there. Still safe. Still his.
Then Chet's voice cut through the music again.
"Ninth dance!" he announced dramatically. My pulse jumped.
My turn you shallow bitch. The ninth dance with Egon was mine.
My heart hammered against my ribs.
Egon crossed the room toward me like a predator stalking prey.
