Eliano straightens, his brows knitting together.
"What is your problem, Salt? Why did you even want to join this program? You know, something has felt off from the very beginning. Are you trying to make a run for it? Do you see this as an opportunity?" He gestures vaguely around us.
I freeze. Damn it. Is he that intuitive, or am I that transparent? Shit. I need to wriggle out of this somehow.
"What are you even talking about?" I mumble, avoiding his gaze, suddenly feeling sick to my stomach. My heart starts to race, and I am certain that his alpha hearing can pick it up.
Eliano leans in slightly, locking his eyes on me.
"Tell me the truth, because if that is your plan, if this is all just a setup for you, then I am not going to make a fool of myself tryingsomethingbetween us."
I swallow hard. Fuck. There is no good way out of this. If I tell him the truth, I am sure he will report it to someone. We are nowhere near close enough for me to trust him with my plan.
On the other hand, if I deny it outright, he may move on to the next step and actuallytry‘something between us’.
The dilemma gets settled for me by outside interference. Three people are heading our way, deep in conversation.
It is a program couple, an alpha and a beta, along with another beta with bright green dyed hair, wearing a T-shirt marked Sector C, clearly a staff member.
"Oh," the beta says cheerfully, "perfect timing. I am guessing you must be Salt and Eliano, right?"
Eliano nods slowly.
"Welcome to the island!" the man exclaims enthusiastically. "I am Pip, your entertainment coordinator. I would like to invite you today afterobedto an erotic movie screening. Tonight’s feature isThe Invader!" And he winks.
I open my mouth to say that I have zero interest in erotic film screenings, but then I remember how things work here. Technically, you can refuse, but in reality, not really.
Eliano seems to understand that too, because he nods and says, "Sure, we’ll stop by. Which room is the screening in?"
"Room three. You are very welcome!" Pip flashes a wide grin. "Have you settled in on the island yet? Can I help with anything, maybe give you some tips?" he offers with enthusiasm, but I am convinced he is just another Miller type. Polite on the surface, something else underneath.
Unexpectedly, the alpha speaks up. He and his beta husband have been standing slightly aside, but now the man steps closer.
"Welcome to the island. I should introduce myself as well. I am Jeff, and this is my husband, Shane. We are from unitone," he says, with a noticeable emphasis.
I realize that if I understand this correctly, the residential units must be assigned by seniority or arrival order. Does that mean they were the very first couple here?
It dawns on me that the whole row of modules goes up to number 71, ours being the last inhabited. But there are only 41 pairs, so they’re clearly keeping the units left behind by couples who made it through the program, like quiet reminders that it actually works.
So. Unit one… They are veterans.
"I wanted to come talk to you because tonight we are having one of our little games, called Last Man Standing," Jeff grins. "I thought I would invite you. The guys are getting a bit bored when it is always obvious Bashir is going to win. A new alpha is fresh blood, always good for stirring things up."
I glance at Eliano, whose expression tightens slightly.
"You know… I would rather get familiar with the island and Sector C first, ease into things a bit. Maybe another time?" he says politely but firmly.
I have already noticed that Eliano has a stubborn streak. If he does not want something, he is not easy to sway.
Then Pip cuts in. "I really encourage you to at least come watch. It is a very dynamic spectacle. People have a great time!"
Throughout all of this, Shane has been quietly watching us. His face is like a mask. At one point his eyes meet mine, and I see his lips twitch ever so slightly, as if he wants to say something, but he stops himself. There is something unsettling about the emptiness in his gaze.
I have to admit, he’s a very attractive beta. He has long, bleached blond hair with strawberry-blond strands and heavy makeup around pale blue eyes. He has a tragic, melancholic aura a lot of guys dig. His lips are clearly done, the upper one plump in that distinctive Instagram influencer way.
"Well… maybe we will come just towatch," Eliano says, though his tone promises nothing.
Pip, Jeff, and Shane say their goodbyes and head off. I take the chance to bolt down the corridor, guessing correctly that it cuts through the entertainment area, past the cafeteria, and out the other side.
