With my mind still on Marcus Greystone, I mindlessly stumble through three more introductions. Don’t ask me their names or where they came from because I have no idea. My face feels numb holding a fake smile. I think I gave them a hug or a kiss on the cheek. I don’t even remember. I need a break.
Hey, what’s going on with you? It’s like you're shutting down.
I turn my head toward my family and reply to Justin,I’m fine.
You don’t look like you’re fine.
Still smiling, I offer a thumbs up and waggle my eyebrows. At least this group is not old. Justin furrows his brows, concern etched across his face. I take a deep breath, mentally shaking myself back into the present.
I am fine. This will work. Everything is falling into place. That asshole is here, and I am one step closer to my goal.
When the fifth contestant emerges from the third limo, a genuine smile reaches my lips.
“Young Alpha Owen Kaminari, Labradorite Pack, Luna Solar Territory,” Holden announces.
A small smile touches his lips. Standing before me, he breathes, “Wow.”
I haven’t seen Owen since I was eighteen years old, and I looked like a boy at the time. He’s much taller now. His fitted suit complements his lean body. With those dark almond-shaped eyes, he studies me.
“Hi,” I greet him, meekly.
He lets out a nervous breath and leans in a little closer, taking both of my hands into his, his eyes searching my face. “You’re even more beautifuller than I remember.”
My cheeks burn, and I giggle like a schoolgirl. What the hell is wrong with me?
His cheeks redden as he closes his eyes and shakes his head. “Beautifuller? Crap. I sound like an idiot. So much for first impressions,” he continues.
I gnaw at my bottom lip, glancing at our entwined hands.
He places a finger under my chin and gently lifts my gaze. With his thumb, he gently tugs my lip, freeing it from my teeth.
“Don’t do that,” he whispers, licking his lips. “I’m trying to make a good impression on your parents as well.”
My eyes meet his. I blush. “I, umm… I seem to have completely lost my ability to speak.”
“It’s the same for me. You’ve always had the capability to render me speechless.” He steps back, his hand falling away from my face. “Forgive me for saying this out loud, but I still can’t fathom that someone like you is here right now.” He takes alook around at our surroundings, breaking our momentary spell. I look down again, one hand still entwined with his.
“Just not so lucky in the love department, I guess.”
After a few heartbeats, he finally speaks again. “Maybe our luck will change.” Smiling, he takes another step back. He brings my hand to his lips, kisses it, and reluctantly releases me before greeting first my parents and then my brothers. I let out a laugh as my brothers get a little loud and animated as if they, too, are reuniting with a long-lost friend.
I watch Owen take his leave. My parents’ faces all sport smiles of approval, and my brothers beam with excitement. My father, the Alpha King, winks at me, and Anders dips his chin in approval. And now I understand why he chose those old Alphas from the second limo. He knew I wouldn’t choose one of them, leaving Owen as a top candidate. This was his plan all along. I playfully wrinkle my nose at them, and my father lets out a hearty laugh and slaps Anders on his back. I shake my head and return to my mark to stand next to Joe.
The joyous excitement over my brief reunion with Owen begins to fade. This general ill feeling creeps in. My hand throbs from Marcus’s subtle attack, and the burning sensation below my shoulder blade has spread to the back of my neck. This strange buzzing sensation develops in my brain. Even though I’m outside, I feel like I need some fresh air. I could use a fast break.
Why the fuck did I agree to meet twenty-five men? I’m not sure I can do this anymore. I turn to find Carmen when a sudden wave of dizziness hits me.
Joe gently grabs my arm to steady me. “Are you alright? You have one more to meet from this car.” I slowly turn, noticing the limo still parked nearby. One more. I mentally push away the sickly feeling threatening to take over and straighten my spine.
“I’m fine. Let’s get this over with.”
Joe eyes me suspiciously. “You’re not fine...”
I pat Joe on the chest. “I’m just hungry.” Joe narrows his eyes. “I can make it through one more introduction.”
Holden makes his announcement, but a high-pitched whistling sound drowns him out. I move my jaw from side to side, trying to pop my ears or stop the ringing. The noise slowly dissipates, and I refocus my attention on the man in the car.
The driver opens the passenger door. I quickly glance at the twins. Their minds are quiet, or are they? I no longer hear their thoughts in my head or see the blur of pictures they use to communicate within their minds.
