“Jessica gave a similar answer. I just wanted to confirm both sides for myself.”
She already spoke to Jessica about this, so why the fuck is she questioning me? Did she not believe Jessica? Indignation flares within me at the audacity of this woman treating us like juvenile delinquents.
“Not that I have anything better to do with my time now that I’m here, but I would appreciate it if you would cut the crap and tell me what the fuck you really want from me,” I add, my words sharp, reminding her I’m not some sappy pushover here to make money or gain fame. Maybe she’s used to those kinds of contestants, but I am an Alpha. Jessica is an Alpha Princess.
She winces. “My apologies, Alpha. I just needed to ensure your intentions are authentic.” Her head hangs as I unleash my Alpha energy.
“If you haven’t noticed by now, that room just down the hall is full of Alphas with ulterior motives. And you’re questioningmyintentions?” How dare she question me, when just last night one of those very men intentionally hurt Jessica?
A trickle of sweat rolls down the side of her face as my energy crescendos to another level beyond irritation. “Forgive me, Alpha, but I had to be sure. You have quite a reputation here in the LS, with your secrets and the way you keep your life so private. I had some concerns.” She reaches forward and presses a key on the keyboard below the monitors. The image on the monitors change to Marcus Greystone holding Jessica’s hand.
I lean in for a closer look. He’s not just holding her hand. He’s squeezing the fucking life out of it. Jessica’s face remains calm and shows no hint of pain. Marcus’s features depict satisfaction and pleasure as he hurts her. His eyes hold a sinister promise.
That motherfucker is going to die. No. That would be a favor. I will torture him until he begs for mercy. I will break every fucking finger over and over and then rip off all of his appendages. Then, he’s going to die.
Carmen clears her throat. “Jessica refused to acknowledge what happened here. She lied about it, and Dr. Parker covered for her. Despite that, her contract ensures her safety. I went above her head and informed the producers.” She hesitates before continuing. “They refused to listen to me. They refused to remove him from the lineup. Nothing about this production sits right with me—the last-minute changes, the addition of more men to the original agreement, the over-involved producers calling the shots from the sidelines.” She waves her hand in exasperation.
“Why are you telling me this?” I pull back on my energy to allow her more breathing room. Her shoulders relax, and she sighs with relief.
Swallowing, she answers, “I know she has an underlying game of her own. My intuition tells me that this is beyond her preparations.” Her eyes dart back to the monitor. “I have a bad feeling that this will not go well for her at all. I like Jessica. I haven’t met someone like her in this business in a long time. I want to protect her—not just her heart, but her physical wellbeing. I can’t be everywhere at all times. And, without much say in what goes on here, my hands are tied. That’s where you come in. I needed to verify that my instincts about you are correct. I needed to know that you are truly here forher.”
Why must these entertainment industry people take so long to make their point?
“I’m listening.” I motion with my head, prompting her to continue.
She clasps her hands, and her demeanor changes. “I need you to play the part. I know that you’re not used to… listeningto those under you, but to succeed, you must do what I say. In exchange, I will keep you informed of any and all changes that occur. I’ll be your informant.”
I don’t readily agree to her terms. I stand with my arms crossed.
“For example, your demeanor is not very—shall we say—appealing to viewers.”
“You mean my sparkling personality isn’t appealing to you?” I snort.
She quirks an eyebrow. “I watched your interview. It was the shortest interview I have ever seen, and it told me nothing about you. After tonight, the viewers' votes are what keep you in the game. You don’t just have to win Jessica’s heart. You have to win the viewers’ hearts as well. Right now, the only thing in your favor is the fact that you’re a single father. Women love that. Out of the 1.9 million viewers, a majority of them are women.”
My hackles rise at the mention of my single father status. “That’s because the star contestants were Alpha men,” I snarl.
“True, but it doesn’t change facts. Those same women will be watching this season.”
“Fine. We leave my children out of it.”
“Then we need to work on you. We will redo your interview, and I will put you back in the lineup today. You also need to stop being so walled off. Mingle with the rest of the Alphas.”
I knew I wasn’t going to like this at all.
“I was cordial to one of them just this morning.” I refuse to mingle with the rest of those idiots. I am not here to make friends. I’m here for one reason and one reason only—Jessica.
“Alpha Larson, there are cameras everywhere. I watched you. That was hardly cordial. You said all of—what—one word to him. You were nicer to the guards standing by the door.”
“Of course I was nice to them. At one time, they were my recruits, just like the man who sat across from me.” I run ahand through my hair in frustration. She’s asking me to display humanity. “I cannot and will not pretend to be something I’m not. In fact, I’m not playing this game your way. I’m confident I can succeed in this game on my own. I have my own way of obtaining information.” I turn toward the door.
“Alpha Larson!” she calls after me.
“What now?” I snarl, looking over my shoulder.
“You are on the list to be eliminated tonight. The producers don’t want you to stay. I’m trying to keep you in the game.”
I stare down at the door handle within my reach. I close my eyes, and my son’s words filter through my brain.
