Page 13 of So I Dared a Dragon

“Yes.” But Bibi looked anything but certain. “We won’t be intimidated by any beast.”

Bibi claimed she wouldn’t be intimidated by hulking beasts who hid in the shadows while they had their flunkies pass me notes like we were back in junior high, but I was different story. That meeting ended with me checking back into my room at the chalet.

Two security guards were stationed outside my door at all times. Nothing got past those beasts. No one had dared to leave another note, but I wasn’t allowed to anywhere without a chaperone, either. Normally, I’d be all into having two hunky male escorts with me everywhere I went, but talking didn’t seem to be included in their job description. And they refused to answer any of my questions about Hugo.

I was hoping his absence would mean I made some headway with Bibi…but I’d barely seen her since she sent me packing. Was it time to acknowledge that maybe he wasn’t the problem? Bibi was obviously distraught over this, and I wanted her to be happy…preferably with me.

But now, it was showtime, and I was about to flip this script.

“You need to give me lessons!” I couldn’t stop staring at my hair in the mirror as my stylist put the finishing touches on it. She’d managed to completely defrizz it, while making my curls look perfect and somehow giving it incredible volume. Not to mention I was rocking a flawless cat eye, lashes for days, and red lips that would just dare my soon-to-be chosen mate to sin.

Was it wrong that when I imagined that moment on stage, it was Bibi who rounded the corner? Shivers went down my spineevery time, even though the scenario was impossible since she hosted the show.

“Of course. We’ll be spending lots of time together once we get started on your episode.” My stylist beamed. It was so surreal to have the glam squad fawning over me—I was far more comfortable feeling feral. “You’ll know all my tricks by the time you have your mating ceremony.”

Would I actually go through with the plan I’d concocted while being held hostage in that luxury chalet suite? Pick Bibi anyway? It had to be the reason she’d decided to still go through with my episode. She couldn’t admit that she wanted me.

This was crazy. Normally, I wasn’t into women. Bibi hadn’t transitioned, but she was obviously into men.

But if things were meant to work out with Hugo, well, wouldn’t they have already?

There was a knock at the door, and I held my breath as I turned around and found Marissa. She was in a cute little dress and was all done up to go on camera.

“You look amazing,” she said with a low whistle.

“Right? This outfit makes my body look like it did twenty years ago.” I did a little spin as I rose from the chair. Then I put my hand over my necklace before she had a chance to ask about it. It hadn’t been part of the outfit the wardrobe team had picked for me. It was my ruby, the only valuable thing I’d ever owned. I considered it my good luck charm.

“Miracles happen in these trailers.” She laughed as she motioned for me to follow her out of the trailer. “I have a pretty good idea of your answer, but how are you feeling?”

I wasn’t sure how candid I should be—if I should just tell her everything was as fabulous as my outfit and my hair or be honest that I was terrified that today was the end of the road and that I’d have no path forward with Bibi—and I’d make an absolute fool out of myself in front of the entire world.

There was this undercurrent of weird energy I’d been trying to ignore since the moment I’d arrived backstage…

“How did you feel before you went on stage?” I asked instead.

Marissa choked back a gasp. “Absolutely terrified. I was doubting all my life choices.”

I laughed. “Sweet moon, it’s not just me?”

“Hell, no. It’s every contestant that goes through that trailer.” Marissa winked at Bjorn, who had been waiting for us outside with his handheld camera.

“Do you have any tips for me?” I asked.

She leaned in close. “Okay, let me give you the inside scoop. Today’s contestants were all handpicked by Bibi.”

That should’ve warmed my heart, but instead it felt like she’d squeezed the life out of it.

“You know she wants nothing but the best for you,” she continued, oblivious to the fact she’d gutted me. “Traditionally, we have two really strong candidates on the other side of the stage, and one we affectionally refer to as the foil. It’s mostly for the audience’s benefit. You’ll know who they are as soon as you hear their answers.”

I blew out a breath. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.”

“Also totally normal.” Marissa grinned. “When it’s time to choose your mate, you’ll forget everything you just heard. You’ll have no idea if you’re making the right decision. Basically, what I’m trying to say is you’ve got this. My last piece of advice for you? Don’t hold back. Ask the right questions to get the answers you need, because this is forever.”

“No pressure or anything.” The roar of the crowd threatened to swallow us as we moved closer to the stage.

Bjorn handed off his camera and kissed Marissa on the forehead.

“Can’t wait to see who you choose,” he said.

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