Page 5 of So I Dared a Dragon

“There’s someone else.” She paused for a moment. “His name is Hugo. He’s the head of security for the show. I try to keep things professional—”

“Is keeping things professional the reason you had Marissa and Bjorn star in their own episode?” I asked. “After they’d gotten up close and personal with each other in the back of the production van in the middle of filming?”

Her face lit up. “So you have seen the show.”

“Every episode, which is how I know you have all your contestants stay in your spare boudoir while filming their episodes.” I grinned as her mouth dropped. “You wouldn’t want to treat me differently than any other contestant, would you?”

“Of course not,” she said quickly. She threw her shoulders back and brightened. “It will be so good to have a chance to get to know each other all over again.”

“I haven’t changed, Bibi. You know me.” I wanted to reach for her, put my hand on hers. But I couldn’t. “Going to these lengths to get your attention makes me feel like this crazy stalker lady, but if anyone should understand what someone will do for love, it’s the self-proclaimed fairy dragmother, who says she can helpanyone find their mate. But for some reason, you’re afraid of that for yourself.”

“I never wanted to break your heart, Calista.” She sighed. “I did this to protect you.”

Little did she know I needed her protection now more than ever.

“What happens now?” I asked.

“Hannah is still staying with me until the end of her episode. I’ll have production put you up at the chalet. It’s a five-star resort that feels like you’re staying at the cutest bed and breakfast. Then—”

“I’m not talking about the show, Bibi.” I laughed. “I mean, what happens with us?”

She didn’t answer right away. “Would it be enough for you to be friends?”

She was my mate. Why else would I have gone through literal hell on earth to find her? I’d done things I wasn’t proud of, things I might not be able to fix.

But I was convinced that I could fixus.

“We’re more than that, and soon, you’ll see it too.”

“Welcome to the chalet.” Marissa’s impossibly high heels clicked on the wood floor as she led me into my suite. “This is a great room with an amazing view. You’ll have everything you need to be happy here until your episode starts.”

“Will Bibi be joining us?” I asked as I carefully dropped my raggedy duffel bag beside the overstuffed leather chair, knockingthe plaid blanket that had been draped over the armrest onto the floor.

This place was way nicer than anything I was used to.

“Not today.” Marissa frowned, but only for a moment. “She’s working with Hannah and Lars. Hannah waited a long time for her episode, and she deserves Bibi’s undivided attention, which will turn to you when it’s time for your episode.”

“It doesn’t have to be all about work,” I said. I just needed a chance for her to see that I was more than collateral damage from her past. I might not have understood why she had to leave, but I wasn’t the same wolf anymore, either.

“With Bibi, it’s always all about the show. You’ll be in good company trying to get her to take a break.” Marissa laughed. “Listen, I know this isn’t working out how you thought you would. Give us a chance. Bibi wouldn’t be giving you an episode if she didn’t want you to find your mate.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to protest that Bibiwasmy mate, but that wouldn’t help my cause. Not that I had any plans of giving up. I was confident that my actions would prove me right. That meant I would have to be the best contestant they’d ever seen, which included being amazing to everyone on the crew. If I had a prayer of pulling this off, I needed them on my side.

“What about Hugo?” I asked, not really wanting the answer.

Marissa sighed. “He takes a lot of flak for the security issues that have plagued the show.”

I cocked a brow. “You mean I’m not the only one who’s gotten past him?”

“You’re good, but no, you’re not the only one.” Marissa chuckled nervously, like she was afraid she’d said too much. “To be fair, it’s a huge job. I don’t think anyone could do better considering what gets thrown at him.”

“You know I’m not asking about his job performance.”

“He absolutely adores Bibi,” she said the words slowly and had to be aware each word drove a dagger straight into my heart. “They’re the most unlikely couple—he’s a gruff small-town wolf, and of course, she’s sparkly and fabulous—but it works because he’s content to let her shine. But in a way, he completes her. He’s the sturdy rock she’ll never admit she needs to lean on.”

I nodded. It was clear that Bibi wasn’t the only one who loved Hugo. The entire crew was enamored with him. This was a close-knit team. Bibi had built a new family, thanks to her coworkers and the local wolf packs.

That was something I hadn’t found since I’d left our pack, and I had to admit, I was envious.

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