Page 6 of So I Dared a Dragon

Not that I could go home again...

“Take advantage of your time here while you wait for your episode to begin. As a contestant, you get a generous per diem. The chalet has a world-class chef, an award-winning spa, a fitness area, and a saltwater pool. The day club is next level. The concierge is at your service to take you to all the local attractions. There should be a book inside the desk with the most popular ones, but you’re definitely not limited to the tourist destinations. It’s our hope that you fall in love with Sunset Springs as much as we have.”

“Thank you. It all sounds amazing.” Maybe too amazing. I definitely wasn’t used to anything this nice, but sweet moon, was I ever grateful to be here. It had been a long time since I’d been able to relax.

Don’t let your guard down yet…my she-wolf warned.

“We’re close to Hannah and Lars’s mating ceremony, but there will be some post-production wrap-up before we can start our Calista era, as Bibi would say.” Marissa grinned. “But that means we’ll be able to take our time with the preproduction of your episode. We’ll be getting to know each other really well. Whatever you want, Bibi can make it happen for you.”

Marissa’s smile disappeared as she realized I probably wasn’t going to get what I wanted.

“Seriously, make yourself at home,” she added quickly. “I’ll be in touch.”

As soon as the door clicked closed behind her, I threw myself on the bed. No need to be dramatic without an audience, and it didn’t do anything to alleviate the tension that threatened to turn my limbs to cement. The mattress was next level. There were so many pillows and a thick, velvety blanket. I forced myself to get off the bed and take another look around. A fireplace was the focal point of the sitting area, with those leather chairs and a giant TV. The windows provided a breathtaking view of the mountains.

I shut the shades—mountains held too many memories for me.

The bathroom had a giant tub and the biggest selection of bubble bath I’d ever seen. I couldn’t be mad about that. I’d be taking full advantage.

Don’t fuck this up,I warned myself as I climbed back onto the bed and hugged a pillow to my chest.You’ll never have it this good again.

There was a tablet on the nightstand. I picked it up and hit the button for room service. Moments later a turkey club, French fries, and a hot fudge sundae were on their way.

Sure, it was basic, but I needed to eat my feelings. It sounded like I’d have plenty of time to see what that chef could do.

The food would be here soon, but I wasn’t good at relaxing. I forced myself off the bed and started to unpack. Not that I had much, but I’d lived out of this bag for long enough. As I pulled my worn belongings out and put them on hangers, the idea of a total life makeover gave me tingles. I pictured my tired tops getting a designer upgrade. Clothes that no one had owned before me.

The afternoon sun hit the ruby pendant on my necklace. I put my hand over the stone and tucked the necklace into the drawer with my socks and underwear. A wave of guilt rolled over me. It was too nice for that kind of treatment, but I couldn’t risk anyone knowing where it came from.

The knock at the door shouldn’t have startled me. My belly rumbled in confirmation.

It’s just room service,I reminded myself as I went to answer it.Things are different here.

“Hi,” I said as I opened the door. But instead of a waiter in a branded polo shirt, I found thick, thuggy-dude in a turtleneck and suit jacket. “I think you might have the wrong room?”

Was it another charmer fromThe Mating Gamesecurity team?

“I’m never wrong,” he grunted as he handed me an envelope.

He turned and walked away before I picked my jaw up off the floor.

“Hey,” I called after him. “Who are you?”

Dude didn’t even turn around. No answer. He disappeared around the corner, and the waiter appeared with my dinner under a cloche.

I let him bring the food into my room, and as I willed my heartbeat to slow down, he set up an adorable little tray beside one of the chairs.

Who was that man?

“I’ll put your sundae in the refrigerator so it doesn’t melt while you enjoy your sandwich,” the waiter said.

I nodded, but I was too numb to speak. My prior visitor had been one ominous dude, and I was not looking forward to opening that envelope. The chances of it containing good news seemed to be hovering somewhere around zero.

Once the waiter left, I sank into the chair. My stomach rumbled again at the sight of the food. The sandwich was thickand the fries were overflowing off the plate. They’d even given me a flight of dipping sauces. I wanted to love it here, but I had a bad feeling I’d soon be on the run yet again.

You don’t know that, I told myself.Just read the damn message and enjoy your dinner. And book a massage too. You deserve it.

Grabbing a fry and dipping it into the garlic aioli, I slipped my finger under the envelope flap and pulled out the paper inside.

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