Page 2 of Last Pack Standing
“I’ll find out when I get there. But whoever they are, I’ll just have to pretend to have enough chemistry with them to stay on as long as I can, and make a name for myself. If I can make it to the final rounds, even better. Who knows. If we win, I could come back with enough cash to launch my art into the big leagues.”
My sister let out a huge sigh, knowing I was too stubborn to give up.
“When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Oh. My. GOD.” Julianne screamed into a throw pillow. I kind of understood where she was coming from. I’d never been one to want a pack. From the time I was little, my family raised me to be more than just my designation. I was highly independent and self-sufficient, and with all the strides I was making at work, I figured I really didn’t need anyone else. Except when I went into heat, but there were surrogates and toys for that.
Also, the showwaspretty crass. Most contestants found out that the fame was worth way more than any pairing the producers came up with, and I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I’d have to go, pretend to like the pack long enough to keep from getting voted off, and hopefully leave with some money and fame.
Easy peasy. I can act. At least, I hope I can.
Chapter 2
Cassie
The moment the car pulled through the iron gates of the filming estate, I felt like I’d been dropped into a luxury resort. If you could look past the cameras and props, it was actually quite gorgeous. There were vine-draped archways, sculpted hedges, and a long, castle-like villa.
“This place reeks of money,” I muttered, clutching my tote bag to my chest as I stepped out. And it should - this was the hottest show in the nation. A producer bounded up to me, complete with a headset and a manic smile.
“Welcome to Last Pack Standing!” he chirped, and handed me a laminated badge withOMEGA: CASSIEprinted in bold across it.
I tried not to feel nervous about this. Despite the air of indifference I’d put on in front of my sister, I was a little hesitant to be put on a show for the whole world to see. My viral humiliation was one of the factors that got me cast to this show, but now I had the chance to show a different side of me. And I really, really needed it to work.
“Your team’s temporary quarters are through the north wing. You’ll meet your group before the first confessional.” He paused. “Oh, and remember - suppressants at all times. Sign these please.” A packet of papers as thick as a brick was handed off to me, and I looked at it with confusion as he rushed me along. “It’s just some legal paperwork saying we are not at fault if any mating, bonding or any other pack behavior happens on set. As you know, it does happen from time to time.” He wasn’t joking. Despite taking precautions, some seasons had very intense matches, and there were nesting rooms set up for such emergencies.
I scribbled a signature, holding back my reaction. I was not going to be mating or bonding with anyone on this set, that was for sure. I was already cringing at who they might have set me up with. Normally, they cast a bunch of meathead alphas or pseudo-celebrities, none of whom I wanted to get to know in a romantic way. I tried not to think about that too much as I wandered through corridors, marveling that this was where I'd spend the next few weeks. That is of course, if I didn’t get voted off right away.
I reached the living quarters, where my name was clearly printed on a placard to a private room. The suite had five bedrooms total, for me and my future team. It also had a living room and alarge, empty room, which I supposed was the emergency nesting space. I strolled around the massive suite, and my spirits lifted once I saw the arched glass doors that led to a balcony.
And that’s when I found him - leaning against the balcony railing, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Ash.
He must be the other omega they put on my team - I’d seen his name on the room next to mine. Normally omegas were highly competitive, especially around alphas. It made for great TV to have two omegas on a team, forced to work together to win the prize, even though we naturally wanted to be the sole omega to a pack. Oftentimes it would erupt in knock-down, drag out fights, and other petty behavior on set.
I sighed. Of course they would put me on a team with another omega, just to make it extra difficult. But I wasn’t here to fight another omega for a pack. He could have them for all I cared. I just wanted the fame. In any case, I still had to compete with him and be likable enough that the pack, and the audience, wanted me around.
I looked at him for a moment. He was tall for an omega, lean and athletic, with unruly dark curls and a look on his face that was hard to read.One thing I noticed right away - he was absolutely stunning. If I really did want to win over a pack, he’d be incredible competition.
“You’re late,” he said, without looking at me.
“I’m literally on time,” I replied.
“Well then I’m early. Which still makes you late in my eyes.”
I blinked. “Nice to meet you too.”
He finally turned, taking me in. “Cassie, right?”
“Yep. Ash?”
“Guess we’re stuck with each other now. Figures they’d put me on a team with another omega.” He reached out and shook my hand. His hand was warm, his grip firm. Although he was an omega, he had an alpha’s edge to his posture - like he’d learned to defend his space early and never stopped.
“Nice view,” I said, mostly to fill the silence. The villa overlooked a manicured courtyard where camera crews buzzed around below.
“Right.” He studied me for a second longer, then added, “You look nervous.”
