Page 22 of Last Pack Standing
I stood up, now in full anger mode. “I do care about them! More than you could possibly imagine!” I was nearly yelling now, and my sister was pulling at my sleeve, trying to get me to calm down.
“Um Cassie, let’s wait until we’re somewhere private to have this conversation.” She said, her eyes flickering to the cameras, no doubt imagining how this family drama would play out on tv.
“No. I’m done hiding. This is who I am, and you can take it or leave it!” I said, looking at my parents as I threw down the gauntlet, so to speak.
My mom rolled her eyes, in the way she always did that indicated that she knew better, like I was acting like a child. “This is ridiculous. You can’t expect me to believe you have feelings, especially for that brute who caused you to go viral and lose your job!” She chided, not even bothering to look at Jace, who sat up straight at her accusation.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Then Jace stood from his seat, his voice calm but clear.
“With all due respect, ma’am, Cassie is the most real thing on this show,” he said, his eyes locked on my mom with unwavering certainty, “I’m not going to stand here while you belittle the woman I- ” He paused, jaw tightening for a split second. Then he said it. “The woman I love.”
The room went still. And before I could stop him, he leaned down and kissed me. It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t camera-safe. It was the kind of kiss that stole the air from the room - passionate and completely undeniable.
When he pulled away, my mother’s jaw was practically on the table. The cameras probably got exactly what they wanted. I could barely feel my limbs.
“Family night turned out to be more entertaining than I thought.” Leo said mildly, taking a sip of his drink.
________
Later that night I sat on the bed in my room, my face bare and my hair tied up. My sister was curled next to me, her legs folded under her.
“So be honest, is any of this real?” my sister asked, her voice sharp with curiosity. “You’rereallyin love? That quickly?”
I scoffed as I leaned back on the edge of the bed, the feelings rushing in as I grappled with how much I wanted to divulge. “Come on, in love? You know me better than that. Fall for a pack on a reality show? Please. It’s all just television.”
Her brow rose, skeptical. “Really? Because you sure seem close to them. Like… really close.”
I let out a forced laugh. “Of course I’m close. That’s the point. We’re on camera. We’re competing. Chemistry makes great television, and it keeps us from getting eliminated.” My tone was light and dismissive. But I could hear how fake it sounded even as I said it.
“And what about Jace?” she pressed. “You’re holding hands now with the guy who helped tank your job and make you go viral?”
I waved a hand. “Of course not! Yeah he’s hot, they all are, that helps. But come on. Jace? The guy who ruined my job and made me go viral? Like I’d turn around my feelings that quickly. No, it’s just called good acting.” I said, trying to convince her, and myself, that I was being honest.
“And the omega?” Her voice dropped, curiosity turning cautious. “Why’d they throw Ash on your team? Was it supposed to be some kind of power play?”
I shrugged. “Probably. Maybe they thought we’d tear each other apart for attention. Joke’s on them - we do better when we’re not at each other’s throats.”
But even as I said it, I knew it sounded false.
“I mean,” I added, voice cracking slightly, “once we win, I’ll take the prize, the press, and get out. It’s not real. None of it is real. It’s just my strategy.” But the words felt wrong.
There was a long silence between me and my sister. She studied me like she could see straight through the mask I’d thrown on. Then she spoke. “You’re lying.”
My throat tightened. She didn’t press. She just reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, voice soft with kindness. “Cass, I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at them. And trust me, you’re notthatgood of an actor.”
I stared at the floor.
“Cass. Forget what mom said tonight, and what you think you’re supposed to do for the show. What are you actually feeling?” Her words cut right to my core. I felt myself give in, and speak the truth to the one person I could trust would keep it.
“They’re not what I expected,” I whispered finally. “Any of them. I came here to get exposure. To mess around, maybe make some waves and bounce. But now…”
She said nothing, waiting.
“I think I’m falling for them,” I choked out. “All of them. And it scares the hell out of me. I’ve never felt like this. I didn’t even think Icouldfeel like this.”
My sister was quiet for a moment. Then she smiled, soft and understanding.
“Well, to be honest, I’ve never seen you look this happy,” she said. “Terrified, maybe. But happy too.”
