Page 3 of Last Pack Standing
I scowled. “I don’t know the rest of our team yet. For all I know, they could be complete idiots.”
Ash leaned back against the railing, face turning serious. “Then let’s hope they’re not. I’m not here for bonding. I’m here to win.” Well, things were off to a fantastic start. I already had competition!
“Oh, so you aren’t hoping to find the pack of your dreams here?” I said with a smirk.
“Have you seen the past contestants? We’d be lucky to get out of here unscathed by alpha douchery.” Ash said, and I cocked my head at him.
“Well unfortunately for you, I also want to win. And I’m sure no matter who is in the rest of our pack, that they want the same thing. So that being said, let’s make our strategy to keep our team from being voted off at all costs. Deal?” I said, and Ash looked at me contemplatively before giving me a small, genuine smile, complete with a dimple. He really was devastatingly attractive.
“Alright, Cassie. I can work with that. And may the best omega win.” He said with a wink, and something strange happened deep in my stomach. An excitement I hadn't felt in a long time fluttered to life.
And then a voice called from the hallway.
“Team Silver, this way! You’ll meet your alphas now!”
I froze. Ash’s face twitched, just barely.
“You ready?” he asked
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
Chapter 3
Cassie
If I ever doubted the show would be overly dramatic, those doubts died the moment we were led onto the Reveal Terrace. The terrace was torch-lit and overlooking a pool so still that I could barely see a ripple in the water. Oh, and there were cameras rolling from every possible angle.
Ash hovered at my side, his eyes sweeping the scene. I felt a sort of ease that he was here with me. At least we were in this together. He must have sensed my worry, since his eyes caught mine. Dark and devastatingly handsome in this light, he gave me a soft smile and a nod. “Don’t worry. Voters would be crazy not to let us go on.” I felt myself relax a bit at his reassurance, then nodded and stepped forward.
A producer’s voice sounded through a hidden earpiece - “Big smiles, Cassie. You’re about to meet your alphas!”
I fought the urge to scowl at the nearest lens. Ash nudged me. “Ready?”
“Not even slightly.”
“Good. Let’s disappoint them together.”
Then the doors opened. Three alphas stepped out in slow succession, one after another, like a modeling agency casting call.
The first one caught my eye. He was broad-shouldered, bronze-skinned, with warm hazel eyes and a golden retriever smile that immediately made me suspicious. Still, he was disarmingly cute with his big, blonde himbo appearance. And, as much as I hated to say it, he was hot. Like, really hot. I’d at least have something nice to look at while I was on this show.
Then the second one walked out. He had long, dark, curly hair, tied back in a bun. He was well built with phenomenal posture, sharp cheekbones, and dressed well, although he still had a rugged edge to him. He barely smiled, only tipping his head at us. He didn’t even need to smile. His aura was enough to knock a weaker omega on her ass. He had the type of strong, zaddy vibes that I admired. Maybe he’d be fun to talk to - or do other things with. I shook my head, snapping myself out of it. This was not the time to be playing.
And then… The third alpha stepped out, all polished charm and quiet power. Sharp suit. Smooth stride. Tie undone just enough to make him look casually devastating.
I froze. Oh no. No.No no no no.
Jace freaking Langston.
He didn’t notice me at first, too busy scanning the terrace. But when his gaze landed on me, it hit with full impact. His brow twitched. “...Cassie?”
My jaw clenched so hard I almost cracked a molar.
“Hi,Jace,” I said, voice honeyed with venom. “What a surprise. Didn’t know the show let tech bros moonlight as reality tv stars now.”
Ash’s head whipped toward me. “Wait, youknowhim?”
“Oh, we’ve met,” I said sweetly, keeping a smile on my face in case the cameras were watching. “He’s the reason my entire career combusted in real time.” You see, Jace was another staff member in our organization who had set up my laptop before I presented. I was on my way to a promotion, one which I knew he was also vying for, before my incredibly embarrassing personal photos and fantasy smut was posted for all the organization to see. I always suspected he’d messed it up intentionally.
