Page 33 of Last Pack Standing
“They were perfect,” Jace added, hand resting firmly on Ash’s thigh.
Cassie smiled faintly, brushing her fingers down Ash’s arm. “When it came down to it, we didn’t see each other as threats. If anything, this has solidified our growing bond.”
I watched the host try to pivot, knowing that the competition angle was now a failure. He tried to comment on how connected we seemed in an attempt to flatter us. But I wasn’t here for that.
“They weren’t supposed to go into heat,” I said sharply, cutting through the fake pleasantries. “You promised us the suppressants were regulated and that everyone would be safe. Either someone fucked up, or someone planned it.”
The room went quiet, the host shocked and looking out of the corner of his eyes at the producers, as if he wasn’t sure what to say. I was sure this would get edited out, but I didn’t care. I wanted them to answer for what happened.
“They’re lucky,” I continued, voice low. “Lucky we were there, and lucky that we got them to a nest in time so that the other alphas here didn’t go feral. You gambled with their lives.”
The host shifted uncomfortably but plastered on a smile. He avoided my statement and changed courses altogether. “Well, I think the viewers love you!
You’re officially the fan favorite pack, and now in the lead. The way you all handled it, that’s real teamwork.”
I stared him down. “We’re not a storyline. We’re a pack.”
Cassie slid her fingers into mine, and Ash leaned into Leo. Jace’s alpha presence radiated from the other end of the couch like a silent warning. They wanted a spectacle, but instead all they would get was something real. Something they couldn't ever hope to manufacture or replicate.
“Well on that note, it’s time for you all to celebrate being in first place with a special spa day, courtesy of our sponsors. You’ll be spending the next day relaxing with massages, treatments, and no challenges this week!” The host quickly tried to end the interview, and our team stood as we were led off stage and told more about our prize. I figured that they were going to do some major sucking up to us for the duration of the show.
On the way off set, I spotted some of the other teams lingering around the villa, pretending to chat while they eyed us. They looked furious, and I didn’t blame them. What should have been a team-breaking experience not only brought us together, but catapulted us to be number one. We were very likely going to win this show.
One alpha scoffed under his breath, “Must be nice when the cameras love you for doing the bare minimum.” Another omega smirked as we passed, muttering something about “manufactured chemistry.” Jace tensed beside me, but I kept walking, brushing off their jealousy.
But then…I smelled it. Just a trace, but sharp and distinct. An overly sweet floral scent, laced with bitterness. My instincts surged, and I turned my head toward one of the rival packs. One of their omegas was laughing too hard at something, her arms crossed, smug and unbothered. And that scent that I recognized,it was coming from her. My mind raced as I tried to pin where I’d smelled it before, and then it hit me.
I’d smelled that faint, cloying hint in both Cassie and Ash’s rooms a day before their heats hit. My blood went cold. Someone was on camera going into their rooms - it was her. And I was sure that she was the one who messed with their suppressants.
I held back my desire to let out what I really felt, and waited until my team was back in the room before letting out the breath I’d been holding. I turned to them and spoke.
“Hey guys, I think I know what happened.”
Chapter 31
Leo
My two omegas, and the two other alphas I now considered as close as family, were finally getting some relaxation at the onsite spa. We’d discussed last night what to do now that we were sure that one of the omegas from the influencer team had snuck into our suite and messed with the suppressants. Jace and Rys were ready to tear the place down brick by brick, but I told them to let me handle it. I knew how to negotiate, despite my easygoing demeanor.
So today, while everyone was getting some much needed rest, I was in a meeting with the network owner as well as the show creators. My agent had flown in for support. The execs looked at me like I was just a jock in a tight shirt. I knew how I appeared, with my broad shoulders and easy nature. They thought I was probably only good for flexing on camera and carrying omegasaround like props. I let them think that for a moment, standing casually in the producers’ glass-walled meeting room while they stumbled through excuses.
“She’s a major influencer,” the lead producer finally said, hands raised like he had no say in the matter. “She has three brand deals tied directly to our top sponsors. If we kick her off now, we risk breach of contract and bad press - ”
I smiled.
“Awe,” I said, slow and casual. “But you forget something important. I have equity in the Apex Sports Network.The same network your two largest sponsors rely on for ad buys and media coverage. I can make one call, and suddenly your ‘influencer’ won’t have a campaign left to pose for.”
Their faces paled as the room went silent. One exec tried to fumble out a response, but my agent stepped forward and dropped the final blow like a guillotine.
“And let’s not forget Leo's upcoming campaign with Valhalla Gear,” she said smoothly. “They’ve already made it clear to us that they won’t work with anyone, or run ads on a network that allows frivolous tampering of an omega's hormones. So either she goes… or Leo goes. And rest assured, we will take your sponsors with us.”
Silence filled the room once more. The only noise was the click of the pen of a nervous producer. Then a quiet, “We’ll handle it.”
I stood, smoothing my jacket. “Glad we understand each other. I trust you’ll have the perpetrator off the set by the time my team is done with their spa treatments.”
One producer nodded, gulping as my agent and I walked out. I felt the warmth of satisfaction in my chest. It wasn’t often that I had to throw my weight around now that I was off field, but when I did, I made it count.
Now, it was time to make sure my team was well taken care of.
