Page 43 of So I Won a Werelion

“Wendy needs twenty-four-hour surveillance, starting immediately,” I said as we got out of the car atThe Mating GameHQ.

As usual, there were reporters and fans waiting outside.

“Is Wendy back on the show?” one of them asked.

“Yes, she is.”

Cheers rose from the crowd, as well as a few boos. Wendy had had a rough start to her reality show career, but once these viewers got to know her, they’d love her. First order of business would be to schedule some confessional-style interviews to post as teasers for the episode on the site.

After she confessed to me what the hell had happened last night.

“Good morning!” Marissa greeted us with a bright smile as soon as we walked into the building. “Hannah’s here. Would you like to meet her?”

Right, Hannah.

Once I found these two handsome shifters on my doorstep this morning, I’d forgotten all about Hannah’s orientation. We had been ready to hit the ground running with her episode, in the event Wendy had said no yesterday.

But now I had a naked lion on a motorcycle and mysterious wolves making threats against Wendy to worry about, in addition to giving our newest contestant a warm welcome.

“Of course.”

Marissa led me into a side room where a woman with purple hair rose from the couch and put her hand over her mouth. “Holy shit, you’re Bibi le Bonnet. I’m such a huge fan. This is amazing.”

“And you’re Hannah.” I liked her already. “Congratulations on winning a spot onThe Mating Game. I’m so excited you’re here.”

Her eyes widened. “Are these some of the contestants for my episode?”

“These gorgeous shifters are Hugo and Lars. They’re onThe Mating Gamesecurity team, so you’ll be seeing a lot of them.”

“Promise?” she laughed. “I can’t believe I’m here, and all of you are real. You look fabulous.”

“Don’t I?” Today I was wearing the cutest plaid mini skirt, over-the-knee boots, a short-sleeved fuzzy black sweater, and a bump under my blonde wig. I was so glad Hannah appreciated the retro vibe. “You’re pretty fierce yourself.”

She wore a black cropped hoodie with a longer leopard print tank underneath. Her leggings had been strategically torn, and her combat boots had ribbon laces. She was curvy and she absolutely owned it. We were going to have so much fun shopping together.

“Oh, this is my my-flight-came-in-after-midnight-and-I-couldn’t-sleep-because-I-knew-I-was-meeting-you-todayoutfit.” She came closer. “Are you a hugger? Because I’m totally a hugger.”

“Hug away.”

Hannah wrapped her arms around me, hugging me more tightly than I was expecting. “I knew the minute we first saw you in Blaire’s episode that you were amazing. You were such a highlight onThe Real Werewives, and you’ll totally rockThe Mating Game. I’m so excited to get my very own episode. This is like a dream come true.”

Behind her, Marissa scrunched her face. I had to let Hannah down easy so the excitement didn’t fade while she waited for her episode to start.

“There’s been a little bit of a change of plans. Wendy’s come back to the show.”

Hannah gasped. “With Gabe?”

I nodded. “Sounds like you’re rooting as hard for them to become mates as we are.”

She pressed her lips together. “I couldn’t believe she rejected him. I mean, the nerve! He’s been in love with her forever, and she’s willing to throw that all away?”

We definitely had some work to do in Wendy’s public relations department. “Once it’s your turn, you’ll see that going up on that stage isn’t a one-way ticket to fated mate town. It’s complicated.”

“I know. That’s why I’m here. I want those highs and lows. That’s what makes the stories so good. I can’t wait to meet my mate.”

A low, guttural sound emitted from Lars’ throat.

Oh.

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