Quinn nods. "I feel like I should've gone to more of these kinds of things as an adult. I think it might have been more fun than when I was a kid."
"What did you think, Malik?" Brody asks.
"I didn't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't that. I will definitely make sure to attend more of these."
"Yes!" I pump my fist in the air. "I knew doing these things that kids love so much as an adult was the right thing to do. With the first group of suitors, we went paintballing, bowling, and mini golfing."
Quinn snorts. "If you have those awesome dates planned, what do you have planned for the next group? And what about the second group of suitors? What fun did you plan for them?"
I wrinkle my nose. "You'll have to wait to find out what I have planned. As for the second group of suitors, there was an issue with the pack, and I'm unable to consider them for a spot in my pack. So we didn't do a group date. Instead, I went on a one-on-one date with the remaining alpha from the second day. We had a spa day, and it was amazing."
"What in the world happened with the pack?" Malik asks, concern written all over his face.
"It's nothing they did to me. Their lifestyle and mine won't mesh well together. While it was upsetting initially, now it’s just what it is. I won’t allow them to remain on the show, but it’s not something I plan to focus on."
Paxton leans closer and asks in a conspiratorial whisper, "So that means there are three less guys for us to compete with? I like the sound of that."
"It's not a competition. You're not working against one another—or at least you shouldn't be. I want a pack that works together, not one that doesn't get along." My eyes narrow as he grins at me. "You're giving me shit?"
"I'm definitely giving you shit."
And that's pretty much how the day's gone. Paxton doesn't seem to take much too seriously, but I don't even find that to be too bad. I'm sure he can be serious when he needs to be. Or at least I hope he can.
Before I can respond, we’re coming to a stop outside the mansion, and we all climb out. A round of hugs from each of them and a thank you to Hector for arranging to have my prizes brought to my room, and I’m heading off to prepare to meet the next group of suitors.
Chapter Eleven
Quinn
After our group date, we head up the stairs to the game room at Hector's request. We'd actually met the other suitors there last night. Everyone seems to be pretty cool, but I guess only time will tell.
I feel a bit out of place here, and I don't really like that, but I can't seem to put my finger on why. I don't feel that way when Sophia is around, but when she's elsewhere? There's just something that seems to set me apart from the others. And for once, I don't think it's because I'm a well-known actor.
"Welcome back, gentlemen," Tessa calls as we step off the stairs. "If you'll come join us, we want to ask something of you."
I glance at the other three men, who all shrug, and then we're moving as one to where Bree and Tessa stand before four couches, pushed close together into a u-shape. "If the four of you will find a seat, we'll get started."
I end up sitting next to Jackson on one of the couches with... damn, what was his name? It starts with A—I know that much at least.
Alex? No, that's too short.
Alfred? Where the fuck did that even come from?
Maybe it was Alexander. No, that's not right either. Then it hits me.
Alejandro.
I don't know why that was so hard for me. I guess it's just been an overwhelming twenty-four hours. I know, an alpha getting overwhelmed because he had to meet twenty new people in a matter of hours. Not to mention, I'm an actor so I should be used to it, right?
Wrong.
I play at being an extrovert, but I'm far from it. I'd rather spend time inside with my friends or family than to go to any of the events I'm always invited to. But that isn't good for my image or whatever. The worst part is that I'm still playing that part here, and that's not what I want.
I don't want Sophia to get to know the person I pretend to be but the person I really am. She's already proven that while she might be awed by the fact that I'm here, she knows how to treat me just like everyone else.
I somewhat tune out Tessa and Bree as they explain that the first two groups of suitors had chosen to do group interview, and that it's up to us what we want to do. We decide on a group interview as well, just because it's easier. Plus, it'll give us a chance to speak with the previous days' suitors. It's a win-win if you ask me.
I don't say much unless someone asks me a direct question. I don't mean to come across as anti-social, but I seem to be losing myself in my head. Not really a place that I want to get lost in often. But there's also not too much to say.