Page 75 of Escaping Rejection

One bonus was that with Von’s announcement, all the other contestants were in their rooms, getting ready. The halls were deserted while I made my way back to my suite. Even though I’d just received a message from Zoe, I was still a little disappointed that one of the messenger parrots wasn’t sitting in my window when I got back.

I found a slinky red dress in my wardrobe that might be sexy enough to make Zoe proud, but was still modest enough for me to feel comfortable in. After getting dressed, I did my best with my hair and makeup. I’d put in some pretty decent practice since she’d been gone, and I had to admit, I looked pretty good by the time I finished.

I slipped on a pair of heels and headed out to go up to the rooftop terrace. Halfway there, I crossed paths with Chelsey. Abel was with her, escorting her with his arm interlocked with hers. Abel gave me a nervous nod, but Chelsey smiled as we approached each other.

“Hey. You look fantastic,” she said.

“So do you. Are you guys ready for this?”

“I guess,” Abel said, but worry laced his tone.

“I’m nervous,” Chelsey admitted. “I don’t like the way Von was talking earlier. Sounds like something bad’s coming.”

“I don’t think he says anything that doesn’t allude to us getting screwed over in some way,” I said, failing to keep the bitterness out of my tone.

Chelsey patted Abel on the arm. “Can you give us a few minutes? You head on up.”

He blinked in surprise but obliged by removing his arm from hers. “Yeah, sure. No problem. See you up there.”

Chelsey smiled, and as soon as Abel was out of earshot, she grabbed me and pulled me into a small alcove in the hallway. “I want to do something tonight or tomorrow to throw the show off-course.”

The vehemence and venom in her voice caught me off-guard.

“Um, okay, what do you have planned? Why now?”

“After you left, I thought about it, and Mika didn’t deserve to die like that,” she hissed. “It’s bullshit. Von more or less said they’re going to try and kill everyone else soon. We talked about this, but the more I think about it, the angrier I get.”

“Hang on,” I said, leaning out to check the hallway and then my bracelet. Once I was sure we weren’t being overheard, I pulled her close, pressing my lips to her ear. “Mika is alive.”

She jerked back like I’d slapped her. “What?”

“I can’t get into it right now, but if we get time alone later, I can fill you in. As for your other idea, I think Wyatt and I know how to make trouble for the show. Watch for me to say some stuff at dinner. It’ll sound crazy at first, but follow my lead.”

The vicious smile that spread across Chelsey’s face warmed my heart. “I can’t wait.”

“Shall we?” I asked, putting my arm out.

“It would be my pleasure,” she said, interlocking her arm with mine.

We strolled up the last steps that led to the rooftop terrace. The last time I’d been up here, the showrunners and owners had been present to decide my fate. Now, I was going to find out whatever awful thing Von had planned for us.

Hopefully, the food would be good.

The terrace had been transformed. Fae lights floated around, illuminating everything. Tropical flowers had been woven into garlands and hung from almost every wall and rail. Faint music played from somewhere, and the staff had set up multiple high-top tables with platters of hors d’oeuvres. A few staff members moved around, filling wine glasses and smiling. Chelsey separated herself from me and went to speak to J.D. and Abel.

My eyes locked on Wyatt. He was leaning on a railing, a half-full glass of red wine in his hand. He looked good enough to eat in his tuxedo. He made his look better than any of the others, and that was saying a lot. All the alphas were handsome and attractive in their own way, but they couldn’t compare to Wyatt.

Despite how good he looked, I could tell he felt uncomfortable in the attire. Having been born and raised in the Second Pack, he must have had to wear dressy clothes all the time. Knowing Wyatt the way I did, he’d probably always felt out of place in that world. Fancy dinner parties, orchestral concerts, caviar, and champagne? They weren’t his style. He was more at home watching football in pajamas or hanging out with friends in a bar. This wasn’t who he was.

Von appeared behind me in a solid white tuxedo. Had the sun not almost set, the color would have blinded me. It was accented with a blood-red pocket square and bow tie.

“Good evening,” he said. The cameras whirred to life, sweeping through the crowd and zeroing in on Von. “We are coming to you live from Bloodstone Island. As you can see by the setting, things are getting quite romantic here. Love is in the air in this tropical paradise. Danger around every corner, but also desire. Our remaining contestants are doing everything they can to ensure they step onto that helicopter with their fated mate on their arm. We are nearing the end, but for some of these folks, it will only be the beginning.”

I did my best not to gag as he winked at the camera. He was so full of bullshit.

“And why wouldn’t these hunks want to be with these lovely ladies.” Von stepped over and put his arm around my shoulders. “The fiery and feisty Kira Durst.”

His hand sat unnaturally cold on my shoulder, but I was a professional. I didn’t shudder or pull away. Instead, I smiled at the camera. “It’s a gorgeous night, Von. Absolutely amazing.”

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