Chapter Three

I was paralyzed with fear, picturing what would happen if I was discovered. What if the Lycan king sees through me? What if he could read minds?

A part of my brain was afraid of getting caught and doubted myself. Why did my dad do something so horrible? Horrific pictures popped into my head. Alphas were known for their ruthlessness, especially when their pack was in danger, and the Syndicate pack wasn't an exception.

My dad spoke badly about the Lycans; he hated them so much. He ruled my pack mates with an iron grip and was naturally very territorial.

Even though I was not qualified, there was something strangely comforting about the idea of this contest. I was going to keep this a secret and make every effort to win something.

My mind raced with multiple ideas as I absentmindedly stared at the billboard. The green depths of the alpha's eyes told a story. He looked so unsettled, like someone planning revenge.

Natalia dragged me off and we joined the excited girls who were chatting away.

I decided to put my worries aside for the time being and took a deep breath. After all, what's the worst that could happen? I'd get exposed and sent away.

Natalia was wild and carefree. She twirled a champagne flute, taking large gulps, and I could tell she was already drunk by the shakiness of her feet.

"Come on, try some," she grinned broadly as she held out the glass to me. "You need to unwind and have fun."

"I'm good. I usually stick to water or fruit juice. I am not a big fan of alcohol. Besides, doesn't our first impression matter? Do you want the alpha to see you drunk?"

She dismissed my worries with a laugh. "You are losing out on a lot of fun, girl. The alpha must be flattered that we're enjoying his exquisite wine. Come dance with me.”

"Nah," I grimaced. "I don't dance."

A bemused smile appeared on her lips. "You came for a beauty contest, but you don't dance? Does that make sense at all?”

Reluctantly, I allowed myself to be pulled towards the dance floor. I swayed to the beat and enjoyed the music's rhythm despite my lack of skill. My best dance moves were in my head.

I was naturally good at singing, it allowed me to temporarily put my worries aside. I was sure that I'd win if all it took to win the alpha's heart was to sing a song.

Natalia leaned in. "So, what's your pack? You haven't mentioned it."

Shit!

My gaze lowered, and I felt guilty for lying to her. "Oh, I'm from the Valley Pelt."

It wasn't entirely a lie; after all, my mother was from there.

"I've been there several times. It's a beautiful pack," she said and didn't ask further questions.

My thoughts strayed to Sisters Sanctuary. I didn't miss that place at all. It was the oppressive sameness of every day and the lack of freedom that drove me insane. The thought of spending another year in that confinement was surely going to destroy me.

I felt bad for the old maid and wondered how she was doing. I was surely going to compensate her with some money from the consolation prize.

I also wondered if the news had reached my dad. Would he even bother to look for me?

Every contestant's face was eager as the actual show started at eight pm. After making our last-minute adjustments, I saw the MC confidently walk onto the stage and smile.

"Good evening, beautiful ladies. I'm Charles, your host for the evening. We are going to have an exciting evening, I promise!”

The girls cheered because Charles was such a happy and playful guy.

"Now, let us review the rules before we get started with today's event. Just ten of our gorgeous competitors will advance to the next round."

I made a face. Did I even stand a chance in this sea of beautiful girls? The Alpha should be offended that a twenty-one-year-old was pretending to be eighteen. I was certainly the oldest.

Natalia turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "We're going to qualify for the next round. You'll see."

"Maybe you will."

She gave me a sidelong glance. "Don't you dare sell yourself short, my friend. You're stunning. Honestly, if I were into girls, I'd ask you out in a heartbeat."

I broke into a grin. My happiness was complete when Charles revealed that the consolation prize was in gold.

I'd leave my family and the Syndicate pack forever to get a fresh start. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that Natalia had to grab my hand before I realized the girls were grouping.

“We must queue up for the presentation. Come on."

"Let's rush to the first line to make sure we get noticed," I said but she disagreed.

"The alpha may ignore the first lines and pay closer attention to the fifth and sixth lines. Trust me on this one.”

She dragged me to the sixth line without giving me a chance to respond. Suddenly, the music stopped, and the MC announced.

"Please be quiet. Our special guests are here. Show the utmost respect, no fangirling, please."

There was a sudden dead silence in the room as a group entered through the doors at the far end. Paving the way were men in black suits and shades. Armed soldiers in uniform trailed behind them.

And there was Alpha Adonis, behind the soldiers. He was real, here in the flesh, and even more breathtaking than the billboard could picture.

Natalia exhaled behind me. "Fuck, he looks so good."

Indeed.

I was so struck dumb by his appearance and laughed at my absurd thoughts of fantasizing about someone who was out of my reach. Shouldn't Ethan's rejection have taught me a lesson?

I was such a moron.

A male and a female, who appeared to be more the alpha's friends, trailed closely behind him. The male seemed very easygoing and relaxed. The extremely beautiful woman walked like she owned the place, and I also noticed the way Alpha Adonis held her hand.

Were they lovers? And suppose they were, why would he be looking for a wife?

Natalia was correct, after all. The alpha and his friends didn't make any selections for the first through fourth lines. The girls cried, and by the goddess, some of them even made a desperate attempt to sneak up to our line.

The alpha's group moved closer to us, and the air charged up. My heart was thumping furiously, pressed up against my ribs. Adonis seemed uninterested and nearly tired of the hunt.

I caught him saying, "This is tiring, Fred. Can't you choose the girls yourself?”

His male friend laughed. "It's not our choice to make.”

Adonis huffed, "I do not see anyone here."

His eyes met mine, and goosebumps pricked my arms like spider webs. I finally felt like I could breathe when his eyes strayed to the next girl. How come he had such an effect on me?

And just like magic, he picked ten girls from my line, including Natalia and me. I was so weak in my knees that I could hardly stand.

Natalia was speechless, stunned beyond belief.

"We're in," she said to me. "Oh my God, Iris, we are in."

"But... how?"

And just as Adonis turned away, cameras surrounded us with their lenses capturing every detail of our faces. I turned around and my chest banged with fear. They were news reporters and my dad watched the news every night. It was game over for me.

Natalia grabbed my arm, "Come. Let's proceed to the stage."