38. Chapter 38
Jace
Before I auditioned for Last Pack Standing, I was starting to think I was a loser. I lost the girl, I’d lost my purpose, and I was adrift. Now, even though I didn’t win the show, I still felt like the world’s biggest winner.
I’d won another chance with the girl I thought I lost - the omega of my dreams. And not just her - I also found Ash, someone I’d never expected, and now I had two omegas that I was absolutely obsessed with.
I found my voice. And even though we walked off the show, I didn’t care about being the last pack standing.
I cared about who was still standing with me at the end.
Cassie’s laughter rang out, interrupting my thoughts. She was crossing the villa gardens with Ash, their hands linked as he gave her a twirl. She giggled, spinning joyfully, and he looked at her like he was absolutely head over heels - and she looked back at him with the same adoration.
Just behind them, Rys followed casually. He’s so centered that he can be hard to read, but I’ve known him long enough now to catch the small curve at the corner of his mouth. He was watching them too, and probably thinking the same thing as I was - I can’t believe we got so lucky.
Leo walked past me with a latte in his hand, back to his usual easygoing self. He's already moved on from the drama, and started chatting casually with one of the crew members, because of course he didn’t hold a grudge. He can’t help himself - it’s part of what we love about him.
We were back on set. Not as contestants, though - this time we were here on our own terms. The network might not have wanted it this way, but the audience made it clear that our team was the real story.
Not the team that eventually won the last challenge, and the show.
As it turned out, ratings speak louder than any contracts or scripts.
And when we walked away at the height of our popularity, it caused a panic behind the scenes and an audience uproar.
So we were invited back for the reunion, with a check nearly the size of the one we’d have received if we’d won.
The five of us were ushered onto the set with the host, who was a bit more subdued than when we saw him last. Our pack was seated next to all the other past contestants, and this time we had a live audience.
The host, Frank, avoided eye contact with us for a while as we sat on our own separate couch just like all the other teams who were brought back for the reunion.
A few of them could barely even look at us, especially the influencer team that lost because of their omega’s actions.
But some of the teams actually looked happy, and I wondered if any of them managed to find love on the show as well.
Frank sighed and prepared himself as the cameras started rolling.
"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Last Pack Standing reunion special! I’m your host, Frank , and tonight, we are bringing you all the drama, the secrets, and the truths you didn't see on camera!
" I settled back as the drama began anew.
The reunion started about how we expected, with barbed comments, passive-aggressive jabs, and the usual reality show drama.
But it became very clear who the crowd was really here for.
Every time we stepped we were mentioned or spoke, the audience lit up.
We received cheers, applause, even a few standing ovations.
We weren’t just the fan favorites - we were the story.
Finally, toward the end of the reunion, Frank turned to address our team. “You've found something real together it seems - love, loyalty, and a pack. What’s the next chapter look like for Team Silver?” The host asked, his smile so tight I swore he was doing it just to keep from snarling at us.
Leo leaned into his mic with a grin. “Funny you ask,” he said smoothly. “Because while we were off the air, we got a few calls. Seems like people really want a show that’s a little less scripted.”
I couldn’t help the flicker of pride rising in my chest as Rys added, “We’re producing our own show… on a competing network.”
A gasp rolled through the audience, followed by a roar of applause.
The host was caught off guard, clearly not briefed on that part of the announcement.
Ash jumped in, eager to get payback. “It’s not just dating challenges and bonding trials this time.
Our show will be about real life. We want to showcase real people, and real packs. ”
“And no back stabbing contestants messing with suppressants," Cassie finished, with a pointed look toward the cameras.
The crowd went wild, rising to their feet as we sat together, unapologetic and stronger than ever.
Frank stuttered, the producers cut the camera, and more chaos ensued.
But we were used to it at this point, and it was almost like background noise as we just basked in the knowledge that we survived Last Pack Standing.
And now, we had an adventure of a future ahead of us.
I couldn’t wait to see what else was in store.