Chapter 80
The Final Contestant
JESSICA
Numbly, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. One more to go, I tell myself and smooth the bodice of my evening gown. One more contestant, the meet-and-greet, the first eliminations, and the day is over. You can do this. I release a long audible breath and take one final look at my appearance.
I remind myself of my plan. Discover who leads the Resistance, take them down, and find a mate. Stick to the plan. With shaky hands, I fix my hair.
The door to the hair and makeup room softly opens, and Sixes pokes her head in. “The last limo is here.”
My mother meets me in the hall. “Last contestant. You ready?”
I look to Christian, who rests his camera on his shoulder, and the sound man holds the boom mic overhead. Carmen set this up to ensure I don’t mess up again.
My mother pulls me in for a hug. When she leans back, her eyes shine with unshed tears.
“Oh, no. Why are you crying?” I ask her. Did I make her upset? Did something happen? The twins aren’t here. Even Sixes disappeared.
My mother sniffs back the tears and gently waves her hand in front of her. “It’s a mother thing. You look so beautiful, so grown up. That’s all.” She offers a small smile of reassurance.
My brows furrow. I’m not buying it. I’m wearing the exact same gown, hair, and makeup from when we started this section of filming. “Is that the only reason?” I study her face for any telltale signs of a lie.
She briskly nods and reaches for my shoulders to turn me toward the entrance. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”
She totally avoids my question. Gently, she guides me to the front entrance to meet the final contestant.
Waiting for us, my father and Anders have a slightly animated yet hushed discussion.
Both Anders and my father’s faces are flushed.
The twins are not here, either. Anders sees us returning and backhands my father in the chest to stop him from talking.
I leave my mother to stand at the marker.
Joe nods in my direction and turns toward the limo.
An uncomfortable silence settles over everyone.
I see Odyssey across the driveway, with a crooked smile on his face.
Everyone is acting so weird. I suspect it has to do with the last contestant in this car.
The limo driver slowly opens the passenger door.
Jeremy steps out first, flashing me a goofy grin, answering all of my unanswered questions.
Justin and Charlie get out next, followed by Chris.
Just when I think the entourage of escorts all came out, the last escort to exit the limo is Duck, Chris’s father.
Oh, my Goddess, he brought Duck. He knows how much I adore this man, how much I hate disappointing him.
I force myself to take a few deep breaths.
My parents watch me intensely, waiting for my reaction.
A worried expression sits on my mother’s face.
Is she worried about Luke? Or me? Maybe both.
My father wears a mask of indifference, but his green eyes also reflect concern.
Anders simply stares back at me, almost willing me to make the right decision.
What is the right decision? I don't want him here, any more than I want Liam here.
He said he was done with me. Why is he here? He’s also mated! I narrow my eyes at the twins, roll my shoulders back, and take another deep breath. Stick to the plan. A quick glance around confirms our surroundings are safe so I refocus my attention on Duck.
His gentle faded green eyes crinkle at the corners. He nods slightly. I could just gracefully eliminate him from the game. I don't have to be an asshole, just stick to the plan. Duck dips his head and smiles. I nod at Holden, letting him know I’m ready.
"Young Alpha Prince Lucretius Jacob Langhlan, of the Emerald Pack, Luna Solar Territory."
I hold my breath, anticipating him stepping out of the car. Nothing happens.
Holden clears his throat and repeats himself.
But Luke doesn’t exit the limo.
Chris frowns, turning toward the vehicle. Charlie follows. Jeremy and Justin climb back into the car. Chris closes the door and stands guard next to Duck.
Confused, I look to Joe. “Did Luke change his mind?”
Joe shrugs.
My mother reaches for my father's arm. An unspoken communication passes between them.
Anders strides to the limo and speaks to Chris before returning next to my parents.
What a shit time not to have access to my magic.
My mother places her hands over her heart, and her eyes shine again with unshed tears.
I hate seeing my mother like this.
Carmen approaches from the side, motioning for me to follow. She waits for me to approach, tapping her finger against an envelope in her hand.
"What’s this?" I ask, taking the envelope she offers me.
"He won't come out until you read this. He asked me to give this to you prior to his introduction, but I didn't because, well, that's against the rules."
I scoff. "Isn't it also against the rules to let a mated man into the game, even if his mate is in jail?"
Carmen purses her lips. "Just read it. We're wasting time."
I huff out a breath of annoyance. I was willing to make peace for reputation's sake, but now? He's kind of pushing it. Ripping open the envelope, I read the handwritten note first.
J—
I’ve been trying to tell you for a long time—I never cheated on you, and I never mated Elaine. I knew if I denied it or said it outright, you would never have believed me. So here’s my proof.
Please read the report. It’s an official document from the investigation team from Mating Affairs. The report is public. If you have any doubts, you may verify the contents through their office.
Love,
Luke
Quickly, I scan through the report and then shove the papers back into the envelope. I hand it to her, but she refuses to take it.
Joe takes it from me and places it into his inner jacket pocket.
With clear annoyance in my voice, I tell Carmen, "Tell him to get the hell out of the limo." Spinning around, I return to my mark and patiently wait for Luke to get out.