Page 134 of Forsaking All Others

“Patter drips from your snake mouth like venom,” I snarl. “I’ll say no more about this disgusting ordeal, and I most certainly will not acknowledge the sadists who’ve flown here to be closer to the carnage. Push me and you’ll be continuing your commentary with broken arms — once you manage to retrieve them from your ass.”

Shuddering, he turns from me to face the cameras once more as the contestants line up where the director has forced them to stand.

“And… Action!”

“And here are our lovely ladies, all rugged up and ready to face an arduous late Autumn Alaska and a forest filled with dangerous creatures — and I’m not even talking about their fellow contestants! But before I go on, let’s hear from these brave, beauties.”

He shoves his microphone into Claire’s face, and she glows with the attention.

“Tell us, Claire, tell your fans and supporters in Scotland and around the world just how you’re feeling heading into our final contest.”

“Sure,” she smiles at me before turning to beam at the audience. “I’ve always believed fortune favours the brave, and I know the Viscount has favoured me from the start. I’m already a winner, having won his heart. This contest will just be the cherry on the cake.”

“Fantastic,” Starlen smiles, shaking his head and giving the camera an ‘isn’t she wonderful’ look. “And speaking of cherries, how is our English rose feeling about this contest?”

Cherry raises her chin and plays fully to the camera.

“Well, you know, Clyde, I have to say firstly that I’m a bit starstruck standing this close to you.”

Starlen shakes his head, grinning, before nodding for her to continue.

“But not as struck as I am with the Viscount. I won the first date and the first kiss, and I know I’ve been first in his heart all along. He may not show it, but he’s a kind, gentle darling, and he’s never wavered in his devotion, just like I won’t waver in mine, or in my determination to show him how I truly feel about him in every way in the Dreams and Desires Suites. When I cross the line as the winner in this challenge it will be just another first for us.”

I try not to laugh out loud and instead look across at Cat and Thorun where they stand whispering together. All the others look quite separate, exactly as Claire said they were, and I can’t help but worry that she might have been right with all her predictions about who will take out whom in this challenge.

As if reading my thoughts, Cat looks up catching my eye and holding my gaze, her dark eyes considering me, measuring me as they always seem to do, and I nod at her, not breaking our connection.

“And what of our bloodthirsty Italian?” Starlen asks, interrupting us. “How do you feel going into this challenge?”

“Confident,” she shrugs, pulling her eyes from mine.

“And? Confident in what exactly?”

“Confident that at the very least,” she says quietly, giving him a hard look, “I won’t end up as one of your snacks.”

I snort back a laugh as he switches his attention immediately to another contestant.

“And how fares our outback entrant? Miranda, surely you can’t be bothered about this contest, after all everything in Australia wants to kill you.”

“True, Clyde,” she smiles widely, “I’ve come from a harsh land. But we don’t have bears, well, only the cute, cuddly kind, so I do worry about the Alaskan grizzly, not to mention the polar bears and the black bears. And the closest I’ve come to a wolverine is in Marvel movies.”

The crowd erupts into laughter, and she waits before going on.

“So there are some wilderness creatures that I’m sure will be challenging. But I know it’ll all be worth it at the end because there’s a wonderful bachelor who I’ve shared beautiful experiences with waiting for me at the altar.”

Starlen nods and walks to Silke.

“And how confident is our German environmental champion? Living in the woods must feel like going home to you, Silke.”

“Yes, I will be in my element,” she nods, “I camp regularly, I respect nature and nature respects me.”

“And what of your handicap?” he asks with mock concern. “How will your leg, still in a cast, affect your ability to reach the end? Are you worried you’ll become easy prey to either the creatures Miranda mentioned or your fellow competitors?”

“No,” she shrugs, “every one of these contestants has a handicap; some are just not so obvious unless you’ve spent time around them. I have enough knowledge and intelligence to ensure I will win this contest.”

I try not to smirk as I recall her previous comment that Thorun, Sona and Cat were all mentally challenged.

She goes on to give the usual claim that she’d made it this far because of a special connection with me, and she’s confident she’s going to win.