Page 45

I step up, aiming for the same green bottle, and my second ring bounces to ping off the back wall. Orien’s second attempt nets him a blue bottle, which he wasn’t aiming for, based on his quiet curse. I land a yellow on my third try, and Orien lands another blue.

The teenager points to the lower-level prizes of small stuffed animals. “Which one do you want? You can trade them for upgrades at other booths if you have enough points.”

“Oh, no.” I wave my hands in protest. “I don’t need⁠—”

“The fox,” Orien cuts in and turns to me. “It’s cute.”

A blush warms my cheeks, and I accept the cheap toy.

As I hold the stuffed fox close, the corners of Orien’s mouth twitch as if he’s trying not to smile outright.

“What?” I demand.

“Nothing.”

“Liar.”

“It suits you.”

I glare at him. “You did this on purpose.”

“You won it, fair and square.”

“It was a complete accident, and you know it.”

“A win’s a win.”

I huff and clutch the fox tighter anyway, because it’s soft and warm from sitting under the booth lights, and because Orien picked it out for me.

The Alpha gestures toward the food stalls lining the far side of the fairgrounds. “All right, I’m declaring myself the loser.”

“You are?”

“I missed every basketball shot.”

“You also cheated by distracting me.”

“Sounds like a skill issue.”

A giggle escapes before I can stop myself, and Orien reacts as though I’ve handed him something precious.

“Come on, trouble.” He jerks his head toward the row of food vendors. “I owe you funnel cake.”

With every step, the scent intensifies, hot oil and sugar thick in the chilly morning air. A few people already crowd the booth, bundled in coats while steam curls from paper cups of coffee in their hands.

Orien takes up position beside me in line, his broad shoulders blocking the wind.

I stare out across the fair while we wait. Kids sprint between booths, clutching oversized stuffed animals while carnival music crackles through old speakers, slightly warped and too loud.

It’s ridiculous.

Cheap.

A little run-down.

And I’m having more fun than I’ve had in years.

Orien nudges my shoulder lightly with his own. “Do you hate it?”