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“Why?” I managed to ask, then quickly shook my head. “I’m guessing you changed your mind?” I asked through gritted teeth that I hoped could pass as a smile.
He studied me, his eyes seeing much more than I wanted him to. It didn’t help that his proximity was making my heart race.
“Far from it.” Holden gave me a charming smile that was definitely for the benefit of the other women watching before dropping his hand from my back and continuing to the next table without another word.
I walked back to my table, a little unsteady on my heels, confusion warring with anger. Ultimately, the anger won out. I didn’twantto go on a group date with him tonight. Seeing him once today was bad enough—alive and well while my brother had suffered a different fate at his hands. Now I had to endure what Faye had called anintimateevening. Great.
I sat down with Brooklyn and Jessica, halfway listening to the one-sided conversation.
“Whoever Holden selects for the date tonight will set the tone for the competition. The initial favorites always tend to stick around for a while.” Brooklyn sighed. “Though one of the five will be sent home after.”
I tried my best not to glance at Holden, but I couldn’t seem to help myself. I needed a better read on him, but the man was like a statue when it came to revealing his thoughts. He’d invited me to the date tonight. Again, I questioned why. If Brooklyn was correct, did that mean I was one of his favorites?
I hadn’t given him any reason for that to be true. He may have brought up the possibility of serving on the council yesterday in my cell, but what if that was just a ploy to get me to go along with the whole Contention and not be a thorn in his side? If I hadn’t agreed, he would have needed to return me to my pack and get Branson to send another girl. The rules stated he must have someone from each pack.
My fluttering stomach suddenly felt like a ball of lead as I considered another possibility. What if I wasn’t a favorite, and he’d only invited me tonight so he could send me home?
8
HOLDEN
The sun was dipping below the horizon as Willow and I arrived at the fire pit on the eastern edge of the estate grounds. Normally, the stone seating area surrounding the fire pit was very private, but it was bustling at the moment. Staff fussed with last-minute preparations, bringing out food and drinks, and setting up the fire. Everything was decorated to be romantic, and the space was transformed from its typical rustic style.
Twinkling lights were strung above, and a table was piled with champagne and strawberries, hors d’oeuvres, and supplies to make s’mores. Flower arrangements completed the look. I turned to Willow, who was nodding in approval.
“They did well.”
“Did you expect anything else?” I grinned. “They all have to report to you.”
Willow laughed. “Very true.” She glanced down at her clipboard. “The contestants will be here within the next half hour. You must spend at least a few minutes alone with each woman to get a feel for her. I realize it’s early to be sending someone home, as you hardly know them, but choose wisely.”
“No pressure or anything.”
Willow smiled and patted my cheek, just as she’d done since I was a boy. “You’ll do fine.”
I gave her a wink. “I’m going to take a short walk while waiting for them to arrive.” I needed a few minutes to clear my head before the evening ahead.
“Sure thing.” She immediately began calling out orders to make things even more perfect, though I thought it looked just fine.
I walked down a cobbled path and around a bend until I reached an old fountain that had been here since the original estate was built in the eighteenth century. It had always been a favorite place to go when I needed to think.
Willow was right; I needed to choose wisely tonight. All five of the women I selected held some appeal, though each seemed quite different in the short time I’d spent with them at lunch today.
Sydnee had been an easy choice. She was smart, the daughter of an alpha, knowledgeable about politics, and would likely make a good leader. Her personality was a bit dry at lunch, but I wanted to see how she would be in a less formal setting.
Oakley hadn’t spoken much but had been sweet and demure, her smile and demeanor seemingly kind. The opposite of Madison, whose fiery personality had been apparent even at our semi-formal lunch. I didn’t exactly have a type, and it was interesting to realize now just how different each choice was.
There was Grey, who was smart as a whip and emanated a sense of determination. I liked that. Vivianna was quite athletic. She’d be one to watch in the physical competitions.
And then there was Kayden.
I stared into the ripples of the fountain, not knowing what to think about Kayden or why I’d been compelled to have her join me tonight. For whatever reason, I couldn’t get her out of my mind. Her iron will and fierce personality were something to be reckoned with. She didn’t want to be here, yet I hadn’t wanted her to leave. When we’d stood in that tiny cell, something about her had drawn me in, made me want to know more about her.
While I didn’t know her well enough to see if she’d be a good option for an alpha’s wife, her unpredictability and lack of deference intrigued me. I’d never known anyone like her.
Looking up from the water, I scanned the grounds. The women would be heading to the fire pit soon. A flash of white caught my eye, and I turned slightly, my breath catching.
Kayden. She was walking down a path, lost in her thoughts, and hadn’t noticed me. I took the opportunity to observe her, wondering what was going through her head as she worried her bottom lip between her teeth. Even though she was at least a hundred yards away, my enhanced shifter vision could read the tension in her body. It didn’t take away anything from her beauty.
