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Kayden said something, quickly gesturing to Jessica, who hesitated a moment before finally nodding and jogging toward the exit, where she crossed the finish line alone, totally unscathed.
Cheers and applause radiated through the crowd as assistants swarmed to gather the women together. The competition had been full of surprises, and I was pleased with how it went. Sydnee was cutthroat, but she was fierce and determined to win at all costs, which would definitely be an asset as an alpha’s mate.
Kayden had shown skill, stealth, and a mind for strategizing that had nearly won her a victory. And Jessica had used her brain to get her to the end. They should all be commended for a job well done.
Willow joined us on the platform a moment later as her assistants took care of everything else. “Well, it appears you have a date with Miss Martin.”
I nodded. “Do you have something planned already? Or do I have a say in it?”
Willow smiled. “We can provide you with whatever you’d like, Holden. All you have to do is say the word.”
Garrett made sure I saw him roll his eyes, but then he grinned. The guy liked to give me a hard time whenever he got the chance.
“Perfect. I know what I’d like to do. I’ve been on a date with Jessica before and know what she likes.”
“I forgot you two dated,” Garrett said. “Blast from the past.”
It had been years.
“I’ll need your choice for elimination by sundown, Holden,” Willow said, glancing down at the fourteen women now gathered back by the entrance, removing their gear.
Yet another difficult choice, though based on this competition, I had a pretty good idea of who would be going. I only hoped she wasn’t too disappointed.
17
KAYDEN
“Can you believe Sydnee did that?” Claudia exclaimed as a small group of us walked from the clearing back to the estate.
I wasn’tthatpissed at Sydnee. After all, Jessica had won instead of her. Now I didn’t have to worry about what Sydnee would be up to on a date with Holden. A huge relief.
A small twinge of disappointment tightened my chest. But I wouldn’t be going on a solo date with him either, when I’d been so close.
“That was just so rude of her,” Elana agreed, walking alongside Claudia, who was right behind Jessica and me. “Completely unloading all her shots on you like that. Ugh.”
Claudia giggled. “Just look how many paint splatters are on you.”
I glanced down with a wry grin. She’d gotten me good. “It’s a good thing I had my visor down, or I would have gotten a face full as well.”
I turned to Faye, who was walking to my right and smiled, but she wasn’t being her usual chipper self. I’d expected her to have something to say about Sydnee too, but she was uncharacteristically silent, though her eyes did dart from me to Jessica a few times as Jessica chatted with her assistant.
It could be worse, I kept telling myself I could have been disqualified early on. I’d done a good job and didn’t feel at risk for elimination later tonight. As the group of us made it to our hallways, we broke off and headed to our rooms.
I touched Faye’s shoulder and whispered, “Is everything okay?”
She glanced around furtively and shook her head, but when we got to my room, she shut the door behind me and looked at me with dread in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I demanded, walking up to her and gripping her hands.
Faye pressed her lips together, then blew out a breath. “I didn’t want to say anything where the others could overhear.”
A knot formed in my stomach. What was she talking about?
“Remember when I told you to be careful about who you trust?”
“Yeah.” She’d said it at least a dozen times those first few days.
“I mean it now more than ever, Kayden.” Her face was grave. “Jessica and Holden have dated previously.”
