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It was true what I’d told her—that I couldn’t choose another woman because she was my mate. The connection I felt with Kayden was every bit as powerful as I’d feared. So powerful I’d compromised everything.
The most terrifying part was that I’d do it all again if I thought it would make her happy. And that put everything at risk.
32
KAYDEN
My entire body was shaking as Faye wrapped the blanket around me. I felt Holden’s eyes boring into my back as we walked away, but I didn’t turn around. I didn’t know whether to rage in anger or cry in despair.
Faye didn’t say a word the entire way to my room, and I marveled over how she was able to continue unaffected by the chaos surrounding her. All I wanted to do was sink into bed and sleep for five years. Every time I turned around, something crazy was happening. I’d lost count of how many times I’d had to fight for my life since I’d arrived at the Contention.
My stomach churned, recalling Holden’s words. In the end, after everything we’d been through, he was still keeping Sydnee in the competition. I didn’t know what to think. He wanted me to prove myself, to show I could follow orders.
Hadn’t he learned by now that I wouldn’t follow anyone blindly? And if not, was there really a way for us to make this work?
“I’ll run a bath for you,” Faye said as she led me to my room. “Your injuries aren’t so bad. You had me worried for a minute there with your leg.”
Right. When I’d pretended my leg gave out so I could take Sydnee by surprise and put an end to everything. When Holden jumped in to save the day, instead savingSydneefrom being eliminated.
“I just want to collapse in bed,” I told her, not even caring about the bath. “Maybe I’ll stay here all day.”
“You can at least stay until dinner,” Faye said. “They’ve canceled classes for the day and temporarily suspended the next competition until further notice.” She made a face. “Holden and the game makers were pretty angry.”
I bet they were, I seethed. How had I forgotten that this was a competition? “Why can’t I stay in my room for dinner?”
Faye cleared her throat. “Bridger and Kessa have requested a private dinner with you.” She suddenly looked everywhere but at me, and I wondered what she heard through her headset. “Get some rest, Kayden.”
I briefly considered wandering out to find Jenna, but with the way everyone was acting, I thought better of it. I was exhausted anyway. The minute my head hit the pillow I was out.
* * *
I stoodnext to Faye in front of the large wooden doors, the mirror opposite of Holden’s entrance to his private quarters on the other side of the estate. I’d tried not to think about this dinner with the alpha and his mate all through hair and makeup, but as I stood there, my stomach was tied in knots.
What did they want to talk to me about? Honestly, it could have been any number of the infractions I’d made.
But you know what? You’re still here—I hyped myself up.
And it was true. I’d survived a lot to get to this point. I wasn’t going to be intimidated by Holden’s parents, even if they were the most powerful couple in our world.
Faye lifted her hand to knock before I was ready, and the door swung open immediately by a tall butler in a tuxedo. He smiled and gestured for us to enter. I looked up as I walked through the doorway, taking in the high, domed ceiling of the foyer. An intricate mural adorned it, and beyond, an enormous archway led into a massive sitting room. Okay, so it wasn’t theexactmirror opposite of Holden’s quarters.
I took in all the beautiful art and expertly crafted furniture, trying to imagine living here with Holden, being his mate in every sense of the word. Honestly, the space was probably better suited to Sydnee, who’d grown up with privilege. My stomach soured.
Holden all but told me Sydnee would make a better match, and the only reason he kept me around was the mate bond.
“Good evening, dear,” Kessa said, coming into the foyer to greet us. “Faye, lovely as always. Will you be joining us for dinner?”
She was so poised, so perfect. She was made to be the alpha’s wife. Even in my silk evening gown that was just as nice as Kessa’s champagne dress, I couldn’t compare. She had a natural grace that made me feel even more like I didn’t belong.
I pushed my shoulders back.You deserve to be here. You’ve earned that right.
“Actually, I have other dinner plans, but thank you,” Faye said. She gave me a quick smile. “I’ll see you later.”
“Hello, Kessa,” I said, forcing a smile. “How are you?”
She came forward and hugged me. “You can relax. I’m really not as intimidating as people think.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a bit more at ease. She linked her arm with mine. “Bridger, on the other hand, can be just as tough as he looks.”
