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“Well, a good leader knows how to delegate, right?” I managed, swallowing against my tears.
Willow laughed softly. “Indeed she does. It’s good that you see that. And fortunately, I happen to know a thing or two about how to run the show. I can give you help where you need it.”
I nearly buckled with relief. “Thank you so much. I really want to do an amazing job for Garrett. I want him to have the best Contention possible so he can find the right woman for him.”
Willow arched a brow. “And to prove yourself, of course.”
“Of course,” I hurried to add. That was a given, even though lately, my motivations were more geared toward Garrett and trying my best to make it up to him for putting him in this position to begin with. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Believe it or not, I remember my first year as an event coordinator for Bridger and Kessa.” She offered a small smile. “I wasn’t always as put together as I am now.”
I laughed at that, feeling much more at ease now as I pulled out a pen and paper from my bag. “Okay, so where do I even begin? I can hardly remember everything you just said.”
“We begin with ordering lunch. First and foremost, you must take care of yourself. If you plan on running this thing to the best of your ability, you have to be in top health, mentally and physically. No getting sick or having fainting spells from lack of nutrition or sleep. You are your first priority, and only then will you be able to serve others.”
I grinned and picked up the menu. “I like how you think.”
She winked. “Trust me, darling. I’ve learned this the hard way.”
I was eternally grateful that she’d agreed to help me, and I fully intended to listen to her advice. When no organized events were happening at the estate where a formal meal was required, the kitchen staff typically offered a small menu with three or four daily entrees, as well as soups, salads, and desserts. It kept things interesting for those living on the premises, and it gave the chefs the opportunity to experiment with the dishes. Today, I selected roast chicken with seasonal vegetables and a Caesar salad. I was going to need my energy, so I decided against dessert.
Once a staff member had taken our orders, I was ready to dive right in. “Should we begin with selections for the supporting positions?” I asked.
“That’s what I was about to suggest.” Willow gave me an approving look. “Begin with your own personal support staff that you’ll utilize most often, and then we can expand that to include the contestants’ assistants, followed by the trainers, teachers, and game makers.”
Considering Willow's suggestions, I made a list of people who might be best suited to the job. That would be easy enough, as many of those who’d served in those positions six months ago were still around.
“What do you think about utilizing Kayden as one of the instructors?” I tapped my pen against my cheek. “Having just gone through the classes herself not so long ago, and being privy to Holden’s intentions for the future, I think she’d be an excellent choice.”
“Agreed,” Willow said. “As for the game makers, you can also use the same ones. I know they had plenty of great ideas for the previous Contention that went unused.”
“Perfect.”
Together, we finalized our list of support staff then began making calls after our food arrived and we’d eaten. We worked together for several hours, and then made plans to meet again every day over the course of the next week to work out the details of the actual competitions.
“I’d like to speak with Garrett and plan the details of the dates myself, if it’s all the same to you,” I told her. “I want him to be on board with it.”
“Of course. After all, this is your show.”
I smiled. “I really can’t thank you enough for your guidance here.”
Willow returned my smile, and I was relieved that we’d overcome her initial resistance. “Honestly, I’m happy to help. I think you have what it takes to become an amazing event coordinator. You’re an asset to the pack.”
That meant more to me than she’d ever know. Packing up my notes, I said my goodbyes then headed up to my suite, completely exhausted now. I had my work cut out for me, but I felt excited and confident now.
Garrett may not have wanted this, but I’d do everything in my power to make his Contention the best it could possibly be.
7
GARRETT
Iwhistled a cheery tune as I strolled leisurely across the northeastern lawn, enjoying the cool breeze that blew across my skin. The sun had set not long ago, the sky painted shades of purple and blue.
It had been a good day, a productive day. With the input of the pack elders, Holden and I finalized the content for an upcoming law seminar we’d require the alphas to take over the coming months, and I was optimistic about the future of where the packs were headed. We all needed to be on the same page—all working toward common goals, and understanding our foundations and the reasoning behind our laws and rules was the first step.
I wasn’t stupid—some alphas would be resentful that we were requiring them to take classes. That’s why I was making concessions and agreeing to the Contention. Leadership could be a balancing act. A give and take. Still, understanding this didn’t make me feel any better about the prospect of choosing a mate.
Stepping off the grass and onto a lantern-lit path that led to a pergola with a beach view on the north side of the estate, my stomach growled. Good thing I was meeting Jessica for dinner. I was starving.
