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I nodded slowly, a vague idea taking shape in my mind for how I might structure the upcoming competition. “You’re right about that. I think you’ve got what it takes, though. A good heart is the first thing—something you’ve already exhibited by putting your pack above yourself. And you couldn’t be learning from anyone better than Holden himself. He’s an excellent example of what an alpha should be, and believe me, I’ve run into my fair share of poor leaders in my lifetime.”
The idea for how the contestants might prove their leadership skills grew stronger, and I stood, ready to get back to work now that inspiration had struck.
“You’re going to do just fine,” I told Amelia. “Just keep your head high and don’t let anyone shake your confidence.”
“Thanks, Jessica.” She stood as well, waving as she continued on her jog.
I headed back along the path toward the manor house, my mind spinning. It should be a group event rather than every woman for herself. I would split the fourteen girls into two teams and watch to see who naturally took on the leadership role—who felt comfortable and confident taking charge of a situation. It would also be a good demonstration of who was a team player.
In my own experience, plenty of women were so cutthroat that they didn’t care about the good of the team—only working for their own glory. That wasn’t the kind of woman Garrett needed.
Once I was back in my office, I began reviewing the detailed plan the game makers had submitted for the challenge. It would be a scavenger hunt, using the knowledge they should have learned in classes over the week. I’d be sure to throw in some physically challenging elements, but it was vital to know which women were paying attention to their lessons and which weren't. Physical abilities and leadership were important, but being in a leadership role required intimate knowledge of the intricacies of pack law and life.
A couple of hours later, I could no longer ignore my stomach rumbling, so I put away my work, happy with my progress. I had enough now to send my outline to the game makers to work out the finer details. Making my way downstairs once more, I passed a few more people this time as the household began to wake up.
On the first floor, I turned toward the kitchens, hoping someone would already be working on breakfast and wouldn’t mind me grabbing a plate. Hurrying down one hall then turning right at another, I almost ran into someone exiting the gym.
“Oh,” I exclaimed. “So sorry.”
I looked up to find it was the man from dinner the other night, the new enforcer.
“No worries,” he said, his voice deep and rumbly. His dark eyes were sharp, taking in every detail as he looked me up and down. Intimidating was an understatement when it came to describing this man. He was huge, rivaling Garrett and Holden’s size.
“Ryker, is it?” I’d been so distracted at that dinner that I’d barely paid him any attention.
“That’s right.” He gave me a friendly smile, though it contrasted starkly with his sharp, masculine features and the dangerous vibe he gave off. “And you’re Jessica?”
It wasn’t a question. The way he looked at me with more than a little interest had my cheeks warming. “Yes. I’ve seen you around, but it’s nice to meet you officially.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” he said, his gaze fixed on me.
I swallowed, not used to receiving such blatant interest from a man. “Well, have a nice day.” Flashing him a brief smile, I moved around him and continued down the hall, but I couldn’t resist looking over my shoulder. As Ryker walked away, I noted how his muscles rippled much the same as Garrett’s, though they didn’t leave me breathless in the same way.
Shaking away the thought, I peeked into the gym, found it empty, and then went in search of breakfast. The kitchen staff was more than happy to make me a plate of bacon, eggs, toast, and fruit. I ate quickly, reviewing my schedule for the day. First up was a meeting with Garrett.
My food turned to ash in my mouth. I hadn’t been alone with him since Monday night. Since that kiss. I supposed I could request that we meet in a more public setting than his office, but then he might really think I was avoiding being alone with him—which, if I was being honest, I totally was. I’d have to get over that, though.
I finished up my food, got a large cup of coffee to go for Garrett, and then went back to my third-floor office to collect my notes from the teacher and trainers that had been working with the contestants the past two days. I climbed the stairs to the fourth-floor, hesitating only a moment in front of Garrett’s office before I lifted my hand and knocked.
Nothing. I waited a moment then knocked again. When there was still no answer, I double-checked the time. Seven o’clock—he should definitely have been awake by now. He normally was up before the sun, getting in a morning workout before eating breakfast and getting straight to work. I hadn’t seen him in the gym, but then again, Holden had told him he couldn’t work now, so I guess his schedule could have changed.
I glanced down the hallway to his private apartment, wondering if he was in there. I hesitated for a moment, checking the doorknob of the office just to be sure he wasn’t in there, but it was locked. Would it be an invasion of his privacy to go to his room?
I bit my lip, debating, but ultimately my jam-packed schedule for the day made my decision for me. There was too much to do today, and I simply didn’t have time to wait around.
Taking a deep breath, I headed down the hall. I hadn’t been in Garrett's apartment before as our interactions took place in his office or elsewhere on the grounds. It shouldn’t have made me so nervous, except that kiss the other night had scrambled my brain.
I knocked once before I could talk myself out of it then waited.
Faintly, I heard a groggy voice calling out, “Come in.”
My stomach did a little flip, my pulse picking up the pace. “Pull yourself together, woman,” I chided myself softly then reached for the doorknob, which turned easily. Did he not lock up at night?
I stepped into the apartment, taking it all in. There was no sign of Garrett, so I took the opportunity to get a feel for his personal space. It was simply decorated, everything in varying shades of gray, including the tall walls and wood-planked floors. Instead of looking plain, though, it looked clean and modern, sophisticated, and very masculine.
“Garrett?” My voice echoed off the high ceilings.
“In here.”
