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“I’d also like someone who isn’t going to just comply with whatever I say. I think I got rid of most of those types early on. But a passive woman is boring. I need someone who challenges me and pushes me to be a better person.” Someone like Jess, though I couldn’t say that.
She didn’t respond, her eyes fixed on the arena as two of the trainers popped out from a hidden compartment within the maze. The girls scrambled to form a barrier, working together better than I’d expected. Reagan took charge, issuing orders. That was a good sign. She wasn’t afraid to take the lead.
“What do you think?” I asked her. “If it were up to you, who would you choose?”
Jessica turned, her brows raised and mouth open. “That isn’t for me to say Garrett. I don’t know who would make you happy.”
You would. Honestly, she was the perfect counterpart. She was level-headed, smart as a whip, and had all the knowledge and experience a beta’s mate would need, learning all of it from her father, who I also happened to really like. She was personable and diplomatic, funny and kind. And sexy as hell. Everything I wanted, all wrapped up in a beautiful package that wasn’t mine for the taking.
How had it taken this Contention for me to notice her in this way?
I sighed. “Each of these women are kind, and I’m sure they’d make lovely mates. But I’m not in love with any of them. I don’t see any of them in a romantic way.”
“Maybe that will come with time,” she said, but her voice was tight, and she turned away to watch the arena once more.
“I don’t think so. And if that’s the way it has to be, the idea of a partner who’s in it only to help make changes to the system appeals to me way more than choosing a woman I don’t love. I don’t want to fake that, Jessica. Surely you understand that.”
Her shoulders drooped. “I do. I really do. Maybe you should consider Reagan’s offer. She’d be a good addition to the council.”
I was glad she agreed. I was leaning that way more and more with every passing day, especially since Reagan was already aware of my complicated situation with Jess. I wasn’t prepared to walk away from this thing with her. She’d already come to mean too much to me.
Accepting Reagan’s proposition would give me a way to still see Jessica, to figure out what was going on here. It would be a business transaction at its core. I would give her what she wanted—a top position in the council—and I’d still have my freedom, essentially. As long as we kept it a secret, Jessica and I could continue seeing each other.
It wasn’t like Reagan and I would have to be mated forever. We could pretend for a few years, make everyone happy—especially her father—and then we could go our separate ways.
The thought of keeping my feelings for Jessica a secret didn’t sit well with me. I didn’t want to hide it and sneak around. But what were my options? Walk away from something incredible that I’d never expected to find?
A relationship had never been on my radar. Not until her. Now I couldn’t imagine tossing it aside to be with a woman I didn’t care about. I didn’t know how Jess would feel about that, though. Could I really ask her to essentially be my mistress? It felt wrong, but what other choice was there?
If it was between sneaking around with her and not having her at all, it didn’t even feel like a choice. I had no idea what the future held. Maybe she wouldn’t be the person I ended up with, but she was the only woman I’d ever wanted this way before. I simply couldn’t walk away from that.
The competition was over before long, Stephanie and Reagan leading the way to victory. Kenna had performed the worst of the group, nearly getting captured by one of the hidden opponents.
“I think I’ll let Kenna go tonight,” I told Jess as we walked back to the estate. “What do you think?”
She laughed. “I think this is the first time you’ve run your decision by me since this whole thing started.”
I grinned. “Maybe. But we’re getting down to the wire. I want to make sure I’m not making a mistake.”
Jessica cocked her head to the side and pursed her lips. “I’d have to agree. While all five of them would do well on the council, Kenna hasn’t really shown many leadership skills, and some of her knowledge of politics has been lacking in classes.”
“Okay, then. It’s settled. I’m going through the official channels and letting you know my choice.” I winked, holding the door open for her as we reached the house.
“I guess there’s a first time for everything.”
* * *
The next morning,Jess showed up in my bedroom once again. “You’re done avoiding me, then?” I teased.
She rolled her eyes. “I just wanted to confirm the open council positions with you before I announce them at breakfast.”
“PR secretary, alpha liaison, and legal counsel,” I rattled off, more interested in the way her dress dipped low on her chest than in discussing politics.
“Perfect, that’s what I thought.”
I arched a brow. “Why are you really here, Jess?”
“What do you mean?” Her cheeks turned pink in the way I loved so much, and I reached for her hand, pulling her to sit on the bed with me.
