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“Well, then, let’s get started, shall we?” Bibi motioned to the directors’ chairs that had been set up in the middle of the room. Bibi loved these candid chats. The lights were on, and Stephanie was doing the final camera checks. “How are you feeling?”
Pretend none of that conversation with the local alphas ever happened? Easier said than done. But this was my chance to get the final say over Suzanne Marlowe.
“I’m excited about tonight. I planned a great end to the date, but then some of me wonders if I’ve done enough.”
Bibi tipped her head. “To win Marissa over?”
How could I say this without revealing any of the reality behind the show? These behind-the-scenes segments typically were shown online before the episode aired.
“We’ve spent the last week together, and we haven’t wrung each other’s necks yet, so it must be true love.”
Bibi beamed in approval, so I was on the right track. Thinking in terms of a reality show was almost impossible when my mate’s reputation was on the line.
“Her life has been hectic. Flashy. But I know what it can be like behind the scenes. It’s lonely. I don’t want her to feel that way anymore.”
“Maybe you don’t want to feel that way, either,” Bibi suggested.
“Yeah.”
“Not everything has to be a big, outrageous date to be successful,” she said. “This is a smart approach because you’re setting yourself up for success after the show ends. And I have to say, these cozy dates have been quite the palette cleanser.”
“They have been, haven’t they?”
“I’ve been particularly looking forward to this interview with you. We’ve worked together closely for three episodes now, but I’ve had a chance to get to know you on a whole new level while you’ve been a contestant.”
Interesting. “Did I surprise you?”
“You’re one of the most genuine beasts I’ve ever met. You’re kind and patient, and nothing rattles you. Those were things I already knew. I underestimated how dedicated you were to claiming Marissa. One thing you and Marissa have in common is that family is essential to you.” Bibi wasted no time changing the subject. “Has starring in an episode ofThe Mating Gamechanged how you view your pack?”
I took a moment to think about that. “It’s given me more compassion for my pack. We’re creatures of habit, and our habitat was taken away from us. Our elders wanted us to have as many resources as possible and pushed us hard. They expected results. They wanted things to be better for us than they were for them.”
“Do you think you’ve achieved that?”
“It’s what I set out to do every day.”
The video screen behind Bibi lit up, and Marissa walked out from behind it, looking gorgeous as ever. She had her hair up and wore a short red dress that accentuated her curves. My bear rumbled in approval. She kissed my cheek, and I jumped. Her face fell.
Fuck. I didn’t want her to think I’d changed my mind about her.
“Hi.” She bit her lip to suppress a wobbly grin that eventually won out.
“What do you have up your sleeve?” I instantly regretted the way that came out. There was no way she didn’t know about Suzanne’s latest stunt. And that the alphas had been here, looking for answers.
“I like that rumbly noise. Might make me want to change my plans,” she said, reaching for my hand. No sign that she thought anything was off. That I was off. “You’ll see.”
Bibi gave me her signature megawatt smile. “Are you ready to see what Marissa planned for you?”
“I was born ready.”
I gasped when my family came onto the screen. My mom, my dad, my sister, and my nieces and nephews were just as excited to see Uncle Bjorn as I was to see them.
“Surprise.” She kissed my cheek.
“An amazing surprise.” But I wasn’t sure how it tied into our date.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard, and I’m so glad Bjorn has joinedThe Mating Gamethis season.” Bibi beamed at the screen. “He proved himself indispensable behind the camera, and all our viewers will fall in love with him once this episode airs. Of course, he’ll already be claimed by the time that happens.”
“We’re so proud of him,” my mom said.
