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“They’re about you.”
My mouth dropped. “What do they say?”
“Looks like since Suzanne couldn’t score an invite to the party of the year, she decided to create her own.” Roxy held up her phone and swiped through. “There’s no way we can ignore this, Bibi. Did you reject a mate?”
My breath caught in my throat like someone had kicked me in the gut. Of course Suzanne found out about Calista. “I never wanted it to come to that. I told her and her family I couldn’t feel that way about her. Only when our alpha forced the issue did I leave. I thought I’d taken care of the issue, but apparently, things weren’t wrapped up as neatly as I hoped.”
She continued to scroll, shaking her head. “These reports are pretty scathing.”
“I can explain everything.” My wolf wanted to rip out of my skin. And he wasn’t being a very good actor, judging from the look of surprise on Roxy’s face.
“I hate to put you on the defensive. But you know how this works. We have to tell all out there. Leave nothing for her to surprise you with.” Roxy pursed her lips and gave her head a frustrated shake. “I hate that she’s got you rattled on your big day.”
“I’ve got nothing to hide. I am more than happy to discuss everything on stage while the cameras are rolling.”
Roxy raised a brow. “Are you sure?”
Not in the least. “Whatever you’re reading that’s scaring you is surely a work of fiction. Remember who we’re dealing with. I’m sorry about how things ended with Calista. My heart was broken too. But I would never do anything to hurt her. But I refuse to be sent cowering from my past by Suzanne Marlowe.”
This had to be in response to giving up the Hudaknocker. There was a reason why this woman refused to go quietly, and I would get to the bottom of it. On my terms.
“Then let’s go up there and kick some ass.” She hooked her arm in mine, which I was thankful for. I was used to platform boots and wigs, but these were so extreme they changed my center of gravity. Not to mention the wings.
The crowd went wild as we appeared, and all those jitters disappeared. Some people hated being in front of a crowd, but it was where I felt most alive. I did a lap in front of the stage, so everyone could admire my dazzling outfit. Then it was time to take my place in the spot I’d been avoiding. The hot seat.
Roxy leaned toward the microphone. “Wow, this is so different with a live audience.”
Her declaration earned another round of cheers.
“I’m Roxy Carole. You might know me from my movies way back in the day or, more recently, fromThe Real Werewives. And the fabulous fairy dragmother I have the honor of interviewing today needs no introduction, but I’ll do it anyway because she deserves all the flowers, am I right?”
Another cheer. So far, this wasn’t that different from hosting the show. But I knew that was about to change very quickly.
“A self-proclaimed fairy dragmother, Bibi le Bonnet is fairly new to Sunset Springs, Colorado. She’s the godmother of the local drag scene, was an emcee at the Orchid Lounge, and was the mastermind behind Dames and Dolls night—which you should totally check out while you’re in town because it’s full of amazing burlesque dancers. Once she became involved with the Colorado Ranch pack, she quickly became a fan favorite onThe Real Werewives. Not to mention, her fierce fighting skills saved our asses more than once. Now you know and love her as the host ofThe Mating Game. Bibi, I’m so excited we get to do this.”
I leaned forward. “Everything will stay just between us, right?”
“Absolutely,” Roxy said with a wink to the crowd. She was good at this. “Tell me a little about your mission withThe Mating Game.”
I loved this question. “I love finding people who feel stuck in their lives like they’ve gone so far into the maze that they can’t get out to start over. I give them a makeover and a chance to go on three fantasy dates with their potential mates. My goal is to set these couples up for success on a completely new trajectory.”
“Who doesn’t want that?” Roxy said. “Has this aspiration been limited to playing cupid?”
“What about your mate?” Someone yelled before I had a chance to answer.
Roxy nodded to me.
“I had no plans to ignore this new story that’s circulating.” I turned away from Roxy toward the crowd. “Sunset Springs accepted me for who I am, no questions asked, and gave me a fresh start. For that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
“Mate. Mate. Mate,” the crowd chanted.
“How can she tell you everything if everyone keeps yelling?” Roxy said and grinned at me. “For those who haven’t heard, there’s a breaking news story that Bibi rejected her fated mate.”
Were theybooingme? My heart.
“Calista Anderson was my best friend growing up.” I closed my eyes, and I could see her. Ten or so years old, laughing on the swings, challenging me to go higher, faster. And I would. I loved her—as a friend. Not as a mate. “We’d been drawn to each other as soon as we were old enough to have play dates. Naturally, everyone assumed that she was my mate. For a long time, I did too. Until something didn’t feel right about it. Don’t get me wrong, Calista is an amazing person. I want nothing but the best for her. And that meant having a mate who thought the sun, the moon, and the stars were only in the sky to shine on her. That isn’t me.”
More boos. I thought I might pass out.
