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Tanyth. I closed my closed my eyes and, like always, she was there. This time, she had a smile on her face and her hands clasped together, she was urging me to get out there and claim Hannah.
The crowd roared, like they could see her too. The noise had me on edge. “She did. But these humans won’t forget what my brother did.”
Reports from survivors were all over the internet. They’d given detailed accounts of how they’d been captured and what they endured once inside those cages. The comment sections were full of outrage, and there were some viewers who frequented the forums who thought I should be banned from the show because of my brother’s bad behavior. That the endangered species label should be lifted and the hunters should be rewarded for my capture.
Hannah’s friend Zoe had cashed in, appearing on multiple TV shows to tell her tale. It was a sore subject withThe Mating Gameproduction. They believed she should have let us tell her story. But I understood why she didn’t want that. Even though Bibi would’ve let her say everything, no matter how ugly it was, going elsewhere gave her space.
She was the only one who’d given me credit for saving their lives. Not that I needed it or did it for any recognition.
So Bibi, for once, wasn’t able to reassure me. Hannah had plenty of reasons to reject my claim.
“Humans have selectively convenient memories. Once the next big controversy comes to light, they’ll forget all about the last one. I promise.” She patted my arm. “How much of this do you want to talk about on stage?”
“I don’t have anything to be ashamed of.”
“No, you don’t. Humans also appreciate candor. They give others a lot more grace when they’re honest and admit to a mistake. Not that you made any. You trusted with your heart, Lars. That’s all we can ever hope for from another being.” Bibi gave me her brightest smile. For all that happened on this episode, she still believed in love.
“I’m glad I did the episode, but I’m also glad we’re nearing the end. Looking forward to going back to regular life.”
“We’ll talk more about what that might look like on stage. I’m going to go check on Hannah. After today, we’ll get to work planning your mating ceremony, which is my favorite part of every episode.”
Bibi sauntered off, and it didn’t take long for Tina to come tell me they were ready for me on stage. We walked down the long hallway together, and she took hold of my arm before I took the stairs that led to the stage.
“Bibi will announce you,” she said. “We’ve allowed reporters backstage because we want to be first with the most accurate story. Do you mind answering a question or two before you go on stage?”
“I’ll do that.”
A young woman emerged, holding a microphone. “Lars, how do you plan on welcoming Hannah into your life? Are you worried that it might not be modern enough for her?”
“I plan on welcoming all of her into my life, which means I’ll be making some changes to accommodate what she loves,” I said. “I don’t want her to think of being with me as giving anything up. I can’t wait to see her in action.”
“Thank you,” the reporter said.
Tina fist bumped me. “Good answer.”
The crowd had already been whipped into a frenzy, but it all came to a hush. I could sense Hannah, just like I had that day she’d gotten caught in the avalanche. Her heart was beating double time. Not with panic this time. Excitement.
“Don’t you all look fabulous.” Bibi’s voice boomed over the crowd.
“We love you Bibi!”
“You look amazing!”
“I know I do. I love you too.” She was in her element on stage. “So I have a few secrets to share with you.”
A hush fell over the crowd.
“As many of you know, Hannah had not one, but two beasts vying for her attention this episode.”
I growled. I knew I should’ve killed Armand when he paid me that last surprise visit. He better not be here.
“She’s only saying that to rile them up,” Tina said. “We’ve got maximum security in place today. I can guarantee there won’t be any surprises.”
“Who did you want her to pick? Lars, the sasquatch, or Armand, the ancient, mysterious dire wolf?”
My name wasn’t the only one being shouted.
“You’ll find out very shortly who she chose, but first, let’s welcome Hannah to the stage.”
