Cara’s POV“There’s no need to be a bitch, Cara,” said one of the nearby wolves.“She’s learning. You didn’t pick up positioning on your first time either,” said another.“I’m starting to think you are just jealous,” said a third.Those wolves, the ones who had come to hate me anyway for reasons I d
Cara’s POVWhen we arrived back at my house, I knew it was only a matter of time before Alaric started talking me out of my desire to stay in the competition. His protective instincts were fierce, even though he clearly had been trying to fight them lately. I knew he wouldn’t be able to hold back at
Alaric’s POVTrue to my word, I stuck to Cara’s side as much as I could. It was no great ask to keep my arm slung around her waist, her torso pressed into my side.The kids looked at us strangely, but seemed otherwise pleased with themselves, like they had somehow facilitated this. I didn’t know how
Cara’s POVI moved without even realizing it. One minute, I was on the stage. The next, I was down near the exit, standing beside Alaric. My hand clutched Lilia’s by the wrist, as I pried her touch away from his chest.Both Alaric and Lilia seemed surprised by my sudden appearance. A few breaths lat
Cara’s POVLater, as all the girls were being fitted for our gowns for the opening ceremony, Ruby surprised me by walking into my dressing room. I was in my gown, with the tailor marking where to make the hem at my feet.The gown needed some work yet. It was much too small in the chest, and far too
Alaric’s POVRuby’s request for a physical seemed to come rather suddenly after I picked up Cara from the rehearsal and brought her home, but I wasn’t one to ignore a healer’s orders, especially when she claimed she wanted to check me to see if they could pinpoint some medical ways I could help Cara
Cara’s POVKissing Alaric was as easy as breathing, especially when, after a moment, he gently opened his mouth and accepted my waiting tongue. His hands clenched at my waist, tugging me closer as he licked along the side of my tongue with his own before chasing mine back into my mouth and deepening
Cara’s POVThe night of the opening ceremony came much quicker than anyone would have liked. Even me. I’d been preparing as best I could for the events, and spending as much time with Alaric whenever possible to help revitalize Lucy.So far, I mostly just felt tired, not prepared, and Lucy remained
Cara’s POVAt once, I moved my arm up to shield myself, desperate to protect my vital organs.Yet, when the knife stabbed into me, I surprised to find that the blade pushed back, harmlessly, into the handle. I’d seen such a thing happen in the past, during stage shows. Her knife was nothing more tha
Alaric’s POVWith Colin watching the kids, Ryan, Aidan, and I went to spectate the cooking event. The event itself was being held in a large gymnasium, with special mats set up to protect the typical gym floor. Atop the mats, each contender was given their own section, with their own counters, appli
Cara’s POVThe next day I was somewhat exhausted from the event on the night before. The organizers of the event must have taken that into consideration because today was the last day of rest before the contests started the next day.The cooking showcase was my first event, and I was already nervous
Alaric’s POVI was ready to start throwing hands a minute ago, but now, seeing how quickly and resolutely the BloodyMoon pack came to Cara’s defense, I allowed myself to calm down, at least enough to sit back down and contain myself.My fury at those that had spoken against Cara remained, however, a
Cara’s POVAs we started to move about the stage, following the steps of our routine, I kept an eye on Lilia and her can of paint. I had my suspicions that it was intended for me. At a crucial moment, when we were at the front of the stage, the routine would bring us directly side by side.Perhaps t
Cara’s POVGeorgie asked me to return to my dressing room, where she arrived shortly after carrying the gown that she was supposed to be wearing that evening. On herself, she was wearing a robe.Looking at my own dress still filled me with a sense of mourning. It had been such a beautiful thing, des
None of them seemed even remotely guilty. They were all entirely confident, I could see it in their eyes.Only Lilia wore a different expression. When no one else could see her but me, she seemed smug, smirking. She pointed to a nearby camera.“I’ve been on camera this entire time, too, if you don’t
Cara’s POVIn my mind, there could only be one person responsible for this: Lilia.The beautiful embroidery, torn out. The rainbow-shimmering lace, in tatters.It had been such a gorgeous dress, a true work of art.To see it destroyed like this sent an icy chill down through my veins. This was worse
Cara’s POVThe night of the opening ceremony came much quicker than anyone would have liked. Even me. I’d been preparing as best I could for the events, and spending as much time with Alaric whenever possible to help revitalize Lucy.So far, I mostly just felt tired, not prepared, and Lucy remained