Page 44 of Luna Trials

Chad flexed his shoulders, staring me down. I waited for him to react. The other Alphas filtered in past us and still we stood there.

Chad broke first, sipping his coffee cup as his smile brightened. “No need for packages, my friend. The sponsors sent the girls their gifts as soon as we accepted the invitation to the show.”

“I figured as much.” I returned his grin, silently soothing the beast within. “Have you eaten yet? I’m starving.”

16

Aspen

“Ladies, take your seats.” Molly stood with the camera crew as we filed into the convention center on the first floor of the resort. I tried to get a good look at each of the female shifters as they found open folding chairs that were facing the stage. Having all forty or so of them in the same bright room was intimidating.

The images I’d seen on theMating Seasonfan page didn’t do the Luna candidates justice. These women were gorgeous; all shades and hues of skin tone and different fashions from around the country were represented. Stef and I sat near the back next to the two candidates–whose names I’d already forgotten but Stef was trying to buddy up with–from the Yuma Pack in Arizona.

Fallon waved to me as she took a seat near the front with Edith and Lilith at her side. A tall redhead with killer curves sat down next to her and they spoke together. Stef growled softly, noticing where my attention was directed.

“Why do you hate them so much?”I asked through our pack link. At first, I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in here, but I hadn’t run into a single female contestant who wasn’t nice to me except the one from my own pack. I was forced to realize I’d made a judgement error. Maybe Stef needed to do the same.

“The real question, is why don’t you?”Stef huffed.“Those females are our competition. They can get any Alpha they want. And it’s pretty much a guarantee they’ll pass the trials.”

I looked around again, trying to see if I could spot the division between the bigger packs and the rest of us. Sure, there was an undercurrent of tension and nerves, but this was a trial to see who would remain. Why would anyone expect anything less than a competition?

Honestly, I thought they’d be tearing each other apart by now from my brief research and was pleasantly surprised that wasn’t the case.

“Welcome to the official start of the Luna Trials.” Molly took her place at the podium. Her crisp voice rang through the speakers as the stage camera zoomed in on her and the rest of the ground crew cameras scanned the room.

“Sit up straight and look ready.”Stef nudged my knee. I tried really hard not to roll my eyes.

Molly smiled at the cameras. “Starting today, the film crew will be in all the common areas documenting the coming weeks. Remember, this is a friendly competition and the world will be watching your every move.”

Not in real time.

The show had a lag in airing and only covered the highlight reels of the Luna Trials and Alpha Games. But I guess the viewers didn’t know that. I didn’t either until I’d signed the contracts.

“You’ll each be expected to participate in four trials that represent the position of Luna in your potential wolf shifter packs. Like days of old but with a modern twist, these events are meant to show that you have what it takes to be a Luna.”

We were expected to clap so we did as Molly paused. I really wanted to point out the irony of a human woman lecturing wolf-shifter females on their responsibilities, but everyone else didn’t seem to care.

It’s just a show.

“The four trials consist of humanitarian efforts, public speaking, nesting abilities, and finally a grand ball where you will show off your entertaining and hospitality skills.”

Gag me with a spoon.

She couldn’t be serious.

“Only twenty Lunas will continue onto the final portion ofMating Season.The goal is to make it to the top twenty of the popular vote from the viewers at home for each trial. Our viewers will determine if you pass through the events, but fear not ladies. This competition is, after all, about finding your potential mates. The Alpha contestants will be asked to vote after each round and three votes will carry you to the next challenge even if you don’t make the popular vote cutoff.”

I knew this was a popularity thing, and I was a little grateful for the early boost, but three Alphas… Why? Didn’t you only need one to mate? But one vote would probably come from the Alpha of your pack, so I could see needing one more.

Why a third? That didn’t make sense.

I had questions. So many questions.

My hand shot up in the air.

Apparently, Molly wasn’t answering questions. “At the end of each event, we’ll hold an elimination ceremony where the unfortunate losers will be heading home immediately.”

I slowly pulled my hand back down to my lap. That didn’t sound very nice. I’m sure there was a better word to use than “loser.” There were a few gasps of outrage around the room.

---