Page 106 of Bliss & Her Idols

Jin’s cheeks were wet with silent tears.

“Thanks,” Jin said as quickly as he could like Rory was going to steal his voice, as much as his freedom. “For letting me experience what a real pack is like even for a short while. I won’t forget it…forget you…”

He thought that he’d done his best to escape but that it hadn’t been enough.

That he’d found his pack, but it’d been taken from him.

He’s wrong.

Even before the bouquet of roses and the invite, I’d known that I was going to find a way to rescue Jin from this island of jagged cliffs and pine forests.

I investigated and discovered that the island had once been used by elite packs for hunting and fishing in lodges, along with rumored infamous wild parties. Then it was bought by the Idols’ Head Alpha and transformed into a luxury hotel and estate, used for big events, including the annual Pack Bonds contest.

One Idol, often close to the end of their contract, is matched with the pack who wins the contest.

I’ve watched as many episodes as I can.

How many of these Betas were forced into the contest because they broke a rule?Tried to break free?

It’s been hard to tell from their expressions. They’re all too professional. Yet there’s a stiffness about their smiles that I recognize, now I know the difference between Jin’s real and fake one.

I’ve spent the last week, alternating eating too much chocolate fudge ice cream and pastries with Cricket, while planning with my brothers and Lionzio on how to break onto the mystery island.

Those plans have ranged between a full-scale attack with guns and grenades to hacking the security systems.

But now, we’re here. We have these invites. We’re going to win our Beta through this contest.

The only problem is that I don’t have any of the skills like singing or dancing needed to win.

Plus, Cricket is crushingly shy.

But when have I let my fears stop me?

No one else here loves Jin like I do, and that gives me the advantage.

Plus, I can always go with Plan B:Call in Chase with his grenades.

I glance around at the beach, which is small and lit by flaring torches that are set into the sand. A high cliff rises up steeply on one side.

Four other Omegas and four Alphas mill around, excitedly chatting and drinking champagne. A buzz of thrilling anticipation and tension is in the air like before a storm breaks.

The Omegas are in their twenties.

They’re all beautiful and elites.

Cricket is the only male Omega.

I recognize the Alphas.

They’re an influencer, tech billionaire, Traditional Governor, and oil baron (who must be in his sixties).

Have these Alphas paid to be in the show because they’re Jin fans? Because they want a chance to bond him?

My stomach turns.

Or is it only business to them? A way to get press attention?

The other contestants are dressed in designer black tie, sparkling ball gowns, or evening dresses.

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