Page 120 of Bliss & Her Idols

“Don’t you get to decide who wins the tasks?” Cricket rests his cheek against Jin’s. “We have one advantage against everyone else. We’re sleeping with the judge.”

Cricket gives a smug smile and heated look.

“Wow, Charming, you’ve already corrupted our adorable innocent.” But then, Jin’s smile fades. “Unfortunately, that’s only one of the Idols’ many lies. I’m a fucking puppet. The producers along with Zoe are picking the winners, who gain a special reward. They will also choose the loser, the pack who performed worst, and they will be sent home.”

“Sent home…?” Anxiety spikes through me.

Jin’s troubled gaze meets mine. “Ehm, plot twist…? The pack judged to be the worst will be immediately kicked off Pack Bonds Island. Not everyone will even get to the final for the chance to fight for a bonded pack. Tomorrow morning could either be your chance to win a prize or win a one way ticket home.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Band Room, Pack Bonds Island

“I’m going to be sick.” Cricket is pale.

He’s eying the line of instruments — a drum set, violin, piano, recorder, and electric guitar — that stand on the raised stage at the back of the Band Room like they may leap up and bite him.

I know how he feels.

My own pulse is racing. My hair is sweaty. I wrinkle my nose at the musty, sweet smell of old wood.

I’ve been eying the instruments in the same way from the moment that the producers led us into this Band Room after breakfast for the first task. The Band Room is circled by hidden cameras.

I have no idea how to play any of those instruments.

I wince at the type of sounds that I’ll produce if I even try.

It won’t be pretty.

Worryingly, the other packs who strolled in looking relaxed and rested reacted to seeing what was laid out on the stage with varying degrees of delight and excitement.

Easter, the small black haired Omega, even clapped.

The only Alpha who became ashen, before sneering and dragging out his phone and ignoring everyone around him, was the college aged influencer, Craven.

“Don’t worry, think of it this way. If you hurl, you’ll create the first viral moment of the show.” Torin’s lips quirk, as he lays a reassuring arm around Cricket’s shoulders. He makes the brave decision, considering how close Cricket truly does look to vomiting, to drag him against his neck. “Breathe in my pheromones, mo stoirin. There’s nothing to panic about. I was telling the truth, when I introduced myself as a musician. Just relax and watch me make love to the guitar.”

I snort. “You do know that we’re wearing microphones, right?”

Torin smirks. “I haven’t forgotten. Did you think that I was only speaking to you?”

I let out a surprised laugh.

Torinwantsthe world to watch him perform.

Now I’m intrigued.

I could barely sleep last night. I awoke exhausted but to the delicious scent of coffee mingled with tea.

When my eyes fluttered open, I found myself staring into Torin’s icy blue eyes.

He was holding out a mug of coffee to me.

He was already dressed in black jeans and an Ice Dragon limited edition band top.

His hair looked artfully mussed in a way that must have taken him at least an hour in front of the mirror.

“You hero,” I murmured, taking the mug from him.

---