Page 125 of Bliss & Her Idols

Could I perform better than Craven?

It may not be up to Jin but the producers. Yet the audience will be reacting to the show, and the producers will know that they can’t go against the obvious winner and loser.

Right?

I clench my jaw.

I tense, when the spotlight appears to hesitate on Cricket and me.

No…

Then it moves just slightly to the left, shining on Leah.

I can’t help the flood of relief. I still reach out to squeeze her arm, reassuringly.

I’m surprised at the confidence with which she strolls up onto the stage.

She smiles at Jin. “I’m a big fan. You’re the best singer. Your songs have helped me through some tough times. See this as me paying you back for the joy you’ve brought into my life, okay?”

Jin flushes with pride but can’t hide his confusion.

Leah sits down behind the white grand piano with a flourish. She stretches, before softly placing her fingers on the keys.

“She’s going to be good,” I mutter. “She looks professional.”

Leah closes her eyes, arching her neck.

Then she launches into Mozart’s “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” all played with just two fingers.

Badly.

I gape at her.

She’s throwing this contest on purpose for Jin’s sake.

For the sake of love and pack bonds.

When she finishes, there’s a resounding silence, only broken by Torin’s laughter and then loud clapping.

Sawyer joins in.

He’s grinning.

“There’s my Omega,” Sawyer says with deep pride.

I whoop and cheer. Even Cricket joins in.

Jin’s lips twitch. “Thank you.”

I can tell that he’s not meant to be speaking by the way that Zoe immediately lays her hand in warning on his shoulder.

He flinches.

Leah stands up and sweeps a bow, then waltzes to stand next to the glowering Craven.

Two down, three to go.

Instantly, the spotlights sweep the room. I’m not as anxious as I was before.

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