Page 129 of Bliss & Her Idols

Has this also been taken away from him by his Head Alpha?

Because he should be performing.

The entire room is caught in a bubble, electrified as Torin plays.

Jin is leaning forward, mesmerized.

Torin throws himself back onto his knees in front of Jin, as the final chords reverberate to the high ceiling.

Jin is looking down at Torin, however, likehe’sthe King.

It’s impossible to miss the love and admiration in his eyes.

Instantly, everyone (with the notable exception of Easter), burst into wild applause.

Cricket and I jump up and down, before rushing toward the front to stare up at the two men, singer and guitarist, who are our pack.

Our Alpha and Beta.

Right now it’s clear that Cricket is president ofboththese men’s fan clubs. I wish that I could write a review of Torin’s performance. I would rate it five stars.

I may write him a private one later, so that he can frame it.

Panting, Torin removes the guitar, laying it at Jin’s feet like his soul lies inside, before moving to stand next to the other five contestants.

“Now, Ice Dragon will deliver one dead rose to the contestant whose chances at a bond are dead,” Serenity says with breathy anticipation. “They will immediately leave the island. Then he will give a living rose to the contestant whose performance he judged the best because romance has a chance to blossom. The reward will be a date alone together this evening.”

“Here it comes.” I bite my lip.

Jin takes both a healthy and a withered purple rose out from the inside pocket of his robe.

He stands from the throne, walking without hesitation toward Craven.

He passes the withered rose to him. “Please leave Pack Bonds island.”

I sigh.

We’re safe.

Craven grimaces. “I was only here for the exposure anyway.”

Jin clutches the remaining rose hard in his hand.

He turns away, catching Torin’s eye. He smiles, eagerly beginning to walk down the line toward him.

He’s going to pick our pack for the date.

When Zoe rests her hand hurriedly on Jin’s back, I’m shocked by the way that Jin gasps.

Has she pinched him?

Jin looks pleadingly back at her over his shoulder, but she shakes her head.

Reluctantly, Jin stops at Easter.

“Why’s he stopping?” Cricket hisses. “Our Alpha was better. Charming should win. This isn’t fair.”

“What made you think that this contest would be fair?” I reply.

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