Page 135 of Bliss & Her Idols

We’re fucked.

“Crick,” I say, trying to remain hopeful, “you could be incredible at this. You don’t know.”

Cricket wraps his arms around himself. “Why couldn’t it have been the fastest at folding laundry? I’d have slayed at best floor scrubber. Why wasn’t that an option?”

“Remind me to take a visit to our Omega’s ex-pack and kick their asses, as soon as we’re out of here,” Torin mutters.

I nod.

“Form a circle around the pool,” Serenity orders. “I will be choosing who takes part in this task. Close your eyes. If you feel a touch on your shoulder, then you’ll be dancing to win your Beta.”

I cast an anxious look at Cricket, before I slip to stand between my two men on the edge of the pool.

I watch the other packs, who are taking up their own places.

Most look worryingly relaxed, smiling, and confident.

My pulse is roaring.

Cricket is taking shallow breaths the closer that he edges to the pool.

I snatch his hand, squeezing two times. “Hold onto me. Smell my scent. Stay in the present with me. You’re no longer with your knothead parents, okay?”

“Okay.” Cricket gives a determined nod, before he bravely closes his eyes.

Torin is studying me. “You’re good with him.”

“I’ve had experience,” I reply, simply. “And I love him.”

“Do you love me?” Torin asks with an unreadable expression.

Before I can answer, Serenity clacks toward the pool.

Serenity’s sharp voice calls out, “Silence. Everyone close their eyes. If you open them before I tell you, then you will be disqualified.”

Hurriedly, we both fall silent and close our eyes.

In the darkness, my own breathing sounds too loud.

I take deep breaths to smell my Alpha’s scent, mingled with Cricket’s honeycomb, cherry scent. It’s stronger, when my sight is taken from me.

I tense, when I hear Serenity’s footfalls behind me. She appears to hesitate but then, she continues on.

Fuck, she’s making a real show of this.

My breathing speeds up.

Come on, pick somebody.

I don’t even know who I want her to choose this time.

I can hear Torin’s harsh breathing.

He’s been trying not to show it but he’s more scared of being picked than I am.

Footfalls behind me again.

Serenity is walking slowly, ominous.

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