Page 136 of Bliss & Her Idols

Click, clack.

Click, clack.

Then Serenity slows down.

A touch on my shoulder.

I can’t help hissing out.

I’ve been selected.

My eyes burn behind my closed eyelids like I may burst into tears.

When I tremble, I can tell that Cricket can sense what has happened, because he squeezes my hand twice.

What if I screw this up?

“The contestants whose shoulders were touched will now open their eyes and move to the bottom of the terrace. Everybody else remain where you are,” Serenity commands.

Reluctantly, I let go of Cricket’s hand.

I feel desperately alone, as I open my eyes.

The sun dazzles me, suddenly over bright.

I take a moment, before I step back from the pool. Then I glance around me.

Sawyer is strolling toward the terrace casually like this is a good joke. Madan is following him with a nervous shuffle.

I almost stumble, however, when I see Easter toss her damp hair back from her face with a delighted grin, as she bounds toward Jin.

Not her again.

What’s the bet that an elite like Easter has had dance classes since she was a toddler?

I drag my feet, until I’m standing in a line in front of Jin.

His head is ducked.

“You’re going to be a great teacher,” I try just to see Jin’s head snap up, and his eyes sparkle with life again. “Don’t take me looking like an Omega who has sat on an electric knot as a judgment on your skills.”

Behind me, I hear a mix of shocked gasps, along with Torin and Cricket laughing.

“I’m looking forward to seeing that.” Jin is outright grinning now, which is what I was going for.

I’m annoyed, however, when Zoe rounds the side of the hotel, keeping to the shadows. She glares at Jin.

Instantly, Jin’s grin fades.

He lifts his chin, standing in the perfect dancer poise. “For your task today, you’re going to follow my dance routine. I will show you the steps.”

Madan crosses his arms. “What will they think of next? Since when do Alphas follow Betas.”

Sawyer unsubtly elbows Madan, pretending to stretch and warm up.

“I’ll show you how to do it once, then you join in.” Jin fixes his gaze on mine like I’m an anchor and he’s willing me to be able to follow his dance instructions. I concentrate as hard as I can. “It’s a simple move calledscoop arm into hip sway.”

“Wait a minute now,” Madan splutters, “this is undignified. Aren’t we at least ballroom dancing? I’m excellent at that. No bonded Beta of mine would be swaying their hips.”

---