Page 139 of Bliss & Her Idols

Instead, I’m floored by the love in Jin’s soft expression. It pulls hard on my heart.

“Good attempt.” Jin’s expression hardens, however, when he turns to Easter. All the life and joy is leeched out of him. “You.”

Theyouis icy.

Easter narrows her eyes, strolling to stand as close to Jin as she can without touching him. “Andyouare going to start treating me as a precious Omega. I’m winning this task. Then tonight on our date, you will behave.” Jin looks sick. “Because once I win this entire game, you’ll be bonded to my pack. I’ll remember every little detail of your behavior now. Then I’ll take my revenge for it.”

Without missing a beat, she repeats the dance move.

Perfectly.

My heart sinks.

I claw my nails into my knees.

Easter gives a satisfied smile. She doesn’t move back from Jin but waits in front of him expectantly.

What can he do?

Even I have to admit that she’s done the best dance. The rest of us were a disaster.

Serenity gives a bright smile for the cameras. “Now, it’s time for the presentation of the roses.”

Zoe crosses from the shadows at the side of the lodge to the terrace. She’s wearing jeans and a plain white t-shirt. She’s also carrying two roses.

This must be killing Torin and Cricket, who are standing behind me with their eyes closed.

I can smell the combined sour and burned scent of distressed Omegas and Alphas from the pack members who have been literally left in the dark.

It’s worse for those who can’t support their pack.

Zoe passes the living rose to Jin first with a significant glance at Easter.

Jin grits his teeth and passes the rose to Easter. “Congratulations on winning the second task.”

“Two for two,” Easter crows, before arching her brow at me. “Was there ever a question that elite would beat Reject?”

My hackles rise.

She’s talking to the cameras as well.

Fuck. Her.

This is about more than my own love. My own pack.

It’s even about more than my mission to save the Idols.

It’s about showing millions of people around the world that Rejects and misfit Alphascancompete and be matched alongside elites.

That we’re not lesser or disposal.

That we’re just as worthy.

Jin’s eyes are dark with cold rage. He takes a step forward, as if he’s about to snatch back the rose and hand it to me instead.

Zoe lays her hand on Jin’s injured shoulder, however, and squeezes.

Jin hisses in pain.

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