Page 140 of Bliss & Her Idols

“Well done,” I say quickly to stop Jin being hurt further. “But this contest isn’t over yet.”

Zoe lets go of Jin, passing him the withered rose.

My heart speeds up.

I have no idea who was the worst between the remaining three of us. The two Alphas were comically terrible in their own ways.

But then, it seems so was I, no matter how hard I tried.

“I appreciate that you all attempted something that was new to you,” Jin says. I can tell that he’s gone off script by Serenity’s startled expression.Fuck you, the puppet has a voice. “Two ofyou, however, really put your heart and soul into it, yeah? So, you’re the ones who deserve to stay.”

Jin walks up to Madan and passes the withered rose to him. “Please leave Pack Bonds island.”

“If you’re saving me from more experiences like that one,” Madan smoothes his hair, “then you’ve just done me a favor.”

My shoulders slump.

I kneel forward, pressing my palms to the cool ground.

I couldkissthe ground that I’m still here.

But then, I look up and catch the possessive way that Easter has laid her hand on Jin’s arm.

There’s something off about Easter.

My journalistic alarms are blaring.

She’s a walking red flag.

Why is Easter in this contest?

She can play instruments and dance like a professional. She appears thoroughly prepared.

How long has she been planning this?

Yet if she wants a Beta Idol so much, why does she treat Jin like he’s worthless?

Or is she a narcissist who truly only wants to show America that she’s the best? Or that elites are?

Is that her agenda?

Whatever her issues are, Easter and her Alpha will be takingmyBeta away for another date.

I won’t be able to eat or sleep for another day and night with worry because there’s one thing that I sense for certain.

Jin isn’t safe.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Pack Bonds Island

Iclench my hands, pacing the luxurious corridor that runs through the main body of the lodge.

The light from the crystal chandelier is a bright contrast to the darkness of the evening shadows outside the arched windows.

Anxiety is fogging my mind. My limbs are heavy with exhaustion. My stomach claws with hunger.

How long have I gone without sleep?

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