Page 2 of So I Won a Werelion

I obliged, moving as directed, then blinked as the makeup artist reappeared before me, wielding a lipstick palette.

“Before you start the interview, what would you like on your lips? I can go bold and bright, so your features will stand out for people while you’re on stage, or I can do something more neutral, since you’ll probably be having a hot make out sesh with whichever shifter you choose.” She winked.

I froze, staring at the colors that could very likely be smeared on the face of a hot shifter before the night was over.

“Go bright,” Bibi said, as if my silence was all part of the plan. “A little bit of lipstick on a big, strong beast’s cheek is so hot.”

The makeup artist nodded and put some of the red crème on her palette before dipping the brush into it.

Bibi returned her attention to me. “You’re about to go on stage and choose the shifter you’ll spend forever with. Tell me what’s going through your mind.”

I cleared my throat and tried not to crush the glistening sequins of my dress in my grip. “It’s so surreal. I’ve felt drawn to shifters for my entire life, but no one’s ever been brave enough to choose me as their mate.”

Bibi nodded sympathetically. I didn’t want her pity, but my shifter history was nothing short of tragic. “Your path here hasn’t been simple.”

“No.” I knew what was coming next, and I had yet to figure out how to stop dreading it. I hated the doubt that tightened my stomach every time I had to mention the last shifter who’d rejected me.

Haven’t you dated a lot of the local shifters? How come none of them claimed you?

“We both know you have a little bit of a reputation with our viewers.” Bibi held her hand up as I groaned. “This is your chance to talk about what happened onThe Real Werewiveswhen Sterling chose you…”

“Only to realize his wolf had it all wrong,” I grumbled.

“Oh, I hate that,” Bibi said. “It makes it sound likeyouwere a mistake. That couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s no science to how our animals choose a mate. It’s hard for a human to understand.”

My throat was dry, but I’d promised myself—and my fairy dragmother—that I wouldn’t run from this. “I was shocked when Sterling chose me in the first place. We’d dated in the past, but it was never serious. We had fun, but I never felt that spark. Butwe all change as we get older, and have different priorities. So I thought this time, he’d makemea priority, and I’d finally feel that connection. When he chose Tina instead, I didn’t want to let that chance go. I’m forty-two. I thought it was the last one I’d get.” I didn’t feel old, but I was aware of the doors that had closed for me. Of the things I couldn’t change. Did I have a chip on my shoulder and something to prove?

Hell yes I did.

Sterling wasn’t the only shifter who’d rejected me, he’d just been the most public.

He wasn’t my mate, simple as that. But this wasn’t about him. It was about me. I wanted a shifter mate. I couldn’t explain my determination, but I had no interest in human men. I wanted to beclaimed.

I wanted to belong.

“I’m done being the laughingstock of Sunset Springs. I’m not a pack bunny.” I met Bibi’s gaze. “I don’t want to talk about Sterling anymore.”

Her magenta lips curved with approval. “We don’t have to. He’s certainly not the first shifter who’s broken your heart.”

I scoffed. I didn’t want to talk about anyone before him, either. “Not by a long shot.”

Bibi leaned forward in her chair. “This is our chance to control the narrative. Those reporters will keep pulling skeletons out of your closet, looking for the bombshell story that will get all the clicks online. Let’s take that away from them. Tell me about the shifter who broke your heart.”

I opened my mouth and hesitated.

Was I actually going to say this? I’d hidden this truth for twenty-five years. But here I was, clad head-to-toe in sequins, about to step onto a stage and put my future in the hands of three mystery shifters.

The time for hiding was in the past.

“Gabe,” I said softly.

Bibi’s sculpted brows lifted. “As in, your best friend, Gabe?”

I nodded. “When we were sixteen, he took me out to this overlook in the forest. I thought for sure he wanted to have sex with me, and I’d practically gift wrapped my V-card for him.” Even now it hurt to think about that night, how I’d been so full of young hope and love. “He found the most romantic spot I’d ever seen. I asked him if he wanted me. And he said no.”

When would it ever hurt less? Time did not heal all wounds.

“No!” Bibi gasped. “Why?”

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