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The floating cameras followed our little group as we traversed the path that led to the stairs up to the front door. A small group emerged from the mansion and met us halfway up the stairs—fae staff members and a burly vampire security guard. They had a quick, hushed conversation with Von before leading us the rest of the way up the steps.

I clung to Zoe’s hand as fear seeped into my chest. No amount of positive self-talk would dispel it. Shit just got real. I wished I could keep her by my side the entire time, but that was not a realistic hope. She was here as my stylist, not my bodyguard or companion. At least not in the eyes of the show and its staff.

“Everyone, smile,” Von said in a sing-song voice.

The hovering cameras swept around to take a group photo of us as we neared the front doors. We all stopped and gave the cameras our best sexy, serious pose. I was sure we all looked glamorous, with our perfect outfits and hair, our sexy smiles and sultry looks against the backdrop of the beach. The only problem was that this was the last time we’d all be photographed alive. Many of us would never get off this island.

I couldn’t stop myself from glancing over my shoulder toward Wyatt. He was at the far end, thumbs hanging from his belt, looking cocky. Almost as though he felt my eyes touch him, he turned and looked back at me. His arrogant stance was a show, another act for the cameras. His eyes were dark and intense, filled with the same fear I had in my own heart.

Chapter 14

Wyatt

A couple of witches moved the cameras around at Von’s direction, getting more images of the contestants. I was working on staying calm and at ease, but nothing could have been further from the truth. In the short time I’d been involved with the show, I’d come to the realization that every single person attached to it was insane, off their rocker, ready for a padded room. That was the only thing that made any sense. Everywhere I looked, there was nothing but smiles and laughter. Didn’t they understand what was about to happen to us? Didn’t they care that many of us wouldn’t get off the island alive?

I didn’t want to blame Kira for all this, but I didn’t know where else the blame should go. Why had she been so damned insistent on going through with this? For the millionth time, I wished I’d had the chance to ask her and Kolton to join my pack of lone wolves. It would have meant a drop in status and the loss of their home, but anything would have been better than this.

Yet here I was, in a tuxedo, standing on Bloodstone Island, a fake smile plastered on my face, basically looking down the barrel of my own death. I stood to the side with J.D. and Abel, two of the few guys I’d found to be semi-normal. Across the patio, Kira was smiling brightly and taking a picture with that douchebag Nathaniel. The guy had his arm around her, his fingers perilously close to her breasts. Trying to cop a feel, like some asshole high-school kid who didn’t know better.

When Kira looked my way, her smile never faltered, and her eyes remained joyous. Only I knew her well enough to see how furious she was with me. If she hadn’t been such a good actress, her anger would have been obvious to everyone.

After nearly an hour of photos, video clips, and mind-numbing small talk, Von walked up the steps to look down on us like it was a stage.

“All right, everyone. If our servants and staff could back away and give us a moment?” he said with a wave of his hand.

Von’s fangs seemed more sinister here. Something about Bloodstone made everything look more dangerous and predatory. From the way he looked at us, I had the distinct sense that he would enjoy watching whatever happened.

“Welcome, guests,” Von said. The witches had moved the cameras around to get a good shot of him addressing us. “Bloodstone Island is not to be trifled with. A more dangerous place you will not find. This is Reject Mansion, the only safe place on the island. Each night at dusk, powerful spells activate. Witches, fae, and warlocks have developed these spells. When the wards go up, you are safe. Be sure to be here before nightfall. Once the protections are up, there is no passing them, and they will not drop until sunrise.

“The inhabitants of Bloodstone Island are numerous, and all of them are dangerous. Most of them are nocturnal hunters. It may sound melodramatic, but if you are caught away from the mansion after dark…” Von shrugged. “We’ve probably seen the last of you.”

A nervous chuckle ran through the crowd. Glancing to my left, I tried to get a look at Kira, but there were too many people between us. All I could see was Zoe, who looked both entranced and terrified by what Von was saying.

“Now,” Von went on, “being that our little show has been on air longer than any of you have been alive, you know how this works. But in case you need a refresher, I will enlighten you.”

He pointed out the cameras. “Ninety percent of the show is live-streamed. Everything you do will be watched by the entire world. Exhibitionists, get ready, because it’s your time to shine.” Von laughed. “Each week will cycle through an official episode. This episode will consist of one game-like challenge, one romantic date, and one fight for survival that everyone must complete. Also, if things get extra exciting, as I dearly hope they will, each week will wrap up with an arena match. That juicy little tidbit will unlock the mating chamber. This is where our lovely Miss Kira Durst can pick one of you lucky gents to…how should I put it? Try out each week? Shift the gears? Ride the pony, shall we say? You know where I’m going with this, don’t you?” His fangs glittered.