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The vampire gestured in different directions as he spoke. “Each of you will be dropped off at a different starting point across the island. It will be your task to race back to the mansion and safety. You must outrace not only your fellow competitors but the feral shifters that have been set loose.” Von again lowered his eyeglasses and scanned the crowd with glee. “Did anyone notice your suits from last night were missing this morning?”

We all looked around at each other. It appeared none of us had really checked on the clothes. We’d been too concerned with what we should wear today to think about what to do with the tuxedos we’d worn for the premiere.

Von laughed. “We gave them to the ferals. They have all your scents now. That should make things much more interesting. Along with the ferals, you’ll need to be on the lookout for some of my more unfortunate brethren. Some vampires can’t handle the doldrums of immortality and go mad. Usually, the Tranquility Council dispatches these poor souls. Those who aren’t put down are transported here, and they hide in the jungle under the canopy to guard against the sun’s dangerous rays. Also, a multitude of other creepy crawlies can be found in the jungle on your way back. Shadow beasts, chupacabra, poltergeists, and basilisks are only some of what you might encounter. Some of you will not return, sad as that may be. This task typically knocks out one or two people.”

Rather than sounding sad, Von could barely contain his excitement. The thought of sprinting through an unfamiliar jungle while outrunning or fighting off unknown monsters didn’t sit easily with me. If even half of what Von had said was true, I’d need to figure out how to find Kira out there. Getting close to her as soon as possible meant I’d have a better chance of making sure she got back safely.

“And”—Von held up a finger—“the first one back will win the first romantic date with our lovely Kira Durst.”

Heat bloomed in my chest as I looked across the table at Kira. Another reason to get her back safe. She must have sensed my eyes on her because she turned away from Von and looked right at me. I smiled at her. All I got in return was a sigh and a roll of her eyes. My smile turned into a smile.

Chapter 19

Kira

Wyatt’s cocky little grin pissed me off. I could tell he was already thinking about how he’d be the first one to get a date with me. That meant he was pretty sure of himself. But Von’s verbiage didn’t sit right with me. I was going to be out there, too, so what did I get if I won?

“Wait a minute,” I said. “What if I get back first? Who says the female won’t beat all these pretty young boys to the mansion?”

Von laughed and shrugged. “Well, my dear, you get to choose who you go on a date with. Though, I think it will be tough to outpace these strapping young alphas. Especially when they know what awaits them if they win. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.”

With those few words, Von had sealed it. I would break my back to ensure I got back first. One of my weaknesses was my competitive streak. It pushed me to work harder than anyone else and had helped me rise in my career. The way Von had easily dismissed my chances set a fire blazing in my chest. I’d be damned if I let any of these men make it back here before me.

Several staff members swiftly cleared the tables as we all stood and approached Von. Cameras surrounded us, and for the first time since getting here, it all felt real. Even fighting the feral tiger shifter the night before hadn’t been like this. It had happened so fast that I’d barely had time to think, much less process the experience. Now? Things were about to really get started.

I took a breath to steady myself as a group of witches approached us. They were going to cast a spell to send us wherever we were supposed to start. Ryan and Leif looked the most queasy and worried. Most of the others were trying to psych themselves up, probably preparing themselves to shift the instant they hit the ground in the jungle.

Nathaniel was walking back and forth, pounding his fists on his thighs and murmuring to himself. “Let’s go, bro. Let’s fucking go. Who’s got a big dick? You do, you’ve got the big dick. Now let’s do this.”

I stared at him and shook my head in disgust. It appeared Nathaniel had never gotten past the emotional state of a seventeen-year-old. It amazed me that people like him even existed, and it made me sick that I had to flirt with some of these guys. If Nathaniel or Omar won this challenge, I might throw up.

A witch stepped up to each of us, and a floating camera sped over and took up position behind every competitor. Of course. Gods forbid the viewers missed a moment of the action. What if one of us was transported right next to a fucking kappa or hungry vampire? No one would want to miss a second of the blood and guts.

I’d probably have to answer questions about why I didn’t shift. The others would all be in their wolf forms in seconds. Even though I’d learned to channel my inner wolf’s strength, no one would accept that I chose to make things harder than necessary. I’d deal with that later. Right now, I needed to concentrate on staying alive and getting back here first.

Von held up his hand and started counting down. “Five.”

The witches put a hand on each of us.

“Four.”

They started chanting in an unknown language.

“Three.”

I could feel the magic building as the spells were cast.

“Two.”

My breathing became quick and sharp, almost hyperventilating but not quite.

“One.”

I saw fear in everyone’s eyes, even Wyatt’s. It sent a shudder through me.

“Zero.”