81

A bright flash of light blinded me for an instant. The swamp vanished, then I was on my knees on the mansion’s veranda. The others were with me, and healers rushed forward to help the injured contestants. I wiped blood and mud from my face as Von stepped forward, applauding.

“Marvelous job,” he cooed. “I truly think the Fight for Survival might be my favorite challenge. You all could not have done better.”

The cameras whirled around us, capturing us at different angles and zooming in on our injuries.

My throat was sore from screaming and yelling during the battle, and my voice rasped when I called out to Von. “Where’s Nathaniel? Did he make it?”

Von’s face fell into what I thought was his best attempt at sorrow. “Unfortunately, our good friend Nathaniel has been eliminated. May he rest easy, knowing that like Ryan, The Reject Project will send his family a small financial prize for their wonderful performances. Their stories will live on in the lore of The Reject Project.”

Great, I thought, a little money to help you forget your loved one died on a fucking TV show. It appalled me, and I was tempted to say something that would knock the damned vampire down a notch or two, but that was when I felt the lump in my pocket. I’d almost forgotten I’d found the gem.

Getting shakily to my feet, I tore the zipper open, jammed my hand in, and pulled the rock out. I tossed it at Von’s feet. If nothing else happened today, I’d at least ensure one person made it off this show alive. One less shifter to suffer through this damned hellhole of an island.

Von looked down at the muddy rock and raised his eyebrows. “Oh? What’s this now?”

“The gem,” I spat. “I got it.”

“And?” Von asked expectantly.

“I choose to send Wyatt Rivers home.”

Chapter 26

Wyatt

As soon as Von had mentioned the gem this morning, I suspected Kira would use it to get rid of me. She was so driven to get me off the island, she’d do anything. I didn’t know whether it was because she still couldn’t stand me or wanted to send me to safety. It pissed me off either way.

I pressed a hand to my side as I helped the healers take Mika. Blood oozed from his midsection at a disconcerting speed. J.D. also looked like hell. I needed to get over to Von and Kira to say my piece before that vampire granted Kira her wish.

Once the guys were taken care of, I limped quickly toward them. “No way! I’m not going anywhere.”

I stepped right up to Kira and stared into her eyes, daring her to say it to my face. Kira stared back, her eyes hard and determined. She really did want me to go home. It hurt that she wanted to continue without me.

Von practically squealed with glee. “Oh, the drama. I love it.”

“You’ll need to choose someone else, Kira, because I refuse to leave.”

Two cameras zoomed through the air, catching my eye. One took position right next to Kira and me to capture us glaring at each other. The second got a nice closeup of Von.

Sweeping a hand toward us, Von spoke into the camera. “Poor Kira. All she wants to do is save one of her precious alphas. It seems Wyatt has other ideas.” He held up a finger. “I think he understands the one true purpose of this competition: earning your fated mate.”

Kira’s eyes bulged, and she turned, her eyes flashing. She probably wanted to tell the vampire to shut up, but she managed to clamp her lips back together before she started spewing curses at him. Instead, she composed herself and got her emotions under control. I didn’t like that. It meant she was about to try a different tactic.

In a calm and collected voice, she said, “Von, I have truly loved getting to know Wyatt. He’s been amazing and has done so much already.” Kira glanced over at me sweetly. I could almost hear her saying checkmate in my mind. “In fact, Wyatt has stolen the show a bit. I think he’s proven himself, and it’s time for him to bow out and give some of these other alphas a chance. I’d love to get to know some of the other guys better. I’d rather Wyatt go home alive than keep putting himself in danger here. I want him to live. If he stays, I feel like his fate is sealed.”

She might have been playing for the cameras, but I didn’t give a shit about them. I stared her down, feeling fire dancing in my eyes.

“You can give that stupid crystal to someone else,” I growled. “I’m not leaving, so get over it. One of the injured alphas should go. They can heal properly at home. Stop being dumb, Kira. You know it’s the right thing to do.”

In hindsight, my use of the word “dumb” was not my smartest move. It looked like someone had lit a bonfire in Kira’s eyes. Her nostrils flared, and she clenched her hands into fists. I knew her well enough to know that I was about seven seconds from having my nose broken. For once, Von’s interruptions were welcome.

He clucked his tongue. “Oh, dear, this is unfortunate.”

“What is?” Kira growled, her eyes never leaving mine.

“Well, you see, the gem can only be used once, and there is a no-transference policy.”

“I don’t care about transferring it. I’ve already made my decision,” Kira huffed.

“And Wyatt has refused. Usually, when the expulsion gem is used, the alpha jumps at the chance to get home and away from danger.” Von gestured toward me. “But brave and strong Wyatt here has declined. He can’t be forced to go if he doesn’t want to.”

Kira turned her furious glare on Von, her composure finally cracking. “Then what the fuck is the point of the damned crystal?”