Rejected Mate Games (Game Of Wolves Book 1)

The director's voice echoed through the packed arena, "I present to you, Miss Kira Lana Durst. Rejected mate of the Eleventh Pack." The crowd erupted in a deafening roar. I hadn't anticipated the intensity of their reaction, but it quickly escalated into a pulsing cacophony that surrounded me. Von led me to a director's chair at the center of the stage, facing his famous red-velvet armchair. Once I was seated, he took his place, casually crossing a leg as the crowd quieted down.

"Well," Von arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow, "this is something, isn't it?" I could see the vast expanse of people filling the venue as far as the eye could see. The show's popularity had clearly exceeded my expectations - I'd never been a devoted enough fan to tune in for the season premieres. This was all utterly insane.

"Um, yes, it is," I replied. The crowd chuckled along with Von, and I tried my best to ignore the sea of cameras trained on us. The main film crew had a camera directly in front of me and Von, the lens undoubtedly zooming in. I silently thanked Zoe for making me look suitably glamorous for this spectacle.

"Well, let's get down to business, shall we?" Von said. "You are Kira Durst, daughter of the alpha of the Eleventh Pack." He looked to the audience, holding up a finger. "This next part is interesting." His gaze fixed on me. "You were rejected less than three weeks ago?"

The crowd responded with a mix of gasps, applause, and sympathetic "aww" sounds that irked me. I didn't want their pity, but I had to play the part.

"That's correct, Von," I said.

"Kira, this is your first time in front of a crowd like this. As our only female contestant this year, can you tell our audience a little about yourself? Give us the Kira Durst story." I stared blankly into the camera, my mind racing. What was I supposed to say? Should I mention being a Tranquility operative? Explain Jayson's rejection? Or appeal for world peace like a beauty pageant contestant?

Fortunately, the arrival of a massive stretch SUV at the base of the stage saved me from having to respond. Von sprang to his feet. "Hold that thought, Miss Durst. It looks like our alpha contestants have arrived."

Every eye in the audience shifted away from me and towards the vehicle. One by one, impossibly handsome men emerged, each looking like a movie star or model. The crowd, especially the ladies, erupted in shrieks as the tuxedo-clad men waved to the audience.

I strained to hear the names being called out, but the din of the crowd, flashing lights, and my own nerves made it impossible to keep track. I'd have to try to memorize them later.

As the men looked up at the stage, their gazes locked with mine, and I could see the hunger and greed in their eyes. Like I was a prize to be won. After the eighth man stepped out, Von raised his hands and addressed the crowd.

"We have a bit of a last-minute change regarding our contestants. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our tenth competitor had to drop out." Murmurs of confusion rippled through the audience. "Yes, yes. Very unfortunate. But we have filled that slot with a very eligible alpha from the Second Pack."

A leg, clad in black, extended from the vehicle, followed by a hand and arm. Von was calling out the name of the final contestant, but I didn't need to hear it. The man looked up at the stage, locking eyes with me and flashing an arrogant grin.

Wyatt Rivers' intense green eyes gazed up at me.

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