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Cosette kicked me again. Harder this time. She nodded her head, and it was then that I realized she was motioning toward the TV.
I sat up.
You do it, she mouthed at me. She kicked me again, and pain radiated up my leg. If she kicked me one more time, she was going to get a taste of her own medicine.
She pointed at me again, and before I could think, words were rolling out of my mouth. “I could do it?”
I froze. Suddenly everyone was staring.
Motherfucker! I screamed through our bond. I didn’t actually suggest that, did I?
His heart was racing. You did. I can’t believe you just offered that up. There was more than a hint of growl to his voice, and I didn’t need to be able to feel his emotions to know he was pissed off.
It was Cosette’s fault! She kicked me and then her nodding. And then she pointed… And everyone was looking at me. I can get out of this, right?
“I think that’s a fine idea,” Donovan said with a big grin. The glint in his eye made me think I’d just been royally played. They’d set me up. He’d wanted me to volunteer all along.
A chorus of “I agree” and “yes” and “seconded” rang through the room.
All except the three alphas and Lisabetta.
I sighed. What had I gotten myself into?
Donovan crossed his arms. “I know this isn’t your cuppa, but you’re the only one of ours who maintained a human shape in the video. People have been calling and asking about you. You’ve got a human record, and they might have no reason to trust you yet, but they’ll hear you out.”
Someone knocked on the door just before it opened. Dad stepped through, wearing one of his ubiquitous suits. His hair was still damp, but combed into place. “It got quiet in here. Have you made a decision?”
Donovan nodded. “I was just thanking Tessa for offering her help.”
At first I was thrilled to see Dad. I knew he’d get me out of this. I just knew it.
Then he grinned. “That’s my girl.”
I couldn’t help the wince of betrayal. He knew I didn’t like being in the spotlight. “You want me to do it?” I said the words slowly, so as not to be misunderstood.
“I know it’s not what you want, but I think this is the best way to go about it. Believe me, I want to protect you from this, but it’s already happened and the media knows who you are. The phone at the house has been ringing non-stop. Your mother finally unplugged it.”
“Shit.” The word slipped out before I could stop it. “No one’s called my cell phone.”
“It’s unlisted, but that won’t stop them for long.” He took a breath. “The other option would be to hide, but this isn’t some Hollywood scandal that will blow over in a week. This is a major upheaval in society and we don’t want people to panic.”
“Agreed,” Donovan said.
“Agreed,” Mr. Dawson echoed.
I bit down on my lip to keep from trying to argue my way out of this. I just made our life so much harder.
Dastien squeezed my hand. We’re never going to have a quiet life. There’s always going to be something. But remember what I said. You and me—together—forever. We can get through it. As long as we’re a team. You might be the spokesperson, but I’ll be there with you. Whatever you need, I’m here for you.
I nodded. I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.
I think you’ll do great at it.
I shot a look at Dastien. The boy had lost his mind. Clearly. “So, Dad. You got a speech for me?” If I knew my father, he had this all planned out, and the notecards to prove it.
“Of course.” He patted his suit coat pocket.
Good thing. I had no plans to go off the cuff announcing to the world that werewolves were real.
