The Game Of Quadruplet Mates
(Bk 2) Chapter 11

I tried to enjoy myself, I really did. I was desperate for it.

But despite the beauty and all the luxury of the world, my chest felt tight as I glanced towards where Mister W disappeared and where he never returned.

I do not know what I said to make him angry. I should have just kept my mouth shut.

It didn't help that everyone was staring, their scrutinizing gaze burning holes through me. And I hate how there were people looking over at me with a look of satisfaction, happy that I had been abandoned by the attendee everyone wanted.

"It's going to be the first and only time that the winner of the first games and the girl he crowns don't end up together." The voice that spoke was loud despite how the girls at the table next to me tried but failed to lower their voices. "How embarrassing." "She's not good enough for him," I hear them whisper to themselves. "People think she's pretty, but I think she's average and I hear she's got a bad attitude too."

A quiet giggle was shared. "See how he left her? Not every guy likes her."

"The good ones do. He was staring at her when she got na ke d, remember? He was practically drooling." A small voice offered. "And that hot guy with the great hair was totally eyeing her and they seemed close."

"Apparently not for the perfection that just left her. He's an Alpha, you know. He's seen better and been with better. Imagine the women he's already been with. The experience he has and the tastes he's acquired." Another wave of laughter exploded from their table. "Because I mean look at her, she's pathetic, left alone like this. That dress doesn't even fit her well. Golden wreath my ass, he only gave that to her to cause a scandal with his pack. At least that's what his pack members have been whispering about." "I heard he's in love with someone else." They continued on. "This one is just a cheap distraction."

Steeling my spine, I forced myself to eat, chewing the food in front of me like it was sharp nails that I was breaking down, but my throat was refusing to swallow the food no matter how much I chewed it. So, instead, I stare at my plate, pushing food around to look busy.

I could easily call them out, but what would that do?

They would only talk more.

Words can't hurt anyway.

It did, but I wasn't going to show them that.

I kept quiet, my hand gripping my fork tightly as I focused only on my plate.

All around me, the tables were full of life as everyone ate together and mingled. They were having fun, sharing food and stories, but also replaceing prospects for their futures.

My throat ached just listening to all the life happening. Who knew being crowned by a golden wreath could make someone so lonely? So isolated? So left out from everyone else's fun?

I was seconds away from giving up for the night and leaving for my room when I heard footsteps approaching.

A tingling excitement ran down my entire body- hope, hope that he came back for me.

It quickly dies when I look up and it's not Mister W.

But at least, it was someone I knew.

"Mister F," I beamed, smiling. "What are you doing here?"

He looked shy, eyes on the floor. "Partners are supposed to stick together, right?"

The smile that came to me then was genuine, remembering how I asked him that same question when we first arrived at the Games together. "Yes. You're right. We stick together." "This is a..." He glanced at my table. "Fancy."

He didn't have to say it, but this table in particular was like a bride and groom type of set up.

I tried not to cringe at that.

"It is a bit much," I looked up at the twinkling lights above us. "This entire Games, I mean."

"They spared no expense." He agreed, taking a seat where Mister W sat and moving away the empty bottle that the previous owner of his seat had finished. "All to help us replace our mates." I couldn't say anything about that.

"Miss X," He began, turning his body to face me. "I'm sure you know that it's my last year. I just... want my intentions with you clear."

Intentions? I swallowed nervously, not particularly excited about what he was about to say.

"I want to let you know as early as the first night that I plan to choose you by the end of the week." He tells me truthfully and though I should be happy and excited, I felt nothing but dread. I barely know him.

He barely knows me.

We've spoken only a handful of words to each other.

How would he want to choose me already?

"I think I could be good for you, we could be good together." He insisted with a face full of hope... the same hope that was on my face seconds ago. But it was for someone else. "The maze is supposed to help you replace your way to someone and we found each other. I think it's a sign. That it's us."

Deep inside, I felt my chest constrict, making it difficult to breathe.

I thought of O then.

His smile.

His hair.

His jokes.

How I already knew him and he knew me.

There's something about him that said home to me and Mister F... did not give that same feeling. At least not now.

Not as early as the first night when all I know of him is the first letter of his name.

"I would like to formally ask if you and I can spend more time together. As a couple." He continues, making the pain in my chest triple. The way he says it... is filled with emotion and jealousy. Like he didn't want to see me with anyone else but him. "I know you have many offers and that I am not as handsome or strong or wealthy as they are, but I think you'll like me if you get to know me."

People were looking now, listening to us and they were laughing.

Loudly.

He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, trying his best not to react to the hysterical laughter.

My concern wasn't even about how attractive he was or how powerful.

It was purely because it was much too early.

No one, unless they're from the same pack, ever does this and announces it publicly as well.

"I have heard that you are not promised to anyone yet and how you are not particular about position and ranking." He tells me with a kind smile. "There's even talk that your Alpha simply wants anyone for you just as long as you are mated." I flinched back, utterly blindsided by his words.

How does he know that?

And did he have to speak so loudly?

My eyes turn behind me, to my guard who I know is hidden in the shadows and I almost beg for him to help.

But as he says, they aren't allowed to meddle..

He cannot do anything for me now.

There were no special bedsheets to request.

I was all alone...

"I'm sorry, Mister F." I said, lowering my voice as my thoughts tumbled. "Though I am deeply flattered and enjoy your company, it's just the first night."

I sounded like the man that said he wanted more options.

Somehow, he was right. This is our future we were dealing with. This is a decision that could change everything and I can't decide on a whim to accept Mister F's request and only be with him.

Not when I know someone else, someone with complications, but... someone I still know better than anyone else in the Games.

"You're rejecting me?" He nearly shouts. "I... I...."

I tried to hush him by slowly moving my hand up and down like a conductor. "I only mean, it's still too early and it's my first year."

He was red in the face, clearly embarrassed. "But Miss X, why wait? If it's fated?"

I held my breath as I saw O from the corner of my eye, having just arrived and was as always late. He had on a mere black cloak that he didn't even tie around the waist, his entire chest exposed for all to see. His mask was black as well, dark bones decorating it as if skeletal hands were covering his eyes.

The man beside me took my hand, nearly forcing me to look at him. "Miss X, please."

My parents often told me that I was way too nice, a good girl through and through. I had no backbone... a pushover, always seeking the nice and peaceful way out of things. I hated it when people felt bad and I always took the high road.

I could have put my foot down.

Or tell him to shut up.

To leave me alone.

But instead, I gave him an apologetic smile and ran for my life.