Chasing fireflies

"Why Isabella?" Callum leaned forward. "What draws you to Chloe?"

Isabella's gaze swept over her ancient clansmen. A thousand years of immortality had left them desperate for entertainment, and The Games, well, perhaps second only to the annual Bloodlust Gala, provided rare excitement.

"There's something in her eyes," she replied. "A warrior's spirit."

Callum smirked. "She won't survive the first round."

All eyes turned to the massive screen displaying the contestants.

"Brother," Arran interjected, "I've wagered on Jasmine. She's paired with the strongest male."

Ariana rolled her eyes. "You're both idiots. Love follows no logic. Remember how I despised Fergus before falling for him?"

Laughter rippled through the group.

"How could we forget?" Callum raised his glass. "Place your bets. Let the games commence."

They tapped their phones, digital wagers confirmed.

Chloe checked the watch. "We need a strategy."

"How?" Hunter frowned. "We don't know what we're facing."

"First rule: we stay together. Always."

"Why did you choose me?" he asked suddenly.

Chloe stepped closer. "Your eyes, Hunter. They told me everything I needed to know."

A sharp knock interrupted them. The butler entered, his posture rigid.

"Change into these," he commanded, extending the suit and dress to them.

"Thanks," Chloe managed, her voice steady. "Go change first," she added, nodding toward the bathroom. Hunter disappeared inside and emerged moments later in the suit. Chloe glanced up at him, taking a shallow breath. Okay, focus, she thought. She ducked into the bathroom herself, finding everything laid out neatly. She changed quickly, brushed her hair, and added just a touch of blush to her pale face. Death chic, she decided dryly, naming the look on the spot. When she stepped out, Hunter's gaze lingered for a beat too long before he caught himself and reached for her hand. She looked stunning, not that she cared to acknowledge it. The timer buzzed, the door swung open, and they were ushered down the long hallway. The marble throne room they'd seen earlier had been transformed into some kind of decadent party. Servers circulated with trays of drinks. Chloe grabbed one and drained it in a single gulp.

Hunter shot her a sharp look. "What the hell? We need to stay sharp. This isn't real." "Don't tell me what to do," she snapped back, her voice cutting through the chatter. Callum materialized beside them, his smile sharp.

"May I have this dance, Chloe?"

"Do I have a choice?" she shot back, her tone icy. He chuckled, low and amused. "No, you don't. But I see why Isabella's taken with you. That fire, it's intoxicating." His smile faltered as Hunter stepped forward.

"How is this fair?" Hunter demanded, his voice tight. A hand landed on his shoulder, and Isabella appeared beside him. "Dance with me instead," she offered, her tone smooth but firm.

A glowing board lit up, displaying their names, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Chloe glanced at Hunter. They were third on the list.

Jasmine and Damon were first, Olivia and Jayson second, followed by Dana and Kaden, Samantha and Marcus, and finally Ebony and Brian.

Callum's gaze settled on Chloe. "You smell divine," he said, his voice dripping with amusement.

Chloe's stomach churned. She scanned the room for Hunter. "What the hell does that even mean?" she muttered.

"I'm surprised he hasn't tasted you yet," Callum continued, his grin widening.

"What are you talking about?" she shot back, her voice sharp.

"You can taste him, or he can taste you. Do whatever feels right. Just know you can't change him after."

Chloe narrowed her eyes. "What kind of twisted game are you running here?"

Callum leaned in, his breath cold against her ear. "Can't spoil the surprises, can I?" He pressed his lips to her hand, icy and lingering, before disappearing into the crowd.

She turned and nearly collided with Hunter. "Are you okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Creeped out," she admitted. "But yeah. I need another drink."

Hunter grabbed her arm. "Chloe, we need to focus. Who knows what's coming next?"

She sighed. "Fine. Then dance with me and tell me something I don't know."

He hesitated, then pulled her closer. "I died fighting. Betrayed by someone I trusted."

"Ouch," Chloe said. "My father killed me."

Hunter smiled. "Okay, you win."

She laughed despite herself. "A woman?"

"Yeah," he admitted. "Someone I thought I loved."

Chloe's stomach sank. "Great. So now you hate women. This is going well."

Hunter tilted her chin up. "We can do this. Don't give up on me, Chloe."

She met his gaze. "I'll fight to the end, Hunter. The question is, will you?"

A bell rang, and the board shifted. They dropped to fourth place.

"They're watching us," Chloe muttered under her breath, her eyes darting around the room. "Every damn move."

Hunter swore under his breath. "Great. Just what we need, audience participation."

"This might be the time to switch partners," Hunter said, her hand suddenly clamping over his mouth.

"What the hell?" Hunter mumbled, muffled against her palm. He leaned in, catching a whiff of her, smelled so good and his stomach growled. He clenched his jaw, forcing the hunger down. Closing his eyes, he tightened his grip on her waist.

A bell chimed, and the crowd shifted, leaving the contestants exposed to the floor like prey.

"Time to change partners, if you wish," Callum announced, his grin smug as he waited, arms crossed.

Brian stepped forward, zeroing in on Chloe. "I want you," he declared, his blatant tone. Ebony stood behind him, tears streaking her face.

Hunter stepped in front of Chloe, his voice low and dangerous. "Back off. Unless you want to regret it."

"Let the lady speak for herself, Hunter," Brian shot back, undeterred.

Chloe peered around Hunter's shoulder. "I'm staying with him."

Isabella cheered, clapping her hands, while Callum smirked. "Still think they'll make it?"

"I do," Isabella replied, her tone firm. "They're meant for each other."

Brian retreated to Ebony, who promptly slapped him hard across the face.

Meanwhile, Kaden and Dana were snapping at each other, Olivia and Jayson were locked in a heated argument, and Samantha was glaring at Marcus. The bell rang again.

Hunter grabbed Chloe's hand, and she squeezed it tightly, her nails digging into his palm.

"Alright, back to your rooms," Callum called out. "Rest for an hour. Be ready for the first game."