“Me too, Cody has seemed… brighter since the two of you met. Don’t get me wrong, he’s always been super happy, but it’s like he’s more present now. I hope you guys can keep finding ways to spend time together,” he says earnestly, and I decide Nick is probably my favorite person we’ve talked to since my arrival. It’s clear that he cares about Cody as an actual friend and not just as someone important to Kyla.
I’m glad Cody has him, even if he is making us wake up so fucking early.
The hike itself is fairly easy, with a slight incline. It takes us about an hour to reach the lake, and when we do, the view is gorgeous. I can understand the appeal as we watch the sunrise over the water.
But what really steals my attention is Cody. Watching my sunshine man light up at the spectacular view makes every yawn I’ll have today worth it.
Nick and I get along really well. He played hockey growing up all the way through college, so the three of us talk about the playoffs that just wrapped up and how I’m determined to make next year the year the Werewolves finally go all the way.
Because Iobviouslyhave that kind of power.
By the time we’re back in the parking lot, it’s almost eight a.m., and we say goodbye to Nick after he and I exchange numbers.
Cody and I head back for a quick shower, where I get to wash him—a task I absolutely love—and then we’re on our way to the headquarters again.
Viktor mentioned wanting to show me more in the studio today, so I assume we’ll be reviewing the marketing materials they’ve likely already put together from yesterday’s photos. But the moment we step inside the studio, my stomach drops.
There’s a full-blown production stage with employees running around to prepare for filming. A set’s been prepared to record an interview in front of cameras, and Viktor is sitting in the slightly larger armchair on the right, where someone is applying powder to his face.
I really need to start paying more attention to this guy.
I’m almost certain Viktor never mentioned filming videos or interviews. When we talked about taking my picture and there being some cameras around, I thought he meant candid shots of me and Cody.
Clearly I was underestimating Viktor, and that needs to end.
As soon as we’re spotted on the set, another makeup artist appears seemingly out of nowhere to add makeup to my face as well. I’m covered in powder, and a stray hair is plucked from above my left eyebrow.Seriously? Was an errant hair going to fuck up the video?
Once my appearance is deemed appropriate for whatever’s happening here, I’m led over to the seat opposite Viktor.
The chair is comfortable, but I’m on edge as I look around. I don’t understand why Kyla even needs this large of a studio. All of the videos I’ve been shown in the classes must have been filmed here, but they only featured the speaker. This place has room for an audience and has multiple stages, so they must film more than the program videos I’ve seen.
I have no idea what to say or do, so I look to Viktor, hoping he’ll clue me in on what’s happening. He gives me a small smile and nods in greeting before waiting for a camera operator to raise a hand, signaling that they’re recording.
“Today, I have a very special member of Kyla with me,” Viktor starts, looking into the camera.
My thoughts snag on the word “member.”
I’m not a member. Am I?
I guess that I have taken multiple day-long courses and spent a lot of money in the process. Plus, I did go to the retreat in Florida, and now I’m here for an extended amount of time…
Shit, I guess I probably am a member. That realization really snuck up on me, and I don’t know how I feel about it.
Meanwhile, Viktor is going on about who I am and my family, just like he did last night. I’m trying to keep the panic off of my face since I’ve been told I’m not great at keeping my thoughts and emotions out of my expressions, and the last thing I want is to offend Cody if I look upset by Viktor’s statement.
I also don’t want to piss this guy off.
I’m starting to really question Viktor’s motives and teachings, and I don’t want him to suspect I’m anything less than an enthusiastic participant in whatever the hell is happening in this town until I can figure out what’s really going on here. Cody mentioned getting Viktor’s approval for me to be here, and I don’t want to find out what happens if I lose it.
“So, Beckett, I would love to hear a little more from you about your Kyla journey and how your life has improved since joining the Kyla family,” Viktor prompts me, and I note that the leading way he phrases it makes it clear he’s only expecting a glowing, positive response.
I don’t think I have any choice but to fake a smile and bullshit my way through this so that Viktor doesn’t try to make me leave Linna and Cody.
I force the same practiced smile I use during media events for Werewolves' business, and attempt to sound genuine.
“Well, I was first introduced to the company when Cody hosted a seminar for my family’s company.” I figure the more truth I use, the less likely Viktor is to question my answers. “I was intrigued,” I continue—by Cody, but I leave that part out. “So I signed up for the individual program that weekend, attended the Kyla retreat in Florida the next month, and now I’m spending the summer here in Linna.”
I glance over at Cody and see him smiling at me encouragingly.
