Page 8 of Whispering Waves

Reg looked at her and cocked his head. “He wasn’t kidding? You really have family out here?”

“Sure, on one of the island chains. No idea which one. Now that I have a friend on the Wonder Islands, I might be able to access some of the census information to find them or even the island they came from in specific.”

Kimo asked, “Who do you know on Wonder?”

“Um, Hara, beta to Kekoa and Alohi.”

Kimo chuckled. “Good for him. Of course, knowing him, he’s going to fuck it up.”

She blinked. “Why?”

“Because Alohi is needy as hell and will worm his way in between any agreements or attraction that is happening if he isn’t the most important thing in the room. She will be all alone in the room with them. I don’t envy her.” Kimo sighed. “What is your family’s last name?”

“Kahale. Our dad changed it to Hale.”

“Nina Hale. Oh pardon, Nerina Kahale.” He pulled a slick phone out, and it did a flash search as it caught his words.

A lot of alphas used voice recognition on their phones. Not only were their voices usually a good security measure, but they had big fingers.

A pop video surged up, and she started to sing. Without thinking, Nina reached out and slapped his phone to quiet. His hand grabbed hers, and he looked her in the eyes. “So, is there a reason you are abusing my property?”

“Well, I was young, do anything for money, and figured that singing was a good way just to do something for some cash. Since the other video is up, this one is in the algorithm.”

He nodded and pried her hand away. “Excuse me. I am doing research.”

She noticed how he had gone cool and intent on the video in his palm, though he muted it.

Drake craned his neck to see the screen.

Nina hissed. “Use your own bandwidth.”

“I can’t. The society monitors all my stuff. If I start watching videos outside of the recreationally allotted time, I have to pay.”

Kimo chuckled. “Nina, you are welcome to use my Wi-Fi anytime. When you come over tomorrow, bring yourself and your swim gear. I will give you the password.”

She grimaced. “Can’t we just be friends?”

He snorted. “What is your mark telling you?”

“To steal the boat and make a run for it.”

Kimo said, “That would be a remarkably bad idea.”

She slumped her shoulders. “I know.”

He rubbed his knuckles on her cheek. “You don’t, but you will.”

She shivered, and he smiled. “See you tomorrow, Nina. Thank you for having me, gentlemen.”

He got up and left the station.

She silently watched as he walked across the ridge of the outcropping and paused to incline his head to her. She reflexively raised her hand to him, and he grinned. Even from the distance, it was easy to see. He walked the beach and disappeared between trees, heading for his home.

She heard snickers, and Drake looked concerned while the other two were gleeful.

“Nina, are you okay?”

“Are you doing the dishes?”

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