Page 26 of Protected By Artemis

“But that’s pack life for you. Always some drama going on.”

Artemis found herself glancing at Pauline again, her mind turning over the possibilities. If Pauline did have a grudge or unrequited feelings for Cade, it could complicate things.

Pauline continued with her announcements, her voice carrying a touch of amusement. “For those interested, there’s also a billiard and game room available. If you’re looking for something a bit more hands-on, we have a cooking lesson showcasing local cuisine and a crafts room for those who enjoy being creative. But of course,” she added with a wink, “if you’d like to lounge on the beach, that’s the best thing to do, in my opinion.”

The group murmured in appreciation, some discussing their plans for the day. Artemis noted the variety of activities and decided she would take a break and do something fun.

“How about the cooking lesson?” Candice suggested. “It’s always fun to learn new recipes.”

Artemis smiled. “That sounds wonderful. Let’s do it.”

They headed toward an outdoor kitchen with a view of the ocean. The instructor, a local chef with a warm smile, greeted them and began explaining the dishes they would be preparing.The group gathered around, listening attentively, and asking questions. The cooking lesson was centered around conch dishes, a type of shellfish and a local specialty in the Turks and Caicos. The chef, a tall man with a broad smile and a thick accent, demonstrated how to prepare conch fritters, conch salad, and conch chowder.

As they worked, Artemis found herself genuinely enjoying the cooking class. She and Candice laughed together as they chopped vegetables and mixed ingredients, sharing stories and learning from each other. The chef guided them through each step, and soon the air was filled with the delicious aromas of their creations.

The cooking lesson was well underway when Pauline checked in, and Candice nudged Artemis subtly, whispering, “Pauline’s pack is hosting the convention. I guess she’s handling all the socials for the plus ones.”

Artemis chuckled but kept her focus on the lesson. She noted Pauline making her rounds before she stopped by their workstation. Pauline greeted Candice with air kisses. “Candice, always a pleasure.”

“Pauline, this is Artemis, Cade’s bedmate,” Candice responded with a mischievous smile.

Pauline stiffened visibly, her eyes narrowing slightly as she turned to Artemis. “Artemis, is it? Welcome.” Her tone was polite, but there was an underlying edge to it.

Artemis smiled, refusing to be intimidated. “Thank you, Pauline. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Pauline’s eyes flicked over Artemis, taking in her appearance with a critical gaze. “I suppose Cade’s tastes have changed. I remember him being more…selective.”

What did she just say to me? Skila!

Artemis felt a flicker of irritation but kept her tone light. “And I suppose some people never change, still stuck on unrequited feelings.”

Pauline’s eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly masked it. “Enjoy the lesson,” she said dismissively, turning on her heel and walking away.

Candice let out a low whistle. “Well, that was something. You handled her well.”

“She doesn’t intimidate me,” Artemis shrugged, still feeling the adrenaline from the exchange.

“Good. Because it looks like you’re in for an interesting few days.”

By the end of the lesson, they had a table full of delicious conch dishes. Everyone sampled the food, praising the chef and each other. Artemis felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. She glanced at Candice, who was beaming. “This was a great idea,” Artemis said. “Thank you for suggesting it.”

Candice nodded. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break, and we got to eat yummy food too.”

They left the cooking area, the taste of fresh conch lingering on Artemis’s tongue as she steeled herself for the challenges ahead. The morning had been a mix of tension and distraction, but she felt more prepared than ever to face whatever came next.

Candice said goodbye, mentioning she had to meet her mate, and suggested they have drinks later. Artemis agreed, and after parting ways, she decided to relax on the beach. Back at the villa, she used her magic to change into a bikini and a cover-up, adding her wide-brimmed hat to complete her look.

The weather was perfect when she stepped out of the villa, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the ocean. She walked out to the beach and settled on a lounge chair before ordering an iced tea. The tranquility of the beach surrounded her, but she felt a bit antsy, knowing she hadn’t yet had the opportunity to checkout another alpha. Scanning the beach, she noticed it was mostly empty, save for another woman lounging nearby. She figured the alphas were still in their meeting.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Cade. She replied, telling him she was on the beach, and he texted back, saying he would meet her there. Even though she was under an umbrella, the sun still felt hot on her skin. She looked around to check if anyone was looking before conjuring a bottle of sunblock. Once she was done applying it, she looked up and saw him approaching.

He was a striking figure, and as he neared her, she couldn’t help but appreciate the way his body looked under the sun. He was wearing swim shorts that accentuated his powerful build and muscles. She caught herself staring at him as she remembered their kiss, feeling a tightness in her belly.Wait, is this lust I’m feeling?She quickly plastered a smile on her face.

“Enjoying the beach?” he asked, his voice a deep rumble as he reached her chair.

“I am,” she replied, sitting up and pressing her thighs together. “It’s peaceful here.”

He sat on the lounge chair next to her, stretching out his long legs. “Good. We could both use some downtime.”

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