Page 118 of Why Cruise

We lay in silence for a while, my mind racing. Ren’s aura was different, tinged with something dark and desperate.

“I killed someone,” he blurted, his voice muffled against my skin.

I stiffened, sure I must have misheard. “What?”

He nodded into my neck. I squirmed to turn around and see his eyes, but he tightened his hold on me.

“I needed money for a poker game. Gaston needed to steal a car.” He continued. “I knew it was dumb. I encouraged Owen to challenge Nolan so their whole pack would be off their compound and I could do the job. But it went south. Nolan turned up in the middle of the heist. He had a knife, and…” He swallowed hard. “Nolan got stabbed.”

My breath caught in my throat. Nolan. I’d heard that name before. At dinner? Justice had mentioned a missing pack lead?

“Catherine has the video of it on that damn necklace,” Ren continued, his words slurring together. “Now they’re interested in Justice. And I can’t have that.”

Pieces started clicking into place in my mind. The alphas in the hallway.“What if Nolan’s body shows up with 15 stab wounds and not one?”The alpha in the red dress. The teal dress. The alpha firing squad on that first day. Catherine?“He’ll know he didn’t do it. “

“He’ll know he didn’t do it.”

Ren didn’t do it?

“Ren, listen to me,” I tried to interrupt, but he just kept talking, his voice getting softer and softer.

“My pathetic life might not even be enough now. They want more. My name, the power they think it has. Omegas to sell. Justice. I won’t be enough.”

He tightened his arms. I almost couldn’t breathe.

“I’m gonna get off at the next island. Disappear. Bite into their pack. Turn myself in. It doesn’t matter. I’m not wrecking all your lives just because I fell in love with you.”

In love? Leave? No. That was not happening. Ren was not leaving Justice again. “Ren, I think you’re wrong.”

“I’m sorry, sunshine. I should never have touched you, let alone. Theo… the library… Just…But I gotta keep him safe. Gotta keep all of you safe.”

His breathing evened out as he slipped into sleep, but he still held me in an iron hold.

I shook my head, trying to get all the information to line up just right. I knew I hadn’t heard this wrong. There couldn’t be more than one pack lead named Nolan, right?

“He’ll know he didn’t do it.”

The necklace? How was there video on a necklace? I wasn’t smart enough to figure this out.

I needed Theo. We needed that necklace.

I focused on my aura. I never really used it. Daryl hated it when I tried.Fuck Daryl.

I concentrated on pushing all good things into Ren. He finally snored softly. Slowly, his grip loosened enough that I could carefully untangle myself. Even in sleep, he looked agonized. I bent and kissed his forehead.

“We are not losing you, Ren Delano.”

I tore across the VIP deck to find Theo.

DAY 12 - SAINT AURELIA

TODAY'S TIDE

FROM THE CAPTAIN'S DESK

Today we visit the enchanting island of Saint Aurelia. While its pristine beaches and cultural treasures promise a memorable experience, I advise all guests to familiarize themselves with the local regulations detailed in our travel advisory. Your safety is our primary concern.

AFTERNOON TIDE

---