Page 53 of Why Cruise

“Of course you did.” I stole what was left of his orange juice. “Big pack, right? Two alphas, an omega and three betas? They seem like exactly the kind of pack that would appreciate a male omega who can kick their alpha’s ass at art history.”

Theo’s breath caught, making me turn to follow his gaze. Justice was slowly making his way around the buffet line in yet another pair of perfectly tailored linen pants. He was carefully securing a coffee cup lid, treating it with the same precision he probably used to run his tech empire. Or rock climbing. Long. Strong. Fingers.

Theo practically glowed just seeing him across the room. Justice was everything an omega could want–successful, brilliant, handsome. Not pretty like Ren, but still. And he wasn’t a pack lead. He wasn’t even looking for a pack. He was here for a vacation. Theo… Theo needed a pack like he needed air.

“What’s the deal about cargo shorts?” I whispered, remembering the comment from the steakhouse, making Theo snort.

“You can’t take anyone seriously in cargo shorts. Especially an alpha.”

Justice spotted us, his whole face lighting up as he wove through the tables. Right for us.

“Act cool.” I said, turning around.

“Cool? You’re the one talking about panties at dinner.”

“What was I supposed to do, Theo? They were both hurting.”

“I don’t know. Talk about food?”

“Good morning,” Justice said, pulling out the chair next to Theo. His woodsy spring morning scent wrapped around us. “How’s breakfast?” He eyed my croissant in a way that made me a little uncomfortable.

“No breakfast for you?” I asked.

“I’ve been up for a while. Worked out. Already ate.” He tilted his head toward Theo. “Two eggs over easy.”

“Any exciting plans for the day?” I asked before Theo could say anything.

“Actually, yes. There’s an ATV tour through the rainforest preserve this morning. I thought maybe you’d like to join me?”

“That sounds delightful. I’d love to join you. Theo has a packed day of events here on the ship, anyway.”

“She’s supposed to be doing laundry today.” Theo said with some side eye. Did he know I was cock blocking him?

“Maybe I can bribe the driver to take us shopping after the tour.”

“Awww, you’d bribe a driver just for me?” I clasped my hands together and batted my eyes.

“Theo says you’re not allowed to go commando, so…” he shrugged, taking a sip of coffee but pausing before it got to his mouth. “Actually, could you help me with something?”

Theo shrugged. I said “Sure.”

“Todd is becoming a problem.”

“Who’s Todd?”

“My butler.”

“You have a butler?”

“How fancy.”

“No, I don’t. Well, the room,” he got flustered and squeezed his fist like he needed a reset, “My room comes with concierge service. A butler, basically. Todd is hovering like a worried alpha because I don’t have anything for him to do. Can I send him to take care of your laundry?”

I opened my mouth and then closed it, remembering what Ren had said on the way to dinner. Todd wasn’t the worried alpha. Justice was.

“Okay.” I said simply.

A very satisfied smile bloomed across Justice’s face. Only alphas got that kind of smile.

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