Page 89 of Why Cruise

“Yes.”

“Is Mackenzie going to wear that little blue dress?”

“I… I think so. I think she only brought one formal dress.”

“Okay, now go.” He stepped aside and put his back to the rail, resting his elbows on top of it.

I started walking away, smiling to myself. My feet slowed, a thought stirring. I walked back to Justice. “Will you be fine?”

“Yes, of course. Go.” He nodded his head in the vague direction of my room.

I turned and walked away, chewing on my lip. Justice had just lied. But not to me. To himself. And I didn’t know what to do with that information.

DAY 8 - AT SEA

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR HOSTESS

Darlings,

Tonight promises to be absolutely delicious. My favorite events all packed into one spectacular day—what could be better?

Start your morning at our poolside “Mix & Mingle.” You’ll be table hopping, not bed hopping. Don’t be shy—sometimes the perfect pack connection starts with a simple “hello.” Though I do so love watching alphas get… distracted when an omega’s scent catches their attention. The best matches often start with pure instinct, don’t they?

When the sun sets, join me in the Starlight Casino where Lady Luck plays matchmaker. There’s something irresistible about watching an alpha lose their cool at the poker table, wouldn’t you agree? Or perhaps you’ll find yourself sharing lucky dice with a charming beta. Special tournament tables will be running all night for those feeling particularly… competitive.

But the crown jewel of our evening is the Bond Voyage Charity Auction. Dress to impress, darlings. While we’re raising money for an excellent cause, we’re also creating opportunities for connection. After all, nothing says “I’m interested” quite like bidding on a private island picnic for two.

A special note to our unmated alphas—do try to keep the posturing to a minimum. We want to raise funds, not hackles.

See you tonight. I’ll be the one in diamonds.

Wishing you were mine,

Aria

Ren

“Tommy, your work ethic sucks.” I crumpled up the napkin he was keeping track of his score on.

“I got my ways, don’t you worry. Sales are picking up.” He patted the pocket of his cargo shorts. “It took a few days to get the word out and about.”

I didn’t have a few days. This cruise was almost over and Catherine and her damn necklace were haunting my every move now. Gaston made sure the paper was delivered to my room every morning so I could read the headlines.

“Go make some money.” I pushed him out into the crowd on deck. There was a massive event happening. The music was loud, the drinks were flowing and if the end of my days weren’t on the horizon, I’d probably enjoy it.

I scanned for another mark. Willow had told me there was an alpha, beta, omega pack in need of services. Fucking my way out of this was not ideal. I’d start pushing the casino harder. Now that everyone was cozy and a little bored, money was flowing. I tipped well, so the dealers were lining up to be my new BFF.

Willow had said the beta was striking, easy to pick out in a crowd. Short, blond, with a scar on his cheek.

Shit. Well, there’smyblond. He looked good in floral print shorts and a sky blue t-shirt.

Focus, you dumbass.

The music changed, and the entire deck moved. It was a speed dating game crossed with musical chairs. Packs looking for new members claimed the tables with yellow flags. People looking to join or merge packs mingled with multicolored flags. Alphas had green. Betas orange. The pink omega flag was tucked under Theo’s arm.

He was standing with his arms crossed, chewing on his thumbnail. That wasn’t good. Not his usual posture. And he wasn’t participating despite clutching that flag.

It took a few steps closer to Theo to follow his line of sight. Of course. He was staring at Mackenzie. Was she sitting in an alpha’s lap? No, she was at a pack table. A yellow flag sat on the table. Her pink one was kicked underneath.

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