Page 22 of Why Cruise

“Apparently, they use some fancy algorithm to match dinner companions,” Theo whispered as we wound our way through the tables. “Though most of the reviews I read said it’s totally random.”

“Of course you read the reviews.”

Table twelve was already occupied by an alpha-beta couple, probably in their fifties. The beta smiled warmly, but the alpha’s gaze raked over me in a way that made my skin crawl.

“Well, aren’t you a pretty little thing?” His voice dripped with condescension. “Where’s your alpha, sweetheart?” He patted the empty chair next to him.

My mouth went dry. I looked at Theo, panic creeping over me. The last thing I wanted to do was sit next to this man. How rude would it be if I just said no?

“No, darling, take this seat.”

The voice came from my left, dark and smooth like 80% cacao. I turned to find the alpha from the pool standing there, though he’d traded his swim trunks for a perfectly tailored suit. His spicy scent wrapped around me. Was it black pepper or clove?

“By me.” He pulled out the chair at the end of the oblong table, ensuring I wouldn’t have to sit next to the other alpha, somehow making the simple movement look like a threat. He nodded at Theo to take the seat directly across from me. “Ren Delano,” he said, offering Theo his hand. Theo’s eyes went wide, and he kept the handshake brief.

The older alpha’s face went slightly pale. “Delano? Any relation to…”

“Yes.” Ren’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Exactly who you’re thinking of.”

The rest of that conversation died a quick death. Delano? The only bell that rang was for a restaurant that burned to the ground a decade ago. I sank into my chair, grateful when Theo’s foot found mine under the table.

Ren turned to me, and this close, I could see flecks of gold in his dark eyes. “Theo.” His voice was practically a purr. “And Mackenzie.” He turned to me with a devastating smile before snapping his seating card on the table and adjusting his cuff.

I shot a look at Theo and mouthed,“how did he know our names?”He answered“Later.”

His scent had softened, though it still made my pulse race. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. Theo caressed the back of my calf with his foot.

“Is your pack still in the restaurant business?”

Ren swung his head toward the alpha and his beta companion, staring them down so hard and for so long, Theo and I both stared, too.

The alpha and his beta packmate looked like they’d stepped out of a country club catalog, all coordinated pastels and practiced smiles. His silver hair was perfectly styled, and her tennis bracelet sparkled every time she moved.

“Robert Johnson.” He held a hand out to Ren. “My beta, Erin,” he said as an afterthought.

Ren pushed back from the table just an inch or two and put his ankle on his knee while draping an arm along the back of my chair, like he was claiming it, and me. Not once did he take his eyes off the alpha. Or say anything. Or shake his hand.

“Perhaps we should order appetizers?” The beta woman said, her voice all squeaky as she passed her alpha a menu.

With a final sweeping glance, Ren angled away from the couple, effectively dismissing them. His gaze took in Theo in a way that had none of that alpha domination. “I could eat,” he said. By the way Theo’s cheeks flashed hot pink, we all knew that comment wasn’t just about food. I managed to not fan myself with the menu.

“The reviews said that you must try the butternut squash soup.” Erin’s smile seemed genuine as she addressed Theo across the table. “Though I must say, I’m partial to anything with butternut squash.”

I watched Theo nod over the top of his menu, grateful for her attempt at normal conversation. The tension was insane. Renwas like sitting next to a blazing fireplace. Food was always a safe conversation topic.

“I’m sure you’re a fantastic cook, Mackenzie. Muffins for breakfast and four-course meals for your alpha.”

My water glass froze on the way to my mouth. Daryl had said almost the exact same thing.

“Boo Bear, this lotion thing is fine as a hobby, but we both know you’re happiest all knotted up and then cooking a gourmet dinner.”

“Cooking is a valuable skill for an omega, don’t you agree?” Robert leaned forward to make eye contact around Ren.

Happy? Had I been happy?Daryl was five years older than me. He was already an alpha when I met him the summer I turned fourteen years-old. We had always been together. We would always be together. But had I ever been happy?

“They actually have some excellent cooking classes on the schedule. The former executive chef of Pagoda is teaching sushi making.” Theo sat up straighter to add to the conversation while stroking my foot with his.

I put my glass down and pretended to wipe my fingertips on my napkin on my lap. I didn’t want anyone to see them shake. My heart wasn’t pounding, but vibrating like it was going to shake right out of my chest.

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