Out of all of us, Axel took to skiing like a pro. It was something he and my dad, Dean, always did together during the winter. I usually stayed inside the resort with my mom; we always had the best time, watching movies, ordering room service, and going shopping.
Wells smiles at me easily, not ashamed of being recognized. He acts like he doesn’t have multiple brand deals to be recognised by either. Two years ago, Wells Torrin was on just about every other commercial when you were watching TV.
“It was one of the best moments of my life. Besides meeting Forrest, of course,” he says, putting his arm around the Alpha’s large shoulders.
“So one of you saves Omegas in distress and the other is a gold medalist, no big deal,” I say, and Forrest’s hand grips the side of the pool tighter.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, changing the conversation.
I swirl my feet in the pool water.
“Better than last night. Thank you again for taking care of me. If there’s anything I can do?—”
“You don’t owe me anything,” Forrest says quickly.
“You could join us for dinner tonight,” Wells says at the same time.
“She doesn’t have—” Forest starts.
“I’d love to. Is there a particular restaurant on the ship you had in mind?” I ask.
Wells beams at me. “Do you like sushi?”
Internally, I grimace and I hope it doesn’t show on my face. The last thing I want these guys to think is that I’m some super high maintenance princess.
Shit. I am a high maintenance Omega princess, aren’t I? Shiloh’s pep talk to me earlier rings in the back of my head. I won’t find my pack here if I’m not being myself.
“I love sushi, it’s just my dad owns a few sushi restaurants, so I’m a little picky.”
Okay, I was honest, that’s not so bad, right? Neither of them looks at me like I’m stuck up.
Wells just smiles. “That’s fair. My mom owned a bagel spot growing up, and I swear no other bagel has ever compared. How about the seafood one? What’s it called?”
“Hammerheads Haven,” I say with a shrug. “I studied the map of the ship for weeks, and still seem to get turned around, but that sounds perfect. Let me just go grab my phone to make the reservation,” I say, about to slide out of the pool as Forrest’s massive hand grabs my calf.
He squeezes lightly. “We’ll take care of it. Seven thirty work for you?”
I clear my throat and look at his hand that still hasn’t moved. It’s almost like he’s holding my leg prisoner until I agree to his terms.
“Okay,” I agree and the Alpha smiles.
Holy mountain man Alpha. I thought he was hot shirtless, somewhat broody and bossy, but when he smiles, it softens him significantly and I’m not sure which version of him is more charming.
“Do you have enough sunscreen on?” Forrest asks and I nod.
A few more Alphas swim over to our side of the pool, another sitting right next to me, and instantly Forrest's grip on my leg tightens. He gives the guy next to him a glare, but Wells’ hand is squeezing Forrest’s biceps.
I like the idea of Wells keeping him centered, but also part of me kinda wants to see what Forrest is like when he’s unleashed.
The new men, who seriously have no idea of social awareness, introduce themselves. All the while Forrest is still holding on to me. It feels like a claim.
“It’s so nice to meet you all, but I actually have an appointment to look at nests,” I say to the other Alphas who are vying for my attention.
“Do you need an escort?” one of them says and I blink down at him. I don’t even remember his name.
I can only pretend to be a sweet little Omega for so long before I snap. Alphas who think they are the ultimate prize and that Omegas are incapable of taking even the slightest bit of autonomy for ourselves pisses me off.
“No, but I’d love some personal space,” I say with a smile.