A small, perfectly manicured hand grabbing my forearm stops me. Her mouth-watering cinnamon apple cake scent wafts around me.
I swallow thickly as I glance down at her. Did she find that attractive?
“Let’s get back to our date,” she says softly and all of my anger washes away as her scent fills my brain, effortlessly soothing me.
Chapter 9
Claire
Forrest was goingto beat the shit out of that man for disrespecting me. And it was so fucking hot.
I couldn’t control my perfume, not when he was ready to defend my honor over a shitty look and some spilled ginger ale.
He also listened to me when I told him to let it go. He didn’t need to put on some macho display of Alpha dominance. Though, I suppose he did that when he nearly broke that man's fingers to get him to release my chair.
He’s not a man of many words, but the words he says hold importance. He’s also astonishingly honest, a trait I haven’t found in most Alphas.
Wells, on the other hand, is so easy to talk to, it feels like I’ve known him for years instead of a single day. He’s charming, easygoing, and his laid back energy is calming.
I’ve been on a lot of dates, ones with packs, ones with just Alphas, and every single one they asked me something about the family business. It’s nice to be around men who just want to get to know me. I love my family and I know I’m extremely privileged, but I want a pack who doesn’t care about any of it.
“So, what made you choose the cruise? I’m sure there are packs falling over themselves to have a chance with you in Manhattan,” Wells asks, and I lick my lips.
“None of those packs appeal to me. I want something genuine. I was getting set up at the Heat Haven facility in Manhattan as a failsafe for my first heat. I was having a rough time.” I clear my throat. “When I received an email for the cruise, it felt like a sign maybe, and an adventure. What about you guys?” I ask, hoping they don’t dwell on my explanation. Or ask me what the hard time I was going through was.
I could have said the whole truth, that my family is famous and my trust fund is like a beacon for pricks, that my poor little Omega heart was broken from unrequited love, but the watered-down version works, too.
“Our town in New Hampshire is small, and a lot of the Omegas who come into town are only there for a long weekend at the resort. This felt like a good place to actually have the time to meet someone,” Wells says.
I glance over at Forrest, whose eyes are intent on me. His full attention has me squirming in my seat; his scent is so potent and I just want to rub myself all over him.
“And what is it you’re looking for?” I ask curiously, looking at Forrest, wanting him to answer first.
Wells has already told me he yearns for pack life, that he loves it, and knows he wants an Omega to care for.
Forrest taps his fingers on the table in the rhythm of threes.
“I want someone to care for, to spoil. There are also the physiological needs I didn’t recognize I had until recently,” Forrest says.
“How recently?”
“Last night,” he says simply.
My perfume is going crazy, and my effect on him is clear as his pupils widen and he shifts in his seat. God, an Alpha hasn’t made me feel this way since Elliot.
I haven’t thought of him since last night and it almost makes me feel guilty. That’s irritating. I came on this ship to get over my one-sided infatuation, to find an Alpha who pursues me, who wants me.
He’s sitting right here in front of me, and he’s the only other Alpha who’s given me butterflies like this.
I’m not sure if it’s me trying to sabotage the night or if it’s the logical side coming out of me, but the words slip out, anyway.
“What about more pack mates?” I ask, glancing between the two of them.
It’s best to get this question out now, because no matter how interested I am, no matter how strong this pheromone-driven pull I’m having toward Forrest is, if they aren’t open to another Alpha joining the pack, this isn’t worth pursuing.
One Alpha and one Beta wouldn’t be enough for my heats. My mom gets by with two Alphas and a Beta and she’s told me in far too much detail how it’s the right amount, but even then, it can be exhausting.
“Another Alpha?” Forrest questions and I nod. His brows furrow and he’s deep in contemplation as Wells chimes in.