“He’s a family friend,” I say, hoping that he can’t hear the undertones in the distasteful way that I say friend.
“Your friends and family aren’t happy that you’re here?”
“My brother Axel dropped me off. My sister-in-law is extremely supportive, and so is my mom. The Alphas in my life, not so much.”
“That makes sense,” he says matter-of-factly, and I put a hand on my hip.
“Why?” I try my best to tamp down my irritation.
“If I had an Omega daughter, I’m not sure how I would feel about her doing something like this on her own,” he says, and it irritates me.
I’ve always been so insecure about doing things on my own. My family coddled me not only because of my designation but because of my learning disability. Neither mean that I’m hopeless or that I can’t take care of myself.
Obviously Forrest doesn’t know all that. Either way, his words hurt my feelings. Instead of saying that, I simply walk away and go sit out on the balcony.
There’s nothing but ocean and clear skies ahead of me, and I take some grounding breaths to help ease my temper.
The Alpha follows me, the balcony door sliding as his large form takes the seat next to me.
He scratches his beard before looking at me. “I’ve upset you.”
“I’m fine,” I reply.
“I’m at least smart enough to know when someone says they’re fine it rarely means they’re actually fine. What did I say?”
“You’re obviously very smart,” I say to him, looking back out at the water.
My family gave me every single advantage with my dyslexia, and yet I still struggle so much. Forrest has his shit together, and maybe he’ll think I’m incapable, too.
“So are you, smart, brave, and beautiful,” he says.
I take a deep breath and look at him. “The comment that if you had a daughter, you wouldn’t want her to do this either. I’m not incompetent. Just because I’m an Omega, just because—” I stop myself there, not wanting to go any deeper into my insecurities, and swallow. “Everyone thinks that without a pack, we’re defenseless and can’t live normal lives like anyone else.”
He blinks at me a few times. The silence is long, but I won’t push him to respond immediately.
“I don’t think you’re defenseless, but I also don’t think you should have to put up with other people’s behavior. I’ve seen firsthand the way Alphas have looked at you and spoken to you on this ship, like it’s their right to demand your time and attention. You’re more than capable of taking care of yourself, but you’re undoubtedly extremely precious to your family. When someone is invaluable to you, the thought of them being in danger or getting hurt is abhorrent. It has nothing to do with you or your capabilities, no matter your designation, but wanting to protect the most important thing in your life from anyone who would ever dare to harm them.”
I stare at him, taking in all his words. They hit me right in my heart, and there’s a sense of guilt there. I haven’t called any of my dads because I thought they didn’t want me to come on this trip because I couldn’t handle it, because I wasn’t mature enough, or smart enough.
It has nothing to do with how they view me or my capabilities. They didn’t want me coming on this ship because I’m invaluable to them. I’ve been projecting my own perceived inadequacies on to them, which isn't fair. My family has given me everything. Not once have they made me feel less than brilliant and perfect.
How can I be this deeply insecure about myself? My eyes water and it hits me all at once that I came onto this ship because I needed to prove to myself that I’m capable.
“Come here,” Forrest says, and I comply immediately, crawling into his lap, soaking up every ounce of comfort he’s willing to give. “I am, however, undoubtedly grateful that you were defiant, or I wouldn’t have met you.”
I pull back, my fingertips trailing down the side of his face, gliding down his beard, before I lean in and press his lips to mine.
His large hands grip my waist as he kisses me back and I nearly feel consumed by him. His scent is addictive, his size makes me feel small and cherished, but most of all, I feel like Forrest could be the Alpha who likes all the pieces of me, even the ones I view as damaged.
I can’t help but press myself against him, feeling his erection against my center. My perfume is going crazy, and I know I’m going to need to change my panties again before I go to this meet and greet. I’m in a complete frenzy over being seen by this Alpha and his all-consuming scent.
Forrest’s hand glides up my back, his fingers tangling in my bun as he moves my head so that he can kiss down my jaw and throat. I feel lost in the best way possible. I’m completely out of my head. The only thoughts I have are of his scent and touch.
It feels so damn good not to think and just let myself feel.
I want more.
We’re both panting, and I’m ready to rip this dress over the top of my head as I look over Forrest’s shoulder and see Reyna bringing in my breakfast.