I know my reputation in Manhattan. A spoiled, stuck-up Omega who hasn’t deemed any Alpha good enough to settle down with. But what they don’t know is how many Alphas I’ve given a chance, only for them to ask about my dads. Or worse, the Alphas who got frustrated when it took me too long to message them back, or too long to read a menu. None of themwanted the real me. They only wanted to be with me because of my family name or my designation.
It seemed like every pack in Manhattan wanted some flawless, high society, arm candy Omega, and that just isn’t me. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m not sure I’m built for the cut throat nature of New York City anymore. I think I’d like a softer, slower paced life. It’s one of the things I'll keep at the forefront while dating on the ship.
This cruise is about my future, and no matter how scary it is to be taking this adventure all by myself, I can do this.
I get out of the car as my brother hefts my luggage on the cart. Looking at him, you’d assume he was an Alpha. He’s almost as large as our oldest brother, but he didn’t designate as an Alpha, and he’s been bitter about it since puberty.
“You’re absolutely fucking sure you want to get on that boat?”
“It’s a ship and yes, I’m absolutely sure.”
“You know they’re going to freak out when they see your location in the middle of the ocean?” he says regarding our parents. Half of them want me to find a pack and the other half refuse to acknowledge that I’m an adult and it’s time for me to leave the nest.
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t give them a heads up until after four when the ship leaves port.”
He sighs as he pushes the cart to the entrance of Heat Haven’s gangway.
“I’m not telling them shit. If they ask how you got here, tell them you rented a car.”
I laugh with a shake of my head while Axel gives the porter my luggage and tips him.
He wraps his arms around me and squeezes.
“Hope you find what you’re looking for, Claire Bear. Stay safe, and I’m just a phone call away if anything goes wrong,okay? We don’t even have to tell anyone what happened,” he says against my hair and I squeeze him harder.
“Thanks, Axel.”
“Alright, now get out of here before I throw up from thinking about what you’re about to do on this ship,” he says.
With a roll of my eyes from his comment I give my brother a reassuring smile as I give the attendant my passport. They scan it and usher me to the next checkpoint.
Holy shit. I’m actually doing this.
Omegas are creatures of comfort and I’m leaving everything that grounds me behind and putting all my eggs in one basket. I won’t know a single soul on board, and I’ll be navigating making friends and serious connections.
My biggest insecurity is that I won’t be able to find a deep relationship.
I know how I look and how I smell. It’s far from difficult getting an Alpha’s attention. But I don’t just want attention for my looks, my last name, or the size of my bank account. What I’m looking for is a true connection that goes beyond the superficial.
I want something real.
Security is a breeze. I get the wristlet that gives me access to my room and for getting on and off the ship. It’s also equipped with geo tracking information and health monitoring. By tracking heart rates, they can usually tell if an Omega is in heat. It also has an emergency function for me to use if I ever feel unsafe.
I’m led to the next area, where a small woman, in all black, with her hair in a tight bun, is waiting for me with a wide smile.
“Miss Sørensen, lovely to meet you. My name is Reyna. I’ll be your attendant for the cruise. We’re so happy to have you.” She’s a Beta, as are most of the staff on the ship, minus security.
“I’m happy to be here,” I reply, but the nerves are truly setting in now.
I’m about to walk across the gangway and be onboard with nearly one hundred other Omegas and fuck knows how many Alphas and Betas. I’m really doing this.
“I’ll be here for whatever you need during your stay. Would you like to go to your stateroom first or would you like to eat?” Reyna asks.
“My room, if that’s okay?”
There are other passengers boarding, but I’m too focused on myself to really pay attention to them.
“Of course, your luggage likely isn’t up yet, but we can get you settled,” she assures me.