MACKENZIE
Mackenzie
I pulled at the top of Theo’s phone so he’d get the hint to put it on the table so we could both see. Today was a port day with a lot to choose from. I tore off the corner of my croissant. It was a little dry. The chocolate one would have been better, but that was like having candy for breakfast.
Shit . I swallowed the dry bread and pushed it away. That was a Daryl thought, not a Mackenzie thought.
“The sushi class starts at two. So we can hang out at the pool for a while,” Theo said, scrolling through his schedule “And then there’s the sunset wine tasting…”
“Both of those would be perfect for meeting packs,” I said, brushing flakes of pastry off my new sundress. Jillian had packed it, along with a bunch of other clothes I never would have chosen for myself. “Oh, and isn’t the auracle reading workshop today too?”
“Oh, hi there!” A warm voice interrupted us. I looked up to find a pretty omega with black curls smiling down at us. “Theo and Mackenzie right? You were so good at Trivia Night. I’m Grace, from the Kelwood pack. I don’t think we actually got introduced.”
“Oh, that was all Theo. He was feeding me the answers under the table.”
“Too funny! My alpha was so pissed Theo beat him to the buzzer on that Frida Kahlo question. He has a total fetish for art and history.”
Her smile was genuine, reaching all the way to her eyes. She was maybe five years older than Theo. It was the exact energy he needed.
I tapped his foot under the table since I couldn’t give him a high five.
“Our entire pack is going to the sushi class later,” she said. “What are you two up to today?”
I kicked Theo under the table again. This time, he winced.
“Oh, well, I need to do laundry,” I blurted out. “I’m completely out of clean panties.”
Grace burst out laughing, the sound warm and infectious. “Girl, same. Though my alpha keeps saying we packed enough underwear to clothe a small army. There is never enough.”
“I was thinking about the sushi class too.” Theo said shyly.
Shy? That was new.
“Theo has been looking forward to it. He’s been raving about the chef from Pagoda.”
“Well, I better get back. You know how alphas get if you’re gone too long,” Grace said with a wink. “See you at class, Theo!”
I watched her weave through the tables. She was cute in cutoff jean shorts and a tank. When she was out of earshot, I grabbed Theo’s arm and shook it. “Oh my god, she’s perfect. The Kelwoods are perfect. Did you see how relaxed she is? That’s what a healthy pack looks like.”
“I know. Their pack lead, Sterling, is a board member of the Centre for Missing and Exploited Omegas. At trivia night, when one of their betas got an answer wrong, he just laughed and ruffled her hair.”
“And they have that gorgeous redhead beta,” I added. “The one who’s always reading by the pool?”
“Bridget,” Theo supplied immediately, then blushed. “I might have done some research.”
“Of course you did.” I stole what was left of his orange juice. “Big pack, right? Two alphas, an omega and three betas? They seem like exactly the kind of pack that would appreciate a male omega who can kick their alpha’s ass at art history.”
Theo’s breath caught, making me turn to follow his gaze. Justice was slowly making his way around the buffet line in yet another pair of perfectly tailored linen pants. He was carefully securing a coffee cup lid, treating it with the same precision he probably used to run his tech empire. Or rock climbing. Long. Strong. Fingers.
Theo practically glowed just seeing him across the room. Justice was everything an omega could want–successful, brilliant, handsome. Not pretty like Ren, but still. And he wasn’t a pack lead. He wasn’t even looking for a pack. He was here for a vacation. Theo… Theo needed a pack like he needed air.
“What’s the deal about cargo shorts?” I whispered, remembering the comment from the steakhouse, making Theo snort.
“You can’t take anyone seriously in cargo shorts. Especially an alpha.”
Justice spotted us, his whole face lighting up as he wove through the tables. Right for us.
“Act cool.” I said, turning around.
“Cool? You’re the one talking about panties at dinner.”
“What was I supposed to do, Theo? They were both hurting.”
“I don’t know. Talk about food?”
“Good morning,” Justice said, pulling out the chair next to Theo. His woodsy spring morning scent wrapped around us. “How’s breakfast?” He eyed my croissant in a way that made me a little uncomfortable.
“No breakfast for you?” I asked.
“I’ve been up for a while. Worked out. Already ate.” He tilted his head toward Theo. “Two eggs over easy.”
“Any exciting plans for the day?” I asked before Theo could say anything.
“Actually, yes. There’s an ATV tour through the rainforest preserve this morning. I thought maybe you’d like to join me?”
“That sounds delightful. I’d love to join you. Theo has a packed day of events here on the ship, anyway.”
“She’s supposed to be doing laundry today.” Theo said with some side eye. Did he know I was cock blocking him?
“Maybe I can bribe the driver to take us shopping after the tour.”
“Awww, you’d bribe a driver just for me?” I clasped my hands together and batted my eyes.
“Theo says you’re not allowed to go commando, so…” he shrugged, taking a sip of coffee but pausing before it got to his mouth. “Actually, could you help me with something?”
Theo shrugged. I said “Sure.”
“Todd is becoming a problem.”
“Who’s Todd?”
“My butler.”
“You have a butler?”
“How fancy.”
“No, I don’t. Well, the room,” he got flustered and squeezed his fist like he needed a reset, “My room comes with concierge service. A butler, basically. Todd is hovering like a worried alpha because I don’t have anything for him to do. Can I send him to take care of your laundry?”
I opened my mouth and then closed it, remembering what Ren had said on the way to dinner. Todd wasn’t the worried alpha. Justice was.
“Okay.” I said simply.
A very satisfied smile bloomed across Justice’s face. Only alphas got that kind of smile.
He picked up his coffee again, but still didn’t take a sip. “The tour requires shorts or jeans and closed-toe shoes. Would you mind changing for me?”
“Okay,” I said again before blurting out something ridiculous like “only if you get me naked later.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you downstairs in a half an hour? I have to change too. Leave your laundry by the door for Todd.”
Justice made it two steps away from the table before turning back. He placed his coffee on the table and leaned close to Theo.
“Do you want me to fetch you some panties too?”
“Yes, please.” Theo said with practically no breath.
“Hm,” Justice picked up his coffee cup and walked away.
“Fuck.” Theo banged his head on the table.
“Focus, Theo,” I petted his head. “Justice and Ren are fun. They’re messing with us. We’re part of their angry flirty whatever-the-fuck-that-is. I don’t mind one bit, but we are here to get you a pack.”
“It’s so embarrassing being an omega sometimes.” Theo groaned and pushed his chair out.
“It’s my fault for bringing up panties in the first place.” I patted his arm as we hurried back to our room.