by Gwen Knight
I’d almost declined Brittany’s offer to dine with them. One disaster a day was more than enough, and that dreadful coffee date earlier today had filled that quota. But there was something about Kendra, something that called to me. Like a refreshing breeze on a sunny day. Even now, I could still feel the imprint of her hands against my chest. I’d never felt anything like it before. Her very touch had seared my flesh beneath my shirt. It’d taken every ounce of willpower I’d possessed to push her hands away.
But then I’d caught the startled glance she’d shot my way after her sister had suggested I join them for dinner. Most women tended to react to me in one of two ways: instant flirtation for the sake of securing a mate, or immediate political machinations for the sake of—you guessed it—securing a mate. There was something refreshing about Kendra’s reaction. Something that awakened the predator within. She’d given me these wide eyes, like a terrified bunny about to bolt in the opposite direction.
I’d noticed Kendra when I’d first entered the dining room. An arresting scent had filled my nose, a delectable aroma that had drawn my gaze to a woman with a waterfall of inky black hair and lithe curves that went on for days. Who wouldn’t notice her? The way she moved, so fluid and limber, almost with a dancer’s grace. Her presence had reeled me in like a fish on a hook, and I’d gravitated toward her, eager to catch a closer glimpse and perhaps introduce myself.
I certainly hadn’t intended to wear her dinner.
But then she’d lifted her head and speared me with a pair of glacial blue eyes, awakening something primal within me. Something powerful I’d never felt before. I’d gripped her hands to keep her from touching me again—to keep my wits about me. The emotions spiraling through me were unlike anything I’d ever experienced. One touch, and she’d damn near stopped my heart.
She’s married though, my growly inner voice reminded me.
At least, that was what she’d claimed. I wasn’t sure I believed it. Married couples didn’t often attend singles cruises. And if she was married, where was her husband? In their room? Why? And then there’d been that tiny little wince once she’d given me her name. A regret? For telling me it, or for giving me her married name?
Freshly divorced, perhaps? Still readjusting to her maiden name? Could it be possible that she and her sister had come on this cruise to celebrate her newly-found freedom?
God, I hoped so.
The trick was to find out the truth without pushing too hard. The poor woman already looked ready to bolt, more rabbit than the wolf I’d scented on her. Which had me leaning toward divorce. And recently, too. If I wanted to figure out this little riddle, I’d need to ask smart questions, root around without blatantly asking. Thankfully, asking covert questions was one of my unspoken talents.
The sister was key. She seemed nice enough and eager to socialize, though a little plain in the looks department, especially compared to Kendra. No, Brittany didn’t interest me at all. Not like her sister, with her haunted eyes and sad smile.
“So, are you two enjoying the cruise so far?” I asked.
Brittany was quick to smile—a trait her sister didn’t share. “Well, it’s only the first night, but yeah, we’re enjoying it so far.”
I slid Kendra a lingering glance, an amused smirk tugging at the corner of my lips as I watched her dig into her meal with gusto. She seemed determined to focus on anything but me.
“How about you?” Brittany asked, shooting her sister a perplexed frown.
“It’s been interesting so far,” I chuckled, gesturing toward my stained shirt.
Brittany laughed and nudged her sister’s shoulder. “Sorry about that. Kendra’s always been a bit inattentive when it comes to her surroundings. Hopefully it wasn’t your only good shirt.”
Kendra’s only response was to scowl at her roast.
“Of course not.” Like I’d only pack one shirt for a two-week cruise. “Did you guys come with the rest of your pack?”
“Nope! Just us.”
Kendra’s scowl deepened, as though she didn’t like her sister’s response. Curious.
Could that mean no husband then? Unless he’d stayed home. But that seemed odd, and highly unrealistic. No one would send their wife on a singles cruise. Had to be a divorce then, and damn it if my heart didn’t swell up to three times its size. There was something about this little wolf that intrigued me, which was an interesting change of pace. I’d never given consideration to a wolf shifter before.
I took a bite of the roast, nearly moaning when it fell apart in my mouth. Kendra’s gaze rose from her plate and locked onto my lips. Somehow, I knew it wasn’t the roast she was interested in, and that was A-OK in my books. I wrestled against a grin and took another bite, my heart giving a solid kick when her gaze started to smolder.
It wasn’t difficult to put the pieces together. I liked to think I possessed a modicum of intelligence, after all. Or, in other words, my momma didn’t raise no fool. Kendra was physically attracted to me, which was fantastic because I was sure as hell attracted to her. But there was one stark difference. She didn’t want to like me. But I could work with that, if she let me.
Comparing the two sisters, Brittany was clearly friendlier and more outgoing. Kendra seemed almost unsure of herself. A timid little mouse. And from the dark cloud hovering over her, I surmised that Brittany had been the one to pitch the idea of a cruise and had pushed until Kendra caved.
These were merely guesses, of course.
“So, where you two from?” I asked after taking another bite.
“Billings,” Brittany responded, much to my dismay. I would have loved to hear Kendra’s voice again. “You?”
“Rapid City.”
“South Dakota,” she said with a nod. “Nice city. I’ve actually been there before.”
“Really?” I reached for my water. “How’d you like it?”
She nodded again. “It was all right. The alpha of the wolf pack there is kind of a dick, though.”
I nearly spat out my water. I could honestly say I hadn’t expected such a blunt answer. I’d met Jeff Wright a few times throughout the years and had found him condescending and ignorant—two uncomplimentary traits. “I’ve never been to Billings. How do you like it?”
“It’s nice. The city is a tad crowded, but our pack owns a lot of land southeast of the city. Kendra doesn’t live in the city. Though, I’m hoping to talk her into moving back home now that—”
Kendra cleared her throat and shot her sister a deathly glare that had me raising a brow.
“Um. Well, when we get back,” Brittany finished.
My other brow winged upward. There was something to that unspoken sentence. Now that she was single?
I had a feeling if I asked Kendra where she lived, she’d bolt before answering. Lucky for me, her sister seemed keen to divulge all of Kendra’s secrets.
“She lives near Red Lodge,” Brittany continued. “It’s at the base of Beartooth Mountains.”
I loved living near the mountains. Lots of space to run and hike. Our pride tried to steer clear of Black Hills. The local wildlife didn’t appreciate lions running free through their territory. But I’d ventured through them more than once in human form. Beautiful area.
“Why do you want to move back to the city?” I asked.
“I don’t,” Kendra finally responded, her voice soft and demure.
“But we agreed it would be for the best,” Brittany pushed, shooting her sister a look that communicated something I wasn’t privy to. I was clearly missing a piece of the story here. My gaze leapt between them, watching as they engaged in some sort of silent argument.
Brittany sighed and turned toward me, her head cocked and mouth pursed. Finally, she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back. “What Kendra doesn’t want to say is that her mate died a year ago, and she currently lives in his cabin in the mountains, secluded from the pack. And I think she should move out of his cabin and back into the city with the rest of us.”
> My eyes widened. Well then. I hadn’t expected that. Nor did I know how to respond. And from the look of utter shock and disgust twisting Kendra’s features, neither did she. Even I had to admit, her sister had pulled a massively dick move.
I reached across the table and laid my hand against Kendra’s. She winced and jerked back, her wild gaze flying to mine.
“I’m sorry to hear about your mate,” I said, searching for something better to say. Losing a mate was one of the most painful things for shifters. An incomprehensible agony that didn’t easily heal. Our mates were more than husbands and wives—they were our other halves. Born for us to share our lives with. We connected with them in ways humans couldn’t understand.
Kendra shoved her chair back and rose. “If you’ll excuse me. I’ve lost my appetite.”
Without another word, she vanished.
I turned toward Brittany and noticed the regret shining in her eyes. “I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. I thought…” She sighed and shook her head. “I thought I saw something and was hoping I could break the ice a little bit.”
I waved off her concern. “Maybe you should go after her?”
Brittany choked out a laugh. “She’d kill me. But you…”
“Me? Why would she want to talk to a complete stranger?”
Brittany sighed, pushed her plate aside, and leaned across the table. “I know my sister, Leo. Better than anyone. Better than her. For the past year, she’s been completely dead inside. I brought her here hoping it would show her that she wasn’t the one who’d died. But I saw something when she looked at you. I saw life. One look at you, and she felt something. Something she thought was long dead.” Brittany bit her bottom lip and studied me, drumming her fingers against the table. “This is a singles cruise. And you’re single. I’m not saying you have to sleep with her, but maybe you could take her on a few dates while here? Show her a good time? Remind her how to live?”
I had to admit, my chest swelled. For some reason, I absolutely loved the idea of breathing a little life back into Kendra. Spending time with her. Lazing in the sun, swimming in the pool…the thought of her slicked with water, watching the droplets sliding down her smooth skin… But ultimately, I shook my head. I refused to force her into something she didn’t want.
“Kendra has to want to come out of this on her own,” I said. “No amount of prodding from you, or forcing her to go on dates is going to help her get over her mate’s death. It takes time.” I wiped my mouth and stood. “It was really lovely meeting you two. I hope I see you around.”
Brittany’s gaze had grown distant. She waved me off with a single gesture, her thoughts clearly a million miles from here. “Yeah, you too, Leo.”
I left the table, my thoughts wholly focused on the troubles of the most beautiful woman I’d ever met. I’d meant what I’d said to Brittany. I didn’t agree with forcing Kendra to spend time with me. I wanted her to want it.
Unfortunately, I had a feeling that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.
8
Kendra
I’d spent the day avoiding my sister and lazing by the pool, and I had to admit, it felt wonderful. Unlike Brittany, I’d never needed to surround myself with friends and family. Sometimes, I found it far more peaceful to be alone and enjoy the company of my own thoughts. Brittany never understood that. Neither did my mother. To them, being alone was synonymous with isolation. But for me, it gave me chance to relax and recharge my batteries. Combine that with a lounge chair, a shimmering pool, a Pina Colada, and a book, and I’d found my happy place.
Earlier in the morning, I’d taken a dip in the pool, enjoying the warm sun mixed with the cool water. This was what I’d wanted when Brittany had first pitched the cruise idea. Yes, I was surrounded by strangers, but they were all wrapped up in their own little worlds and left me alone. My favorites were the ones lazing about in their shifted forms. Currently, a tiger rested next to the pool, his massive paw dangling in the water and eyes closed as he enjoyed the heat. Next to him sat a jaguar shifter, and from the look of their interlocked tails, I had a feeling they’d already made a connection. But my absolute favorite was the otter swimming about in the pool, having the time of her life. Every now and then I’d look up from my book and smile at the sight of her splashing around.
We had a few days at sea like this before we reached Hilo, and I was looking forward to every minute of it. There were multiple pools to check out, and if I ever grew tired of them, a movie theater, casino, and supposedly a library somewhere. I intended to check out all of them.
Anything to avoid Brittany right now.
She’d promised me she wouldn’t push, wouldn’t connect me with any men. And she’d already broken her promise. I should have expected that. Brittany had always believed the way to cure an ailing heart was to throw it at someone else. Hence, her history of unsuccessful relationships. Pushing me into someone’s arms wouldn’t help me forget Daniel because I didn’t want to forget Daniel. That felt like a massive betrayal. We’d spent so many years together to, what? Jump into bed with the first man who interested me?
And yes, Leo had interested me. Hell, he probably interested any woman with eyes. And he deserved that. My first impression gave me the feeling he was kind, strong, and caring. Amazing qualities for an alpha. But I refused to ever date an alpha again. I refused to put myself in any position where my mate could be stolen from me. Alphas were always at risk, always being challenged by someone who thought themselves bigger and badder. Daniel had been one of the unfortunate few to lose a challenge.
I never wanted to go through that again.
No matter how damn hot the man was.
Sighing, I lowered my book and watched the little otter splash around. Part of me wanted to shift and join her, but that required moving. And I liked my spot. Maybe if I was lucky, I’d manage a tan before heading home. A little color to brighten my mood.
I was about to return to reading when I felt a slight change in the air. Not a spike or dip in temperature, much more subtle than that. And different. A taste of power, almost. A feeling of pressure. And it seemed I wasn’t the only one to take notice.
The pair of cats raised their heads together, their ears flicking about as they searched for the source. The otter came to a stop and popped above the water line, her beady eyes roaming the surrounding area. A hush fell over the surrounding crowd until all I could hear was the sloshing of the pool water.
An alpha, I realized. The sensation was nothing more than the knowledge that an alpha had entered the pool area. I knew there were quite a few onboard the ship, but so far, I hadn’t met any other than Leo.
And that’s how I want it, I reminded myself.
So, with a wrinkled nose, I lifted my book and continued reading. What the alphas did or didn’t do had no bearing on me. No point staring or making a fool of myself like the others.
Eventually, everyone returned to their own lives and I sank back into my book, absorbing every word. It’d been a long time since I’d found one that could hold my interest. Once upon a time, I’d loved to read romance. But lately, my interests had grown more toward psychological thrillers. I particularly enjoyed the ones where the female character had to battle her own personal demons, even if sometimes those demons won.
Hours passed, and the sun had settled directly overhead by the time I finished the book. I closed it and leaned back, processing the novel. It’d left me chilled, but in a riveted sort of way.
“Good book?” a deep voice rumbled next to me.
I jumped in my chair and glanced over, my heart slamming into my ribs at the sight of Leo sitting beside me. And not just any Leo—a half-naked Leo, all bare-chested and without socks or shoes. I pressed my hand against my chest and released a shaky breath, all the while resisting the urge to stare at his gorgeously tanned flesh.
“Sorry,” he chuckled. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I studied the surrounding area to find the pool much les
s populated than it’d been before. “H—How long have you been here?”
He shrugged. “A few hours. You looked so peaceful reading. And I know some people hate being disturbed while lost in a good book, so I thought I’d let you be.”
Okay, swoon. Damn him and his thoughtfulness. “So…you’ve been sitting here for the past couple hours, waiting to say hi?”
His smile burst into a grin and he started laughing. “No. I went and swam for a bit. Had a few drinks. Struck up some conversations. You just didn’t notice.”
I couldn’t help but offer my own grin. His laughter was so contagious. And the scenario he painted was rather funny. “I tend to lose track of the rest of the world when reading.”
He nodded. “I figured. You were pretty oblivious to the happenings. But you didn’t answer my question. Was the book good?”
I glanced down at the cover and stroked it, reveling in the glossy sheen. “So good. Disturbing, but in a hypnotic sort of way.”
Leo raised a brow. “And disturbing is good?”
Despite my best intentions, another grin spread across my face. “Yes, disturbing is good. So long as it remains between the pages.”
“Ah…” He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the chair. “I can understand that. Horror and tragedy are two things we avoid in our lives, but we make up for it with movies and books. Safe spots, where the danger isn’t real, but you still feel the rush.”
“Yes.” I nodded happily, pleased that he understood. “I wouldn’t want to go through what the main character did, but I don’t mind reading about her going through it.”
He chuckled, his face almost serene in the sunlight. I took the opportunity to really study him. It seemed plausible to assume he had no idea how delicious he looked right now. Though he wore a long-sleeved button-down shirt, he’d rolled up the sleeves and left it open, exposing his chest and flat stomach to the sun. And while no one normally looked good in swimming trunks, he somehow pulled these off. They hugged his hips and accentuated his muscled thighs, the result of which was eliciting some very naughty thoughts.