by Ellie Pond
“I’ll be back to take you for lunch. Okay?” Gunnar started to walk away but paused.
“Hi.” Lauren sat down. They were back to back again today.
“Gunnar, this is Lauren.”
He reached out, took her hand, and kissed it. Aurora rolled her eyes. Lauren pulled her hand back.
“We met last night, if he remembers me. He was preoccupied. I went to see you at the infirmary after the game was over, but they said you were back in your cabin for the night. I am glad you’re okay.”
“What were you preoccupied with, Mr. Larsen? Or rather, knowing you, should I say whom were you preoccupied with?” Aurora smirked at him.
“Just having some fun.”
“Don’t go breaking anyone’s heart.”
“Who, me? Never.”
Aurora laughed.
“No worries, Princess; Michele can hold her own.”
“Michele, huh?”
“Isn’t the competition about to start? I better get out of here.” Gunnar pushed off the wall.
“Not so excited to stay and help me now.” Aurora smirked.
“Not if you’re going to gang up on me. I’ll come back and help you to lunch.”
“I can help her. If that’s okay?” Lauren smiled up at Gunnar.
Aurora nodded vigorously.
“Okay then, talk to you at lunch.” Gunnar turned and started to walk away.
“Gunnar, wait.” Aurora turned, holding the back of her chair so that she could see Gunnar behind her. He stopped. “Thank you for everything. You’ve been nothing but sweet to me today.”
“Don’t go telling anyone that.” He laughed and saluted her.
Pink Eyeshadow Girl sighed again as Gunnar sauntered out of the ballroom.
The rest of the room settled in, and the red-shirted judge took the mic and tapped it. The reverb echoed through the room. Aurora immediately scanned the room. Those looking embarrassed were humans, those wincing in pain, shifters. There were two shifters at her table: the petite woman to her left who wore a tube top under a white shirt and the middle-aged man across the table who gave her a slight nod, acknowledging she knew. Oh, he would be a tough opponent. Unlike yesterday, white linens covered all the game boards, including her color pieces. The judge explained the rules, but she found it more interesting watching the other players.
Aurora scanned the room. Relief had come over her when Lauren wasn’t assigned her table for the morning. Playing with Lauren would be fun. But not playing Lauren gave her a much better chance at winning. Aurora had a pang of guilt about letting their friendship drift over the years. Not that she had much time for hanging out with work and … and … well, more work.
“And at ten-thirty we will break for lunch at the sound of the ship's bell. Well, not the ship's bell, but this bell.” He motioned to the front of the room, and a tall, skinny blonde rang a ten-inch bell that looked like a souvenir from the Liberty Bell gift shop. “When the bell rings, please put down your cards and move away from the tables.”
Aurora’s face reddened, and she chuckled as eyes landed on her.
“And remember, no phones or any sort of cameras are allowed in the room before or during game play. This is the start of the first preliminary round.”
“When the bell rings, the attendants will lift the coverings off of the table and the player sitting in front of the blue meople will start.”
At that, twenty crewmen filed into the room. Naomi, who had found Aurora’s escape route from dinner the night before, was one of the two attendants at Aurora’s table. She smiled at Aurora before making a face and gasping at the large bandage on Aurora’s knee and ankle.
“You’re not the stair toboggan girl, are you?” Naomi asked.
“Afraid so.” Aurora rubbed her exposed leg. The short blue and white flower skirt was the only thing that fit this morning without taking the bandage off again. She hadn’t thought it through when she had gotten out of the shower. The shorts she had wanted to wear wouldn’t fit over the bandage, but her cute patterned skirt barely skimmed the top of her bandaged knee. Her new favorite white shirt would bring her luck. Not that she believed in luck. Hard work and persistence were the only things that got you anywhere—she could hear her grandmother’s voice in her head.
Naomi and the other crew members readied themselves, and at the sound of the bell, they lifted the cloth covering the game boards. Aurora kept her poker face. Not only was she red—her favorite meople color—but she would go last. Which, in this game, meant that she would get the best strategic placement.
The teenager on her left turned to her. “Guess you go last.”
“Lucky me.” Aurora smiled. The game play went well. When the break bell rang, she guessed herself to be in second place. At this point, it was still anyone’s to win. Aurora looked behind her for her crutches. Contestants weren’t allowed to stay at the table during the break.
“Here.” The girl next to Aurora held the crutches out from the wall.
“Thanks.” Aurora awkwardly got the crutches under her arms. She hadn’t practiced with the crutches that long the night before. And this morning, she had to convince Gunnar to not carry her.
Lauren appeared as Aurora hobbled into the snack area set up next to the door. The cardboard castle that had sailed down the stairs with her was now behind the buffet, minus the rampart that had ripped off in her hand.
“Can I help you?” Lauren reached for Aurora’s orange and purple backpack. It clashed with Lauren’s light pink chiffon dress.
“Thanks. I like your dress.”
“Vintage. Well, maybe not vintage—more like Goodwill.” Lauren plucked at the wilting rose on the belt of her dress. “I’m going to the bathroom—want to come with me?”
“Yes, please! Thanks for the help.”
* * *
Back at the table, Lauren tucked her into her seat. “So, we’re on for lunch?” Aurora wiggled her chair closer to the table.
“Yes, I can’t wait to try the wood-fired pizza. It’s amazing the things they have on this ship. Are you sure that you don’t want the guys to join us?”
“You told me you’re on this trip to get over your boyfriend. Maybe you don’t want to hang out with any guys at all.” Aurora wanted to catch up with Lauren; the guys would understand if she didn’t eat with them.
“I don't mind hanging out with your friends. You told me so much about them, it’s like I know them. It’s unreal that you still have that pact with Spencer. I'm really glad that you convinced him to wait. It’s the right idea.”
“Yes, he’s a great guy. I love him, just not romantically. It’s stupid. I wish I did.” Especially now that Tad had found his mate.
* * *
Aurora concentrated on the game and pushed the pact from her thoughts the best she could. She developed a strong second place, which wasn't where she wanted to finish. Today ended the preliminary rounds; tomorrow the real game started. The shifter across from her had one more point. She could see how she could win the round, but she needed everyone to fall in line. Pink Eyeshadow Girl played right into the shifter’s hand, and he ended the game. She sighed.
Some tables had finished, and people were milling about in the Puma lobby. She looked around the room, but she couldn't see Lauren until she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hey, you looking for somebody?” Lauren crouched down next to Aurora. "I watched your last couple rounds. My table finished up 10 minutes ago. You did really well."
"I learned from the best."
“You taught me how to play.”
“Did you win your table?”
“I did! I guess I learned from the best.” Lauren laughed.
“So are you ready to go to lunch? I'm starving. I can't wait to try the pizza!”
“Me too.” Aurora’s stomach let out a loud grumble.
Lauren got Aurora’s crutches from the wall and brought them over to her. They dug into her armpits—she was going to have toned arms by the time her leg h
ealed. Lauren snatched up Aurora's belongings and her own orange backpack. They headed for the lobby elevator. Aurora leaned on the wall as they waited. When the doors opened, Tad and Gunnar stepped out.
Tad had his stoic face on from the night before. He nodded at Aurora. “Want some help?”
“I’m good. I’m going to have to learn how to use the crutches.”
“You shouldn’t be using them at all, anyway. You need an MRI. That x-ray proved nothing.”
“That’s not what Dr. Cottage said.” Gunnar poked Tad in the ribs.
“Yeah, well, Dr. Cottage doesn’t know everything.”
“And you do? She’s a stranger, as you told me last night. She could be the best doctor in the world. But she’s a stranger. Because you want to control your own fate. What if fate is real and has a great plan for you? You’re stupid smart.” Gunnar shook his head at his cousin.
“He’s what?” Lauren smiled at Gunnar.
“He’s stupid smart: when someone has multiple degrees, PhDs, and a BS, but can’t function in the world. Stupid, smart. That’s Cousin Tad. He got offered a job with a big think tank firm in Pittsburgh, but he teaches at the high school. He’s the definition. I’m Gunnar, I am the smart smart one. But you already know that because this is the third time we’ve met.”
Gunnar held out his hand to Lauren. He had left out that Tad worked in New York City with a financial firm that specialized in investing in high-tech medicine. Smart smart would be a better description. In addition to the two PhDs, he had an MA and a BS.
Most of Aurora’s friends that she introduced to the guys had two reactions. Either they hung all over them or went super quiet and awkward.
Lauren threw her shoulders back and shook Gunnar’s hand firmly. “I am thrilled to meet you. Aurora told me so many stories about you all growing up.”
“I would shake your hand, but I don’t know how. Stupid smart.” Tad smirked and then shook her hand. He glared over Lauren’s shoulder.
Aurora looked up. “Where did Spencer go?”
“He’s taking a nap.” Gunnar shrugged his shoulders. Spencer didn’t nap. That was odd.
“And Duncan?” She tried to not look at Tad.
“He’s asleep, last I looked. The floor’s covered in room service dishes, so he’s eating and healing. Their loss is our gain. It ups the pleasantness factor for our lunch conversation. More discussion about politics and books and less talking about farts, four wheels, and Kunyon ball.” Tad put his arm out for Aurora.
“Stop it. I can do it myself.”
“I could carry you, Princess.” Gunnar stepped closer to the other side of Aurora.
“Thanks, but no.” Aurora positioned the crutches under her arms and went to the elevator to push the button again. Remarkably, it opened right up. The elevators on the ship usually took forever.
* * *
The four of them sat at their table of five.
“I told you this would be amazing.” Lauren’s fourth piece of pizza sat on her plate.
“You eat like a shifter.” Tad stated, and Lauren looked at the food on her plate.
“See what I mean about my cousin being stupid smart?” Gunnar took another slice of the meat lover’s pie.
“I meant it as a compliment.” Tad peered at Lauren, and Aurora squirmed. Why was he staring her friend down?
“I took it as one. We have several shifters who work at the diner, and they say that to me all the time. But I don’t eat like this every day. When do we talk about four wheelers and Kunyon?”
“She is smart smart. You’ve got some learning to do, cuz.” Gunnar wiped his hands on the large cloth napkin.
Aurora laughed. If only Gunnar knew how much, but telling him about Dr. Cottage wouldn’t help Tad, only torture him. Tad shook his head.
“You okay, Tad?” Gunnar squinted at him in the sunlight.
“Sure.” He took a large bite of pizza.
Lauren looked around. “Will Spencer be joining us? I was looking forward to meeting your BFF.”
“I don’t know; it’s not like him. Isn’t it weird not being able to text or use a phone?”
“I kind of like it. I am glad they have the no phone use policy. It’s nice to see people's faces and not the top of their heads. Plus, they can’t text me from the restaurant and ask me how much ranch dressing to order for next week.”
“How much?” Tad picked up his beer.
“How much what?”
“Ranch.”
“Two bags.”
“It comes in bags, that’s interesting …”
“Tad, stop, she doesn’t want to talk about work. Are you still a big Cleveland fan?” Aurora asked.
“Hell yeah, they’re the best team.”
“What? How are you not a Pittsburgh Hounds fan?” Gunnar’s mouth hung open.
“Just have taste, I guess.”
“Those are fighting words.” Gunnar pushed up his imaginary sleeves.
“I guess I like Pittsburgh more than the Philly Originals.”
“Okay, you can still be Aurora’s friend,” Gunnar laughed.
Lunch was over much too soon for Aurora’s liking, but the game play in the afternoon would be great fun, too. The guys helped her back to the game table, and she promised that she would see them in the room to get ready for dinner. But Tad reminded her with a grim look that he would be back to take her for her checkup. Since the x-ray machine was offline last night, she agreed to go.
* * *
“Aurora, I think you’ll be fine. Nurse Smithfield will take you for an x-ray, just to be sure,” Katie, the Physician’s assistant, said.
“Only an x-ray. I think she’ll need an MRI.” Tad leaned back and crossed his arms. Was he trying to make his black T-shirt tight over his chest? Aurora smirked.
He glanced out the door. “Dr. Cottage isn’t here?”
“No and no. An x-ray will be enough. If we see something, we can send her to the hospital on the island day after tomorrow. This isn’t an injury we would helicopter lift out for.”
“Helicopter lift? I might need to leave the ship?”
“No, no. Not at all. As I was saying, I think you will be fine with an x-ray. And we’ll look at the results.” Katie put her hand on her hip.
Tad pursed his lips. “I would like to see the x-ray when it’s done.”
“I’ll have Nurse Smithfield bring it in here.”
“Thank you.”
“X-ray now, and we’ll do another check tomorrow morning.” Katie darted into the hallway.
Aurora turned to Tad. “You didn’t need to be so rude.”
“I wasn’t rude.” Tad studied his designer shoes. “You know she’s a witch. Her and her friend.”
“Who—the physician assistant, Katie? That’s not nice, Tad.”
“No, not Katie. Lauren. Lauren and Michele. They’re witches.”
“Lauren isn’t a witch.”
“I saw it last night. Michele made a garbage can fall down a flight of stairs during Duncan’s match.”
“Why would she do, that?”
“To distract Duncan’s opponent. It worked, too.” Tad shrugged.
“Come on. Lauren isn’t a witch. I lived with her for almost two years.”
“And you can spot witches?”
“Sure.”
“I can assure you Aurora, you can Not, because they are both witches.”
Aurora’s eyes widened. Wolves and witches didn’t get along.
18
Rum and Punch
Duncan sat at the dinner table waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. The crutches the doctor gave him lay on the floor of his cabin. The white starched tablecloth rubbed his leg at the top of his thigh. Every wiggle of the tablecloth made his thigh throb. The hunk that Marsh took, while healed over, left a jagged scar. He stretched his arm out in front of him; his right elbow could bend again. He massaged his leg and tried to remember why he thought the match would make him forget anything. He didn’t sleep in
the infirmary, not with Aurora’s scent wafting down the hallway. Spencer made it clear that Aurora was fine and that he was to leave her alone. That didn’t stop him from wanting to go check on her. Every time she moved down the hall, he woke up. Every sound she made when she was getting ready to go back to her cabin set him on fire. His leg twitched. When they wheeled her past his room on the way to x-ray, he pretended to sleep. Even when Tad ranted about how an x-ray machine could be broken on a ship of this size.
Behind him, a waitress with short blonde hair poured him another drink of water. “You know, maybe I’ll have a beer while I wait for them after all. Anything Belgium?”
“There’s an IPA on tap, but they’ve a Belgium Quad at the Bjorn bar.”
“Dragon Ale?”
She looked him over.
“Not in the dining room. But I can go to the Bjorn bar and get you a Belgium Quad, if you like?”
“That would be amazing, Naomi.” He read her name tag. Duncan knew the moment his brother and cousin stepped into the dining room with Aurora. His throat tightened. Her arm was around Spencer’s waist as she used one crutch to move through the room. He hadn’t seen her directly since her fall, and it twisted him up inside. But Tad agreed with Spencer. Tad told him that her seeing him torn up would be worse for her. He tried to stand, but sat back down. The waitress stopped at Aurora and said something to her. Aurora’s face lit up with laughter.
He smiled and immediately felt guilty for it. And then the absurdity of feeling guilty over smiling made him want to punch something, and by the time the four of them were at the table, he wanted to take someone’s head off.
“Well, look at you sitting up like a grownup. Will you be able to feed yourself today, too?” Gunnar said to Duncan. Gunnar took Aurora’s crutch while Spencer helped her into her seat.
Duncan stared at his brother and made the hard decision to not feed him his fist.
“Stop it.” Spencer took the crutch from Gunnar. He added it to the one he carried and put them next to Aurora and himself. Duncan watched his brother. Spencer looked at Aurora. Yeah, he might have told her that he was going to wait for the pact, but Duncan sensed that something was up; he smelled a change in Spencer. His brother couldn’t be more tense. Spencer patted Aurora’s hand. Who the hell did that? Their grandmother, that’s who. Not a love interest. They were friends, had been forever. Why did he think that he could have her because his mate hadn’t popped out of the universe? Mates didn’t always appear. That didn’t mean you mated your friend. Fucking alpha asshole.