Page 125 of Pack Owned

“Show-off,” I mumble fondly, watching them jog to the water’s edge.

Ryker’s gaze lingers on me, intense enough to raise goosebumps despite the remaining heat of the day. “How about snorkeling? You up for it?”

“Sure,” I reply, feeling the corner of my lip tug upward. “Never been one to turn down a new challenge.”

“Good.” His lips find mine, a brief but searing kiss that leaves me breathless. “Be right back.”

As I catch my breath, I squint at the glare on my phone screen, thumbing away a notification. I swipe to my messages and there’s Mom, blaring excitement in caps about her Greece cruise next month. I’m so happy for her.

“Take all the pics,” I type back, a grin blooming across my face. She needs this; hell, we both do—a slice of freedom, an escape from the usual grind.

With my phone still in hand, I angle it towards the ocean, catching Dane and Liam carving up waves like they’re showing off for a crowd. Click. Click. The shots freeze them in a moment where everything’s perfect, sun kissing the water, muscles taut with thrill. Surfing snapshots for keeps.

The ringtone shatters the calm, a sharp sound that makes me fumble the phone nearly into the sand. My heart does a little skip-beat dance before I swipe to answer not even looking at the caller ID because I’m sure it’s Mom.

“Hi,” I say. “Now tell me about this cruise.”

“Hey, Kayla, it’s Casey.”

“Casey!” I nearly drop the phone, my heart doing a little happy dance. “Oh my freaking god! Are you okay? What happened? I’ve been worried about you.”

A chuckle escapes her. “Well, I’m not dead yet, but I’ve definitely seen some shit since that whole bus fiasco.”

“I’m so glad you’re okay. Have you heard from Dancia and Jess? I miss you guys so much. I’ve got a ton to tell you.” I’m smiling so hard that my sunburned cheeks are starting to ache.

“Listen, I’ve gotta run, but are you free to meet in the next week or so?”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“I’ll tell you about it later. You’ve got my number and I’ll message you the details. We’ll catch up soon, promise. Miss and love you, Kayla.”

Before I can answer, she ends the call, leaving me staring at the screen, half relieved, half wondering what the hell is going on. But mostly, I’m just happy she’s okay. If something had happened to Dancia and Jess, Casey would have said something, right?

Ryker jogs up, and I’m admiring his chiseled chest. “Hanauma Bay has snorkeling. But even though they say we can go at night, it’s better in the morning.”

“Bummer.” I glance over at the sun that’s already so much lower on the horizon than when we got here.

“No worries. I booked us for 9 am sharp tomorrow. And tonight, there’s a luau complete with Hulu-hula dancers that teach anyone who wants to learn.”

“That’s amazing. Sign me up.” I’d always wanted to learn how to shake my hips like that.

Dane and Liam stride up, saltwater glistening off their bodies.

“Ready to head to the hotel?” Ryker asks. “We’ve got about an hour before we need to leave to catch the luau.”

“Yes,” I stand up, popping my phone in the beach bag. That nagging voice in my head is still worrying about Casey and the gang, but I’m doing my best not to be a total Debbie Downer. I mean, I’ve got Liam, the sunshine on a cloudy day; Ryker, my steady rock; and Dane, the quiet, brooding hottie. It’s like having my own personal superhero squad.

I have no clue what tomorrow will bring, but with these amazing hunks by my side, I say bring it on. Yeah, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

As I look around at the loving gazes of Liam, Ryker, and Dane, I realize something: this right here, this moment of belonging and unconditional love - it’s not just a happy ending. It’s my new beginning.