Page 32 of Petals & Promises

Yun-Sun leaned down and kissed my head. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I also got Waffles set in his harness so you just need to worry about you.”

My heart was in a constant state of a happy pile of goo with how effortlessly these Alphas of mine took care of me. We were finding a balance where I could be independent but still allow them to help. Alphas were wired to be the protectors and caretakers of Omegas, and there was no way I could change that about them. Plus, I was the odd duckling of Omegas who had a fierce need for independence. Logically, I knew it stemmed from believing I wouldn’t have a pack, so I needed to be self-sufficient. Yet all that has changed, and these men were my pack—one full of Alphas who desperately wanted to pamper their Omega.

It only took another five minutes before I was free. Kissing Gareth soundly, I climbed off his lap, jumped in the shower to rinse off, and got dressed. Just as I finished tying the bow on my halter top dress, a honk that sounded more like a distressed duck alerted us to the boat’s arrival. Snatching up my wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, I was ready to go.

Vili caught my hand, swinging it between us as we headed to the dock. I was surprised when Warrick hugged the man who’d come to pick us up, slapping him on the back in a friendly manner. Warrick had mentioned he knew the owners of the resort, but I didn’t realize he meant he knew them.

“Mitch, I want to introduce you to my pack and our Omega, Bailey-Rose,” Warrick said, grinning from ear to ear.

Now that I was near, I could tell Mitch was closer to our age, with dark, tanned skin and bright green eyes. “Hello to you all,” he greeted with a wave. “I hope you guys have been enjoying your time, but I don’t blame you for wanting a little time with civilization. It’s one reason I choose to live on the mainland… being here all the time would drive me crazy.”

Warrick barked out a laugh. “After being his roommate in college, I can vouch for the fact he doesn’t do well in confined spaces.”

“Well enough about me, let’s get this boat headed toward a good time,” Mitch announced, clapping his hands together, then gestured toward me. “Ladies first.”

The ocean was quiet today without much movement on the water’s surface, which made hopping over the gap between the boat and the dock easy. I should have known something was different, seeing the boat was bigger and nicer than the one that picked us up the first day. Heading to the front, I sat near the point of the bow, the breeze ruffling my hair. Waffles settled at my feet, laying as flat as he could, not being the biggest fan of boats. Nugget, however, jumped in my lap, nose in the air, sniffing all there was to be sniffed. I hugged the little guy, peppering his head with kisses he gladly returned.

“You know, I think one day you’re going to find a person who really needs you,” I whispered to Nugget. “Not that I don’t love you to pieces, but I just have a feeling you won’t need Waffles or me anymore once that person appears.”

Nugget did that adorable head tilt dogs do as he listened, only to sneeze loudly at my prediction.

“Scoff all you want, little man, but don’t be surprised if I end up being right,” I warned him, kissing his nose.

“What are you right about?” Lysse asked, sliding in beside me and tossing his arm over my shoulders.

“Oh, nothing, just a secret between Nugget and me,” I said, leaning against him.

He looked between us and shrugged, deciding it wasn’t worth the effort to pull the truth out of me.

Once everyone was on the boat, Mitch released the ties, backed us out of the slip, and gunned it. I squealed in surprise, clamping a hand down on my hat before it flew off. The gentle breeze was no longer with Mitch behind the wheel, looking completely at ease with how fast we were moving across the open water. Ocean mist sprayed around us as we crashed into swells, making me glad I’d chosen the blue dress instead of the white one since I wasn’t wearing a bra.

Mitch didn’t take us to the same dock we used when we first arrived. Instead, it was further up the coast. Warrick pulled up a map on his phone and showed me where the town we planned to check out was located. “You see, Care Bear, they want to keep the tourists in one area near the airport. However, if you want to experience the authentic Prio Gria, you go where the locals hang out.”

“Won’t they be mad we’re there?” I asked.

“Nah, we have Mitch with us. He’ll make sure we don’t do something stupid,” Warrick assured me.

We finally started to slow as Mitch headed for a busy dock full of all kinds of boats. Some were private, while others clearly transported goods to and from the area. The atmosphere was lively with people coming and going or hawking their wares. Mitch pulled into an open slip, tossing a rope to a young boy who caught and tied off the line. It was easy to see how comfortable Mitch was on and off the boat as he leaped off to secure the back of the boat.

“All clear, you guys can come ashore,” Mitch called.

Yun-Sun caught me and deposited me on the dock, quickly followed by Waffles, who shook himself from nose to tail with passion.

“Fuss,” I ordered, bringing him to heel and alerting my companion that it was time to go to work.

Instantly, Waffles was alert and ready, standing by my side where he would be until I told him differently.

“Wow, that’s one well-trained dog,” Mitch commented, regarding my wooly mammoth with a whole new appreciation.

Smiling, I stroked Waffles’ head. “Yeah, he’s the bestest boy who keeps me safe and alive.”

I caught Mitch glance at my scar, but just as quickly, he looked away again. There was nothing I could do about people looking, but what I could control was how it made me feel. The only opinions I cared about were my family’s and the five men who held the pieces of my heart. Mitch was a stranger I probably wouldn’t ever meet again, so there was no reason to invest time worrying.

“So Warrick says you’re our tour guide today?” I asked, changing the topic.

Mitch stuffed his hands into the pockets of his board shorts. “That’s the plan. Figured we’ll get some food, take you to see the sights, and do a little shopping if that interests you?”

“Sounds like an excellent afternoon,” I said, excited to explore this beautiful place.