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The misty tang of the ocean air, combined with the smell of sand, gives off an earthy, yet inviting aroma. Coconut from my sunscreen, salt in the breeze, and a hint of the sea mix with my men’s pheromones, which are tinged with sweat as they compete in a round of volleyball.
I love watching their muscles bunch and contract as they dive for the ball. Ry and the twins are on one team, while Emmett, Kyle, and I are on the other. Although, I’m not the best at this, so it’s mainly those two doing all the work. And it is soooo fucking hot.
The rhythmic crash of the waves against the shore is calming background noise, the roar of the waves almost thunderous as they crash against the shoreline. All in all, it’s a beautiful, bright, sunny day.
“Heads up, Ver!” Ry calls, and that’s when I notice the white ball sailing directly toward me.
This is my moment to shine!
I back up a little, throwing my hands out in front of me so I can use them to launch it over the net. The sphere connects and I throw my arms upward, hoping it’s enough to score us a point and break the current tie. It flies over the divider and Jed lunges for it. He misses completely, crashing through the sand. Andrik and Ry are too far away to do anything and the ball hits the ground beside Jedrik.
Emmett and Kyle cheer, sharing a chest bump before scooping me off my feet. They carry me around like a queen, and it makes me truly feel like one balanced on their shoulders.
Ugh, I’m so in love I think my heart might explode.
I’m deposited into Andrik’s waiting arms. He kisses me immediately, and I taste his warm spices on my tongue. “Great game, Precious. You did so well.”
He sets me on my feet, but not before dragging me along the front of his body. I show off my muscles and wiggle my eyebrows at him. Which, in turn, makes his gaze dip to my bikini clad body. And he’s not the only one. Five hungry stares bore into me like a gentle caress.
“No, nuh-uh,” I start, shaking my finger at them. “You promised me a day with no sex interruptions. We’re getting through twenty-four hours with our plans intact.”
Jedrik’s lip pops out in an adorable little pout, the eyebrow with the shaved line raised. “Sorry, Trouble. You don’t know what you do to us. I promise we’ll behave. But maybe you could agree to twelve hours instead?”
A groan escapes me. “Trust me, Jed. I know because you do the same to me. Fine, twelve hours.” I glance at the water, which looks inviting, and that’s when a devious idea strikes me. “Last one in the water has to do whatever the winner wants!”
They all look at each other with a competitive glint in their eyes and take off running toward the ocean. I fake like I’m with them, then stop, staying behind so I can watch them scramble. A giggle escapes me at their enthusiasm.
My ruse is up when Andrik notices I’m not right behind, calling out to the others. Ry halts inches from the water where he would’ve won. I tilt my head in confusion as Andrik catches up to me, wrapping me in his strong arms. He nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck and whispers, “You know we’re going to let you win, right?”
I look back at him, having already pieced that together. “Let me win, huh? I think you all simply want to do whatever I want.”
Jedrik steals me from his twin and twirls me around. “Damn right we do, Trouble,” he says and the rest murmur their agreement.
I’m the first to dip my toes in and Emmett officially declares me the winner. I take a second to think about what I want and ultimately decide to dive in and swim around. The rest of my pack follows, splashing each other and laughing.
The water is cool and refreshing against my sun-kissed skin. I float on my back, looking up at the clear sky and the sun shining down on us. It’s moments like these where I feel truly happy and lucky to have these five amazing men in my life. And to think, it all started with me attempting to outrun my destiny. Good thing I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Chapter 58
One Year Later - Verity
The brush glides through my hair and my eyes flutter closed as I enjoy the sensation of the bristles against my scalp. It’s almost like old times when Rosey would get me ready for the show every day. Except now she’s getting me ready for an entirely different reason.
My time at Hidden Haven Manor feels like a lifetime ago, and yet five minutes with Rosey, it’s as if no time has passed between us. It probably helps that we’ve stayed in contact, but her new fancy gig with the actress Sydney Carrington keeps her busy as she travels everywhere with her. “I still can’t believe you got away long enough to do my hair for this, but I’m glad you’re here.”
She hums her agreement. “Feels like yesterday I was getting you ready for your meet and greet with the alphas. Now look at you.” I open my eyes to find her beaming at me. Strands of her gorgeous sunset ombre hair spill from her messy bun, framing her face. “How’s mated life?”
A dreamy sigh escapes me, but before I can respond, she shushes me. “Actually, don’t answer that. Save it for the interview. But, gahhh, I’m totally jealous. Although I do have some news of my own.”
“Oh my god, tell me you’re finally dating!” I all but squeal. She blushes, giving away her answer. “You totally are! Who? Tell me everything.”
“It was the craziest thing, really. Neither of us were supposed to be where we ended up. I was heading to a date I booked on the new Beta Match, but it’s as if we were drawn to that spot by some force of nature. One look was all it took, and I was a goner.” Satisfied there aren’t any more knots in my hair, she picks up the curling iron, wrapping a chunk around the barrel.
“I know that feeling all too well,” I respond, remembering that exact same tug toward each of my alphas. Even Ryland.
A knock sounds at the door and the beta himself pokes his head in. “Hey, Ver Bear. Heads up, the interview starts in fifteen minutes. Will you be ready?”
“I’ve never made her late before, have I?” Rosey calls out, practically shooing Ry out the door. “I swear they can’t stand to be without you for five seconds, girlie. That’s like the third time one of them has checked on you.”
