Page 15 of Welcome to Seaman’s Cove: Part Two

“I’m not hungry,” Hunter replies.

That’s not surprising. I don’t know a lot about bonding sickness, but from what I understand it’s common for it to result in a loss of appetite, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, and fevers. If left unaddressed long enough, it can start to deteriorate an alpha’s mind, as well.

“I made Beef Stroganoff.” It’s Hunter’s favorite. I’m hoping it’ll tempt him. “Please, Hunt. At least eat a little.”

Hunter looks from me to the books. “Bring it in here. We’ll eat while we work.”

“Nope. Not happening.” I grab his hand and pull him out of the chair. Thankfully, he lets me. “I’ve already got a table set up on the deck. You need fresh air.” I push Hunter toward the door, then look back at my beta. “You too. Come on.”

Seb gives me a sexy smirk and stands slowly. He picks up an ancient looking journal, the harmonica thingy, and the i’xal before walking toward me. Brat.

I roll my eyes, but don’t fight him. At least they’re gonna eat.

We walk up the stairs, then through the sliding glass doors out onto the open deck near the stern of the ship. It overlooks the helipad, with gleaming white railings so no one slips off since it’s on the third floor. Third floor of a yacht—what an insane thing to say. I’ll never get over the opulence, though it does come in handy for times like this.

Our footsteps echo on the wood flooring as we make our way to the table I set up. The silence as we all settle into our chairs is killing me, I hate dead air. I always feel the need to fill it. Luckily, my beta takes pity on me.

“So, you cooked this all yourself, huh?” He smirks.

“Okayyyy, I had Yoni make it. But I suggested it! It’s the thought that counts, right?”

“Yoni?” Hunter asks, brow furrowed in confusion.

“Our head chef.” Seb explains. “A ship this size requires a crew to run it, and I have no interest in messing with the way they do things. We have a full galley on the lower deck and a kitchen staff of three.”

Hunt's eyes widen, and he whistles. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a boat that required a crew besides that cruise ship we took up north to Aska. I was skeptical when Nix said he made the meal. I love him, but cooking is not his forte.”

Everyone seems to hold their breath when Hunter says he loves me. It could be just a casual saying, but I think we all know it isn’t.

Seb saves the day again, clearing his throat. “So, Madi.”

“Yes,” Hunter draws out the word. “What about her?”

“What are the odds she turned out to be my ocean_omega? I’m not one to believe in fate, but⁠—”

“I do!” I cut him off, raising my hand like a middle-schooler eager to impress the teacher. “The odds are like, a trillion to one. Plus she’s our scent match? It had to be divine intervention.”

Sebby smiles warmly at me, and my heart flutters. He never makes fun of my exuberance. Never thinks I’m too much.

“Well, that’s one way to look at it,” he agrees. “I got to know her really well over the years we talked, but that was online. There’s a level of anonymity and protection granted when you’re interacting through a screen.” He pauses to take a sip of his water. “Tell me more about her. What’s she like in the flesh?”

His offhanded phrasing has me instantly thinking about Madi’s fleshy curves, her soft skin, supple breasts. The moans she made during that heat spike. Gods, she’s so perfect.

I adjust myself under the table. Seb raises an eyebrow, but Hunter doesn’t seem to notice. He asks a question about Madi’s online persona, and I try to be good and control my wayward thoughts.

By the time we’ve finished eating and telling Sebastian every little detail about Madi and Caspian, there’s a sheen of sweat on Hunter’s skin. His hands shake as he takes a sip of water. His plate is still half full, but it’s clear he’s not going to eat more.

“You don’t look so hot.” I place the back of my wrist on his forehead, and he brushes it away.

“I’m fine.” He stands, but sways more than warranted. The water is glassy calm, the boat rocking gently but evenly.

“You’re not.” I get up and support him with my arm around his waist. “Let’s get you to bed.”

Seb stands with us. “I’ll show you to your room.”

“What about…” Hunter weakly motions at the table full of leftover food and empty dishes.

Seb raises one eyebrow. “I’m worth billions. You think that’s out of the crew’s purview?"