Page 9 of Welcome to Seaman’s Cove: Part Two

There’s about thirty minutes between that message and the next.

Sebby Webby:

Everything’s good to go here. You told me it was urgent. I’m getting worried that I haven’t heard from you. Let me know you’re okay.

Firebird, where are you?

If you don’t reply in the next 10 minutes, I’m sending a search party.

He’s spiraling. I should probably call, but I’d rather just get to him sooner. And I’m honestly not sure I have the energy to help him through his spiral after spending all night trying to keep Hunter calm. Is that selfish of me? Maybe. But I’m best at offering physical comfort, not emotional. It’ll be better once Sebastian and I are together.

I’ll just text him.

Get out of your head, Seb baby. We had a rough night, and I only just woke up. We’ll be at the harbor in twenty. I love you.

That’ll have to be enough for now. I’ve gotta focus on getting us ready and out of here. I’ll have time to reassure Seb later. When we’re floating on the open ocean with no idea where to go. Fuck. I really hope Hunter can find something in those books. Maybe Seb can help him. My beta is brilliant and has a knack for languages.

Hands in my hair, I tug at the roots and try not to think about Madi out there, a sole human captive in an underwater kingdom. Thank the gods Hunt can feel her and knows she’s still alive. I’m so jealous of that right now. I would never bite her so quickly or without Seb’s consent, but I can’t help wishing I’d sunk my teeth into her in Ocearus like he did, just so I wouldn’t have to suffer not knowing how she’s doing.

When she was taken, the realization that I couldn’t live without her hit me with the pressure of a thousand-foot blackwater dive. Sure, she’s my scent match, but it’s more than that. She’s beautiful, fierce, intelligent—the whole package. The short time we’ve spent together has already revealed all that, and made me eager to discover more about her. Does she like to read? What about her favorite music? Would she like going dancing with Sebastian? Would she let me watch the two of them together? I really hope they fall for each other as hard as I’ve fallen for both of them.

Shaking away the thoughts, I recheck my bags and ensure the book Hunter wanted is there. I also make sure to include those strange harmonica-like metal things we found in Ocearus. Maybe we can figure out what they do on the ship. We’ll probably need something to fill the days while we search and wait.

Once I’m sure I have everything, I double-check Hunter’s bag, then give him a gentle shake.

He mumbles something about Madi, then shoots straight up in bed, blinking at me with hollow eyes. “Shit, Nix, you scared me.”

“Sorry. Seb’s got the boat ready. We should go.” I pull a pair of neatly pressed pants from his dresser and toss them at him.

He gets dressed quickly, asking me questions about the ship and crew that I can’t answer. When we finally make it to his car, he calms down a little, staring out the window at the sea as we make the short drive along the coast.

The marina isn’t far. I used to spend a lot of time here when I was a student at Woodhurst. The marine biology department often rented boats to take mini day trips, studying various wildlife. It was also the go-to spot when Hunter and I wanted a quieter evening. Not that I didn't enjoy a party as much as the next co-ed, but the nights Hunt and I split a bottle of wine and talked til the wee hours of the morning are some of my favorite memories.

The moment we pull into the parking lot, I immediately know which boat is Seb’s. This is a small college town. The harbor rarely has more than a few picturesque fishing boats, some speedboats, and a couple of research vessels that belong to the university.

Right now, there’s a two hundred foot yacht with a helicopter on a pad in the back, as well as three submersibles hanging from the sides. I knew he’d come through for me, but this is above and beyond. I don’t deserve this man. He’s brilliant, funny, sweet, worth a fortune, and hung like a horse. He’s the whole package. If only he’d see himself that way.

Hunter’s hand brushes mine as we walk side-by-side up to the beast of a ship. Seb is standing at the bow. He leans over the railing and gives me a smile and a wave. His features tighten when his gaze shifts to Hunter, but he keeps the smile in place. Anyone who doesn’t know him as well as I do wouldn’t notice the tension rolling off him, but to me, it’s obvious he’s feeling nervous and insecure.

I take a step away from Hunter, putting more space between us. Just for now.

Hunter doesn’t seem to notice. He’s still staring at the ocean. A heavy morning fog hangs over everything, making it impossible to see very far. It feels like a warning against what we’re about to do.

“Hey, snap out of it.” I click my fingers in front of Hunter’s face. I can’t stand that despondent look on him. He’s the one who’s supposed to be in control. “We’ll find her,” I say, as much for myself as for him. “They’re gonna be fine.”

“Yeah.” Hunter shakes his head, then finally looks up at the ship and Seb. “So, that’s the famous Sebastian?” He waves, but his smile is as forced as Seb’s. He bumps his shoulder against mine as we walk toward the gangplank. “He’s cute.”

I laugh. “He’s a lot more than cute, and you know it.”

As we step onto the sloped wood, I block Hunter’s path and turn to face him. He stops short, and I put my hands on my hips while I stare down my best friend. “Be nice. I’m not giving him up, Hunt. So, you better get on board. I’m not saying you have to fall in love with him—although, seeing the two of you together is pretty much my ideal fantasy—” Or it was until Madi and Caspian came into the picture. Adding them to the scene in my head, I imagine what it would be like to watch Caspian fuck our omega in merman form while she sucks off my beta and I pleasure Hunter. Fuck! Not the time, Phoenix!

Bringing myself back to the present, I shake my head and pat Hunter’s chest. “Make an effort. Get to know him, okay? For me?”

Hunter steps closer and kisses my forehead. “He’s helping us find the other half of our pack. That’s enough to make him my new best friend.” He edges past me and up onto the ship while I’m still reeling from that simple brush of his lips.

I run to catch up, reaching the deck just behind Hunter.

Seb greets us with his head high and shoulders pulled back, projecting the confidence I know he’s practiced to perfection, but I can see the strain around his eyes. He’s wearing khaki pants, a white polo, and boat shoes, the ensemble making him look like he just walked off a swanky photoshoot for a yacht club magazine. He gives off an air of wealth and confidence that I know is an attempt at intimidation. This isn’t going to go well.