Signs and arrows point to various amenities: “Starlight Restaurant,” “Moonbeam Lounge,” “Crystal Spa,” “Wintermoon Theater.” A large digital map stands near the elevators, and I walk over to it immediately, searching for the pool. I could have gotten my nails and feet done before the trip, but since it’s included in my package, why not get it here? I’m all about that soft girl treatment for this entire trip.
Based on all the couples I saw boarding, I might be the only single woman on this ship. I place my hand on my hip, mentally planning out my trip before heading to my cabin. The keycode is on my boarding pass, and if I have trouble, I can visit the reception desk for help.
“Hey, Jackie.”
I turn to find Kendrick standing behind me, without India. I give him a brief look before returning my attention to the map.
“Hey, Kendrick. Where’s India?”
“She went to look for the café. She can’t function without an iced chai,” he says with a chuckle.
“That’s funny. And cute,” I reply, still studying the map. “Do you need to see this? I can step aside.”
My eyes narrow when he gives me a sultry look that’s completely inappropriate. Oh hell no, he is not hitting on me right now. The audacity of men never ceases to amaze me.
“A sexy woman like you traveling all alone?” he asks, leaning closer. “That’s a shame.”
I just stare at him, unable to believe what I’m hearing. I’m a girls’ girl, and I’m definitely going to say something to India later, but with what proof? It’s my word against his.
“Even single girls gotta have a nice time,” I say, keeping my tone neutral. “Well, I’m gonna go find my room.”
“I’ll walk you up,” he offers, stepping closer.
Just then, we both hear India calling for him in the distance. I use the distraction to slip away, stepping into the elevator just as it slides open.
As it begins to close, Kendrick blows me an air kiss while winking. I respond with a cold glare, saying nothing.
Fucking asshole.
Oh, I’m going to have some fun this vacation.
5
JABARI
Wintermoon Cruise—Sets Sail From Detroit
Honey—the scent has been drowning my nostrils since the ship set sail from Detroit. I try to focus on my work, but I can’t. The scent is overwhelming, clouding my senses like a thick fog.
I wrinkle my nose and turn to the onions, chopping fresh ones on the large stainless steel prep table, hoping their strong smell will help clear the air.
The commercial kitchen is busy around me—shifters and humans working side by side to prepare meals for the hundreds of passengers on board. Steam hisses from the industrial pots, and the overhead lights reflect off the metal surfaces.
The onions do nothing to mask the honey scent. If anything, they make it worse, creating a strange clash in my nostrils.
I shake my head, setting down the knife. My bear is on high alert, pacing restlessly within me. Even he knows something is different about this scent. What the hell is it?
I clean my hands on my white apron and reach into the back pocket of my jeans, pulling out my small jar of honey. I takeit to my nose, inhaling deeply. What’s usually a comfort to my nostrils and to my bear now becomes an irritation. I scrunch my nose and set it down on the counter, frowning at it. Since when has honey gone bad on me? Never. It’s almost repulsive.
The scent hits me again, stronger this time, and the overpowering aroma of honey nearly knocks me off my feet. I stumble, putting a hand to my forehead as my bear starts clawing, desperate to shift. He wants to trace the scent to its source.
“You alright, Jabari?” Rael, one of the wolf shifters working the grill, comes around to me, concern etched on his face.
“I’m fine,” I grunt. “It’s just a scent that’s bothering my bear.”
He grins, his blue eyes lighting up. “I think I better call Kade.”
I glare at him. “What for?”
