52
EASTON
“Areyou sure you know how to pilot the boat?” The massive, gruff alpha crossed his arms as he stared us down, skepticism heavy in his expression.
We were on the boat dock in Echo Bay, about an hour north of Starlight Grove. The air was filled with salt and the smell of fish.
Finn had looked up the public sales records of boats in Echo Bay and found that Gunnar Christensen had purchased the fishing boatMy Sweet Olivefour and a half years ago.
He’d tracked down his phone number and called him last week to see if he would be willing to sell. Olive had had to sell her family’s boat because she needed the money, but that boat held memories of her parents. We hoped this gesture would show her how serious we were about her.
Olive deserved it. She clearly hadn’t grown up with extravagant things, but she’s had extravagant love from her parents. We would bring that love back into her life.
“We’ll be fine,” Lars said with unearned confidence. We knew shit about boats, but we’d watched a few videos on how to pilot a fishing boat and it seemed simple enough, especially since we were just heading a short way down the coast to Starlight Grove’s marina.
“This is a very special boat,” Gunnar said. “Belongs to a very special girl.”
“Yes, sir,” I said. “We know she’s too good for us, but we’re going to do everything we can to give her the best life possible.”
Gunnar’s expression softened ever so slightly. “Well, you better get going. Storm’s going to blow in soon.”
The three of us got on the boat and fumbled around a bit before Gunnar rolled his eyes and showed us the basics.
“This is a horrible fucking idea,” he muttered under his breath before leaving us to it.
It was a little rocky, but we managed to get the boat out of the harbor. Soon, we would be back in Starlight Grove, this time with a gift that would hopefully prove to our omega how serious we were about her. It was Olive or nothing for me now.
The wind picked up and ruffled my hair, and anticipation filled my chest.
53
OLIVE
I heldmy boobs as I sprinted to the marina, my hood flying off with the wind. My leggings were quickly soaked and muddy, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was getting to my guys.
I blinked the rain out of my eyes as I made my way down the final hill. My heart pounded against my ribs when I spotted the Ocean Rescue boat. Three men were preparing it for launch.
I waved at them and shouted, “Hey! Wait for me!”
Relief washed through me as one of them turned around. My boots thumped loudly against the wooden dock, and I was gasping by the time I came to a stop. I leaned against the boat as I tried to catch my breath.
“I’m coming with you,” I wheezed.
“Umm… who are you?” a tall, brown-haired beta standing on the dock asked. The two other men—also betas—were already in the boat.
“Lighthouse keeper,” I said, clutching my chest. “I’m authorized.” I pulled a card out of my pocket and flashed it at them.
“Is that a library card?” he asked.
“That would be weird,” I said as I climbed into the boat. “I’m Olive.”
“I’m confused. But also, I’m Ezra,” he said as he followed me onto the boat.
“I’m Michael.” I shook the hand of a blond beta with a mustache.
The third beta introduced himself as Leo.
“You’re rescuing the three alphas onMy Sweet Olive, right?” I asked.
