Chapter 190
Elle’s POV
That opened floodgates. Soon everyone was sharing stories about the best meals they il ever had.
Sophia, clearly in her element, started telling everyone about a specialty barbecue she’d tried in the Frostlaw Pack territory. “They use this special smoking technique that’s been passed down for generations. The meat practically falls off the bone, and the flavor. She kissed her fingers dramatically.
As the e chatter continued around me, I found myself staring out the window, watching the landscape blur past. The miles were putting distance between me and Moonshade Bay, between me and all the complicated mess I’d left behind.
But even as the scenery changed, I couldn’t shake thoughts of Brail. What was he doing right now?
1 pressed my hand to my stomach, feeling the small bump that was becoming m more noticeable each day. The truth was, I’d been running from a situation
that was never really mine to control, Victoria Rayne had made it clear that I didn’t belong in her son’s world, and maybe she was right. Maybe I’d been fooling myself, thinking that love could bridge the gap between our species, our social classes, our completely different lives.
Brad had tried to protect me, but how many
ny times could he stand between me and his family? How many fights could he have with his mother before it destroyed their relationship? I’d seen the pain in his eyes every time Victoria dismissed me, every time she made it clear that I was a burden, an embarrassment, a problem to be solved
Maybe my leaving was the right thing. Maybe it gave him the space he needed to figure out what he really wanted, without the pressure of having to defend
me constantly.
I had four months left of this pregnancy. Four months to figure out what my life was going to lo fighting destiny and start making my own path.
look like as a single mother. Maybe it was time to stop
“Elle?” Abigail’s voice broke through my thoughts. “You okay? You look like you’re plotting something”
I turned to her with what I hoped was a convincing smile. “Tast thinking about how good it feels to get away for a while.”
And it was true. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe.
After more than two hours of driving, the bus finally pulled into a parking area near what looked like a marina. Through the windows, I could see a massi white cruise ship with four decks, gleaming in the afternoon sun.
“Holy shit,” I whispered, then immediately looked around to make sure no one had heard me curse.
Susan’s eyes were wide as she stared at the ship. “Malcolm, this is… this is huge.”
“And expensive as hell,” Abigail added under her
– breath.
Malcolm was practically bouncing with excitement. “Wait until you see the dining facilities. They have five different restaurants on board, plus the festival
booths
As we gathered our things, I could see Susan starting to look overwhelmed. She kept smoothing down her shirt and checking her reflection in the Windows
“Hey,” 1 said, bumping her shoulder with mine, “you look great, And Malcolm’s lucky to have such a beautiful date.”
bus
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Chapter 190
“Malcolm,” I continued with a grin, “The officially patting you in charge of taking good case of Susan.”
Malcolm Laughed.
Susan blushed furiously. “Elle!”
“What? I’m just saying, if you’re going to be part of the family, you better treat her right,” I said, wagging my finger at Malcolm in mock seriousness.
“Don’t worry, Malcolm said, offering Susan his arm as we approached the ship. “Tll take excellent care of her.”
As we reached the gangway, a crew member in crisp whites opproached us with a clipboard.
You wast be Malcolms group,” the crew member said cheerfully. We’ve been waiting for you – you’re the last to board!”
The ship was even more impressive once we boarded. The main deck was bustling with activity as festival booths were being set up, and the smell of encking food from a dozen different cuisines filled the air.
A staff member approached with room keys. “Miss West? We have you in the Serenity Suite on deck three. It has excellent ocean views and should be nice
and quiet for resting.”
I took the key, surprised. “That sounds… really nice. Thank you.”
we headed toward the elevators, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the room assignment wasn’t random. A quiet suite with ocean views sounded like exactly what someone would request for pregnant woman who needed peace and comfort.
But that was ridiculous. Malcolm worked for a cruise company that occasionally did business with werewolf firms, but they were competiton with Bayse Group. There was no way Brad could have arranged this.
Although lately, I’d been having the strangest sensation that Brad was nearby, even when I know he wasn’t. Maybe it was just wishful thinking, or maybe it was some side effect of the pregnancy combined with whatever mate bond residue I might be feeling
I shook my head, dismissing the thought. I was just missing him so much that my brain was creating phantom connections.
“Elle!” Sophia called from down the hallway. “Come on, let’s get you settled so you can change clothes.”
1 hurried to catch up with her, pushing thoughts of Brad to the back of my mind. I was here to have fun, to relax, and to figure out my next step. Whatever games my bratt wanted to play, I wasn’t going to let them ruin this trip.
But as I slid the key card into my room door, a voice behind me made me turn
“Miss West?”
A uniformed steward was standing there with a large bos in his hands,
“The captain heard that you were a guest of particular importance,
so he wanted to send you a special gift. The steward placed the box on the small table
just inside my room. “If you could just sign here to confirm receipt?”
I stared at the box, that familiar sensation of Brad’s presence suddenly stronger than ever.
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Chapter 190
“The captain?” I asked carefully.
“Yes, miss. He specifically requested that this be delivered to you personally.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
