Chapter 22
Aria
54%
+13)
Christmas is just two days away, and the hall already smells like the season itself–peppermint, pine, and that cloyingly sweet sugar–cookie air freshener someone thought was a brilliant idea to pump through the vents. The air is crisp, carrying a slight chill, but the soft glow of Christmas lights strung everywhere adds a cozy warmth to the atmosphere.
My dress, a festive piece Lucas picked out for me at the boutique, clings in all the right places. I hate to admit it, but the guy has an annoyingly impeccable sense of style.
“I really didn’t want to come here this evening.” Lily sighs dramatically, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. “It’s only because of you guys. You know how much I hate scavenger hunts.”
“Come on, Lil, loosen up,” I say, pouting for effect. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”
She narrows her eyes. “Fine, I’ll try. But I’m really just waiting for the ‘find your mate‘ thing to happen.” Her dreamy sigh makes me cringe.
Mia rolls her eyes dramatically. “That’s all you care about…mate, mate, mate.”
“Why do I feel like you have a problem with the word mate?” Lily’s tone is all innocent curiosity, but the look she gives Mia is pure bait.
I nod in agreement, because honestly, Mia always acts like the word mate is cursed or something.
“Chill, guys, it’s not that fucking deep,” Mia mutters, crossing her arms like she’s ready to fight anyone who disagrees.
Before I can say anything, my eyes catch sight of Lucas across the room. My heart does that stupid thing where it skips a beat. Damn him. He’s in this tight red T–shirt that clings to his muscles like a second skin, and his tattooed arms look like they belong on the cover of a romance novel. He’s walking over with his friends, and I suddenly feel like the room is ten degrees warmer.
“Hello, girlfriend.” His smirk is pure trouble as he slides an arm around my waist. The heat of him against me makes my cheeks flame. “You here for the scavenger hunt?”
“Yes, we can’t wait for it,” Lily blurts, her voice a little too high–pitched. Of course. My friends talk all this smack about Lucas when he’s not around, and then turn into giggling messes the second he shows up.
“Wow, Aria, you really killed that cheerleading tryout,” Theo grins and Lucas nods in agreement. “Didn’t know you had it in you.”
Mia, ever the queen of explaining things no one asked about, pipes up. “She’s been good at gymnastics since we were kids.”
“So why didn’t she join the cheer team earlier?” Damon asks.
I shrug, not thinking, and the words just spill out. “Because I’m nothing but a lowly omega.”
The second the words leave my mouth, the air goes weird–like everyone just heard me curse in church. My cheeks heat up, and I wish I could crawl under the floor.
“Nonsense,” Lucas says firmly.“You’re not a lowly omega. You’re Aria Whitlock…a star. And my girlfriend.”
What the fuck? Is he insane? How does he just casually drop something like that and expect me to act normal?
Before I can respond (or melt into a puddle), Coach John steps into the middle of the room, clapping his hands. “Can I have
your attention!”
1/3
54%
+13
Chapter 22
The hall quiets down, everyone turning to him. The place looks like Christmas exploded–tinsel everywhere, a massive tree sparkling in the corner, and enough candy canes to put Santa’s dentist on speed dial.
“All right, teams!” Coach announces, his booming voice cutting through the festive chatter. “You’ve been split into 20 groups for tonight’s scavenger hunt. Remember, teamwork is key, and no cheating or acting like a certain Grinch.”
He shoots a pointed look at Ethan, who just frowns like he’s been caught stealing cookies from the jar. Lucas chuckles softly, and my stomach does another flip.
“Team One,” he announces, “Lucas, Vanessa, Theo, Lily, Anna, Jake.. over here.” My stomach does a little flip when Lucas glances at me, his expression unreadable.
Coach starts listing off the other teams, and when he gets to mine, I hear it.
“Team Two: Aria, Ethan, Mia, Damon, Camilla, and Miguel.”
Ethan groans audibly. “Lucky me. I get to babysit.”
I clench my fists but manage to keep my face neutral. Of all the fucking assholes on this ship, I have to deal with him.
Coach John clears his throat. “Each team will pair off into smaller groups to tackle the clues. You’ll need to solve riddles to find Christmas–themed items hidden all over the ship. First team to collect all the items and bring them back here wins. And remember, every item comes with a challenge you’ll have to complete to move forward.”
The room erupts into a mix of excited chatter and groans.
Lucas leans in before heading to his team. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah,” I nod.
Just then, Ethan strolls over with that irritating swagger of his. “So, we’re in the same team, huh?” He glances at Lucas, then back to me. “Don’t worry, man, I’ll take good care of her.”
Lucas’s eyes flash gold, and Ethan actually steps back a little, raising his hands. “Man, relax. I was just kidding.”
Lucas doesn’t look amused. “If you try anything with her, I swear-” He leaves the threat hanging, then looks at me. “Any problem, just mind–link me.”
And then, because the universe loves to mess with me, he leans down and kisses my cheek before walking off with Lily.
I’m stunned. Why is he being so fucking protective? So… boyfriend–y?
Ethan rolls his eyes. “Wow. That wasn’t awkward at all.”
I glance at Mia, who gives me a pitying smile, and Damon, who’s too busy adjusting his Santa hat to care.
“We’re splitting into pairs,” Damon says, like it’s no big deal. “Easier that way.”
“Fine by me,” Camilla says, linking arms with Miguel.
“And I’ll go with Mia,” Damon adds, reaching for her arm, but she yanks away.
Chapter 22
Aria
54%
+13)
Christmas is just two days away, and the hall already smells like the season itself–peppermint, pine, and that cloyingly sweet sugar–cookie air freshener someone thought was a brilliant idea to pump through the vents. The air is crisp, carrying a slight chill, but the soft glow of Christmas lights strung everywhere adds a cozy warmth to the atmosphere.
My dress, a festive piece Lucas picked out for me at the boutique, clings in all the right places. I hate to admit it, but the guy has an annoyingly impeccable sense of style.
“I really didn’t want to come here this evening.” Lily sighs dramatically, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. “It’s only because of you guys. You know how much I hate scavenger hunts.”
“Come on, Lil, loosen up,” I say, pouting for effect. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”
She narrows her eyes. “Fine, I’ll try. But I’m really just waiting for the ‘find your mate‘ thing to happen.” Her dreamy sigh makes me cringe.
Mia rolls her eyes dramatically. “That’s all you care about…mate, mate, mate.”
“Why do I feel like you have a problem with the word mate?” Lily’s tone is all innocent curiosity, but the look she gives Mia is pure bait.
I nod in agreement, because honestly, Mia always acts like the word mate is cursed or something.
“Chill, guys, it’s not that fucking deep,” Mia mutters, crossing her arms like she’s ready to fight anyone who disagrees.
Before I can say anything, my eyes catch sight of Lucas across the room. My heart does that stupid thing where it skips a beat. Damn him. He’s in this tight red T–shirt that clings to his muscles like a second skin, and his tattooed arms look like they belong on the cover of a romance novel. He’s walking over with his friends, and I suddenly feel like the room is ten degrees warmer.
“Hello, girlfriend.” His smirk is pure trouble as he slides an arm around my waist. The heat of him against me makes my cheeks flame. “You here for the scavenger hunt?”
“Yes, we can’t wait for it,” Lily blurts, her voice a little too high–pitched. Of course. My friends talk all this smack about Lucas when he’s not around, and then turn into giggling messes the second he shows up.
“Wow, Aria, you really killed that cheerleading tryout,” Theo grins and Lucas nods in agreement. “Didn’t know you had it in you.”
Mia, ever the queen of explaining things no one asked about, pipes up. “She’s been good at gymnastics since we were kids.”
“So why didn’t she join the cheer team earlier?” Damon asks.
I shrug, not thinking, and the words just spill out. “Because I’m nothing but a lowly omega.”
The second the words leave my mouth, the air goes weird–like everyone just heard me curse in church. My cheeks heat up, and I wish I could crawl under the floor.
“Nonsense,” Lucas says firmly.“You’re not a lowly omega. You’re Aria Whitlock…a star. And my girlfriend.”
What the fuck? Is he insane? How does he just casually drop something like that and expect me to act normal?
Before I can respond (or melt into a puddle), Coach John steps into the middle of the room, clapping his hands. “Can I have
your attention!”
1/3
54%
+13
Chapter 22
The hall quiets down, everyone turning to him. The place looks like Christmas exploded–tinsel everywhere, a massive tree sparkling in the corner, and enough candy canes to put Santa’s dentist on speed dial.
“All right, teams!” Coach announces, his booming voice cutting through the festive chatter. “You’ve been split into 20 groups for tonight’s scavenger hunt. Remember, teamwork is key, and no cheating or acting like a certain Grinch.”
He shoots a pointed look at Ethan, who just frowns like he’s been caught stealing cookies from the jar. Lucas chuckles softly, and my stomach does another flip.
“Team One,” he announces, “Lucas, Vanessa, Theo, Lily, Anna, Jake.. over here.” My stomach does a little flip when Lucas glances at me, his expression unreadable.
Coach starts listing off the other teams, and when he gets to mine, I hear it.
“Team Two: Aria, Ethan, Mia, Damon, Camilla, and Miguel.”
Ethan groans audibly. “Lucky me. I get to babysit.”
I clench my fists but manage to keep my face neutral. Of all the fucking assholes on this ship, I have to deal with him.
Coach John clears his throat. “Each team will pair off into smaller groups to tackle the clues. You’ll need to solve riddles to find Christmas–themed items hidden all over the ship. First team to collect all the items and bring them back here wins. And remember, every item comes with a challenge you’ll have to complete to move forward.”
The room erupts into a mix of excited chatter and groans.
Lucas leans in before heading to his team. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah,” I nod.
Just then, Ethan strolls over with that irritating swagger of his. “So, we’re in the same team, huh?” He glances at Lucas, then back to me. “Don’t worry, man, I’ll take good care of her.”
Lucas’s eyes flash gold, and Ethan actually steps back a little, raising his hands. “Man, relax. I was just kidding.”
Lucas doesn’t look amused. “If you try anything with her, I swear-” He leaves the threat hanging, then looks at me. “Any problem, just mind–link me.”
And then, because the universe loves to mess with me, he leans down and kisses my cheek before walking off with Lily.
I’m stunned. Why is he being so fucking protective? So… boyfriend–y?
Ethan rolls his eyes. “Wow. That wasn’t awkward at all.”
I glance at Mia, who gives me a pitying smile, and Damon, who’s too busy adjusting his Santa hat to care.
“We’re splitting into pairs,” Damon says, like it’s no big deal. “Easier that way.”
“Fine by me,” Camilla says, linking arms with Miguel.
Chapter 22
Aria
54%
+13)
Christmas is just two days away, and the hall already smells like the season itself–peppermint, pine, and that cloyingly sweet sugar–cookie air freshener someone thought was a brilliant idea to pump through the vents. The air is crisp, carrying a slight chill, but the soft glow of Christmas lights strung everywhere adds a cozy warmth to the atmosphere.
My dress, a festive piece Lucas picked out for me at the boutique, clings in all the right places. I hate to admit it, but the guy has an annoyingly impeccable sense of style.
“I really didn’t want to come here this evening.” Lily sighs dramatically, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. “It’s only because of you guys. You know how much I hate scavenger hunts.”
“Come on, Lil, loosen up,” I say, pouting for effect. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”
She narrows her eyes. “Fine, I’ll try. But I’m really just waiting for the ‘find your mate‘ thing to happen.” Her dreamy sigh makes me cringe.
Mia rolls her eyes dramatically. “That’s all you care about…mate, mate, mate.”
“Why do I feel like you have a problem with the word mate?” Lily’s tone is all innocent curiosity, but the look she gives Mia is pure bait.
I nod in agreement, because honestly, Mia always acts like the word mate is cursed or something.
“Chill, guys, it’s not that fucking deep,” Mia mutters, crossing her arms like she’s ready to fight anyone who disagrees.
Before I can say anything, my eyes catch sight of Lucas across the room. My heart does that stupid thing where it skips a beat. Damn him. He’s in this tight red T–shirt that clings to his muscles like a second skin, and his tattooed arms look like they belong on the cover of a romance novel. He’s walking over with his friends, and I suddenly feel like the room is ten degrees warmer.
“Hello, girlfriend.” His smirk is pure trouble as he slides an arm around my waist. The heat of him against me makes my cheeks flame. “You here for the scavenger hunt?”
“Yes, we can’t wait for it,” Lily blurts, her voice a little too high–pitched. Of course. My friends talk all this smack about Lucas when he’s not around, and then turn into giggling messes the second he shows up.
“Wow, Aria, you really killed that cheerleading tryout,” Theo grins and Lucas nods in agreement. “Didn’t know you had it in you.”
Mia, ever the queen of explaining things no one asked about, pipes up. “She’s been good at gymnastics since we were kids.”
“So why didn’t she join the cheer team earlier?” Damon asks.
I shrug, not thinking, and the words just spill out. “Because I’m nothing but a lowly omega.”
The second the words leave my mouth, the air goes weird–like everyone just heard me curse in church. My cheeks heat up, and I wish I could crawl under the floor.
“Nonsense,” Lucas says firmly.“You’re not a lowly omega. You’re Aria Whitlock…a star. And my girlfriend.”
What the fuck? Is he insane? How does he just casually drop something like that and expect me to act normal?
Before I can respond (or melt into a puddle), Coach John steps into the middle of the room, clapping his hands. “Can I have
your attention!”
1/3
54%
+13
Chapter 22
The hall quiets down, everyone turning to him. The place looks like Christmas exploded–tinsel everywhere, a massive tree sparkling in the corner, and enough candy canes to put Santa’s dentist on speed dial.
“All right, teams!” Coach announces, his booming voice cutting through the festive chatter. “You’ve been split into 20 groups for tonight’s scavenger hunt. Remember, teamwork is key, and no cheating or acting like a certain Grinch.”
He shoots a pointed look at Ethan, who just frowns like he’s been caught stealing cookies from the jar. Lucas chuckles softly, and my stomach does another flip.
“Team One,” he announces, “Lucas, Vanessa, Theo, Lily, Anna, Jake.. over here.” My stomach does a little flip when Lucas glances at me, his expression unreadable.
Coach starts listing off the other teams, and when he gets to mine, I hear it.
“Team Two: Aria, Ethan, Mia, Damon, Camilla, and Miguel.”
Ethan groans audibly. “Lucky me. I get to babysit.”
I clench my fists but manage to keep my face neutral. Of all the fucking assholes on this ship, I have to deal with him.
Coach John clears his throat. “Each team will pair off into smaller groups to tackle the clues. You’ll need to solve riddles to find Christmas–themed items hidden all over the ship. First team to collect all the items and bring them back here wins. And remember, every item comes with a challenge you’ll have to complete to move forward.”
The room erupts into a mix of excited chatter and groans.
Lucas leans in before heading to his team. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah,” I nod.
Just then, Ethan strolls over with that irritating swagger of his. “So, we’re in the same team, huh?” He glances at Lucas, then back to me. “Don’t worry, man, I’ll take good care of her.”
Lucas’s eyes flash gold, and Ethan actually steps back a little, raising his hands. “Man, relax. I was just kidding.”
Lucas doesn’t look amused. “If you try anything with her, I swear-” He leaves the threat hanging, then looks at me. “Any problem, just mind–link me.”
And then, because the universe loves to mess with me, he leans down and kisses my cheek before walking off with Lily.
I’m stunned. Why is he being so fucking protective? So… boyfriend–y?
Ethan rolls his eyes. “Wow. That wasn’t awkward at all.”
I glance at Mia, who gives me a pitying smile, and Damon, who’s too busy adjusting his Santa hat to care.
“We’re splitting into pairs,” Damon says, like it’s no big deal. “Easier that way.”
“Fine by me,” Camilla says, linking arms with Miguel.
“And I’ll go with Mia,” Damon adds, reaching for her arm, but she yanks away.
“Whatever,” she mutters, clearly not in the holiday spirit.
Which leaves me. With Ethan.
“Well, isn’t this just the highlight of my holiday season,” Ethan says, smirking like the Grinch himself. “Ready to get lost, Blondie?”
2/3
3/3
“And I’ll go with Mia,” Damon adds, reaching for her arm, but she yanks away.
“Whatever,” she mutters, clearly not in the holiday spirit.
Which leaves me. With Ethan.
“Well, isn’t this just the highlight of my holiday season,” Ethan says, smirking like the Grinch himself. “Ready to get lost, Blondie?”
2/3
3/3
“Whatever,” she mutters, clearly not in the holiday spirit.
Which leaves me. With Ethan.
“Well, isn’t this just the highlight of my holiday season,” Ethan says, smirking like the Grinch himself. “Ready to get lost, Blondie?”
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