Chapter 4

 “Thanks.” I said as he walked out and closed the door. The room was massive. King size bed with white silk sheets and a cream duvet. Beautiful white washed painted wood was used for all the furniture with a light grey walls. Exactly what I would expect from a place on the beach. The carpet was soft under my feet as I put my suitcase in my bed.

 

It took me a few minutes to hang up my shirts and dresses and put my other clothes in the dresser drawers. There was a knock on my door as I put my bathroom stuff in the connecting bathroom. It was too white, but the grey marble was nice.

 Walking to the door, I opened it right as Stella was about to knock again. “You know my code.” I said. She was already in her bathing suit. She wore her yellow one with white dots and matching see-through cover. It looked like an oversized shirt. She had her beach bag packed and ready.

 “I know, but what if you were fucking Travis in here?”

 “HA!” That made me laugh. “Not my type.” Grabbing my suit, I went to the bathroom.

 “Sexy isn’t your type?” Stella yelled. “You have a great view!” I hadn’t even looked at the balcony.

 “No, a stick up the ass is not my type.” I said as I came out. It was wearing a pretty skimpy suit, but it was all black. I had a similar matching cover. After fixing my hair into a high messy bun, I just finished packing my bag when there was a knock on the door.

 “You guys look more comfortable.” Stella said as she answered the door. They had put on swim trunks and a tank. Sunglasses hung in their heads, and Travis was holding a basket.

 “Girls ready?” Kyle asked.

 “We are.” Sliding in my sandals, I followed them out.

 “How far away is the beach?” Stella asked.

 “Short golf cart ride. We have a private beach access.”

 “Well, Alpha does, and he is allowing us to use it.” Kyle corrected. Travis nodded.

 “How nice of him.” I had to force myself to not roll my eyes.

 “I take it you don’t like Alpha Ethan?” Travis asked, clearly concerned.

 “I’ve never met him. I just think it’s strange he didn’t meet us or even his dad. It’s basic hospitality.”

 “I wouldn’t put too much thought into it. He isn’t exactly a friendly person anymore.”

 “Dude!” Kyle slapped Travis as the elevator dinged.

 We walked in silence until the golf cart. Once we were loaded in and far enough away, Travis started talking again. I was ready to hear the dirt on their alpha. 

 “We all used to be good friends. Kyle, Ethan, Damon and I were unbreakable. That was before Ethan got promoted to Alpha and Damon as his Beta. I’m technically the gamma, but he has been so upright and impossible that I kept my distance unless requested. I do my work and then leave.”

 “She doesn’t need to hear your emotional struggles.” Kyle groaned.

 “What are you in the pack?” I asked Kyle.

 “I am in charge of the Warriors.”

 “Can we watch a training session?” I asked, intrigued.

 Kyle was put off by this. “You want to watch a training session on vacation?”

 “I said watch, not join.” I got the feeling he was one of those guys that thought girls couldn’t fight. “Do you have women warriors?”

 “A few...” He said. I was right. However, the beach came into view. It was just like I imagined. I had to lift my sunglasses up to really appreciate it. The waves sounded just like the recordings you hear in a salon. The sand was white and birds flew around. It was honestly the most peaceful thing I had ever seen. Anything Kyle was saying was hitting deaf ears. 

 Travis stopped the cart on the sand. I even took my sandals off to feel the fine sand between my toes as we walked. The private cabana had white sheets keeping the sun off two reclining chairs. Stella and I put our towels on it before sitting down. The boys laid their towels on either side and laid down.

 “I’m so glad you ladies wanted to do this. I needed a relaxing day.” Travis said.

 “Why’s that?” I was applying sun screen to my arms.

 “Dude has girl drama.” Kyle laughed.

 “Ooh! Tell me.” I smiled as I looked at him. He rolled his eyes in response, but was smiling.

 “She wanted me to commit, but I’m waiting for my mate.”

 “How old are you?” Stella asked.

 “19. Sadly, you both are safe from me.” I laughed at that.

 “Lucky us.” I joked.

 “It is lucky for you.” Kyle joined in.

 “Alright. Let’s go to the water!” Stella stood up.

 “Yes! Let’s go!” Kyle jumped up and started running towards the water. Travis and I were behind a running Stella and Kyle.

 “Any shark attacks?” I asked as my feet reached the water.

 “Last one was in 2008. However, these are supposed to be the most shark-infested waters.”

 “With what kind?”

 “Tiger sharks.” The water felt amazing on my legs. I was surprised at how strong the current was. The water felt amazing. Stella was riding the waves, living her best life as Kyle was jumping in and out like a dolphin.

 “If you want to join them....” I offered.

 “I’m good.” Travis laughed and shook his head at Kyle. We were up to our waist at this point, just enjoying the quiet, when a sharp pain shot up my leg.

 “Oww!” I screamed. My mind went to a shark instantly, but there wasn’t any blood. Travis picked me up and looked at my leg. I saw a small blob.

 “Shit.” Travis said as he picked me up and started carrying me back. Whatever it was, it was wrapped around my leg. It expanded from my knee to my thigh and down to my calf. As soon as we were back on land, he set me on the sand. “This will probably hurt.” He said as he pulled it off me gently.

 “Mother fucker! The hell is that?” Stella and Kyle came over.

 “Ouch.” Kyle grimaced.

 “Atlantic Sea Nettle. It’s a jellyfish. It isn’t harmful, but it is painful and looks like you are breaking out in a rash.”