Chapter 6

• Aria
• Okay, I’ll admit it, Lucas’s suite is freaking ridiculous. Like, who needs this much luxury on a damn cruise ship? The elegant carpet feels like walking on clouds, the furniture looks like it was handpicked by a billionaire..which, duh, he probably is—and the bed? It’s freaking massive. I’m pretty sure the moon goddess herself would curl up here.
• "You like what you see?" Lucas smirks, standing by the door with that smug expression he probably practiced in front of a damn mirror.
• I clear my throat, trying not to let my awe show too much. "Your suite is… great. Actually, it’s amazing. Better than Ethan’s."
• His smirk deepens. "Well, as the son of the chairman of Crescent Wolf Academy, I deserve only the fucking best." He winks like he’s in some cheap perfume ad. "I could buy this ship if I wanted."
• I roll my eyes so hard they almost fall out of my face. What the fuck, Moon Goddess? First, Ethan the dirty cheater, and now this cocky, out-of-my-league Alpha as a second chance-mate? It’s like she enjoys seeing me suffer.
• Lucas walks in, setting my bag in the closet. "Feel free to use whatever you want," he says, gesturing around like he’s showing off a masterpiece. "The fridge is stocked, the TV’s loaded with movies, and, oh yeah, there’s a jacuzzi if you’re feeling fancy."
• I nod mutely, my brain still short-circuiting over the sheer size of this suite. He yawns dramatically. "I’m hitting the shower."
• Oh no. My heart does a little somersault, and not the fun kind. The bathroom door is… fucking transparent. Like, who thought that was a good idea?
• Before I can even process my horror, Lucas peels off his shirt. Just like that. No warning, no lead-up, nothing. And let me tell you, his chest looks like it was sculpted by Greek gods on their best day—tattoos swirling across muscles that scream, look but don’t touch.
• I whip my head away, swallowing the lump in my damn throat. Stay cool, Aria. You’ve got this.
• "Something wrong?" he teases like he isn't guilty. "You shy? I thought you weren’t attracted to me."
• "Keep dreaming, Alpha. I’m not interested."
• Gail, my wolf, yawns sarcastically in my head. ‘Sure, Aria. Whatever you say.’
• Lucas chuckles, clearly not buying my act, but thankfully he disappears into the bathroom with his pants on, thank the goddess. I plop onto the bed, trying to focus on literally anything but him. It’s not working.
• The water runs, and my eyes accidentally flick toward the glass door. Big mistake. Even with the frosted edges, I can see enough to know that this guy has no iota of shame.
• Minutes later, the door swings open, and he steps out. Completely naked.
• "OH MY fucking GODDESS!" I leap off the bed, slapping my hands over my eyes. "Are you fucking insane?!"
• "What? You’re not into me, right?" His tone is dripping with mockery, and I can practically hear his stupid ass smirk.
• "Alpha Lucas, have you ever heard of decency? Or pants?!"
• "Relax. It’s not like you haven’t seen a naked guy before."
• I peek through my fingers. "Put some damn clothes on, I beg you!"
• "Fine, fine. Don’t have a heart attack." He laughs, strolling to the closet majestically.
• When he finally emerges, he’s dressed..well, sort of. A tight white t-shirt that clings to him like a second skin and low-slung jeans that might as well be illegal. Great. Just great.
• "Are you hesitating to shower because of me?" he asks, sauntering toward me with that cocky glint in his eye.
• I straighten my spine. "Why would I be shy around you?"
• "Because," he says, leaning in close, "you’re scared of how much you want me."
• I snort, trying to play it cool, but his scent…spicy and woodsy hits me like a freaking drug. I hold my breath, but it’s no use. My traitorous body reacts anyway.
• "Keep dreaming, Alpha," I snap, but my voice wavers just enough to betray me.
• He chuckles darkly. "If I wanted to, Aria, I could make you beg me to fuck you so hard. And you’d love every second of it."
• My jaw drops. "You’re fucking delusional."
• "Am I?" He tilts his head, studying me like I’m some puzzle he’s dying to solve.
• "I’m not one of those girls who throw themselves at you," I snap, crossing my arms.
• "Sure you’re not," he drawls, stepping back with a lazy grin. "But let’s be clear—I’m not into you either. You’re not my type. But if you’re willing…" He shrugs, letting the implication hang in the air.
• I glare at him, my cheeks flaming. "You’re such a fucking manwhore."
• He laughs, clearly unbothered. "See you later, Aria." And with that, he strides out of the suite, leaving me fuming and flustered.
• As soon as the door shuts, I collapse onto the bed, letting out a groan. How the hell am I supposed to survive this tour with this ass hole?
• The worst part? Gail is practically purring in my head. ‘Oh, shut up,’ I tell her. But deep down, I know I’m screwed. Literally and figuratively.
• I just have to hold on. Starting tomorrow
• , I’m going to make that fucking bastard Ethan regret his decision.