Page 25 of Welcome to Seaman’s Cove: Part Two

We’ve closed the curtains to block out the flashing light from the storm, but the room rocks with each wave, making it impossible to forget why we’re anchored. Is Madi out in this rain somewhere, or protected under the sea?

“I can’t believe you still like this shit,” Hunter groans teasingly, unknowingly drawing me back from the anxious edge I was approaching. As much as I dislike Phoenix's choice, I’m thankful for the distraction.

I’m surprised Hunter’s not into it, though. The professor seems the type to like pretentious, academic films.

“Still? What do you mean by still?” I ask Hunter.

Phoenix has been open about his life and adventures, but I love finding out more about my firebird whenever I can.

“When we were in undergrad, he’d host movie nights on the lawn and always pick some indie film festival shit no one had ever heard of.”

Phoenix gasps in mock offense. “Well, it wasn’t my fault I lived with a bunch of unsophisticated heathens.”

Hunter gives him a deadpan look. “We weren’t heathens, we just wanted to watch the newest action movie or Betawatch.”

I tip my head toward Phoenix and smirk at the professor. “My firebird has seen every installment of Betawatch. He’s made me watch them all. Multiple times.”

“I’m multi-faceted,” Phoenix smirks. “I’ll watch anything.”

“Anything?” I raise an eyebrow at Phoenix before turning to Hunter. “So has he ever let you put on Old Yeller or John Slick?”

Hunter chuckles conspiratorially. “No, he also refused to watch Marley & Me and that dystopian one where the dude with the german shepherd is the only human left after a virus outbreak.”

Phoenix gasps in mock horror. “Okay, fine! I draw the line at movies where the dogs die. I always end up sobbing and missing the rest of the film. Sue me.” He scoots around and bumps his shoulder against mine, then does the same to Hunter on the other side. “I’m glad you two are bonding, but hush. It’s hard to read subtitles when you’re making fun of me.”

Hunter chuckles, giving Phoenix an affectionate look.

Before I met Hunter, it was easy for me to feel jealous of the relationship he and Phoenix shared. They’ve known each other for so long, experienced so much life together. Even when Phoenix denied it, I knew he was in love with Hunter. That always made me feel threatened, but right now, none of those feelings come to the surface as I watch Phoenix drop his head to Hunter’s shoulder. My lips actually twitched into something like a smile.

Hunter isn’t possessive of Phoenix, and doesn’t seem to hold any animosity or jealousy toward me. It’s surprised me more than anything else.

We settle into a comfortable silence to continue the movie, some of the anxiety that gripped me before giving way to a warm, contented feeling I didn’t expect to feel in this situation.

As the bright-eyed ingénue on screen seduces the male leads, I realize this film never indicated what their designations are. In the grand scheme of the plot, it doesn’t matter. What matters is the way they fit together. Something shifts inside me the more I watch the pack on screen become one unit, supporting and loving each other without any declarations of ‘mine’ or bites.

When the credits roll, Phoenix wiggles off the bed. “I’m gonna get us some popcorn. Unless… you’re both ready to sleep?”

It’s pretty late, but… “We should stay with Hunter.”

“I’m up for one more if Seb picks it,” Hunter says.

I’m startled by his use of my nickname and that he’s deferring to me. Most alphas wouldn’t.

“Deal.” I take the remote from the nightstand and flip through options until finding one I haven’t seen before. I glance at Hunter, and he nods his approval.

When Phoenix comes back with the popcorn, he doesn’t crawl into the middle again. He nudges Hunter’s thigh. “Scooch over.”

I swallow nervously as the alpha moves closer, making room for Phoenix on his other side. His leg bumps mine before pulling away to leave a scant few inches between us.

“Sorry,” he says.

“It’s fine. Shall we?” I point the remote at the television, trying to act casual, but my calf tingles where he touched it, my body lighting up in a way I’m not ready to acknowledge.

I steal a glance at Hunter out of the corner of my eye as the movie starts. Over the past few days, I’ve gotten to know him pretty well, especially when you consider all that Phoenix has told me over the years. But Hunter Anderson keeps baffling me, too.

With the exception of Phoenix, most alphas I’ve known take more than they give. They demand rather than ask, always thinking their way is right. But Hunter hasn’t been like that. In the time we’ve spent researching together, he’s been considerate, patient, and thoughtful. Despite all of us knowing that he wants a relationship with Phoenix, he hasn’t pushed or tried to steal my alpha from me.

I’m a little amazed by how quickly I’ve come to respect him. Even more confusing is how much I’m attracted to him. Maybe Phoenix is right. Maybe we should give this a shot.