DECEMBER 28TH, 5032

“Come with me.”

I stared into her gorgeous ruby eyes – sadness laced their twinkled glory.

“I can’t.”

I didn’t know who was speaking. Was it me? All I could see in my view was this beautiful woman with the sad eyes.

“You did not judge me like the others. Won’t you come with me, Irina?”

Irina? Who is that? That’s not me. Why does this woman want me to come with her?

“I’m sorry.”

She closed her eyes and nodded. Maybe she knew this Irina wouldn’t follow her. Wouldn’t stay by her side.

“Very well.”

My vision turned back – a cruise ship in the distance. Where am I? What a huge ship. Where is it going?

With that very thought I watched it explode; screams and cracks of wood and sounds of shattered glass echoing in the dark starry sky. I gasped; a sense of dread took over my well-being.

“Scar.”

No, the ship! The people are all going to die. I need to help them. I have to save them.

“Scar.”

Maybe I can use the wind and water for aid. There will still be casualties, but I can try and save as many people as I can.

“SCAR!”

I opened my eyes, bright amber ones greeted me. I blinked, confused.

“What?” I mumbled, my eyelids already began to fall as drowsiness consumed me.

“Baby, you okay?” Jaxson questioned. I relaxed in his embrace, my mind already drifting.

“Did she have a vision or dream?” I heard Michael question.

“I don’t know. Most likely a dream, or she would have been reaching out for a pen and paper.” Jaxson replied.

I relaxed, enjoying Jaxson’s crisp scent which reminded me of the smoky smell of the fireplace.

I tried to stay awake; the lingering image of the ship burning on top of the ocean, the cries and shouts for help made me shiver. I felt something warm wrap around me; a hand brushed my back, comforting me.

“Relax, Scarlet. You’re okay. We’re right here.” Michael soothed; his voice sounded like a melody ringing in my ear.

Yes, I’m okay. Just a dream…

“Cece’s sick? She never gets sick.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Come check for yourself,” Vinzent replied, opening the door to allow me to enter.

I walked into their suite, walking down to see my best friend huddled in a blanket, reading on her e-reader.

Her eyes were puffy, and she looked like she could barely keep her eyes open. Her messy, blonde hair was tied in a bun.

“You look like shit.” I greeted. She looked up, frowning at my comment.

“Who the fuck made me sick? I never get sick. I bet it was that little kid touching everything with his slimy fingers. Ugh.” She complained.

“The little kid touched you?” I inquired.

“Yes! The kid had the audacity to come and brush his hands on my cover up! I had to stand there while everyone else was like ‘Aww, how cute.’ Getting germs from that demon child is NOT cute. Achoo!” She sneezed, groaning.

“I’m gonna die.” She cried.

“You’re not gonna die. Stop being overdramatic.” I huffed. Vinzent came over with a bowl – the steam rose up from what looked to be chicken noodle soup. He placed the white bowl on the black coffee table, sitting next to Cece.

“Stop complaining and eat something. You’ll be fine in a day or two.” Vinzent ordered.

“I won’t be fine. Make sure you and Scar get all my assets. Tell Moonlight he can have that stuffed fox plushie he likes to cuddle with when Scar brings him over.”

I rolled my eyes. That’s my best friend for ya. Dramatic as fuck.

“Listen to Vinzent and get some rest. It’s three days before New Year’s Eve. More than enough time for you to heal up, but you need sleep.” I urged.

“Fine.” She placed her e-reader next to her; Vinzent grabbed hold of the bowl of soup. She eyed him for a moment; his eyebrow went up. I knew Cece loved to be in control, but Vinzent looked like he wasn’t going to have it.

She sighed; her shoulders slumped before she opened her mouth – Vinzent gave her a spoonful of soup.

“Good girl.” He whispered. I smiled. You could see the love they had for one another was strong. My mind recalled the image of Christian and Cece talking. I still don’t get why I had reacted that way. I should tell the others.

Cece turned to face me; her eyes did a good up and down of my appearance.

“Why are you in disguise? I thought today was a rest day for you and the guys to figure out what’s going on with the case?” Cece wondered, turning back to face Vinzent who had another spoonful of soup ready.

“I didn’t want Michael and Ethan having to work on my appearance again. Too much of a hassle and waste of energy on their part. I’m fine with staying in disguise. Christian’s doing the same. I’ll just go chill around the ship.” I disclosed.

“Want me to come?”

“You’re sick as a dog. You’re not coming. I love you guardian, but you need some time off too. I’ll get Christian to come with me.” I replied.

“He looked depressed after you left. That’s not his usual character.” Cece mumbled, looking away for a moment.

“Ya. I need to apologize for that. I think...I just got way into my character.” I sighed; my hand went through the loose curls of my brown wig. I had to thank Michael for finding something so natural looking.

“Just be careful, Scarlet. Especially around that Akane girl.” Cece’s eyes locked on mine, their usual blue-green appearance was a stormy grey.

“You get weird vibes from her?” I inquired.

“Yes. I don’t like her, or that guy who bumped into you. There was a third one, but I couldn’t catch his appearance before I lost him. Just be very cautious until we put a finger on who’s planning this whole fiasco. It could be just a hoax, but no one reports to PINC unless it’s a matter the regular police won’t look into.”

Vinzent nodded.

“Especially with the number of shifters on this cruise, the police wouldn’t be much of help finding any leads. We’re the best to handle the situation. I just hope we can pinpoint who the suspect is before this alleged bomb goes off.”

I nodded in agreement. Why do I feel like I’m forgetting about something important?

“Maybe you forgot your phone.” Aurora yawned, waking up.

“Totally the phone.” Serenity replied, sounding just as tired. I groaned, realizing I did forget my phone. Thanks for reminding me.

Cece and Vinzent gave me a confused look.

“Sorry, I gotta go back to my suite and get my phone. Aura and Serene forgot to tell me.”

“Why are you calling us by weird nicknames?” Serenity asked.

“She’s doing it as payback for not reminding her,” Aurora replied.

I ignored them.

Cece nodded before sneezing. Vinzent put the soup down, grabbing a Kleenex.

“Have fun while I die.” Cece sniffed, thanking Vinzent before she blew her nose.

“You’re not gonna die.” Vinzent and I said together. He gave me a heartfelt smile.

“Enjoy the sun. Tell the boys, I’ll chill with them on New Year’s Eve.”

“I will. See you both soon.” I headed out the door, walking back towards my suite.

I can’t believe I forgot my phone. I hope the others don’t get mad.

I turned the corner bumping straight into someone.

“Ah shit, sorr—” I began but trailed off; my jaw dropped. Holy Starlight, this man is gorgeous.

The man before me blinked; his bright lime green eyes locked onto mine as his hand rested on my waist, having stopped me from falling back due to the impact.

He had bright blonde hair with dark green highlights. He had a black nose piercing, giving him a punk vibe. My eyes lowered to his defined chest – his black button shirt opened to reveal his six-pack. I noticed a similar dragon tattoo like Akane’s on his neck – this time the dragon head was on the right pec of his chest, the body wrapped around his neck.

“Sorry, beautiful. Didn’t see you.” He apologized, taking a step back before bowing. I blinked out of my daze, shaking my head before bowing my head.

“No, sorry. It was my fault. I was in a hurry.” I apologized.

“Well, a pleasure to meet you.” He replied with a Japanese accent as he winked, licking his lips. I blushed. I could see the heat in this man’s striking eyes as they roamed my appearance – a simple black bikini top and black shorts.

“Irina?”

I leaned to my right side; Christian walked towards us. He held my phone in his hand.

“Alexander,” I replied, relieved to see him. I had fallen asleep last night and hadn’t gotten to apologize for my reaction. I glanced back at the man I’d bumped into, his hand still on my waist. Christian noticed; a frown formed on his lips before he glanced up at the man.

“Is this your boyfriend, Miss?” The man questioned; a Japanese accent laced his words.

“Yes,” I answered; my inside flipped nervously as the two continued staring daggers at one another.

“Alright. Glad you didn’t get hurt. I’ll see you around cutie.” He winked again, leaning down and kissing me on the cheek. I felt his hand leave my waist; his footsteps echoed in the hollow hall as he departed.

I wanted to say something, but I was shocked at the intimate gesture. I nervously glanced up at Christian whose eyes were locked on the man who was already down the hall.

“Christian,” I whispered, sliding my hand onto his chest. He looked down at my worried expression. His hand wrapped around my waist – those luscious lips pressed against mine. This kiss was soft and sweet.

“Hey, baby. You okay?” He greeted, concern laced his husky voice.

“Ya. Sorry, don’t get mad. I bumped into him and lost my footing. That guy helped me, and then you showed up.” I apologized, not sure why I felt the need to defend myself.

He sighed, pulling me into him.

“Christian?” I whispered, unsure why he was hugging me. I knew we were both in disguise but seeing as no one was around, I didn’t mind using his actual name.

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I don’t know why, but I felt like I hurt you. If you’re mad, I’m sorry.” He whispered. I felt him plant a kiss on my head, tightening his hold on me.

“I didn’t understand either. Don’t be upset. I’m not mad at you. I think something must have influenced us to feel that way?” I suggested.

“We thought the same too. Jax and the others are on patrol around the boat. They aren’t in their disguises like we are. I’m hoping they find something odd.” Christian wondered.

“Does that mean it’s just you and me?” I inquired.

“Yes. You’re mine for the day.” He replied.

I smirked, my hands lowered to his hips. I went on my tiptoes, kissing him. He groaned deeper with a hint of aggression – his tongue slipped into my mouth.

“No kissing in the hallway, you two.” We pulled away at the familiar voice; Ethan grinned from ear to ear as he swiftly spun around and walked away.

“That ass.” Christian scoffed.

“He has a point. We can’t be as intimate in the hallway.” I pressed my lips against his Adam’s apple. He let out a moan; his hands gripped my hips.

“Fuck, Scar. Don’t turn me on like that.” He confessed. I giggled, knowing he loved when I kissed him anywhere along his neck. Only the boys and I knew the dark secret he hid.

I moved back; my hand wrapped around his as I pulled him along towards our suite.

“Let’s have some fun on the beach.” I hummed, looking over my shoulder to see Christian’s heated gaze. This would be a pleasurable morning.