"Wow, you've already had such an exciting day and it's not even nine." Eve said adjusting her ponytail.

It felt good to tell her what happened. She didn't interrupt, or judge me.

"Yeah, I just don't know what to do," I said gazing at the ocean.

"Why not do both?" Eve spoke so casually I almost didn't catch what she meant.

"You can't be serious?" I looked at her wide-eye.

"Why not?" She shrugged. "How will you know who like better if you don't sample the goods first?"

"Why do I have to pick either?" I groaned. "Can't I just die an old maid?"

"Because you'd be depriving me of juicy drama," She bumped her shoulder with mine. "Besides, any omega would kill to be in your place."

Eve had a point. I had my Destiny Mate and a Beta, who didn't just want me for my body, or my family name, chasing after me. It would be dumb and selfish to pass up an opportunity to be happy.

But then again, I could find my own happiness without a mate.

"I'll have to think about it some more." I said chewing on my bottom lip.

"Sure," She said standing up and grabbing my hand. "In the meantime, I need to find souvenirs for my family. Join me."

I gave her a wide grin, her charm was irresistible. "Where to first?"

**

He approached me in a candy shop wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a bucket hat. If I didn't know any better I would have assumed he was just some lost tourist, but I did and I was pissed. My parents had sent him which meant they must have found out about my mark.

"Hello," He said with a thick Italian accent and a smile that showed too many teeth. "I am trying to find a nice piece of chocolate for my girlfriend can you help me?"

"Sorry, I don't work here," I said trying to avoid the man.

"Oh, but you seem like you know your stuff." Before I could rebuttal, he yanked me to the corner of the shop.

"What the hell, Alfie!" I whispered furiously.

My eyes snapped to Eve. She was eyeing a box of saltwater taffy. I had maybe five minutes before her distraction would fade and she would come looking for me.

"You can't be here."

"Mr. Stone sent me. He is not happy." Alfie's accent almost completely disappeared. "He wants you to come home immediately."

"Oh, and you think I'm happy?" I glared. "Tell him, I can handle my self."

I pushed passed Alfie, but he was quick to pull me back into the corner.

"You don't understand the mess you've caused. Where is Theo? He is supposed to be watching out for you."

"I don't need a babysitter." I growled.

Great, they're probably talking to Theo right now. He's not going to want me out of his sight for the next few days.

"Apparently you do." Alfie's hand squeezed tightly against my arm. "Your parents managed to pay off the media, but it will only be a matter of time before word gets out."

"Jonah?" Eve popped her head out from the second half of the store.

"Crap, I have to go." I shoved Alfie once more and this time he didn't stop me. I turned to face him. "If my father wants me home so badly, he can come get me himself."

"I'll be seeing you!" Alfie said slipping into a heavier accent.

"Who was that?" Eve said wrapping her arms around my bicep when we were far enough away.

"I don't know, just some weird tourist who needed help with finding a gift." I shrugged and looked over my shoulder as we left the shoppe.

Alfie's eyes didn't match the smile that lingered on his face and I knew I really was in trouble.